WO2010037994A1 - A closure - Google Patents

A closure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010037994A1
WO2010037994A1 PCT/GB2009/000578 GB2009000578W WO2010037994A1 WO 2010037994 A1 WO2010037994 A1 WO 2010037994A1 GB 2009000578 W GB2009000578 W GB 2009000578W WO 2010037994 A1 WO2010037994 A1 WO 2010037994A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
closure
lid
base
resilient part
closed position
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/000578
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Darren John Mears
Original Assignee
Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh
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 Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh filed Critical Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh
Publication of WO2010037994A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010037994A1/en

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
    • 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
    • B65D47/0828—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 and elastically biased towards the open position only

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a dispensing closure.
  • the present invention seeks to address the problems with known dispensing closures.
  • a closure comprising a base with a dispensing orifice, a lid, and catch means for holding the lid in a closed position, in which the closure further comprises a resilient part which is caused to be in an energised state in the closed position, such that when the catch means is released the resilient part causes the lid to move to or towards an open position.
  • the base and lid may be connected by a hinge.
  • the resilient part may be provided by the lid and/or the base.
  • the part may form part of the lid and/or base or may be a separate component carried on or by the lid and/or base.
  • the resilient part may be formed as part of the structure of the lid or base, such as a side or top wall.
  • the resilient part may form at least part of the lid top plate.
  • the lid or base may comprise the resilient part.
  • the resilient part may be adapted to seal the dispensing orifice in the' closed position. This therefore gives an additional benefit.
  • the base may comprise a dispensing spout.
  • the resilient part may be carried on or by the lid and caused to deform by the spout in the closed position whereby to energise it.
  • the resilient part may be formed by bi-injection moulding with the lid or base component.
  • the resilient part may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Such materials provide the required resilience and may be selected also to provide a seal if required.
  • a container having a closure as described herein.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in a closed position;
  • Figure 2 is ⁇ section of the closure of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is ⁇ perspective view of the closure of Figures 1 and 2 shown in an open position
  • Figure 4 is a section of the closure shown in Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment and shown in a closed position;
  • Figure 6 is section of the closure shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view the closure of Figures 5 and 6 shown in an open position; and Figure 8 is a side elevation of the closure shown in Figure 7.
  • the closure 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body having a base 15 and a lid 20 joined together by a hinge 25.
  • the base 15 comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall 30 partially closed at one end by a disc-shape top plate 35.
  • the top plate 35 includes a central orifice 40 defined by a cylindrical dispensing spout 45 which projects away from the open end of the sidewall 30.
  • the interior of the sidewall 30 is provided with screw thread formations 50 for engaging corresponding external screw thread formations (not shown) provided on a container neck 1.
  • the top plate 35 includes an upstanding hook member 55 which is positioned slightly inboard the periphery of the top plate 35 and diametrically opposite the hinge 25.
  • the lid 20 comprises ⁇ generally cylindrical sidewall 60.
  • the sidewall 60 is closed at its end opposite the base by a top plate 65.
  • the top plate 65 comprises inclined step 70 which is continuous with the sidewall 60, and a central resilient part 75.
  • the step 70 is annular and the part 75 is positioned within the central opening defined by the step 70.
  • the sidewall 60 and step 70 are formed from polypropylene and the central part 75 is formed from a thermoplastic elastomeric material.
  • the open end of the sidewall 60 includes a catch element 80.
  • the lid 10 With the closure 10 in the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid 10 covers the base 15 and the catch 80 engages under the hook 55 to retain the lid in position.
  • the resilient part 75 is pushed down onto the spout 45 and due to the nature of the part material it is deformed over the harder material of the spout as shown best in Figure 2 so that is if held under tension. In this position the part 75 seals over the opening 40.
  • the lid When the contents of a container are required, the lid is opened by releasing the catch 80 from under the hook 55. This is achieved by pushing on the base. 15 at a point diametrically opposite the hinge 25 defined by a depression 16 so that the hook 55 is displaced rearwardly as illustrated by arrow A. With the catch 80 released the energy stored within the part 75 causes the lid automatically to flip open as illustrated by arrow B and shown in Figures 3 and 4 to reveal the dispensing orifice. The part 75 assumes a generally dome-shape configuration. When dispensing is complete the lid can be forced back into the closed position, thus again deforming it over the spout and ready for a further release step.
  • the closure 10 is moulded approximately in the position shown in Figure 4 in which the lid 20 is in an open position and the resilient part 75 is in a relaxed state.
  • the closure 10 is produced in a bi-injection moulding process in which the base 15 together with the sidewall 60 and step 70 of the lid 20 are first formed from polypropylene and subsequently the resilient part 75 is added in a secondary moulding operation which • bonds it to the step 70.
  • FIG. 5 to 8 there is shown a closure 1 10 formed according to an alternative embodiment.
  • the closure 110 is very similar to the closure 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 except that there is no hook and catch arrangement.
  • the lid sidewall 160 is provided with a flat 185 diametrically opposite the hinge.
  • the top plate 135 of the base 1 15 is provided with a flat step 190 onto which the flat 185 of the lid can rest.
  • An interference fit is provided between the lid and the base.
  • Operation of the closure 1 10 is the same as the closure 10 in that the lid is held in the closed position against the biasing effect of the resilient part 175.
  • the step is moved rearwardly with respect to the flat so that the interference fit is released allowing the spring effect of the resilient part 175 to flip the lid open.
  • the base provides the resilient part.
  • the base could include a trampoline-like element and the lid could include a projection which is pressed into the trampoline in the closed position so that upon release of a catch arrangement the trampoline element forces the lid away from it.

Abstract

A closure (10) is provided and comprises a base (15) with a dispensing orifice (40), a lid (20), and a catch (55, 80) for holding the lid in a closed position. The closure further comprises a resilient part (75) which is caused to be in an energised state in the closed position, such that when the catch is released the resilient part causes the lid to move to or towards an open position.

Description

A Closure
The present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a dispensing closure.
It is known to provide so-called flip-top dispensing closures in which a base component is provided with a dispensing orifice and is hinged to a lid component. It is important that the lid is held securely on the base in the closed position to prevent the leaking of product. Therefore, there are usually provided some means of holding the lid in the closed position, such as a catch or the like. In order to open the lid the mechanical interference provided by the catch must be overcome entirely by the user and this can present problems, particularly for the young, elderly or infirmed.
The present invention seeks to address the problems with known dispensing closures.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure comprising a base with a dispensing orifice, a lid, and catch means for holding the lid in a closed position, in which the closure further comprises a resilient part which is caused to be in an energised state in the closed position, such that when the catch means is released the resilient part causes the lid to move to or towards an open position.
The base and lid may be connected by a hinge. Of course the principle of storing energy in the closed position for use in at least partly separating the lid from the base could be used with different connections, or indeed where the lid and base are not connected so that, for example, the lid could pop completely off when the catch isreleased. . The resilient part may be provided by the lid and/or the base. The part may form part of the lid and/or base or may be a separate component carried on or by the lid and/or base.
The resilient part may be formed as part of the structure of the lid or base, such as a side or top wall. For example the resilient part may form at least part of the lid top plate. Of course the lid or base may comprise the resilient part.
The resilient part may be adapted to seal the dispensing orifice in the' closed position. This therefore gives an additional benefit.
The base may comprise a dispensing spout. In such embodiments the resilient part may be carried on or by the lid and caused to deform by the spout in the closed position whereby to energise it.
The resilient part may be formed by bi-injection moulding with the lid or base component.
The resilient part may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Such materials provide the required resilience and may be selected also to provide a seal if required.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a container having a closure as described herein.
The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in a closed position; Figure 2 is α section of the closure of Figure 1 ;
■ Figure 3 is α perspective view of the closure of Figures 1 and 2 shown in an open position;
Figure 4 is a section of the closure shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment and shown in a closed position; Figure 6 is section of the closure shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a perspective view the closure of Figures 5 and 6 shown in an open position; and Figure 8 is a side elevation of the closure shown in Figure 7.
Referring first to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a closure generally indicated 10.
The closure 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body having a base 15 and a lid 20 joined together by a hinge 25.
The base 15 comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall 30 partially closed at one end by a disc-shape top plate 35. The top plate 35 includes a central orifice 40 defined by a cylindrical dispensing spout 45 which projects away from the open end of the sidewall 30.
The interior of the sidewall 30 is provided with screw thread formations 50 for engaging corresponding external screw thread formations (not shown) provided on a container neck 1.
The top plate 35 includes an upstanding hook member 55 which is positioned slightly inboard the periphery of the top plate 35 and diametrically opposite the hinge 25. The lid 20 comprises α generally cylindrical sidewall 60. The sidewall 60 is closed at its end opposite the base by a top plate 65. The top plate 65 comprises inclined step 70 which is continuous with the sidewall 60, and a central resilient part 75. The step 70 is annular and the part 75 is positioned within the central opening defined by the step 70. In this embodiment the sidewall 60 and step 70 are formed from polypropylene and the central part 75 is formed from a thermoplastic elastomeric material.
The open end of the sidewall 60 includes a catch element 80.
With the closure 10 in the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid 10 covers the base 15 and the catch 80 engages under the hook 55 to retain the lid in position. The resilient part 75 is pushed down onto the spout 45 and due to the nature of the part material it is deformed over the harder material of the spout as shown best in Figure 2 so that is if held under tension. In this position the part 75 seals over the opening 40.
When the contents of a container are required, the lid is opened by releasing the catch 80 from under the hook 55. This is achieved by pushing on the base. 15 at a point diametrically opposite the hinge 25 defined by a depression 16 so that the hook 55 is displaced rearwardly as illustrated by arrow A. With the catch 80 released the energy stored within the part 75 causes the lid automatically to flip open as illustrated by arrow B and shown in Figures 3 and 4 to reveal the dispensing orifice. The part 75 assumes a generally dome-shape configuration. When dispensing is complete the lid can be forced back into the closed position, thus again deforming it over the spout and ready for a further release step.
The closure 10 is moulded approximately in the position shown in Figure 4 in which the lid 20 is in an open position and the resilient part 75 is in a relaxed state. The closure 10 is produced in a bi-injection moulding process in which the base 15 together with the sidewall 60 and step 70 of the lid 20 are first formed from polypropylene and subsequently the resilient part 75 is added in a secondary moulding operation which • bonds it to the step 70.
Referring now to Figures 5 to 8 there is shown a closure 1 10 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The closure 110 is very similar to the closure 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 except that there is no hook and catch arrangement. Instead, the lid sidewall 160 is provided with a flat 185 diametrically opposite the hinge. Correspondingly the top plate 135 of the base 1 15 is provided with a flat step 190 onto which the flat 185 of the lid can rest. An interference fit is provided between the lid and the base. Operation of the closure 1 10 is the same as the closure 10 in that the lid is held in the closed position against the biasing effect of the resilient part 175. By pushing on the front of the base opposite the hinge 125 the step is moved rearwardly with respect to the flat so that the interference fit is released allowing the spring effect of the resilient part 175 to flip the lid open.
In alternative embodiments (not shown) the base provides the resilient part. For example, the base could include a trampoline-like element and the lid could include a projection which is pressed into the trampoline in the closed position so that upon release of a catch arrangement the trampoline element forces the lid away from it.

Claims

Claims
1. A closure comprising a base with a dispensing orifice, a lid, and a catch for holding the lid in a closed position, in which the closure further comprises a resilient part which is caused to be in an energised state in the closed position, such that when the catch is released the resilient part causes the lid to move to or towards an open position.
2. A closure as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the base and lid are connected by a hinge.
3. A Closure as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the resilient part is provided by the lid.
4. A closure as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the resilient part is provided on the base.
5. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the resilient part is formed as part of the structure of the lid or base.
6. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the lid or base comprise the resilient part.
7. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the resilient part is adapted to seal the dispensing orifice in the closed position.
8. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the base comprises a dispensing spout.
9. A closure as claimed in Claim 8, in which the resilient part is carried on or by the lid and is caused to deform by the spout in the closed position whereby to energise it.
10. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the resilient part forms at least part of the lid top plate.
1 1. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the resilient part is formed by bi-injection moulding with the lid or base.
12. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the resilient part is formed from an elastomeric material.
13. A closure as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the resilient part is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.
14. A container having a closure as claimed in any preceding claim.
PCT/GB2009/000578 2008-09-30 2009-03-02 A closure WO2010037994A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0817878A GB0817878D0 (en) 2008-09-30 2008-09-30 A closure
GB0817878.2 2008-09-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010037994A1 true WO2010037994A1 (en) 2010-04-08

Family

ID=40019796

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/000578 WO2010037994A1 (en) 2008-09-30 2009-03-02 A closure

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0817878D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2010037994A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD743742S1 (en) 2012-01-02 2015-11-24 Brita Gmbh Drinking bottle

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR703305A (en) * 1930-10-04 1931-04-28 Closing device for containers with volatile liquids and liquids under pressure
US5762216A (en) * 1993-06-16 1998-06-09 Kao Corporation Cap with a hinged top lid
WO2002040365A1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-23 Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. Elastomeric hinge for a closure lid
US20030136783A1 (en) * 2002-01-18 2003-07-24 Kunio Hatsumoto Plug of a container for holding beverage

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR703305A (en) * 1930-10-04 1931-04-28 Closing device for containers with volatile liquids and liquids under pressure
US5762216A (en) * 1993-06-16 1998-06-09 Kao Corporation Cap with a hinged top lid
WO2002040365A1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-23 Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. Elastomeric hinge for a closure lid
US20030136783A1 (en) * 2002-01-18 2003-07-24 Kunio Hatsumoto Plug of a container for holding beverage

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD743742S1 (en) 2012-01-02 2015-11-24 Brita Gmbh Drinking bottle
USD744781S1 (en) 2012-01-02 2015-12-08 Brita Gmbh Drinking bottle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0817878D0 (en) 2008-11-05

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