WO2024058774A1 - Fermeture à charnière - Google Patents

Fermeture à charnière Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024058774A1
WO2024058774A1 PCT/US2022/043490 US2022043490W WO2024058774A1 WO 2024058774 A1 WO2024058774 A1 WO 2024058774A1 US 2022043490 W US2022043490 W US 2022043490W WO 2024058774 A1 WO2024058774 A1 WO 2024058774A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
channel
closure
tether
neck
tab
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/043490
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy Graham Stephenson
Bruce Harold Mutch
Original Assignee
Silgan White Cap LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Silgan White Cap LLC filed Critical Silgan White Cap LLC
Priority to PCT/US2022/043490 priority Critical patent/WO2024058774A1/fr
Publication of WO2024058774A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024058774A1/fr

Links

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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
    • B65D5/74—Spouts
    • B65D5/746—Spouts formed separately from the container
    • B65D5/747—Spouts formed separately from the container with means for piercing or cutting the container wall or a membrane connected to said wall
    • B65D5/748—Spouts formed separately from the container with means for piercing or cutting the container wall or a membrane connected to said wall a major part of the container wall or membrane being left inside the container after the opening
    • 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
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/16—Devices preventing loss of removable closure members
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
    • B65D2251/1008—Means for locking the closure in open position
    • 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
    • B65D2401/30—Tamper-ring remaining connected to closure after initial removal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a container closure having a hinged configuration that allows the closure to remain coupled to a container after the closure is opened.
  • traditional closure designs are configured to permanently detach from the container after being opened
  • the design and configuration of the closure having a hinged configuration illustrated and described herein allows a closure to remain coupled to the container after being opened.
  • a hinge of such a closure it is beneficial for a hinge of such a closure to be applicable to a three-piece closure, specifically a closure having a base, a cutter, and a cap.
  • a hinge designed to withstand deformation under an application of downward force to the cap during press assembly is beneficial.
  • One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure configured to couple to a neck for pouring contents from a container.
  • the closure is configured to transition from a closed position to a hinged open position.
  • the closure includes a tamper evidence band that is configured to securely engage the neck.
  • the closure also includes an upper portion having a top panel that includes an upper peripheral edge.
  • a skirt configured to removably couple to an exterior of the neck extends downward and away from the outer peripheral edge of the top panel.
  • a tab extends downward and away from a lower edge of the skirt. The tab is configured to engage the exterior of the neck to bias the upper portion when the closure is in the hinged open position.
  • the closure further includes a tamper evidence channel that is defined between the tamper evidence band and the skirt.
  • the tamper evidence channel extends partially around a circumference of the closure.
  • a plurality of tamper evidence indicators extend upward and away from the tamper evidence band across the tamper evidence channel.
  • a tether arm couples the tamper evidence band to the upper portion.
  • the tether arm is positioned circumferentially between the tab and at least a portion of the skirt.
  • a top tether channel extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the closure.
  • the top tether channel is defined between the tether arm and the lower edge of the skirt and is positioned nearer to the top panel than the tamper evidence channel in the axial direction.
  • a substantially vertical tether channel extends between the tamper evidence channel and the top tether channel.
  • the closure is configured to transition from a closed position to a hinged open position.
  • the closure includes an end wall.
  • the end wall includes an outer peripheral edge.
  • a sidewall extends downward and away from the outer peripheral edge of the end wall.
  • the sidewall has an inner surface.
  • An engagement structure extends radially inward from the inner surface of the sidewall.
  • the engagement structure is configured to releasably engage an exterior of the neck.
  • an attachment band at least partially couples to the sidewall.
  • a retention structure extends radially inward from an inner surface of the attachment band. The retention structure is configured to securely engage an exterior of the neck.
  • a tab extends downward and away from a lower edge of the sidewall.
  • the tab is configured to engage an exterior of the neck when the closure is in the hinged open position, such that an acute angle is formed between an exterior of the tab and the exterior of the neck.
  • a first substantially rectangular tether arm extends from the attachment band to the sidewall.
  • a first molded channel is located between the tab and the first tether arm, such that the tab is spaced apart from the first tether arm by the molded channel.
  • a second molded channel is located between the tab and the attachment band, such that the tab is spaced apart from the attachment band by the molded channel.
  • the closure assembly includes a base.
  • the base has a mounting portion configured to be coupled to the container.
  • a neck portion extends from the mounting portion.
  • the neck is centered about a vertical axis.
  • a thread is formed about an exterior of the neck.
  • the closure also includes a cap configured to transition from a closed position to a hinged open position.
  • the cap includes a retainer band that is securely coupled to the neck and an upper portion that is configured to be removed from the neck by an axial twisting motion.
  • the upper portion includes a top panel including an outer peripheral edge.
  • a skirt extends downward and away from the outer peripheral edge of the top panel. The skirt is removably coupled to the neck.
  • the skirt is spaced apart from the retainer band at least in part by a circumferential tamper evidence channel.
  • a tab extends downward and away from a lower edge of the skirt.
  • the tab is defined by a U-shaped channel.
  • a pair of hinge bridges are positioned circumferentially on opposite sides of the tab. The pair of hinge bridges couple the retainer band to the skirt.
  • Each of the pair of hinge bridges are defined by a substantially vertical portion of the U-shaped channel, a bottom channel extending perpendicularly from the U-shaped channel, a top channel spaced axially apart from the bottom channel and spaced circumferentially apart from the U-shaped channel, and connector channel that extends perpendicularly from the top channel and connects the top channel to the retainer channel.
  • an exterior of the tab engages the exterior of the neck in the hinged open position.
  • the pair of hinge bridges bias the tab against the exterior of the neck when the closure is in the hinged open position, such that an acute angle is formed between the exterior of the tab and the exterior of the neck.
  • FIG. l is a perspective view of a closure assembly in an open position coupled to a container, according to an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 1 A is a top perspective view of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 in an open position coupled to the container;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a container configured to receive a closure assembly, prior to assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cap with hinge, according to an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base and cutter in a pre-assembled configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the base and cutter of FIG. 5 in a preassembled configuration
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of the base and cutter of FIG. 5 in a pre-assembled configuration
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the base and cutter of FIG. 5 in a pre-assembled configuration
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 11 is a right side view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 12 is a left side view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 13 is a top view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cap with hinge of FIG. 3, taken along line A-
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a closure assembly in an assembled configuration, prior to initial opening, according to an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 17 is a left side view of the closure assembly of FIG. 16 in an assembled configuration, prior to initial opening;
  • FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the closure assembly of FIG. 16 in an assembled configuration, prior to initial opening;
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the closure assembly of FIG. 16 in an assembled configuration, prior to initial opening, taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a closure assembly in a partially open position, according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the closure assembly of FIG. 21 in an open position.
  • FIGS. 1-1 A an embodiment of a closure assembly 1 is shown in an open position.
  • the closure assembly 1 includes a base 10 having a mounting portion 11 that is coupled to a container 2 to secure the closure assembly 1 to the container 2.
  • the mounting portion 11 is coupled to the container 2 by an adhesive.
  • a generally cylindrical neck 12 extends from the mounting portion 11.
  • Neck 12 is configured to form a threaded connection with a cap or closure 100.
  • a single outer thread 15 is located about the exterior of the neck 12.
  • the closure assembly 1 also includes the closure 100, which is configured to provide a fluid tight seal with the neck 12 when the closure 100 is sealingly engaged with the base 10.
  • a structure specifically a membrane 80, initially obstructs a drainage channel 13 through which the contents of the container 2 will be poured following initial removal of the cap 100 from the base 10.
  • the membrane 80 is applied to the base 10, rather than to the container 2.
  • the closure assembly 1 may further include a cutter 200 positioned circumferentially inwards from the neck 12, as shown in FIG. 1 A. When the closure assembly 1 is initially opened, the cutter 200 cuts the membrane 80, opening access to the drainage channel 13, such that the contents of container 2 may be poured from the interior of container 2 to the exterior of container 2.
  • an upper portion 108 of cap 100 is drawn back toward an upper surface 3 of the container 2 and rested against the neck 12 in a hinged open position.
  • upper portion 108 includes a tab 152.
  • tab 152 rests against the exterior of neck 12, specifically rests against thread 15 (as shown in FIG. 1 A) or against the exterior surface 17 of neck 12 (as shown in FIG. 21).
  • tab 152 rests above the retainer band 130.
  • cap 100 in the hinged open position, cap 100 is oriented such that upper portion 108 does not obstruct pouring through drainage channel 13 and does not interfere with container 2 being drawn toward the vessel into which the contents of container 2 are being poured.
  • the upper portion 108 when the cap 100 is in the hinged open position, does not intersect the plane generated by upper surface 3 of container 2. In more specific embodiments, when the cap 100 is in the hinged open position, the upper portion 108 does not intersect the plane generated by the mounting portion 11 of base 10.
  • FIGS. 3-4 show various perspective views of the closure 100 that is configured to couple to a neck for pouring contents from a container, such as a container neck or a neck of a base structure coupled to a container, such as neck 12 of base 10 shown in FIGS. 1-1 A.
  • Closure 100 includes an upper portion 108, which includes an end wall or top portion, shown as a top panel 112.
  • Top panel 112 is generally circular in shape and is generally planar (i.e., the outer surface of top panel 112 is flat and positioned substantially in a single plane).
  • Upper portion 108 further includes a sidewall, shown as skirt 120, that extends downwardly from an outer peripheral edge 111 of top panel 112.
  • skirt 120 that extends downwardly from an outer peripheral edge 111 of top panel 112.
  • a rounded, inwardly-protruding comer section 118 is formed where skirt 120 extends from top panel 112.
  • Skirt 120 is generally annular in cross-section and is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by top panel 112.
  • the tab 152 extends from a lower edge 113 of skirt 120, and is positioned above retainer band 130.
  • the tab 152 is generally rectangular, specifically has two opposing side that are substantially parallel extending from the lower edge of skirt 120 and a bottom side that is substantially parallel to the lower edge of skirt 120.
  • the corners of tab 152 are rounded.
  • Closure 100 additionally includes a pair of hinge bridges or tether arms 156, each tether arm 156 located on an opposing sides of tab 152 in the circumferential direction.
  • tether arms 156 and tab 152 are defined by tether channels 143 formed in cap 100.
  • the tether channels 143 are symmetrically oriented around a central vertical axis of tab 152.
  • upper portion 108 is removed from neck 12, as described above, tether arms 156 retain upper portion 108 to retainer band 130.
  • upper portion 108 includes top panel 112, skirt 120, and tab 152.
  • tether channels 143 are formed by injection molding, rather than cutting.
  • closure 110 may also optionally include a plurality of raised knurls or ribs 122 extending radially outward from an outer surface of skirt 120.
  • Ribs 122 may extend vertically along at least a portion of the vertical length of the outer surface of skirt 120 to provide a textured or gripping surface that may facilitate opening of closure 100.
  • ribs 122 are larger and more rounded, spaced equidistantly from one another around the entire circumference of the skirt 120.
  • the ribs are finer and groupings of adjacent ribs 122 are arranged around portions of the circumference of the skirt 120.
  • closure 100 further includes a tamper evidencing structure, configured to provide indication to a user that the initial sealing engagement between closure 100 and the container 2 has been disrupted as a result of the closure 100 being partially or entirely opened.
  • this structure comprises retainer or tamper evidence band 130 and tamper evidence indicators, specifically frangible bridges or connections 150 (see FIGS. 9- 12) that extend across a tamper evidence channel 142. Tamper evidence channel 142 is formed in closure 100 between a portion of the upper edge of tamper evidence band 130 and a corresponding portion of the lower edge of skirt 120.
  • Tamper evidence band 130 also serves as an attachment or retainer band, remaining coupled around neck 12, even after upper portion 108 of closure 100 is removed from neck 12 during opening of closure 100. After closure 100 is opened, upper portion 108 remains coupled to retainer band 130 by tether arms 156, which extend from retainer band 130.
  • a container engagement structure that is configured to interact with a corresponding closure engagement structure located on neck 12 to which closure 100 is to be sealingly applied.
  • the container engagement structures engage the corresponding structure or structures on the neck 12 to prevent upper portion 108 from being removed from the container without a majority and/or all of the frangible connections 150 breaking.
  • the container engagement structure comprises threading or pleats 126 that protrude inwardly from the interior surface of skirt 120. Pleats 126 interact with the thread 15 of neck 12 (shown in FIGS. 1-1 A) to facilitate the application and/or removal of upper portion 108 to neck 12.
  • closure 100 may include any other number or types of engagement structures, such as but not limited to snap beads, lugs, etc.
  • the interior surface of closure 100 also includes one or more retention structures, shown in FIGS. 3-4 as ridges 132. Ridges 132 protrude inwardly from the retainer band 130 and engage corresponding structures on the neck 12, specifically, annular ridge 16 (shown in FIG. 21), to prevent retainer band 130 from being decoupled from neck 12 during and after removal of the upper portion 108 from around neck 12.
  • cap 100 may interact with a cutter 200 positioned within neck 12.
  • one or more drive tabs 135 extend vertically downwards from a bottom or interior surface of the top panel 112 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis. As will be discussed in more detail below, the tabs 135 engage and drive the motion of the cutter 200 during initial opening.
  • the tabs 135 may be generally flexible and elastic, while in other embodiments the tabs 135 may be generally rigid.
  • the clockwise facing ends of the tabs 135 may define a beveled surface. As shown in FIG.
  • the drive tabs 135 are generally arranged and extend along a circular periphery located radially inwards from the inner surface 115 of skirt 120. In other embodiments, the tabs 135 may extend downwards from the top panel 112 along a direction angled at a non-90° angle with respect to inner surface 115 of the skirt 120. In some embodiments, the tabs 135 may also be spaced and arranged about the top panel 112 in a noncircular manner.
  • the cutter 200 is shown coupled to neck 12 in a pre-assembled configuration.
  • the upper portion of cutter 200 is defined by a generally cylindrical body 228 that is defined at its lower end by a bottom rim 222.
  • Formed from and extending downwards from or about at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom rim 222 are one or more cutting elements 221.
  • the cutting elements 221 are configured to create an opening into the container, forming drainage channel 13, upon initial removal of the cap 100 from the base 10. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the cutting element 221 may be formed from any number of sets of cutting elements 221 having any number of configurations.
  • the cutting element may be formed having any number of blade-like elements, with the lengths, sizes, shapes, and other characteristics of the each of the blade-like elements and/or the teeth 229 forming the blade-like elements being the same or different from the other blade-like elements and/or teeth 229 forming the cutting element 221.
  • the fins 226 may be generally rigid, while in other embodiments the fins 226 may be generally resilient and/or elastic.
  • the fins 226 extend inwards from the inner surface of the body 228 of cutter 200 at an angle.
  • an engagement surface 227 is defined on the interior of each fin 226, specifically the side of fin 226 that faces body 228 of cutter 200 by the intersection of the fin 226 with the interior surface of body 228.
  • the fins 226 are configured to receive respective drive tabs 135 that are formed on closure 100, as shown, e.g. in FIG.4.
  • engagement surfaces 227 are configured to engage respective drive tabs 135.
  • the number of fins 226 corresponds to the number of drive tabs 135 formed on the corresponding closure 100.
  • the cutter 200 includes 4 fins 226 that correspond to the 4 drive tabs 135 formed on the corresponding closure 100, shown in FIG. 4.
  • the cutter 200 includes 4 fins 226 and only two drive tabs 135 that receive and engage two of the fins 226.
  • one or more radially outwardly extending ribs 223 are located along an exterior surface of the body 228.
  • the ribs 223 extend along a portion of the exterior surface of the body 228 of the cutter 200 located between the top of the cutter 200 and the bottom rim 222.
  • the portion of the exterior surface of body 228 of the cutter 200 extending radially between adjacent ribs 223 defines a keyway 224.
  • the ribs 223 extend at a non-zero degree angle relative to the horizontal axis. In one embodiment, such as that of FIG. 5, the ribs 223 extend downward relative to the horizontal axis.
  • the cutter 200 may be formed with any number of ribs 223.
  • the cutter 200 may be formed with three or more ribs 223 to increase the stability of the movement of the cutter 200 during rotation of the cutter 200 relative to the base 10 by preventing the ribs 223 from being cocked and jammed within the neck 12 of the base 10 during rotation of the cutter relative to the base 10, as well as to provide a more secure, smooth and reliable movement of the cutter 200 in the rotationally downward direction during the initial removal of the cap 100 from the base 10.
  • the interior of base 10 includes one or more inwardly protruding guide elements, specifically, one or more locator guides 41, one or more helical guides 42, and one or more stopper guides 43, which extend generally downward from one or more of the helical guides 42.
  • the helical guide 42 are attached to and extend downwardly from a lower portion of a respective locator guide 41.
  • the locator guide 41 and the helical guide 42 may be formed as discrete elements on the interior of the neck 12.
  • the helical guides may, in part, overlap, defining a gap or track 44, configured to receive rib 223 during initial opening.
  • each rib 223 may define a stop surface that is configured to interact with a retention element, such as stopper guide 43, that may be provided along the bottom of the interior surface of the neck 12 of base 10.
  • a retention element such as stopper guide 43
  • the top end surface of each rib 223 may define a stop surface configured to interact with a retention element that may be provided along the inner surface of neck 12. The interaction between stop surface 225 and stopper guide 43 prevents cutter 200 from passing entirely through neck 12 and dropping into the interior of container 2.
  • the base 10 and cutter 200 portions can be assembled in any number of ways to form the pre-assembled configuration.
  • the base 10 and cutter 200 are molded or otherwise formed and provided as separate, individual components that are subsequently assembled together to form the assembled configuration.
  • the base 10 and cutter 200 are formed or molded as integral and/or monolithic structures, which are subsequently separated and assembled to, with the application of cap 100, form closure assembly 1.
  • one or more frangible securement tabs 230 initially connect a portion of cutter 200 (such as, e.g. along bottom rim 222) to a portion of base 10.
  • a portion of cutter 200 such as, e.g. along bottom rim 222
  • the lower portion of cutter 200 is shown as being molded above and attached to an upper portion of base 10
  • an upper portion of cutter 200 can be molded below and attached to a lower portion of base 10.
  • cutter 200 can be molded radially inwards and partially or entirely within base 10
  • cutter 200 and base 10 can be attached via frangible securement tabs 230 along the top, bottom, and/or top and bottom portions of base 10 and/or cutter 200.
  • the base 10 and cutter 200 By molding the base 10 and cutter 200 as a single unit, such as shown, e.g. in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, production costs and time involved in forming and assembling the base 10 and cutter 200 can be reduced. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the base 10 and cutter 200 are molded such that the cutting element 221 is located above the lowermost edge of base 10, such as e.g. illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, damage to the cutting element 221 that may occur during assembly of the cutter 200 into the base 10 may be reduced or prevented. Specifically, in such embodiments, the cutting elements 221 are located within the neck 12 of the base 10, and are thereby protected from damage that may otherwise occur in the event that, e.g. forces are applied to the top of the cutter 200 and/or bottom of the base 10 (such as, e.g. during assembly of the closure assembly 1.
  • the cutter 200 and base 10 are formed such that cutter 200 is molded in a position relative to the base 10 that corresponds to a relative alignment of the base 10 and cutter 200 in the pre-initial opening configuration of the closure assembly 1 (e.g. as shown in FIGS. 16-19).
  • the assembly of the cutter 200 and base 10 utilizes namely axial movement, as opposed to substantially rotational movement, of the base 10 relative to the cutter 200, or vice versa.
  • the cutter 200 and base 10 may be molded such that one or more keyways 224 extending between adjacent outer ribs 223 of the cutter 200 are positioned directly above one or more locator guides 41 formed on and protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the neck 12 of base 10.
  • Such an embodiment may allow for a reduction in closure assembly 1 assembly time, as once the integrally molded cutter 200/base 10 assembly is ready to be assembled, assembly to properly position the cutter 200 within base 10 may be achieved in a single step of providing an axial force sufficient to break the frangible securement tabs 230 between the cutter 20 and base 10 to the exterior of top panel 112.
  • the initial alignment of the keyways 224 over the locator guides 241 allow the cutter 200 to be moved vertically downwards relative to neck 12 of base 10 until each outer rib 223 of the cutter engages a helical guide 42 protruding from the interior of neck 12.
  • the locator guides 241 are also configured to guide the cutter 200 axially downwards and prevent rotation of the cutter 20 during assembly of the cutter 20 into the base 10.
  • the assembly of the cutter 200 into the base 10 may result from the downwards movement of the cutter 200 relative to the base 10, the base upwards relative to the cutter 200, and/or the movement of both the cutter 200 and base 10 relative to one another.
  • the assembly of the cutter 200 into the base 10 may occur before, during or after the addition of cap 100 to closure assembly 1.
  • the closure assembly 1 is press assembled, such that the cap 100 is positioned over the top end of cutter 200 when the cutter 200 and base 10 are in the preassembled configuration.
  • a downward force is then applied to the cap 100.
  • the lower surface of the top panel 112 of the cap 100 comes into contact with the upper end of cutter 200, following which further downward movement of the cap 100 causes the frangible securement tabs 230 between cutter 200 and base 10 to break.
  • the continued downwards movement of the cap 100 relative to base 10 causes the cutter 200 to be moved, with the cap 100, in a downwards direction relative to the base 10.
  • the cap 100 is then screwed onto the neck 12 (either by rotation of the cap 100 relative the base 10, rotation of the base 10 relative to the cap 100 or both) to complete the assembly of the closure assembly 1. Due to the elastic and/or resilient nature of the fins 226, as the cap 100 is screwed onto neck 12 of base 10, the drive tabs 135 of the closure 100 are able to deflect and click over the fins 226, allowing the cap 100 to be rotated relative to the base 10 without causing a resultant rotation of the cutter 200 relative to the base 10 during this assembly step.
  • the tabs 135 of the cap 100 may be flexible and elastic.
  • the tabs 135 upon initial application of the cap 100 onto the neck 12 of the base 10, the tabs 135 are configured to deflect inwardly as the tabs 135 come into contact with the fins 226, allowing the tabs 135 to deflect and move over the fins 226 of the cutter 200 such that the cutter 200 remains stationary as the cap 100 is rotated relative to the base 10 during threading of the cap 100 onto the base 10.
  • the tabs 135 generate an audible click as the radially inwardly deflected tabs 135 return to their initial, unstressed, generally perpendicularly downwardly extending configuration.
  • the leading clockwise facing ends of drive tabs 135 may include a beveled surface, as shown e.g. by the embodiment of cap 100 shown in FIG. 4, to allow the tabs 135 to more easily deflect and pass over fins 226 during assembly of closure assembly 1.
  • FIGS. 9-15 additional views of the closure 100, shown in FIGS. 3-4 above, are shown.
  • the tamper evidence band 130 is coupled to upper portion 108 of closure 100 by one or more frangible connections 150, as well as by one or more tether arms 156 or hinge bridges.
  • Frangible connections 150 extend between an upper edge of tamper evidence band 130 and a lower edge of skirt 120 across as tamper evidence channel 142.
  • Tamper evidence channel 142 extends partially around closure 100 in the circumferential direction.
  • one or more tether channels extend from each end of the tamper evidence channel 142. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
  • a substantially vertical connector channel 148 extends at least in part upwards from each end of tamper evidence channel 142, connecting tamper evidence channel 142 to a pair of respective top channels 144, specifically, top tether channels. More specifically, tamper evidence channel 142 extends circumferentially from connector channel 148, defining a generally perpendicular angle between tamper evidence channel 142 and connector channel 148. Further, top channel 144 extends circumferentially around a portion of upper portion 108, from connector channel 148, in the opposite direction of tamper evidence channel 142, defining a generally perpendicular angle between top channel 144 and connector channel 148. In specific embodiments, e.g. the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, top channel 144 is positioned nearer to top panel 112 in the axial direction than tamper evidence channel 142.
  • bottom channel 146 Formed in closure 100 beneath each top channel 144, specifically farther from top panel 112 than top channel 144 in the axial direction, is a bottom channel 146. As shown in FIG. 9, bottom channel 146 is substantially parallel to top channel 144. Positioned circumferentially between the bottom channels 146 is a U-shaped channel 149, which defines tab 152. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom channels 146 respectively extend circumferentially from opposing, substantially vertical side channels of U-shaped channel 149, such that each bottom channel 146 defines a generally perpendicular angle with each respective substantially vertical side of U- shaped channel 149. In other specific embodiments, bottom channels 146 may be formed as independent channels, spaced apart from U-shaped channel 149. Tether arms 156, which extend from retainer band 130 to upper portion 108, are defined by at least portions of the connector channel 148, top channel 144, bottom channel 146, and U-shaped channel 149.
  • tether arms 156 are substantially rectangular with a circumferential tether arm length 158 that is greater than an axial tether arm height 160.
  • the tether arms 156 are configured to have a sufficient circumferential length 158 and axial height 160 to permit torsional rotation of the tether when the closure 100 is transitioned to the hinged open position, and to bias the upper portion 108 toward neck 12 such that the tab 152 engages neck 12 in the hinged open position, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 21.
  • Various factors external to closure 100 may also impact the length of tether arms 156, such as the shape, height, and diameter of neck 12, and/or the angle of incline of threading 15 of neck 12.
  • a closure 100 to be applied to a neck 12 having a thread 15 with a steeper angle of incline may benefit from tether arms 156 with longer circumferential lengths 158, as compared to a closure 100 being applied to a neck 12 having a thread 15 with a shallower angle of incline.
  • injection molding is used to achieve the substantially vertical portions of the U-shaped channel 149 and connector channel 148.
  • all of the tether channels 143 are molded channels, specifically are formed by a molding process, in contrast to a cutting process. Applicant has found that a tether arm with a horizontal rectangular shape, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 9, to have a greater likelihood of resisting deformation when a downward vertical force is applied to the top panel 112, such as during a press assembly step of manufacturing, as described above.
  • the tether channels illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9-12 and 15, specifically top channel 144, bottom channel 146, connector channel 148, and U-shaped channel 149, are continuous, uninterrupted channels that do not include frangible bridges or tamper evidence indicators.
  • Applicant has found the absence of frangible bridges 150 from the tether channels, particularly from the horizontal tether channels, such as top tether channel 144 and bottom tether channel 146, to allow uniform channel compression that is less likely to result in tether arm 156 deformation than the channel compression that would result were frangible bridges to be positioned within such channels.
  • frangible bridges such as frangible bridges 150
  • the upper edge of a horizontal tether channel is drawn more uniformly towards the lower edge of a horizontal tether channel under a downward compressive force applied to the top panel 112 of closure 100.
  • bottom channel 146 is positioned nearer to top panel 112 in the axial direction than tamper evidence channel 142.
  • the retainer band 130 has an axial height 162 from the lower edge of the closure 100 to the lower edge of bottom channel 146 that is greater than or equal to an axial height 166 of retainer band 130 from the lower edge of closure 100 to the bottom of tamper evidence channel 142.
  • the U-shaped channel is positioned, such that an axial height 164 from the lower edge of the closure 100 to the lower edge of the U-shaped channel 149 is greater than or equal to the axial height 166 of retainer band 130 from the lower edge of closure 100 to the bottom of tamper evidence channel 142.
  • the internal retaining structures such as ridges 132 (shown in FIG. 4), can be consistently maintained around the circumference of the retainer band 130.
  • retainer band 130 maintain its securement around neck 12 after upper portion 108 is removed from neck 12, both to tether upper portion 108 to the container 2, even after removal of upper portion 108, as well as to maintain showing of visible tamper evidence, such as by continuing to display broken frangible bridges 150 after closure 100 is resealed following initial opening.
  • tab 152 and tether arms 156 are flush with the surrounding exterior of the closure 100. Specifically, neither the tab 152 or tether arms 156 protrude substantially beyond or contain bumps, projections, etc. the protrude substantially beyond the substantially cylindrical surface that forms the exterior of closure 100. As closure 100 is configured to allow tab 152 to rest directly against neck 12 in the hinged open position (as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 21) no additional bump projection, etc. need protrude from the exterior of closure 100 to bias tab 152 in the hinged open position.
  • closure assembly 1 in a postassembly configuration, prior to initial opening.
  • closure 100 is oriented such that drive tabs 135 are positioned in a disengaged position with respect to fins 226.
  • the cutting element 221 of cutter 200 in contained within the neck 12, specifically, does not protrude past the lower or open edge of neck 12.
  • closure 100 is twisted axially until drive tabs 135 engage fins 226 and rotate cutter 200.
  • closure 100 is rotated clockwise to achieve the engagement described above.
  • the closure 100 includes two drive tabs 135 that engage two of the four fins 226.
  • Closer 100 shown in FIGS. 16-19 is substantially the same as closure 100 shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 9-15, except for the differences described here in.
  • closure 100 is shown in a partially open configuration, following activation of cutter 200.
  • cutter 200 has been driven beneath the lower edge of neck 12, opening drainage channel 13, such that the contents of container 2 are accessible once upper portion 108 is removed from neck 12.
  • frangible connections 150 Upon application of a twisting force to upper portion 108, to remove the upper portion 108 from the neck 12, a majority, if not all, of frangible connections 150 are configured to break, as shown in FIGS. 20-21, separating attachment band 130 from upper portion 108, except for an intervening connection, such as the tether arms 156, as illustrated in FIG. 21.
  • frangible connections 150 each have a length that is less than the length of a respective tether arm 156 in the circumferential direction, a height that is less than the height of tether arm 156 in the vertical or axial direction, and a width that is less than the width of tether arm 156 in the radial direction.
  • each tether arm 156 has an axial height, a circumferential length, and a radial width respectively greater than or equal to each respective frangible connection 150.
  • tether arms 156 or hinge bridges are sturdier and more resistant to breaking from torque when upper portion 108 is being removed from neck 12.
  • upper portion 108 undergoes approximately 1.5 to 2 rotations around neck 12 before achieving removal from neck 12.
  • tether arms 156 serve as torsion bars, biasing upper portion 108, specifically tab 152, towards neck 12, such that the hinged open position can be maintained, even when the container 2 to which closure assembly 1 is attached is tipped or tilter for pouring.
  • closures 100 discussed herein may be of various sizes intended to seal containers of various sizes and having various contents.
  • closure 100 is configured to seal a container configured to hold consumable or edible products (e.g., food, water, edible broths, etc.).
  • the closure 100 discussed herein is formed from a plastic or polymer material, such as high-density polyethylene.
  • the closures 100 may be formed by injection molding or by compression molding.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une fermeture qui reste accouplée à un récipient, même dans une position ouverte. La fermeture peut comprendre une bande de retenue qui reste accouplée au col après qu'une partie supérieure de la fermeture est retirée du col. La bande de retenue peut être séparée de la partie supérieure, en partie, par un canal d'inviolabilité qui comprend des indicateurs d'inviolabilité. La partie supérieure peut comprendre une languette utilisée pour laisser la partie supérieure dans une position ouverte articulée. Dans la position ouverte articulée, la languette peut venir en prise avec le col. La fermeture peut également comprendre deux bras d'attache qui accouplent la bande de retenue à la partie supérieure et qui sollicitent la languette vers le col dans une position ouverte articulée. Les bras d'attache peuvent être rectangulaires et délimités par un ou plusieurs canaux d'attache. La fermeture peut comprendre des languettes d'entraînement intérieures conçues pour entraîner un dispositif de coupe positionné à l'intérieur du col.
PCT/US2022/043490 2022-09-14 2022-09-14 Fermeture à charnière WO2024058774A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2022/043490 WO2024058774A1 (fr) 2022-09-14 2022-09-14 Fermeture à charnière

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2022/043490 WO2024058774A1 (fr) 2022-09-14 2022-09-14 Fermeture à charnière

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024058774A1 true WO2024058774A1 (fr) 2024-03-21

Family

ID=90275556

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2022/043490 WO2024058774A1 (fr) 2022-09-14 2022-09-14 Fermeture à charnière

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024058774A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20090005746A (ko) * 2007-07-10 2009-01-14 (주)베스트이지캡 마개 분실 및 공회전 방지 버팀부를 구비한 용기
US20200255195A1 (en) * 2017-09-07 2020-08-13 Silgan White Cap LLC Closure Assembly
US20210047084A1 (en) * 2018-05-09 2021-02-18 Silgan White Cap LLC Closure with Hinge
EP3892567A1 (fr) * 2020-03-27 2021-10-13 Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa Combinaison d'un capuchon pour un récipient et d'un col du récipient
US20220073238A1 (en) * 2019-05-13 2022-03-10 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Closure device for a container

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20090005746A (ko) * 2007-07-10 2009-01-14 (주)베스트이지캡 마개 분실 및 공회전 방지 버팀부를 구비한 용기
US20200255195A1 (en) * 2017-09-07 2020-08-13 Silgan White Cap LLC Closure Assembly
US20210047084A1 (en) * 2018-05-09 2021-02-18 Silgan White Cap LLC Closure with Hinge
US20220073238A1 (en) * 2019-05-13 2022-03-10 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Closure device for a container
EP3892567A1 (fr) * 2020-03-27 2021-10-13 Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa Combinaison d'un capuchon pour un récipient et d'un col du récipient

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10315808B2 (en) Container closure cap and container closure
US6811047B1 (en) Closure with enhanced removal capability
US5641099A (en) Nestable pouring spout assembly
RU2387589C2 (ru) Упаковочное изделие
EP1181210B1 (fr) Fermeture aeree composite
US4709823A (en) Tamper evident bottle or package closure
US7988004B1 (en) Dispensing closure with tamper evident device
US6626310B2 (en) Closure with gas barrier seal for a pressurized container
EP1514806B1 (fr) Ensemble de fermeture pour récipient, ayant une capsule de surbouchage
US20050269373A1 (en) Cover for dispensing closure with pressure actuated valve
US20010052531A1 (en) Fitment and resealable dispensing closure assembly for high-pressure sealing and bi-modal dispensing
JP3699726B2 (ja) 簡単に取外しができない蓋を有する容器
JP5877557B2 (ja) 合成樹脂製ヒンジキャップ
AU2001264648A1 (en) Fitment and resealable dispensing closure assembly for high-pressure sealing and bi-modal dispensing
EP3010818B1 (fr) Bouchon muni d'un élément de coupe
WO1999012815A2 (fr) Fermeture en plastique inviolable
RU2461500C2 (ru) Запорное устройство и способ его изготовления
CA2529968C (fr) Bande de verrouillage inviolable pour dispositif de fermeture de contenant
WO2024058774A1 (fr) Fermeture à charnière
US6431404B1 (en) Tamper evident plastic closure
JPH06345111A (ja) 閉鎖部材及びその組み付け方法
WO2018054844A1 (fr) Bec verseur pour emballage alimentaire
JP2001199458A (ja) プラスチックキャップ

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 22958942

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1