Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
  • B65D43/20—Non-removable lids or covers linearly slidable
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D15/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials
  • B65D15/02—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums
  • B65D15/04—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums with curved, or partially curved, walls made by winding or bending paper
  • B65D15/08—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, sections made of different materials of curved, or partially curved, cross-section, e.g. cans, drums with curved, or partially curved, walls made by winding or bending paper with end walls made of plastics material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
  • B65D3/26—Opening arrangements or devices incorporated in, or attached to, containers
  • B65D3/268—Opening arrangements or devices incorporated in, or attached to, containers the opening arrangement being located in a container closure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
  • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
  • B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
  • B65D43/0218—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity on both the inside and the outside of the mouth of the container
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/26—Mechanisms for opening or closing, e.g. pedal-operated
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
  • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
  • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
  • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
  • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
  • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
  • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
  • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
  • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
  • B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
  • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
  • A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
  • A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
  • A47K2010/3266—Wet wipes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
  • B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
  • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
  • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
  • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
  • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
  • B65D2543/00518—Skirt
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
  • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
  • B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
  • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D2543/00953—Sealing means
  • B65D2543/0099—Integral supplemental sealing lips

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a closing device to be adapted on a container, in particular on a container for dry or wetted tissues.
• Containers for wetted tissues are representative of the various containers for consumer products to which the present invention can apply; such containers typically comprise, for example, a body of the container constructed so that wetted tissues for cleaning a user's skin can be picked out one by one from a stack of wetted tissues packed therein, and a closing device adapted to fit on the body to cover its upper opening.
• This closing device comprises a stationary lid member directly fitting on the upper opening of the body and a movable lid member having its base end hinged to one side end of an opening formed in a central zone of the stationary lid member, and through which the wetted tissues will be picked out one by one.
• the opening includes curved surfaces which are substantially free of sharp angles to form a restricting channel into which successive sheets are directed during sheet dispensing;
• PCT Application n° 96/06 556, Nice Pak Products, published March 7, 1996 teaches a moisturized zigzag folded tissue stack which is retained in a container with the free end of the tissue fitted through a slit which frictionally retains the tissue unless it is manually moved through the slit.
• a hinged cap for the slit is designed to keep the exposed portion of the tissue moist ;
• European Patent Application EP-0-629 560 A3, Kao Corp., published 21-12-1994 discloses a cap with a hinged top lid.
• a rubber-like elastic member is provided for automatic opening of the package ;
• Japanese Patent Application JP-0-9104484 A Yamada Corp., published April, 22 1997, teaches a lid unit component, which is installed at an opening which is provided on a flexible container.
• the lid unit component is provided with a removal opening for removing wet tissues, and a sliding lid.
• Closing devices as described in the preceding documents have a number of disadvantages.
• a hinging lid constitutes a protrusion when the container is in open position and so the package loses stability and, in the case of a container for baby tissues, it is possible for the baby to grasp the lid or to fall on it, thus tilting or even damaging the container, moreover with such a hinging lid in open position, the contents is only accessible from the front side of the container and not from the rear, so there is a loss of convenience for the user.
• Some containers are sold which comprise a container body onto which a cover is hinged, said containers having a reduced height, so that they are easy to take away from home.
• most wetted wipes are interleaved to be picked up one by one from the container and thus require a shaped dispensing opening, for example with a restricted surface.
• Such containers made of a container body closed by a hinged cover do not allow removal of interleaved wipes.
• EP 0 738667 is a European patent for Procter and Gamble which protects a portable container for wetted wipes which comprises a dispensing opening designed for one-by-one removal of interleaved tissues.
• the container disclosed in this patent comprises a movable lid which is hinged, and thus it does not address the problem of stability which is usually encountered with such containers with such a hinged movable lid.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a container which is preferably constructed in such a way that it is easy to carry for out-of-home usage.
• the present invention is directed to a closing device for fitting on a container or being a part of the container, preferably a container for dry or wetted tissues, and more preferably for wetted tissues, comprising a stationary lid member, and a movable lid member, characterized in that said stationary lid member includes a means for allowing said movable lid member to slide along a plane which is parallel to said stationary lid member, so as to create access to the container contents; said movable lid member and said stationary lid member are preferably linked by at least one elastic member which is charged with elastic energy when the movable lid member is in closed position ; said stationary lid member and said movable lid member also preferably include means to provide a releasable locking mechanism for securing the movable lid member in the closed position, or releasing the movable lid member held in tension by said elastic member, thus providing access to the container contents, through a dispensing means.
• the container when the container is to be carried by the user for out-of-home usage, the combined
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of the container according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a top view of the stationary lid member.
• Figure 3 is a bottom view of the stationary lid member.
• Figure 4 is a profile view of the movable lid member.
• Figure 5 is a top view of the movable lid member.
• Figure 6 is a profile view of the closing device in open position.
• Figure 7 is a profile view of the closing device in closed position.
• Figure 8 is a profile view of the stationary lid member according to the invention.
• Figure 9 is a schematic top view showing one version of the closing device
• Figure 10 is a profile view showing the closing device that fits into the rim of the container body.
• Figures 11 and 12 are enlarged views of the locking mechanism according to the invention, respectively shown on open and closed positions.
• Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of the invention where the container is more particularly suitable for being carried for out-of- home usage.
• a closing device (10) fits onto a container body (11), or is a part of a container body, which preferably contains a stack of dry or wetted tissues, and more preferably wetted tissues.
• the closing device comprises a stationary lid member (12) and a movable lid member (13) both made of a suitable synthetic resin material which are linked by at least one elastic member (21), and a releasable locking mechanism (25) which holds the closing device (10) in the closed position.
• the container body can be filled with a flexible pouch containing a stack of dry or wetted tissues, and more preferably wetted tissues.
• the stationary lid member can be a separate part, relatively to the container body, it is preferably integrally molded with said container body, and both parts are hingedly linked by a living hinge (35).
• Said living hinge is located at the rear side of the container and allows to open/close the container, for example to refill it with a new stack of wipes.
• the combined height of the container body and the closing device i.e., the global height of the container in the closed position
• the combined height of the container body and the closing device is not greater than 5 cm, more preferably it is not greater than 2.5 cm.
• the container body (11) comprises an upper opening (11a) and a flange (11b), extending along an outer peripheral edge of the opening (11c).
• the container body is made from a suitable synthetic resin material in a generally rectangular parallelepiped.
• the container body (11) comprises a second open side, preferably the bottom side, which is closed by a removable cover, in such a way that when it is empty, the container can be refilled with a new stack or a new roll of wipes.
• the base surface of the container (11) is greater than the top surface, so as to increase the stability of the container.
• the removable cover is made out of a material whose flexibility is such so as to increase the tightness between said removable cover and the container body.
• the stationary lid member (12) of the closing device (10) can be molded as an integral part of the container body (11), and then preferably forms the upper side of said container body, or it can be a separate part which fits onto the container body.
• the stationary lid member (12) comprises firstly, a top floor (14) which contains at least one opening (15) over which the movable lid member is free to slide, said opening (15) being preferably located on one side of the stationary lid member.
• Said stationary lid member secondly comprises peripheral walls (16) that are integrally molded with said top floor (14).
• the stationary lid member (12) also includes a means, for example guide rails, allowing said movable lid member (13) to slide along a plane which is parallel to said stationary lid member, so as to create access to the container contents through the opening (15).
• the stationary lid member includes a dispensing means (18), which is either part of the stationary lid member, or a separate element which fits onto said stationary lid member (12).
• Said dispensing means is located in a lower part of the stationary lid member.
• This dispensing means (18) includes surfaces (19) which are free of sharp angles, said surfaces forming a restricting channel (20) through which the successive tissues are directed during use.
• Said restricting channel (20) is preferably S-shaped with dimensions preferably within the range of 20 to 60 mm of width, most preferably 55 mm of width.
• the leading edge of said tissue furls around one arm (20a) of the S-shape, then as the next tissue is dispensed, its leading edge furls around the opposite arm (20b) of the S-shape opening and this continues in an alternating manner as first one and then a next tissue is dispensed.
• the tissues are folded in an alternating zigzag pattern whereby the tissues are pulled up from first the front of the tub and then the rear, alternately.
• the dispensing device may not be required to be mounted on, nor molded with the stationary lid member. In this case, the dispensing device is part of the flexible pouch and is accessible through a wide opening which is created in the stationary lid member as soon as the locking mechanism is released by the user and the movable lid member slides open.
• the movable lid member (13) is composed of one or two plates, preferably one, with a polygonal or rounded shape, preferably rectangular. Its dimensions are such that it completely overlaps the dispensing means (18) when the closing device is in the closed position (see figure 7), and such that when the closing device is in the open position (see figure 6), said movable lid member (13) is slidably positioned under the top floor part (14) of the stationary lid member, so that an access to the container contents through the dispensing means (18) is created.
• the movement by which the movable lid member slides in open or close positions is either linear or rotating, preferably linear, and optionally, while being linear in a horizontal plane, the stationary lid member can be arcuate on its top surface, so that the sliding movement of the movable lid member is arcuate in a vertical plane.
• the means by which the movable lid member is slidably positioned onto the stationary lid member is preferably achieved by two series of continuous or discontinuous guide rails (17) whose length is at least 10mm, and which are parallel to the long sides of said stationary lid member (12) and are molded as an integral part of the stationary lid member, so that the movable lid member (13) is slidably positioned between said guide rails (17) and the top floor part (14) of the stationary lid member, in a plane that is horizontal.
• the inner surface of the stationary lid member includes at least one protrusion (22) which stops the sliding movement of the movable lid member in open position, so that at least one portion (23) of said movable lid member (13) remains accessible to the user to close the container.
• a means (24), for example a catch, can be added onto said portion of the stationary lid member to facilitate the closing operation.
• one or more elastic member(s) (21), preferably one, is attached in at least one point to the stationary lid member and at least in one other point to the movable lid member, so that when the closing device is in the closed position, said elastic member (21) is charged with a sufficient elastic energy to automatically open the movable lid member (13) under the elasticity of said elastic member, as soon as the locking mechanism (25) is released by the user.
• Said elastic energy can either be of the compression, torsion, or stretching type, but is preferably of the stretching type.
• the elastic member is a flat band with a section comprised between 0,5 and 5 mm, and it includes holes at its both ends; it is fixed at its one end to the inner part of the stationary lid member (12), by a means (21a), for example a hook, which is molded as part of said stationary lid member while its other end is fixed to the movable lid member (13) by another means (21b), for example another hook.
• the movable lid member contains a recess (21c) into which said means (21b) is positioned, so that it cannot contact or damage the contents.
• the elastic member (21) can be a single or multiple winding coil spring with elongated ends which is positioned between said stationary lid member and said movable lid member so that when the closing device is in the closed position, it is charged with a sufficient spring energy to automatically open the movable lid member as soon as the locking mechanism is released by the user.
• Said spring energy can either be of the compression, stretching or torsion type.
• a locking mechanism (25) is further provided, which is achieved by using a catch (26) that fits into one or more, preferably one corresponding recess (27). Either the catch or the recess is located on the movable lid member (13), and the other is located on the stationary lid member (12). Said locking mechanism (25) keeps the movable lid member (13) in the closed position.
• said locking mechanism (25) is directly released by displacing a movable element (28), for example a push-button, onto which said catch is connected, thus disengaging said catch (26) from said recess (27).
• the locking mechanism is indirectly released when the user applies an elastic deformation onto an area which is located close enough said locking mechanism, thus disengaging said catch from said recess.
• Said elastic deformation should be achievable with only a limited applied strength such as to allow to use a single finger to release the locking mechanism.
• the movable lid member (13) is divided into two separate lids (13a) and (13b). These lids have a polygonal or rounded shape, but are preferably rectangular. Said sliding lids (13a) and (13b) slide in opposite directions from a jointing line (13c), thus creating access to the dispensing means and the container contents. In accordance with what is previously described, said sliding movement can be strictly linear or can be arcuate in a vertical plane, thus following the general shape of the closing device's top part.
• the inner surface of the stationary lid member includes two protrusions which stop the sliding movement of the two sliding lids (13a) and (13b) in the open position, so that two portions of respectively said sliding lids (13a) and (13b), remain accessible to the user to close the container.
• means, for example catches (24) can be added respectively onto said portions of said sliding lids (13a) and (13b) to facilitate the closing operation.
• the stationary lid member (12) contains one opening over which the two separate lids (13a) and (13b) of the movable lid member are free to slide, said opening being preferably centered in the stationary lid member.
• the stationary lid member (12) also includes two series of continuous or discontinuous guide rails whose length is at least 10mm, and which are parallel to the long sides of said stationary lid member (12) and are molded as an integral part of the stationary lid member, so that the sliding lids (13a) and (13b) are slidably positioned between said guide rails in a horizontal plane.
• Each of the two sliding lids (13a) and (13b) further preferably include at least one elastic member as described previously, so that when the closing device is in the closed position, said elastic members are charged with a sufficient elastic energy to respectively automatically open each of the two sliding lids (13a) and (13b), as soon as the locking mechanism (25) is released by the user.
• Said elastic energy can either be of the compression, torsion or stretching type, preferably of the stretching type.
• the elastic member can be a single or multiple winding coil spring with elongated ends which is positioned between said stationary lid member and said sliding lids of said movable lid member so that when the closing device is in the closed position, it is charged with a sufficient spring energy to automatically open the movable lid member as soon as the locking mechanism is released by the user.
• Said spring energy can either be of the compression, stretching or torsion type.
• a releasable locking mechanism (25) is also preferably provided as described previously in the first version of the present invention, which is achieved by using catches that fit into corresponding recesses.
• said locking mechanism (25) is directly released by displacing a movable element (28), for example a push-button, onto which said catches are connected, thus disengaging said catches from said recesses.
• the locking mechanism (25) is indirectly released when the user applies an elastic deformation onto an area, said area being located near said locking mechanism (25), thus disengaging said catches from said recesses as explained above.
• the movable element (28) can be positioned onto the stationary lid member (12), for example centered in one of the two long sides of said stationary lid member (12).
• the area onto which an elastic deformation is applied can be located for example, on one of the two sliding lids of the movable lid member (13), to which a catch will be connected, while a recess is located in the second sliding lid, so that the releasable locking mechanism (25) is centered between the sliding lids (13a) and (13b) of the movable lid member (13).
• the movable lid member is a polygonal, rounded-shaped or circular plate, preferably circular, which includes a hole located near its peripheral edge. Said hole fits onto a lug which is located on the inner surface of the stationary lid member, so that the movable lid member describes a rotating movement around said lug.
• the stationary lid member includes a protrusion at its inner surface to stop the rotating movement of the movable lid member so that when the closing device is in the open position, the dispensing opening is accessible and a portion of the movable lid member still remains accessible to the user, so that he or she can close the container.
• a means for example a recess, can be added respectively onto said portion of said sliding lid to facilitate the closing operation.
• This particular version of the invention also preferably includes a releasable locking mechanism, as previously described in the first version of the present invention.
• the stationary lid member, the movable lid member, and the separate dispensing means if one are molded from a polypropylene material or other suitable materials such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene styrene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or elastomer, but preferably from a polypropylene material.
• the container body may also be molded from any one of the previously mentioned materials
• the elastic member is molded from rubber or synthetic resin materials having a rubber elasticity such as silicone rubber, chloroprene rubber, butadiene rubber, urethane rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer or natural rubber.
• said container body (11) can comprise an upper opening (11a), with an external peripheral upper edge (11b) and a flange that shall extend therefrom; the internal surfaces of this upper opening (11a) comprise ribs and/or grooves (29) that extend longitudinally along the small and the long sides of the container body (11), said ribs and/or grooves (29) fit into corresponding ribs and/or grooves (30) of the stationary lid member (12) in such a way that no step nor overlap results from the assembling, and the surface of the package especially on its top part is regular and does not include sharp edges.
• the closing device may include an opening tab overlapping the external peripheral upper edge of the container body, said overlap having a dimension of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, and said opening tab preferably having an arcuate shape, so that it is not aggressive for the consumer's fingers.
• a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be achieved by constructing a container which comprises spring elements in combination with a releasable locking mechanism, for one-finger-push automatic opening of the sliding lid, said container's global height being not greater than 5 cm, preferably not greater than 2.5 cm.
• the sliding lid with automatic opening which constitutes a consumer-friendly storing and dispensing device for wipes, is best adapted to transportation, for example in cases or bags, for out-of- home usage.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=26145861

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (16)

Cited By (6)

Families Citing this family (24)

Citations (13)

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• 1998
  • 1998-03-27 EP EP98870059A patent/EP0913336A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1998-10-19 EP EP98946644A patent/EP1027262A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1998-10-19 KR KR1020007004184A patent/KR20010031229A/ko active IP Right Grant
  • 1998-10-19 BR BR9815265-3A patent/BR9815265A/pt unknown
  • 1998-10-19 AU AU93634/98A patent/AU9363498A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1998-10-19 TR TR2000/01151T patent/TR200001151T2/xx unknown
  • 1998-10-19 CN CN98810535A patent/CN1090137C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1998-10-19 JP JP2000518891A patent/JP2001521864A/ja not_active Withdrawn
  • 1998-10-19 HU HU0100104A patent/HUP0100104A3/hu unknown
  • 1998-10-19 CZ CZ20001425A patent/CZ20001425A3/cs unknown
  • 1998-10-19 ID IDW20001013A patent/ID24731A/id unknown
  • 1998-10-19 IL IL13560098A patent/IL135600A0/xx unknown
  • 1998-10-19 CA CA002306136A patent/CA2306136A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1998-10-19 WO PCT/IB1998/001631 patent/WO1999023003A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1998-10-30 AR ARP980105453A patent/AR012529A1/es unknown
  • 1998-10-31 EG EG133898A patent/EG22147A/xx active
  • 1998-11-02 PE PE1998001030A patent/PE56699A1/es not_active Application Discontinuation

Patent Citations (13)

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