WO2015154964A1

WO2015154964A1 - Cap with a disposable cover

Info

Publication number: WO2015154964A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/055825
Authority: WO
Inventors: Janardhana Sridhar
Original assignee: Unilever N.V.; Unilever Plc; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2014-04-10
Filing date: 2015-03-19
Publication date: 2015-10-15
Also published as: CN106458388A

Abstract

Disclosed is a cap (1) for a container (2), said cap (1) comprising: • (i) a planar surface (3) comprising more than one aperture (8) therein capable of communicating with interior of said container; and • (ii) an annular sidewall (4) depending from said planar surface (3), wherein said cap (1) comprises an integral cover (5) for non-reclosably covering said apertures (8), where said cover is permanently separable from said cap to expose said apertures (8) and wherein said cover (5) is un-attached to said cap (1) except for point contacts with each aperture and about lines of contact joining adjacent apertures. Disclosed also is a process for manufacturing said cap comprising the steps of: • (i) providing a mould; • (ii) moulding a plastic material to form said cap (1) for a container (2), said cap (1) comprising a planar surface (3) comprising more than one aperture (8) therein capable of communicating with interior of said container; and an annular sidewall (4) depending from said planar surface (3), wherein said cap (1) comprises an integral cover (5) for non-reclosably covering said apertures (8), where said cover is permanently separable from said cap to expose said apertures (8); • (iii) allowing the plastic material to set in the mould; and, • (iv) removing the set material after a predetermined period of time to obtain the cap.

Description

CAP WITH A DISPOSABLE COVER

Field of the invention The invention relates to a cap for a container. The cap is suitable for securing contents of the container before first use.

Background of the invention Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Some conventional containers for powder or granular materials, e.g., talcum powder, are suitable for dispensing contents by sprinkling. A variety of sifter rotatable caps having one or more holes are widely used and these sifter caps impart sift or pour characteristics to the material being dispensed.

Conventional containers for materials like talcum powder have a rotatable cap and an internal sifter each with apertures. In open position, the apertures in the cap are aligned with or are in registration with the apertures in the sifter which allows the powder to be dispensed. In closed position the apertures are aligned against each other. The open and closed positions of such conventional caps are determined by stop lugs provided on the neck of the bottle and internal stop lugs provided on the cap. Although such basic caps are good as closures, they lack tamper-evident and child-resistant features.

A problem with such sifter caps is of spillage/leakage or inadvertent discharge of contents which occurs generally during transport as well as between manufacture and first use. Therefore, it is often desirable to seal the holes/orifices on the cap at least during transit or during assembly of the caps after filling. Known technologies may not prevent inadvertent discharge of contents. Therefore, in order to reduce inadvertent discharge to the extent possible, a label seal is often applied to the planar/flat surface of the cap covering the holes. Alternatively a shrink sleeve is applied to the cap area. The containers can also be sealed with a shrink sleeve top cover which seals the orifices. However this arrangement does not prevent leakage if the orifice opens even slightly on account of any movement after the powdery/granular material is filled in the container.

Another conventional method of sealing is by application of vacuum seal to the container upon which the usual sifter cap is laid. This involves a two-step process. Further, it is not a user-friendly format because before the first use the sifter cap needs to be removed, then the vacuum seal must be torn off and only then can the cap can be put back for use.

The adhesive covers/labels applied to sifter caps are neither tamper proof nor even tamper evident. An example of such a cap (closure) is found in US5513781 B1 (Phoenix Closures, Inc). Once the label is removed, the adhesive-coated area tends to attract dirt which could render the contents unhygienic, especially if the contents happen to be for consumption.

US 2004/0079765 A1 (Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc) discloses a dispenser for flowable material. There is a cap and lock which is an extra piece of material and is attached to at least one of the cap and/or the bottle portion having a locked position preventing the rotation of the cap relative to the outlet and an unlocked position wherein the cap is unconstrained by the cap lock.

US2002104852A (Seaquist Closures, Inc) discloses a closure having a body, a cooperating lid and a surrounding tamper-evident sleeve. The body has an end wall having a dispensing orifice and an annular sidewall depending from the end wall with internal threads for engaging with the corresponding external threads of the container. A tamper-evident sleeve surrounds the closure body and has a bead engage able to a retaining element of the container located below the closure body to prevent axial upward displacement of the sleeve with respect to the container. The sleeve includes a retention member overlying the lid to prevent unwanted opening movement of the lid. The sleeve includes a frangible feature arranged to be torn to remove the sleeve and disengage the retention member from over the lid to allow opening of the lid. US Patent US4355729 B1 (Maguire; Daniel J.) discloses a single service childproof container closure for closing a single nozzle (opening) of a container which has a nonremovable closure. This closure has an integral, non-replaceable, frangible cap which a user needs to first remove with a screw-driver or knife or a similar implement to access the contents of the container. The frangible cap is connected to the closure by a weakened joint so that the cap can be removed by snapping this joint with the implement.

Although not specifically indicated therein, a skilled person would be motivated to use the same construction, i.e., a pair of closure and cap per hole, for a container having plurality of holes to dispense the contents.

FR1450665 A (RAUSING ANDERS RUBEN, 1966) discloses another version of a container having a single dispensing hole. This container has a tongue which serves as the tamper-indicating feature. To open the bottle, it is necessary to grasp the tongue and pull upward by exerting sufficient traction to the cover to separate the tongue from the nozzle along the line of least resistance. The collars of the tubular ferrule remain inside in the container opening. GB1047747 A (METAL BOX CO LTD, 1966) discloses a container which has multiple holes for dispensing the contents. Each hole is covered frangibly by its own flange which is joined to the surface of the cap by weakened links. A stud projects out of each flange. It is also disclosed that when it is desired to dispense some of the contents from the container, some downward pressure, in the direction is applied to the studs by a finger/ flat object placed against the outer end of the stud, or by a pointed instrument, such as a pencil, inserted into its recess. The pressure causes the diaphragm to rupture and as a consequence, the diaphragm and stud fall inside the container. The holes are then open. Inspite of the prior art at the disposal of the skilled person, there is a need for a cap which is robust enough to disallow even minimal wastage of packaged material from the time of packaging until the first use, yet which is very easily openable for use in a facile manner by anyone intending to open it, while overcoming at least some of the drawbacks, disadvantages and limitations of the discussed art.

Summary of the invention

We have determined that provision of a permanently separable but a single integral cover on the cap for non-reclosably covering all the apertures of the cap offers a technical solution, Disclosed in accordance with a first aspect is a cap for a container where the cap has a planar surface with more than one apertures therein capable of communicating with interior of the container and an annular sidewall depending from the planar surface, wherein the cap has an integral cover for non-reclosably covering the apertures where the cover is permanently separable from the cap to expose said apertures and wherein the cover is un-attached to said cap except for point contacts with each aperture and about lines of contact joining adjacent apertures. In accordance with a second aspect is disclosed a process for manufacturing a cap of the first aspect, comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a mould;

(ϋ) moulding a plastic material to form the cap for a container, having a planar surface with more than one apertures therein capable of communicating with interior of the container and an annular sidewall depending from the planar surface wherein the cap has an integral cover for non-reclosably covering the apertures, which is permanently separable therefrom to expose the apertures into the mould;

(iii) allowing the plastic material to set in the mould; and,

(iv) removing the set material after a predetermined period of time to obtain the cap.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 is isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a cap in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig.1 in isometric view with the integral cover being removed.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of Fig.1 in isometric view with integral cover removed and completely separated from the cap thereby exposing all the orifices in the cap.

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Fig.1 in a longitudinal sectional view.

Detailed description of the figures

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings in which is shown, in isometric view, a preferred embodiment of a cap in accordance with the first aspect; the cap is designated generally by the reference numeral 1. In figure 1 is seen a circular cap (1 ) for a container (2) which is shown in dotted lines. The cap, which is circular in shape, includes a planar or flat surface (3) having four apertures therein (not seen in this view) and an annular sidewall (4) depending from the planar surface (3). The apertures communicate with the interior of the container (2). The cap (1 ) has an integral circular ring-like cover (5) which is located substantially entirely on the planar surface (4). The ring-like (or ring shaped) cover (5) in turn has a tab member (6) which is meant for a user to hold the cover. For better grip, the tab member has knurlings and some of them have been shown as (7).

The integral cover (5) is not hinged, i.e., non-hinged to the cap (1 ) unlike most covers of prior art which are hinged to the main body of the cap. The cover (5) seals all the apertures (not seen) on the cap (1 ) but is non-reclosably covering the apertures because once separated from the cap, there is no provision for the cover to be back on the cap. The cover (5) is made of same material as the cap (1 ). Further, the cover and the cap form a one-piece assembly. Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig.1 with the integral cover (5) being pulled by holding the tab member (6) thereby exposing one of the apertures (8) and in Fig. 3, the cover (5) is completely separated from the cap (1 ) thereby exposing all apertures (collectively labelled as 8) which are arranged about the extremities of the planar surface and in this embodiment they are arrange about the circumference of the circular planar surface. Only two of the lines of contact have been labelled and shown as figure 9 and 10.

Referring now to Fig. 4 which shows the embodiment of Fig.1 in a longitudinal sectional view, this view clearly shows that the cover is located entirely on the planar surface and that the cover is un-attached to the cap except for point contacts with each aperture (the point contacts not visible in this view) and about lines of contact joining adjacent apertures. The cover is non-hinged to the cap and the cap and the cover is one-piece. In addition to the features seen in earlier drawings, what is also seen in this view is a thread member 1 1 and a lug 12, functions of which are well known.

Thus it can be seen that a single integral cover covers each and every aperture in a frangible and non-reclosable manner. Detailed description of the invention

In a first aspect is disclosed a cap for a container. The cap has a planar, i.e. flat surface which has one or more apertures for dispensing the contents. For this reason, the apertures are capable of communicating with interior of the container. The cap also has an annular sidewall depending from the planar surface. The length of this annular side wall may vary depending upon the specific needs of packaging. For example, the side wall may have appreciable length so as to have threads or equivalent features on the inside therein to engage with the neck of the container. In some embodiments, the side wall may have just a little length enough to engage with an open mouth of the container on its neck in a different manner compared to threaded engagement. An example thereof is a snap-fit arrangement for which a smaller length is sufficient. The cap has an integral cover for non-reclosably covering the more than one apertures and the cover is permanently separable from the cap to expose the apertures. In a preferred embodiment of the cap the cover is located substantially entirely on the planar surface.

The cover is un-attached to the cap except for point contacts with each aperture and about lines of contact joining adjacent apertures. Further particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the cover is non-hinged to the cap. In other words, the cover is attached to the cap by non-hinged joint. It is further particularly preferred that the cap and the cover is one-piece assembly for ease of manufacture.

The cap may be of any known shape such as circular, square or any other shape. Similarly, the integral cover may correspond to the shape of its cap but this

correspondence is not essential. However, it is preferred that the shapes of the cap and the cover match.

In preferred embodiment, the apertures on the planar surface are present along the extremities of the planar surface, such as along the circumference of a circular cap. It is preferred that a cap has from 3 to 20 apertures which communicate with the interior of the container. It is further preferred that a cap has 4 to 10 apertures. The number and the size of apertures will depend on the nature of product intended to be stored and dispensed from the container. In order to facilitate clean and easy removal, it is preferred that as compared to its average thickness, the cover is thinner at the points of contact and the lines of contact. It is particularly preferred that thickness of the cover at the points of contact and the lines of contact is 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. Such a feature is helpful as it leaves behind minimal marks of flash on the top surface and possesses enough strength to withstand unintentional removal. A thicker point of contact will leave its mark on the surface of the cap and it would also make it difficult for the consumer to remove it easily. It is preferred that the cover is thinner than the cap. More preferably the average thickness of the cover is 0.2 mm to 1 .5 mm, more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm.

In order to facilitate permanent separation of the cover from the cap, it is preferred that the cover has a tab member, which further preferably and for better grip, has knurlings. On pulling the tab, the cover is peeled-off exposing the apertures. Thus in some embodiments where the cover is circular in shape, on separating the cover from the cap, what gets separated is a strip or ring. It is preferred that the cap including the cover is made of a plastic material, more preferably Polyethylene or Polypropylene.

The process

In accordance with a second aspect is disclosed a process for manufacturing a cap of the first aspect, comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a mould;

(ii) moulding a plastic material to form said cap for a container, said cap comprising a planar surface comprising more than one apertures therein capable of communicating with interior of said container; and an annular sidewall depending from said planar surface, wherein said cap comprises an integral cover for non-reclosably covering said apertures, where said cover is permanently separable from said cap to expose said apertures;

(iii) allowing the plastic material to set in the mould; and,

Preferably the cap is manufactured by injection or compression moulding. More preferably the plastic material is Polyethylene or Polypropylene.

It is preferred that the mould is slider type mould. The mould also may be provided as a multi-cavity mould for manufacturing plurality of caps simultaneously and the operation of the mould and the moulding apparatus may be suitably adapted to accommodate this. Preferably the mould is a split mould which allows the cap to the mould is a split mould which allows the cap to be ejected out of the mould in the fully formed condition when the split opens. In conventional method the component being moulded gets pushed out of the mould by either a stripper plate or rods inside the core which knocks the component. However in this case there is a slider which opens once the component, i.e. the cap, is formed after the mould opens. This helps in knocking the cap out of the mould by either slider or rods inside core.

The general operation of injection/compression moulding equipments in conjunction with a mould is already well known. In relation to the manufacture of the caps of the present invention and such known steps are not further detailed herein. The mould configuration and the operation of the injection/compression moulding equipment in conjunction therewith is greatly variable, while still incorporating the essential method steps as disclosed which enables the manufacture of the cap.

Claims

1. A cap (1 ) for a container (2), said cap (1 ) comprising:

(i) a planar surface (3) comprising more than one apertures (8) therein

capable of communicating with interior of said container; and

(ii) an annular sidewall (4) depending from said planar surface (3), wherein said cap (1 ) comprises an integral cover (5) for non-reclosably covering said apertures (8), where said cover is permanently separable from said cap to expose said apertures (8) wherein said cover (5) is un-attached to said cap (1 ) except for point contacts with each aperture and about lines of contact joining adjacent apertures.

2. A cap (1 ) as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cap (1 ) and said cover (5) is one- piece assembly.

3. A cap (1 ) as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said cover (5) is located substantially entirely on said planar surface (3).

4. A cap (1 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein said cover (5) is non-hinged to said cap.

5. A cap (1 ) as claimed in claim 4 wherein as compared to its average thickness, said cover (5) is thinner at said points of contact and said lines of contact.

6. A cap (1 ) as claimed in claim 5 wherein thickness of said cover at said points of contact and said lines of contact is 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

7. A cap (1 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6 wherein said cover (5) is thinner than said cap (1 ).

8. A cap (1 ) as claimed in claim 7 wherein average thickness of said cover (5) is 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

9. A cap (1 ) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein said

cover (5) comprises a tab member (6).

10. A cap (1 ) as claimed in claim 9 wherein surface of said tab member (6) has knurlings (7).

1 1. Process for manufacturing a cap as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a mould;

(ii) moulding a plastic material to form said cap (1 ) for a container (2), said cap (1 ) comprising a planar surface (3) comprising more than one apertures (8) therein capable of communicating with interior of said container; and an annular sidewall (4) depending from said planar surface (3), wherein said cap (1 ) comprises an integral cover (5) for non-reclosably covering said apertures (8), where said cover is permanently separable from said cap to expose said apertures (8);

(iii) allowing the plastic material to set in the mould; and,

12. A process as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein said cap is manufactured by injection or compression moulding.

13. A process as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12 wherein said plastic material is Polyethylene or Polypropylene.