US20070164027A1 - Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring - Google Patents
Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070164027A1 US20070164027A1 US11/528,050 US52805006A US2007164027A1 US 20070164027 A1 US20070164027 A1 US 20070164027A1 US 52805006 A US52805006 A US 52805006A US 2007164027 A1 US2007164027 A1 US 2007164027A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- container
- locking
- lip
- skirt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/3446—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
- B65D81/3453—Rigid containers, e.g. trays, bottles, boxes, cups
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- 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
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/16—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers
- B65D41/18—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics
- B65D41/185—Snap-on caps or cap-like covers non-metallic, e.g. made of paper or plastics with integral internal sealing means
-
- 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
- B65D47/0847—Hinges without elastic bias located within a flat surface of the base element
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- 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
- B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
- B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
- B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
- B65D50/045—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring
- B65D50/046—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring and such deformation causes the disengagement of locking means, e.g. the release of a pawl-like element from a tooth or abutment, to allow removal of the closure by simultaneous rotation
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- 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
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
- B65D51/1605—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior
- B65D51/1611—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior by means of an orifice, capillary or labyrinth passage
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to removable closures for containers, and more particularly, to removable and reusable closures for use with microwavable containers.
- a microwavable food container with a lid to be secured to the container during the microwave heating process.
- the lid functions to reduce the potential for contents of the container spilling or boiling over during the heating process.
- the invention is a closure for a container having an upper end and a lip proximate to the upper end.
- the closure includes a top and a skirt connected to the peripheral edge of the top.
- the skirt has a upper edge and a lower edge.
- At least one locking lever is provided and includes an inwardly projecting locking wedge.
- An elastically deformable hinge connects the locking lever to the top. The hinge permits pivotal movement of the locking lever between a latched position and an unlatched position.
- the locking wedge is adapted to releasably engage the container lip in the latched position and disengage the container lip in the unlatched position.
- the skirt is separated into skirt portions located on each side of a locking lever.
- a strap is located below the locking lever and attached to the skirt portions so as to form a substantially complete ring around the bottom of the closure.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container closure according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on a container.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1 shown removed from the container.
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the closure and upper portion of the container of FIG. 1 , taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 , with the closure shown separated from the container.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the closure and upper portion of the container of FIG. 1 , taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 , with the closure shown separated from the container.
- FIG. 6A is the enlarged detail view of a locking lever of the closure of FIG. 1 , taken along line 6 A- 6 A of FIG. 3 , with the closure shown separated from the container and showing the locking lever rotated into a latched position.
- FIG. 6B is an enlarged detail view of a locking lever of FIG. 6A , with the closure shown connected to the container and showing the locking lever rotated into an unlatched position.
- FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternate closure that includes a spout.
- FIG. 8 is a front view of the closure of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is an cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 7 taken along lines 9 - 9 .
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the cross-section of FIG. 9 illustrating the connecting strap.
- FIG. 1 depicts a container 4 in combination with a closure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the container 4 has an upper end 6 having an open mouth.
- the open mouth is provided with a conventional frangible or removable seal 7 , which may be removed by a user to expose contents (not shown) of the container 4 .
- a removable seal is a peel-off film that is sealed to the rim of other edge of the container.
- the container 4 may be of any size or shape and may be fabricated from any one of a variety of materials.
- the container 4 contains food products which are heated in a microwave oven prior to consumption. Therefore, the container 4 is preferably fabricated from a material suitable for storage of food products and for microwave use.
- the container 4 includes a raised lip 8 , or similar structure proximate to its upper end 6 .
- the raised lip 8 may be disposed directly adjacent the upper end 6 of the container 4 or in close proximity thereto. For example, should the container 4 employ a threaded end, the raised lip 8 may be disposed above or below the threaded connection.
- container 4 and closure 10 are illustrated as each having a substantially circular cross-section, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the invention are applicable to a variety of other cross-sectional shapes including, for example, elliptical or polygonal shapes.
- the following description and alternate embodiments of the invention are not intended to describe all closure/container combinations, but are merely illustrative of how the teachings of the present invention may be employed in the context of a variety of container configurations.
- the closure 10 includes a top 12 , at least one, and preferably two or more locking levers 14 disposed radially outboard of the top 12 , and an elastically deformable hinge 16 (best seen in FIG. 3 ) connecting the top 12 and each of the locking levers 14 .
- the hinge 16 includes at least one and preferable two circumferentially spaced apart webs 16 A, 16 B which help to stabilize the locking levers 14 for providing controlled locking of the closure to the container 4 .
- the use of two (or more) webs for each locking lever 14 helps to dissipate or reduce the heat that passes to the locking lever 14 .
- the webs 16 A, 16 B are separated by a hole or slot 16 C.
- slot 16 C makes the hinge 16 more flexible, and reduces the amount of force required to move the locking levers 14 . Stated otherwise, the slots 16 C allow the locking levers 14 to extend through a larger arc, while reducing the amount of force required to move the locking levers 14 compared to the amount of force which would be required if the hinge 16 had a continuous web.
- the top 12 includes a sealing ring or plug seal 22 , which provides a seal between the top 12 and the container lip 8 when the closure 10 is installed on the container 4 .
- sufficient sealing between the top 12 and container lip 8 could be provided by the hinge 16 and the locking levers 14 such that the sealing ring 22 could be omitted. That is, if the locking levers 14 develop a sufficiently robust connection between the closure 10 and the container 4 , an adequate seal could be realized between a lower side of the top 12 and an upper extent of the lip 8 .
- the closure 10 includes a skirt 23 , preferably formed by multiple skirt segments 23 a , 23 b located on opposite sides of the locking levers. The skirt 23 is preferably connected to a periphery of the top 12 .
- the top 12 has a first portion 40 and a second portion 50 .
- the first and second portions 40 and 50 are both substantially planar, defining a first plane 42 and a second plane 52 , respectively.
- the first and second planes 42 , 52 are non-coincident.
- the first and second planes 42 , 52 are substantially parallel, and are displaced from one another by a displacement or offset A (see FIG. 4 ).
- the first portion 40 has an outer extent 44
- the second portion 50 has an inner extent 54 and an outer extent 56 .
- first and second portions 40 , 50 are concentric, with the second portion 50 surrounding the first portion 40 .
- the second portion outer extent 56 preferably connects to the skirt 23 . It should be readily apparent that, although the first and second portions are planar in the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the portions may be curvilinear or other contoured shape.
- a transition section 70 is preferably provided between the first and second portions 40 , 50 .
- the transition section 70 connects the first portion outer extent 44 to the second portion inner extent 54 .
- the transition section 70 may be shaped in various ways, including a frustoconical shape as illustrated.
- vent holes 60 At least one vent hole 60 , and preferably a plurality of vent holes 60 are provided in the first portion 40 .
- the total vent area provided by the vent holes is not critical, with satisfactory performance being realized with the total vent area ranging widely, including a range from about 0.05 square inches up to about 0.50 square inches.
- the vent holes 60 operate to relieve gas pressure within the container 4 and closure 10 generated during the heating process.
- the skirt 23 has a first, upper edge 80 and a second, lower edge 82 .
- the upper edge 80 preferably defines an upper plane and is included for stackability.
- the first plane 42 defined by the first portion 40 is preferably near the upper edge 80
- the second plane 52 defined by the second portion 50 is intermediate the upper edge 80 and lower edge 82 .
- the first plane 42 could be substantially coincident with the upper edge 80 , or could lie slightly below the upper edge 80 .
- the sealing ring 22 is illustrated to have a first, upper end which connects to an underside surface of the top 12 .
- the sealing ring 22 projects toward the upper end 6 .
- a portion of the sealing ring 22 defines a sealing surface 24 adapted to detachably mate or contact with an interior surface 28 of the container lip 8 .
- the sealing surface 24 and interior surface 28 lie along substantially parallel planes.
- the contact surfaces 24 , 28 could be formed to lie along planes that are at an acute angle with respect to one another to provide an interference fit and enhance sealing between the sealing surface 24 and the interior surface 28 .
- At least one and preferably two or more locking levers 14 are disposed about the periphery of the top 12 .
- the levers 14 are positioned to be substantially diametrically opposed about the circumference (i.e., spaced approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees apart).
- the levers 14 may be spaced in unequal increments depending upon the particular application.
- the locking levers 14 may have any of a number of various shapes.
- the locking levers 14 may have a shape in the circumferential direction that is either linear or arcuate depending upon the desired top configuration.
- a top view of a locking lever 14 shows the curvature or arcuate shape of the lever 14 conforming to the circumferential periphery of the skirt 23 .
- each locking lever 14 When employed with a circular closure 10 , each locking lever 14 preferably has an arc length extending over an included angle ⁇ .
- the included angle ⁇ is preferably in the range of about 10 to about 15 degrees.
- each locking lever 14 includes actuation and lower locking arms, 30 and 32 , respectively.
- the actuation arm 30 extends in one direction (upwardly, as illustrated) from the deformable hinge 16
- the lower locking arm 32 generally extends in the opposing direction, (downwardly, as illustrated) from the hinge 16 .
- the deformable hinge 16 is located between or intermediate the actuation and lower locking arms 30 , 32 and provides a pivotal connection about which each locking lever 14 may pivot.
- Each locking lever 14 includes a locking wedge 36 .
- the wedge 36 includes a sloped guide surface 36 G and a retaining surface 36 R.
- the wedge 36 is sized, shaped, and positioned on the locking lever 14 to releaseably engage the container lip 8 when the closure 10 is installed on the container 4 and to secure the closure 10 to the container 4 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B Operation of the latching levers 14 to attach the closure 10 to and to detach the closure 10 from the container 4 is now described with particular reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B .
- the description is applicable to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, however, the fundamentals generally apply to the alternate embodiments as well.
- the closure 10 of the present invention is aligned with the upper end 6 of the container 4 such that the lower locking arms 32 and sealing ring 22 are adjacent the container lip 8 .
- the closure 10 then is pressed axially downward against the container lip 8 such that the guide surfaces 36 G of the locking wedges 36 ride over an external surface of the lip 8 .
- the deformable hinge 16 facilitates displacement of the lower locking arms 32 of the levers 14 from a latched position 14 A into an unlatched position 14 B, as each locking wedge 36 passes the container lip 8 . More specifically, the axial displacement of the closure 10 effects radial displacement of the lower locking arms 32 until the vertex of the wedge 36 passes the lower edge 8 LE of the container lip 8 . Once the vertex of each wedge 36 passes the container lip 8 , the inherent memory of the deformable hinge 16 causes the locking wedges 36 to displace radially inwardly, back into the latched position 14 A, toward the principle Z-axis of the container 4 .
- the elasticity of the deformable hinge 16 rotates the levers 14 into the latched position 14 A to cause the locking wedges 36 to engage the container lip 8 .
- the guide surfaces 36 G facilitate engagement of the closure 10 without the requirement to align the sealing surfaces 24 , 28 or actuate the locking levers 14 . That is, the guide surfaces 36 G are sloped downward and away from the lower locking arm 32 to facilitate self-actuation of the locking lever 14 .
- engagement of the closure 10 to the container 4 may be performed by one hand.
- Disengagement of the closure 10 is effected by pressing the actuation arms 30 of the locking levers 14 radially inwardly to pivot the lower locking arms 32 into the unlatched position 14 B.
- the radially inward displacement of the actuation arms 30 causes the locking arms 32 to disengage from the container lip 8 .
- Movement of the levers 14 into the unlatched position 14 B can generally be performed with the thumb and forefinger of the same hand, while the container 4 is held in the other hand. With the locking wedges 14 disengaged from the container lip 8 , the closure 10 may be axially separated from the container 4 .
- the locking levers 14 preferably include a textured surface 11 , such as a series of protrusions or dimples, that provide a gripping surface for the user's fingers.
- the textured surface 11 assists in inhibiting the user's fingers from slipping off the levers as they actuate the levers 14 .
- the closure 10 is preferably manufactured as an integral, unitary structure from a polymeric material. That is, the top 12 , locking levers 14 , and deformable hinges 16 are preferably fabricated as a single unit to form a unitary structure. Polypropylene is a particularly preferred material. Preferably, a conventional, low-cost fabrication technique, such as injection molding, is used to fabricate the closure 10 .
- the container 4 is preferably provided to the consumer/user with the closure 10 attached (see FIG. 1 ).
- the user first removes the closure 10 , and then removes the seal 7 , creating an open mouth at the container upper end 6 .
- the closure 10 is then re-installed on the container 4 , and the assembly of the container and closure is placed in a microwave oven for heating. During the heating process, gases within the container expand. Without the vent holes 60 , the gases within the container could pressurize the interior of the container 4 to such a level as to disengage the closure 10 from the container 4 .
- the temperature of the lid can rise, creating a potentially hazardous condition when the user attempts to remove the product form the microwave.
- the closure 10 disengaged, the potential for boiling over or other spillage of container contents both during and after the heating process is increased.
- the vent holes 60 assist in maintaining engagement of the closure 10 with the container 4 during heating process. With the closure 10 engaged with the container 4 , the potential for spillage or boiling over of the contents being heated is reduced.
- vent holes 60 in the first portion 40 of the top 12 also reduces potential for spillage and boiling over of the contents while being heated. With the first portion 40 displaced from and elevated above the second portion 50 , the contents of the container 4 have farther to travel to reach the vent holes 60 . The elevated position of the vent holes 60 reduces the probability of contents escaping through the vent holes. Also, locating the vent holes 60 centrally reduces the potential for spillage.
- vent holes 60 were positioned toward the periphery of the top 12 , a relatively minor tilting of the container 4 and closure 10 would result in overflow of the contents through the vent holes 60 , while with the vent holes 60 positioned centrally, a more pronounced tilting of the container 4 and closure 10 is required for the contents to overflow through the vent holes 60 .
- placement of the holes near the center provides a chimney effect directing the pressure and heat in a single direction and away from the actuation arms. This minimizes temperature increase in the arms.
- FIGS. 7-10 another embodiment of a closure cap 200 is shown.
- the closure has two flexible locking levers 210 located on the sides of the skirt, 180 degrees across from each other.
- a drinking spout 212 is formed in the top 214 and includes a spout lid 216 that is hinged to the top and removable seals the spout 212 .
- straps 300 are located under the flexible locking levers, at or near the base of the skirt.
- the straps 300 are attached to the skirt side portions together so as to form an integral connection.
- the straps create, in combination with the skirt, a continuous 360° type of belt around the entire base of the closure.
- the connecting straps add strength and structure to the closure by creating rigid circumferential continuity in the closure. The location of the straps below the locking lever does not interfere with the operation of the lever or the placement of the closure on the container.
- the strap has a height of approximately 0.100 inches, and a radial thickness of about 0.05 inches. This provides sufficient strength for a closure having a diameter of approximately 2.8 inches.
- the straps insure that the skirt side walls do not spread apart under pressure. They also keep the inside plug seal from being distorted when external or internal pressures are applied, by keeping the sides from rising up.
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- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/722,105 filed Sep. 30, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to removable closures for containers, and more particularly, to removable and reusable closures for use with microwavable containers.
- It is known to provide a microwavable food container with a lid to be secured to the container during the microwave heating process. The lid functions to reduce the potential for contents of the container spilling or boiling over during the heating process.
- Many existing lid designs have deficiencies in that they tend to deform during microwave heating. As such, the contents can boil over during cooking or spill when the user attempts to remove the container from the microwave.
- It would be desirable to provide a lid having features which further reduce potential spilling or boiling over of the container contents during the microwave heating process.
- In one aspect, the invention is a closure for a container having an upper end and a lip proximate to the upper end. The closure includes a top and a skirt connected to the peripheral edge of the top. The skirt has a upper edge and a lower edge. At least one locking lever is provided and includes an inwardly projecting locking wedge. An elastically deformable hinge connects the locking lever to the top. The hinge permits pivotal movement of the locking lever between a latched position and an unlatched position. The locking wedge is adapted to releasably engage the container lip in the latched position and disengage the container lip in the unlatched position. The skirt is separated into skirt portions located on each side of a locking lever. A strap is located below the locking lever and attached to the skirt portions so as to form a substantially complete ring around the bottom of the closure.
- For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms that are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and constructions particularly shown.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container closure according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown installed on a container. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the closure ofFIG. 1 shown removed from the container. -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the closure ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the closure and upper portion of the container ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 , with the closure shown separated from the container. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the closure and upper portion of the container ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3 , with the closure shown separated from the container. -
FIG. 6A is the enlarged detail view of a locking lever of the closure ofFIG. 1 , taken alongline 6A-6A ofFIG. 3 , with the closure shown separated from the container and showing the locking lever rotated into a latched position. -
FIG. 6B is an enlarged detail view of a locking lever ofFIG. 6A , with the closure shown connected to the container and showing the locking lever rotated into an unlatched position. -
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternate closure that includes a spout. -
FIG. 8 is a front view of the closure ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is an cross-sectional view of the closure ofFIG. 7 taken along lines 9-9. -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the cross-section ofFIG. 9 illustrating the connecting strap. - Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, components and subassemblies,
FIG. 1 depicts acontainer 4 in combination with aclosure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thecontainer 4 has anupper end 6 having an open mouth. Preferably, the open mouth is provided with a conventional frangible orremovable seal 7, which may be removed by a user to expose contents (not shown) of thecontainer 4. One example of a removable seal is a peel-off film that is sealed to the rim of other edge of the container. With theseal 7 removed, theclosure 10 may be attached to theupper end 6 during heating of the container contents to reduce potential for spillage or boiling over of the contents, while allowing heated gases generated during the heating process to escape from the container. - The
container 4 may be of any size or shape and may be fabricated from any one of a variety of materials. Preferably, thecontainer 4 contains food products which are heated in a microwave oven prior to consumption. Therefore, thecontainer 4 is preferably fabricated from a material suitable for storage of food products and for microwave use. Thecontainer 4 includes a raisedlip 8, or similar structure proximate to itsupper end 6. The raisedlip 8 may be disposed directly adjacent theupper end 6 of thecontainer 4 or in close proximity thereto. For example, should thecontainer 4 employ a threaded end, the raisedlip 8 may be disposed above or below the threaded connection. Furthermore, while thecontainer 4 andclosure 10 are illustrated as each having a substantially circular cross-section, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the invention are applicable to a variety of other cross-sectional shapes including, for example, elliptical or polygonal shapes. The following description and alternate embodiments of the invention are not intended to describe all closure/container combinations, but are merely illustrative of how the teachings of the present invention may be employed in the context of a variety of container configurations. - For the purposes of defining direction and/or angular orientation, it will be useful to define a cylindrical coordinate system, wherein a Z-axis is coincident with a
longitudinal axis 4 A of thecontainer 4. Displacement in, or spatial orientation relative to, the Z-axis is referred to as “axial” displacement or position, while displacement or spatial orientation along a radius R from the Z-axis will be referred to in terms of “radial” displacement or position. - One closure or lid that is useful in combination with the present invention is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/075,788, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A brief description of that closure follows.
- With reference initially to
FIGS. 1-3 , theclosure 10 includes atop 12, at least one, and preferably two ormore locking levers 14 disposed radially outboard of thetop 12, and an elastically deformable hinge 16 (best seen inFIG. 3 ) connecting thetop 12 and each of the locking levers 14. Thehinge 16 includes at least one and preferable two circumferentially spaced apartwebs locking levers 14 for providing controlled locking of the closure to thecontainer 4. The use of two (or more) webs for eachlocking lever 14 helps to dissipate or reduce the heat that passes to thelocking lever 14. Thewebs slot 16C. Providingslot 16C makes thehinge 16 more flexible, and reduces the amount of force required to move thelocking levers 14. Stated otherwise, theslots 16C allow the locking levers 14 to extend through a larger arc, while reducing the amount of force required to move thelocking levers 14 compared to the amount of force which would be required if thehinge 16 had a continuous web. - In the described embodiment, the
top 12 includes a sealing ring orplug seal 22, which provides a seal between thetop 12 and thecontainer lip 8 when theclosure 10 is installed on thecontainer 4. Alternatively, sufficient sealing between thetop 12 andcontainer lip 8 could be provided by thehinge 16 and the locking levers 14 such that thesealing ring 22 could be omitted. That is, if the locking levers 14 develop a sufficiently robust connection between theclosure 10 and thecontainer 4, an adequate seal could be realized between a lower side of thetop 12 and an upper extent of thelip 8. Theclosure 10 includes askirt 23, preferably formed bymultiple skirt segments skirt 23 is preferably connected to a periphery of the top 12. - With particular reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , one embodiment of the closure is illustrated which includes a venting features. The top 12 has afirst portion 40 and asecond portion 50. Preferably, the first andsecond portions first plane 42 and asecond plane 52, respectively. The first andsecond planes second planes FIG. 4 ). In the embodiment illustrated, thefirst portion 40 has anouter extent 44, and thesecond portion 50 has aninner extent 54 and anouter extent 56. Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated, the first andsecond portions second portion 50 surrounding thefirst portion 40. The second portionouter extent 56 preferably connects to theskirt 23. It should be readily apparent that, although the first and second portions are planar in the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the portions may be curvilinear or other contoured shape. - A
transition section 70 is preferably provided between the first andsecond portions transition section 70 connects the first portionouter extent 44 to the second portioninner extent 54. Thetransition section 70 may be shaped in various ways, including a frustoconical shape as illustrated. - At least one
vent hole 60, and preferably a plurality of vent holes 60 are provided in thefirst portion 40. The total vent area provided by the vent holes is not critical, with satisfactory performance being realized with the total vent area ranging widely, including a range from about 0.05 square inches up to about 0.50 square inches. As discussed herein below, the vent holes 60 operate to relieve gas pressure within thecontainer 4 andclosure 10 generated during the heating process. - With particular reference now to
FIG. 4 , theskirt 23 has a first,upper edge 80 and a second,lower edge 82. Theupper edge 80 preferably defines an upper plane and is included for stackability. As illustrated, thefirst plane 42 defined by thefirst portion 40 is preferably near theupper edge 80, while thesecond plane 52 defined by thesecond portion 50 is intermediate theupper edge 80 andlower edge 82. Thefirst plane 42 could be substantially coincident with theupper edge 80, or could lie slightly below theupper edge 80. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 along withFIG. 6A , the sealingring 22 is illustrated to have a first, upper end which connects to an underside surface of the top 12. When assembled with thecontainer 4, the sealingring 22 projects toward theupper end 6. A portion of the sealingring 22 defines a sealingsurface 24 adapted to detachably mate or contact with aninterior surface 28 of thecontainer lip 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealingsurface 24 andinterior surface 28 lie along substantially parallel planes. However, alternatively the contact surfaces 24, 28 could be formed to lie along planes that are at an acute angle with respect to one another to provide an interference fit and enhance sealing between the sealingsurface 24 and theinterior surface 28. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 5 , at least one and preferably two or more locking levers 14 are disposed about the periphery of the top 12. Preferably, if there are two levers, thelevers 14 are positioned to be substantially diametrically opposed about the circumference (i.e., spaced approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees apart). However, alternatively, thelevers 14 may be spaced in unequal increments depending upon the particular application. - The locking levers 14 may have any of a number of various shapes. For example the locking levers 14 may have a shape in the circumferential direction that is either linear or arcuate depending upon the desired top configuration. With reference to
FIG. 3 , a top view of a lockinglever 14 shows the curvature or arcuate shape of thelever 14 conforming to the circumferential periphery of theskirt 23. When employed with acircular closure 10, each lockinglever 14 preferably has an arc length extending over an included angle φ. The included angle φ is preferably in the range of about 10 to about 15 degrees. - With reference now to
FIGS. 6A and 6B , each lockinglever 14 includes actuation and lower locking arms, 30 and 32, respectively. Theactuation arm 30 extends in one direction (upwardly, as illustrated) from thedeformable hinge 16, while thelower locking arm 32 generally extends in the opposing direction, (downwardly, as illustrated) from thehinge 16. Thedeformable hinge 16 is located between or intermediate the actuation andlower locking arms lever 14 may pivot. - Each locking
lever 14 includes a lockingwedge 36. Thewedge 36 includes a slopedguide surface 36G and a retainingsurface 36R. Thewedge 36 is sized, shaped, and positioned on the lockinglever 14 to releaseably engage thecontainer lip 8 when theclosure 10 is installed on thecontainer 4 and to secure theclosure 10 to thecontainer 4. - Operation of the latching levers 14 to attach the
closure 10 to and to detach theclosure 10 from thecontainer 4 is now described with particular reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B . The description is applicable to the specific embodiment shown in the figures, however, the fundamentals generally apply to the alternate embodiments as well. Initially, theclosure 10 of the present invention is aligned with theupper end 6 of thecontainer 4 such that thelower locking arms 32 and sealingring 22 are adjacent thecontainer lip 8. Theclosure 10 then is pressed axially downward against thecontainer lip 8 such that the guide surfaces 36G of the lockingwedges 36 ride over an external surface of thelip 8. Thedeformable hinge 16 facilitates displacement of thelower locking arms 32 of thelevers 14 from a latched position 14A into an unlatched position 14B, as each lockingwedge 36 passes thecontainer lip 8. More specifically, the axial displacement of theclosure 10 effects radial displacement of thelower locking arms 32 until the vertex of thewedge 36 passes the lower edge 8LE of thecontainer lip 8. Once the vertex of eachwedge 36 passes thecontainer lip 8, the inherent memory of thedeformable hinge 16 causes the lockingwedges 36 to displace radially inwardly, back into the latched position 14A, toward the principle Z-axis of thecontainer 4. More specifically, the elasticity of thedeformable hinge 16 rotates thelevers 14 into the latched position 14A to cause the lockingwedges 36 to engage thecontainer lip 8. The guide surfaces 36G facilitate engagement of theclosure 10 without the requirement to align the sealing surfaces 24, 28 or actuate the locking levers 14. That is, the guide surfaces 36G are sloped downward and away from thelower locking arm 32 to facilitate self-actuation of the lockinglever 14. Thus, engagement of theclosure 10 to thecontainer 4 may be performed by one hand. - Disengagement of the
closure 10 is effected by pressing theactuation arms 30 of the locking levers 14 radially inwardly to pivot thelower locking arms 32 into the unlatched position 14B. The radially inward displacement of theactuation arms 30 causes the lockingarms 32 to disengage from thecontainer lip 8. Movement of thelevers 14 into the unlatched position 14B can generally be performed with the thumb and forefinger of the same hand, while thecontainer 4 is held in the other hand. With the lockingwedges 14 disengaged from thecontainer lip 8, theclosure 10 may be axially separated from thecontainer 4. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , the locking levers 14 preferably include atextured surface 11, such as a series of protrusions or dimples, that provide a gripping surface for the user's fingers. Thetextured surface 11 assists in inhibiting the user's fingers from slipping off the levers as they actuate thelevers 14. - The
closure 10 is preferably manufactured as an integral, unitary structure from a polymeric material. That is, the top 12, locking levers 14, and deformable hinges 16 are preferably fabricated as a single unit to form a unitary structure. Polypropylene is a particularly preferred material. Preferably, a conventional, low-cost fabrication technique, such as injection molding, is used to fabricate theclosure 10. - In use, the
container 4 is preferably provided to the consumer/user with theclosure 10 attached (seeFIG. 1 ). When the user is ready to heat the contents ofcontainer 4, the user first removes theclosure 10, and then removes theseal 7, creating an open mouth at the containerupper end 6. Theclosure 10 is then re-installed on thecontainer 4, and the assembly of the container and closure is placed in a microwave oven for heating. During the heating process, gases within the container expand. Without the vent holes 60, the gases within the container could pressurize the interior of thecontainer 4 to such a level as to disengage theclosure 10 from thecontainer 4. Additionally, without sufficient heat dissipation, the temperature of the lid can rise, creating a potentially hazardous condition when the user attempts to remove the product form the microwave. Furthermore, with theclosure 10 disengaged, the potential for boiling over or other spillage of container contents both during and after the heating process is increased. Thus, the vent holes 60 assist in maintaining engagement of theclosure 10 with thecontainer 4 during heating process. With theclosure 10 engaged with thecontainer 4, the potential for spillage or boiling over of the contents being heated is reduced. - Furthermore, locating the vent holes 60 in the
first portion 40 of the top 12 also reduces potential for spillage and boiling over of the contents while being heated. With thefirst portion 40 displaced from and elevated above thesecond portion 50, the contents of thecontainer 4 have farther to travel to reach the vent holes 60. The elevated position of the vent holes 60 reduces the probability of contents escaping through the vent holes. Also, locating the vent holes 60 centrally reduces the potential for spillage. If the vent holes 60 were positioned toward the periphery of the top 12, a relatively minor tilting of thecontainer 4 andclosure 10 would result in overflow of the contents through the vent holes 60, while with the vent holes 60 positioned centrally, a more pronounced tilting of thecontainer 4 andclosure 10 is required for the contents to overflow through the vent holes 60. Moreover, placement of the holes near the center provides a chimney effect directing the pressure and heat in a single direction and away from the actuation arms. This minimizes temperature increase in the arms. - Referring to
FIGS. 7-10 , another embodiment of aclosure cap 200 is shown. The closure has twoflexible locking levers 210 located on the sides of the skirt, 180 degrees across from each other. Adrinking spout 212 is formed in the top 214 and includes aspout lid 216 that is hinged to the top and removable seals thespout 212. - In both embodiments illustrates in
FIGS. 1-10 ,straps 300 are located under the flexible locking levers, at or near the base of the skirt. Thestraps 300 are attached to the skirt side portions together so as to form an integral connection. The straps create, in combination with the skirt, a continuous 360° type of belt around the entire base of the closure. The connecting straps add strength and structure to the closure by creating rigid circumferential continuity in the closure. The location of the straps below the locking lever does not interfere with the operation of the lever or the placement of the closure on the container. - In one embodiment of the invention, the strap has a height of approximately 0.100 inches, and a radial thickness of about 0.05 inches. This provides sufficient strength for a closure having a diameter of approximately 2.8 inches.
- The straps insure that the skirt side walls do not spread apart under pressure. They also keep the inside plug seal from being distorted when external or internal pressures are applied, by keeping the sides from rising up.
- Further, a variety of other modifications to the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure provided herein. Thus, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
Claims (8)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/528,050 US20070164027A1 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2006-09-26 | Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US72210505P | 2005-09-30 | 2005-09-30 | |
US11/528,050 US20070164027A1 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2006-09-26 | Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070164027A1 true US20070164027A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
Family
ID=38308751
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/528,050 Abandoned US20070164027A1 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2006-09-26 | Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20070164027A1 (en) |
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US20090096878A1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2009-04-16 | Chen Homer H | Digital image stabilization method |
US20090194535A1 (en) * | 2008-02-04 | 2009-08-06 | Russell Reed | Closure for Container |
US20100270306A1 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | Tech Ii, Inc. | Container and closure assembly |
US7918360B2 (en) | 2008-03-07 | 2011-04-05 | Silgan Plastics Corporation | Container with overcap |
US20110272321A1 (en) * | 2009-01-14 | 2011-11-10 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | Container for depilatory composition |
US20120164283A1 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2012-06-28 | Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc | Container Lid Having Selectively Coverable Access Opening |
WO2014137582A1 (en) * | 2013-02-19 | 2014-09-12 | Cool Gear International, Llc | Caps and containers containing the same |
WO2017102456A1 (en) * | 2015-12-18 | 2017-06-22 | Volvo Truck Corporation | A cap assembly for attachment to a fastener |
US9694949B2 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2017-07-04 | The Hershey Company | Airtight container |
US10669080B2 (en) | 2018-09-19 | 2020-06-02 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Tamper evident closure |
US10689169B1 (en) | 2019-06-19 | 2020-06-23 | Packaging Concepts Associates Holding, Inc. | Child-resistant flip-top closure and locking system for a container |
USD896040S1 (en) | 2019-06-13 | 2020-09-15 | CamCal Enterprises, LLC | Container enclosure |
USD896041S1 (en) | 2019-06-13 | 2020-09-15 | CamCal Enterprises, LLC | Container enclosure |
US10773873B2 (en) | 2018-06-13 | 2020-09-15 | CamCal Enterprises, LLC | Beverage container enclosure |
USD900606S1 (en) | 2018-03-02 | 2020-11-03 | Berlin Packaging, Llc | Closure |
US11040809B1 (en) | 2020-10-09 | 2021-06-22 | Packaging Concepts Associates Holding, Inc. | Push button tilt top closure and locking system for a container |
US20210276760A1 (en) * | 2020-02-14 | 2021-09-09 | Pavel Savenok | Lid-Cap Combinations for a Can |
USD931101S1 (en) | 2018-03-02 | 2021-09-21 | Berlin Packaging, Llc | Closure |
US20220227527A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2022-07-21 | Pavel Savenok | Re-Closeable Cap for a Can |
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