Closure, container and assembly thereof

Abstract

A closure (40) for limiting access to a substance that can be stored within a container (44) having at least one laterally extending flange (76) located laterally outward of an opening (46) of the container (44) is provided. The closure (40) has a body (54) having a deck (58) including at least one aperture (60). The body (54) has an inner wall (62) depending from the deck (58) having means for attaching the closure (40) to the container (44) and the body (54) includes at least one torque rib (74) extending from the inner wall for facing the at least one laterally extending flange (76) of the container (44) to inhibit relative rotation between the body (54) and the container (44). The at least one torque rib (74) is non-planar.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 353,554, filed June 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates in general to closures for use with containers containing substances, and to assemblies of the closures and the containers.

[0004] Background Technology and Existing Technical Problems

[0005] Closures are used to selectively prevent or allow substances to communicate between the inside and outside of a container (e.g., flexible bags, rigid bottles, machines, dispensing equipment, containment systems, etc.) through openings in the container. Various fluid and non-fluid substances (including detergents, creams, foods, granules, liquids, powders, small articles, etc.) can be encapsulated in containers. Typical closures include (1) a body (e.g., threaded or snap-fit ​​base, bag fittings, structures, etc.) located at the opening leading to the interior of the container and (2) a closure element (e.g., a cap, cover, top cover, etc.).

[0006] The closure body can typically be (1) a separate structure that (a) can be attached to the opening of such a container and (b) defines at least one access channel through the body for communication with the interior of such a container through the opening; or (2) an integral structure that is an integral part of such a container and defines at least one access channel through the integral structure, such that the access channel itself serves as an opening to the container.

[0007] Closure elements are typically adapted to move relative to the body access channel between (1) a closed position or state that blocks the access channel and (2) an open position or state that at least partially exposes the access channel. Some closures may include additional elements (e.g., tamper-evident features, silicone valves, locking elements, seals, etc.).

[0008] A closure specifically designed for dispensing fluid substances can be described as a dispensing closure. Various fluid materials or substances (including oils, detergents, creams, gels, liquids, foods, granules, powders, etc.) can be encapsulated in rigid, flexible, or collapsible containers with dispensing closures that can be opened and closed. Flexible containers can be pressurized by the user to force the fluid substance out of the container and through the closure body, thereby dispensing the fluid substance to a target area or target surface region. A container with a closure and containing its contents can be characterized as a "package".

[0009] Using some of these dispensing closures, an annular foil or "liner" can be positioned across the lower part of the closure and the container opening and welded to seal the closure and container together, thereby preventing them from being disassembled or mixed with the fluid product stored inside the container. Such liners typically comprise a composite structure of one or more thermoplastic coatings on both surfaces of an aluminum substrate, which can be subjected to an induction heating process to melt one or more thermoplastic coatings, thereby establishing a bond between the container and the closure assembly. Such sealed closure and container assemblies are typically used in retail or fast-food type environments. While the liner or seal can adequately protect the assembly from tampering, the inventors of this invention have found that some liners with metal components (e.g., aluminum) used in the dispensing of closures and container assemblies may prove difficult to recycle in some recycling streams.

[0010] The inventors of this invention have determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved closure and an assembly of the closure with a container, the assembly having sufficient sealing or attachment properties without any metal lining. Specifically, the inventors have discovered that this innovative design of the closure and closure assembly offers advantages that have not been conceived or suggested in the packaging industry to date.

[0011] The inventors of this invention have determined that, at least for some applications, it is desirable to provide an improved closure and its assembly with a container, which has an improved holding torque superior to that of the prior art.

[0012] The inventors of this invention have also discovered that, for at least some applications, it is desirable to provide an improved closure and its assembly with a container that can be manufactured and / or assembled at a relatively low cost, and that can be adapted to be manufactured using efficient, high-speed, large-volume technologies, and that can facilitate the minimization of secondary assembly operations and the weight of plastic components.

[0013] The inventors of this invention have also determined that, at least for some applications, it is desirable to provide a closure made of the same polymer as the container, which is mounted on the container to achieve single-material encapsulation recyclability.

[0014] The inventors of this invention have discovered how to provide such an improved closure and container, which includes novel and advantageous features not taught or conceived to date by the prior art, and which can be adapted to designs having one or more of the aforementioned benefits or features. Summary of the Invention

[0015] According to a broad aspect of one form of the invention, a closure is provided for restricting access to a substance that can be stored in a container, the container of which has an opening and at least one laterally extending flange located laterally outward of the opening. The closure includes a body for positioning at the opening of the container. The body has a platform defining an inner side and an outer side, and a central axis extending between the inner side and the outer side. The platform includes at least one orifice communicating between the inner side and the outer side. The body also includes an inner wall suspended from the platform, the inner wall having means for attaching the closure to the container, and the body having at least one torque rib extending from the inner wall for resisting relative rotation between the body and the container facing at least one laterally extending flange of the container. The at least one torque rib is non-planar.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the body further includes a skirt that hangs from the platform and surrounds the inner wall. At least one torque rib extends from at least one of the inner wall and / or the skirt.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the closure further includes at least one reinforcing rib extending between the inner wall and the skirt, wherein at least one torque rib extends laterally from the at least one reinforcing rib.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one torque rib extends axially inside at least one reinforcing rib.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one reinforcing rib is planar and extends radially relative to the central axis of the closure body.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure body includes a plurality of torque ribs, wherein, in an assembly configuration with the container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of less than about 40 inch-pounds (4.5 Nm).

[0021] According to one or even a more preferred form of the invention, the closure body includes a plurality of torque ribs, wherein, in an assembly configuration with the container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of less than about 60 inch-pounds (6.8 Nm).

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one torque rib defines a laterally outward side away from the central axis and a laterally inward side facing the central axis, and the laterally outward side includes a first triangular protrusion.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one torque rib defines a laterally outward side away from the central axis and a laterally inward side facing the central axis, and the laterally inward side includes a second triangular protrusion. Preferably, the second triangular protrusion faces opposite to the first triangular protrusion on the torque rib.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the first triangular protrusion has a first distal end defining a first interior angle, the second triangular protrusion has a second distal end defining a second interior angle, and the second interior angle is greater than the first interior angle.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment device on the inner wall includes at least one thread for engaging with at least one thread on the container.

[0026] In another form of the invention, the closure includes a cap connected to the body, the cap being movable between an i) closed position and an ii) open position, the closed position blocking at least one orifice, the open position exposing at least one orifice to allow material to pass through the body for communication.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the closure and the container for the fluid substance are provided as an assembly, the container having an opening and at least one laterally extending flange located laterally outward of the opening.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one laterally extending flange of the container is fin-shaped and defines a flat end face for facing at least one torque rib of the closure body. Preferably, at least one laterally extending flange also defines an axially extending bevel adjacent to the flat end face.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure and container assembly includes a plurality of torque ribs and a plurality of laterally extending flanges, wherein, in the assembled state of the closure and container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of up to about 40 inch-pounds (4.5 Nm).

[0030] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure and container assembly includes a plurality of torque ribs and a plurality of laterally extending flanges, wherein, in the assembled state of the closure and container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of up to about 60 inch-pounds (6.8 Nm).

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure includes a plurality of torque ribs, wherein the body is configured to move from an unassembled configuration with the container to an assembled configuration with the container when subjected to a torque not exceeding about 20 inch-pounds (2.25 Nm). More preferably, the body is configured to move from an unassembled configuration with the container to an assembled configuration with the container when subjected to a torque not exceeding about 16 inch-pounds (1.8 Nm).

[0032] According to a wide range of embodiments of the invention, the closure and the container for the fluid substance are provided as an assembly, wherein the closure, the container, and the fluid substance together define the packaging.

[0033] It should be understood that the present invention may include any or all of the features described above, including only one feature, more than one feature, and any combination of the features described above. Furthermore, other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded isometric view taken from above a portion of the upper part of the closure and container according to the invention, and Figure 1 The closure is shown in the closed position, with the cap blocking the orifice;

[0035] Figure 2 From Figure 1 An isometric view taken from above a portion of the closure and container assembly, and Figure 2 The closure and container are shown in their assembled configuration;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view of the closure and container assembly;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Front view of the closure and container assembly;

[0038] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The plane 5-5 in the middle is cut off Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the closure and the assembly of the container;

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the closed component only;

[0040] Figure 7 From Figure 6 Isometric view viewed from below the closure;

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A magnified detailed view of the circular portion of the closure element;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial left-side front view of the container, and Figure 9 It has been rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the left front view;

[0043] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top view of the container;

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The front view of the container;

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A magnified, detailed view of the circular portion of the container;

[0046] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A magnified, detailed view of the circular portion of the container;

[0047] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 A scaled-down front view of the closure and container assembly.

[0048] Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 The plane 15-15 cuts out Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the closure and the assembly of the container;

[0049] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified detailed view of the circular portion of the closure and container assembly;

[0050] Figure 17 From Figure 15 An isometric view of the closure and container assembly viewed from below, showing the cut-off cross-section;

[0051] Figure 18 yes Figure 2 Another scaled-down front view of the closure and container assembly;

[0052] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 plane 19-19 cut off Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the closure and the assembly of the container;

[0053] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A magnified, detailed isometric view of the circular portion of the closure and container assembly.

[0054] Figure 21 yes Figure 2 Another scaled-down front view of the closure and container assembly;

[0055] Figure 22 It is along Figure 21 The plane 22-22 in the middle is intercepted Figure 2 Isometric view of the cross-section of the closure and the assembly of the container;

[0056] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A magnified, detailed isometric view of the circular portion of the closure and container assembly.

[0057] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 A top view of the closure and container assembly with its cross-section cut off;

[0058] Figure 25 It is along Figure 24 The plane 25-25 is cut off in the middle. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the closure and the assembly of the container;

[0059] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A magnified detailed view of the circular portion of the closure and container assembly;

[0060] Figure 27 From Figure 25 An isometric view of the closure and container assembly viewed from above, showing the cut-off cross-section;

[0061] Figure 28 yes Figure 19 A top view of the closure and container assembly with its cross-section cut off;

[0062] Figure 29 It is along Figure 28 plane 29-29 is intercepted Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the closure and the assembly of the container;

[0063] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A magnified detailed view of the circular portion of the closure and container assembly;

[0064] Figure 31 yes Figure 2 A simplified isometric view of the closure and the assembly of the container, and Figure 31 The omitted skirt and cover portions of the closure are shown;

[0065] Figure 32This is a partial top plan view of a second embodiment of the container according to the invention;

[0066] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 The front view of the container;

[0067] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A magnified, detailed view of the circular portion of the container;

[0068] Figure 35 Is with Figure 32 The containers are assembled together. Figure 1 A simplified isometric view of the closure element, and Figure 35 The omitted skirt and cover portions of the closure are shown;

[0069] Figure 36 It is cut along a vertical plane extending through the torque rib of the closure and the container flange. Figure 35 A cross-sectional view of the closure and the assembly of the container; and

[0070] Figure 37 yes Figure 36 A magnified detailed view of the circular portion of the closure and container assembly.

[0071] Description of preferred implementation scheme

[0072] While the invention allows for many different embodiments, this specification and drawings only disclose specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the described embodiments, and the scope of the invention will be set forth in the appended claims.

[0073] For ease of description, many of the accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of a dispensing closure (or simply “closure” herein) 40 in a typical orientation that the closure 40 would have when located at the opening of a container 44, such as an upright bottle, and terms such as “inward,” “outward,” “upward,” “downward,” “axial,” “radial,” “lateral,” etc., are used with reference to this orientation. Figure 1 As illustrated, the term "axially inward" should be understood as, when the closure 40 is mounted on top of the opening of the container 44, along the central axis 45 of the closure 40 (in... Figure 1 and Figure 5(As can be seen in the image) (and when assembled with the closure 40, this axis is shared and coincides with the central axis of the container 44) oriented toward the interior of the container 44. The term "axially outward" should be understood as the opposite direction along the central axis 45 away from the interior of the container 44. The term "radially inward" should be understood as the radial direction toward the central axis 45. The term "radially outward" should be understood as the radial direction away from the central axis 45. The term "laterally inward" should be understood as the direction toward the central axis 45 in a plane perpendicular to or orthogonal to the central axis 45. The term "laterally outward" should be understood as the direction away from the central axis 45 in a plane perpendicular to or orthogonal to the central axis 45. However, it should be understood that the closures and containers of the present invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in orientations other than the specific orientations described and illustrated herein.

[0074] The closure of this invention is particularly suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special containers, although details of these containers are not fully illustrated or described, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art and those who understand such containers. The specific containers illustrated are not intended to limit the widest form of the invention. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied only in the described closure.

[0075] The closure described herein is particularly suitable for dispensing fluid substances that are non-Newtonian shear-thinning substances, such as ketchup or mayonnaise. Such dispensed fluid substances can be, for example, food additives, personal care products, industrial products, household products, or other types of products. These substances may be intended for human or animal use, either internally or externally, or for other purposes (e.g., involving pharmaceutical, commercial or household maintenance, agricultural, manufacturing, etc.).

[0076] The illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure 40 of the present invention has the form of a self-contained article or component, which is configured to (i) be selectively placed at the opening of the container 44 (such as in...). Figure 1 (ii) is actuated at the opening 46 of container 44 and to dispense fluid substance from the interior of container 44. The illustrated container 44 (which shows a partial upper part or neck of a larger structure) has the form of a bottle that typically holds fluid substance. The fluid substance to be dispensed from closure 40 is not illustrated in the figure because the substance can take many forms. Closure 40 utilizes thread 48 (at the opening 46 of the container 44) and is actuated to dispense fluid substance from the interior of container 44. Figure 5 (As can be seen in the image) is installed onto container 44, the thread being used to engage with thread 49 on container 44 (in the image). Figure 5 (See image) Mating or joining. Features or attachments can be installed using closures other than mating threads, such as snap-fit ​​beads and grooves, toggle clamps, friction fittings, locks, adhesives, welding, etc.

[0077] It should be understood that container 44 can be any conventional type, such as a collapsible flexible bag, or it can be a generally rigid bottle with slightly flexible elastic walls. Container 44 or a portion thereof can be made of a material suitable for the intended application. For example, container 44 can be a rigid plastic nozzle or fitting for sealing within a bag made of a thin, flexible material, where such material can be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyethylene film and / or aluminum foil. Alternatively, a more rigid container 44 (e.g., a bottle) can be made of a thicker, less flexible material, such as molded polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, glass, metal, or other materials.

[0078] Imagine that after the closure manufacturer manufactures the closure 40 (e.g., by molding its parts from a thermoplastic polymer), the manufacturer then transports the closure 40 to a filling facility at another location, where the container 44 will be filled with the product, assembled with the closure 40, and sealed in the form of packaging that the customer or user will encounter.

[0079] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 5 The illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure 40 of the present invention includes a generally hollow base or body 54 and a cap 56 connected to the body 54. The body 54 includes a top or platform 58 defining an inner side 59 facing the interior of the container 44 (i.e., axially inward) and an outer side 61 facing the surrounding environment (i.e., axially outward). The platform 58 also includes a dispensing orifice, or simply “orifice” 60, which allows communication between the side 59 and the side 61. A first wall or inner wall 62 extends axially inward or downward from the platform 58. The inner wall 62 includes the aforementioned internal threads 48 for receiving external threads 49 of the container 44 to secure the body 54 to the container 44. An outer wall or skirt 64 surrounds the inner wall 62 and also extends axially inward or downward from the platform 58. It should be understood that, as described above, the body 54 and the container 44 may have other attachment means located on the inner wall 62, the skirt 64, or any other portion of the body 54 to secure the closure body 54 to the container 44.

[0080] Now for reference Figure 27The cover 56 is connected to the body 54 via a hinge 65. The hinge 65 is integrally molded with the cover 56 and the closure body 54 near the platform 58 to accommodate movement of the cover 56 in an open position or state exposing the orifice 60 and in a closed position or state blocking the orifice 60 of the closure body 54. The hinge 65 may have any suitable conventional or special design. For example, the hinge 65 illustrated in the figures may be a conventional quick-acting type hinge, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,356,017 or 5,642,824, the details of which do not constitute part of the most extensive form of the invention. The hinge 65 may also be a non-quick-acting type, including a strap or cord. The cover 56 and / or the body 54 may have latching devices (such as snap-fit ​​beads, locks, tabs, etc.) to secure the cover 56 in a closed position on top of the body 54. The cover 56 may engage with the body 54 in a fully removable manner, such as by engaging threads, friction, or snap-fit ​​beads. In some applications, the cap 56 can be omitted entirely.

[0081] Refer again Figure 5 The cap 56 includes a resilient plug seal 66 for sealing or blocking the orifice 60 when the cap 56 is in its closed position on top of the body 54. The platform 58 surrounding the orifice 60 and / or the cap plug seal 66 are sufficiently flexible to accommodate elastic deformation, thereby establishing a leak-proof seal between them. The orifice 60 is circular and centered on the central axis 45. However, it should be understood that in some applications, the orifice 60 of the cap 56 and its corresponding plug 66 may have other shapes, such as one or more slots and elongated plugs, multiple holes and plugs, polygonal holes and plugs, irregularly shaped holes and plugs, etc.

[0082] Now for reference Figure 6 The body 54 includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs 70 extending radially between the skirt 64 and the inner wall 62. Each of the reinforcing ribs 70 is generally planar and extends in a vertical plane extending through the central axis 45. The body 54 also includes a plurality of angled or transverse torque ribs 74, each torque rib extending from the reinforcing ribs 70 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Figure 8 and Figure 20 As can be seen, each torque rib in the torque rib 74 is non-planar and has a configuration for providing a significantly enhanced retaining torque compared to prior art retaining structures. The torque rib 74 is used to (i) non-destructively bend radially outward in one direction of rotation about the central axis 45 when the closure 40 is threaded or otherwise mounted at the opening of the container 44, and (ii) prevent or inhibit relative rotation between the closure 40 and the container 44 in opposite directions about the central axis 45 after the closure 40 is assembled or mounted with the container 44.

[0083] One or more torque ribs 74 of the closure 40 may be connected to one or more flanges 76 extending laterally or laterally outward around the opening 46 of the container 44. Figure 1 and Figure 20 (See image) The closure 40 and container 44 cooperate to prevent or suppress relative rotation between them to a torque threshold of approximately 40 inch-pounds (approximately 4.5 Nm). More preferably, one or more torque ribs 74 may cooperate with one or more flanges of the flange 76 to prevent or suppress relative rotation between them to them to a torque threshold of approximately 60 inch-pounds (approximately 6.8 Nm).

[0084] Next reference Figure 5 The closure body 54 includes a circumferential plug sealing wall 77 for sealing the inner surface of the container opening 46. The plug sealing wall 77 may have any shape conforming to the shape of the inner surface of the container opening 46. Alternatively, the plug sealing wall 77 may be in the form of a flange or a claw-shaped seal (not shown) for contacting the top or upper surface of the container 44. Other sealing structures may be employed to establish a leak-proof seal between the container 44 and the closure 40.

[0085] Now for reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 Each torque rib 74 is defined as being 45 degrees away from the central axis (in Figure 19 (See in the middle) and facing the skirt 64 laterally or radially outward 78, and facing the central axis 45 and the inner wall 62 laterally or radially inward 82. When viewed in a cross-section in a horizontal plane perpendicular to or perpendicular to the central axis 45 (as shown in the middle) Figure 16 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown in the diagram, each torque rib 74 has a barb or bar-like appearance. The torque rib laterally outward 78 includes a first triangular protrusion 86 having a defined first inner angle α1 (only when...). Figure 23 The first distal end of the torque rib (indicated by the center). The torque rib laterally inward 82 includes a second triangular protrusion 90, which has a defined second interior angle α2 (only on the inner side of the torque rib). Figure 23 The second far endpoint (as indicated by the center). The second interior angle α2 is significantly larger than the first interior angle α1. For example... Figure 20It can also be seen that at least a portion of each torque rib 74 extends axially inward (downward) in a cantilever configuration to an associated reinforcing rib 70 for facing (opposing) the nearest flange 76 of the container 44 in the assembled configuration of the closure 40 and the container 44. While the illustrated preferred embodiment of the closure 40 includes torque ribs 74 arranged each to extend from the inner wall 62 to a reinforcing rib 70 to increase strength and resistance to opening torques applied to the assembled closure 40 and container 44, it should be understood that in some non-preferred embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), one or more torque ribs 74 may extend only from the inner wall 62, or only from the skirt 64, or only from the reinforcing rib 70. Alternatively, one or more torque ribs 74 may extend between the inner wall 62 and the skirt 64 without being connected to any reinforcing rib 70 or other structure of the body 54.

[0086] As will be discussed in more detail below, the closure body 54 includes four torque ribs 74 for facing four corresponding flanges 76 extending from the container 44. It should be understood that in some applications, the closure body 54 may have only one torque rib 74, or any other number of torque ribs 74 as required by the application. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some applications, the closure container 44 may have only one flange 76, or any other number of flanges 76 as required by the application.

[0087] Now for reference Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 A preferred embodiment of container 44 includes four laterally or radially extending flanges 76 that surround an opening 56 on the neck of container 44 at an axially inward (below) position of the aforementioned thread 49. The flanges 76 allow the torque ribs 74 to pass non-destructively during initial clockwise installation or threaded connection of closure 40 relative to container 44, and also prevent or inhibit closure 40 from disengaging from container 44 in a counterclockwise direction. When viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 45 (as shown in...), Figure 10 and Figure 12 (Observed from the center), each of the flanges 76 has a fin-shaped profile and includes an axially outwardly extending bevel 92 and a substantially flat end face 94 facing one of the torque ribs 74.

[0088] The inventors have discovered that the closure 40 and container 44 provided by the present invention offer an easy-to-manufacture closure design that prevents or at least minimizes the possibility of user tampering with or refilling the assembly of closure 40 and container 44. The inventors have also discovered that the assembly of closure 40 and container 44 advantageously provides sufficiently high resistance to opening torque to eliminate the need for secondary seals or foil liners, which would increase the cost and difficulty of recyclability of the assembly. The inventors now believe that the arrangement of the non-planar torque ribs 74 presents a novel face with a wedge shape to engage into container 44, which flattens under load to produce even more interference upon contact with container flange 76. Closure 40 can be molded as a single structure and is therefore easier and less costly to manufacture and assemble than other prior art closures that require secondary seals and / or additional retaining components. Furthermore, closure 40 and container 44 can be integrally molded from a single resin identification polymer for single-flow recycling of the assembly.

[0089] The inventors have also discovered that the assembly of the closure 40 with the container 44 can advantageously be assembled with a relatively low installation torque (less than about 20 in-pounds (2.25 Nm), and more preferably about 16 in-pounds (1.8 Nm)), while providing sufficiently high resistance to the opening torque, which is at least three times the installation torque. Approximate terms for torque values ​​used herein (such as “about”) indicate a range of + / - 5 in-pounds (0.5 Nm).

[0090] The body 54 and the cap 56 are preferably formed or molded from a suitable thermoplastic material (such as polypropylene or polyethylene). Other materials may be used instead. It should be understood that, in alternative designs (not illustrated), one or more of the basic components or sub-components may be formed or molded individually or sequentially (e.g., by double injection molding). Alternatively, in a non-preferred embodiment, the basic components may initially be molded as a single, integral structure, then separated, and then reassembled into an operable assembly or part.

[0091] The following discusses one method of assembling the closure 40 with a container 44 of a fluid substance to form packaging. It should be understood that the assembly method described herein is merely illustrative, and other methods of assembling packaging may exist. The closure 40, comprising the body 54 and the cap 56, is preferably molded as a single piece in the cap-open position (not illustrated), and then the plug seal 66 of the cap 56 is positioned to engage with the internal sealing friction of the platform 58 to block the opening 60 of the body 54 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown). The closure 40 is then transported to the filling facility. The filling facility then fills container 44 with a predetermined amount or dose of the substance to be dispensed (not shown). Reference Figure 5The closure 40 engages with the container 44 along axis 45 such that the external thread 49 of the container 44 is received within the internal thread 48 of the inner wall 62 of the body 54, until the top of the container 44 contacts the underside of the platform 58 and the sealing wall 77 seals against the container opening 46. During relative clockwise rotation of the closure 40 and the container 44, at least a portion of each torque rib 74 is sufficiently flexible and resilient to travel or slide on and across the flange 76 of the container 44 until a certain point is reached. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The fully threaded assembly configuration is illustrated in the figure. In the assembly configuration of the closure 40 and the container 44, the end face 94 of each flange 76 is facing the axially inward (i.e., downward) rod-shaped extension or portion of a corresponding torque rib 74.

[0092] The filled container 44, with a closure 40 installed in the closed position, is thus provided to the consumer in the form of a complete package.

[0093] The detailed operation and function of the closure 40 will be described next. Typically, users (such as customers) will encounter... Figure 2 and Figure 4 The closure 40 shown is mounted on the fluid substance container 44 as packaging. It should be understood that only a partial portion of the top or neck of the container 44 is illustrated herein, and the remaining lower portion of the container 44 may have any configuration sufficient to contain the fluid substance in a given application.

[0094] Closure 40 is typically used to dispense substances stored within container 44, such as shear-thinned viscous fluids like ketchup or other condiments stored in container 44. The user will grasp the package and lift it upward at the front of the cap 56 to disengage the plug seal 66 from the orifice 60 in the platform 58, thereby allowing the cap 56 to rotate relative to the body 54 about the hinge 65.

[0095] The user can grasp the flexible, elastic container 44, invert it, and squeeze it to partially fold it, or otherwise reduce the internal volume of the container 44 to pressurize the fluid contained therein. During the dispensing of the fluid, the fluid initially enters the internal volume of the closure body 54, travels into the hollow interior of the body 54, and exits the closure 40 through the exposed orifice 60.

[0096] When the user stops squeezing (i.e., pressurizing) container 44, the outward flow of fluid material ceases, and the material may even be drawn back toward container 44 by the temporary lower pressure within container 44 (e.g., if the container has a resilient wall that returns from a “squeezed” configuration to a normal, undeformed configuration). This allows a higher ambient air pressure to force some or all of the residual fluid material within orifice 60 through closure 40 and back toward container 44, helping to maintain overall cleanliness of the packaging. After dispensing fluid material through closure 40, the user can then return cap 56 to the closed position by rotating cap 56 relative to closure body 54 about hinge 65, causing cap plug seal 66 to reseal within orifice 60 of platform 58.

[0097] Importantly, after the initial assembly of the closure 40 and container 44, removing the closure 40 from the container 44 by loosening the mating threads 48 and 49 prevents or discourages the user from opening the packaging to tamper with or refill the contents. If the user attempts to loosen the closure and container by relative counterclockwise rotation of the closure 40 and container 44, each torque rib 74 is driven to engage the end face 94 of the adjacent facing flange 76 on the bottle 44. The non-planar rod-like configuration of each torque rib 74 with its first protrusion 86 and second protrusion 90 provides sufficiently high interference against rotation (e.g., up to about 40 inch-pounds, and more preferably, up to about 60 inch-pounds), an interference approaching that of a foil seal or liner.

[0098] It should be understood that, in a broader form of the invention, the invention only covers the closure 40, which can be used with any container other than the preferred container 44 described herein.

[0099] It should also be understood that, in another broader form of the invention, the invention covers only container 44, which can be used with any closure other than the preferred closure 40 described herein.

[0100] Now for reference Figures 32 to 37A second embodiment of the container according to the invention is designated 44A. The numbering feature of the second embodiment of container 44A is generally indicated by the suffix letter "A" and is similar to the feature of the first exemplary embodiment of container 44 described above, which shares the same numbering (without the suffix letter "A"). The second exemplary embodiment of container 44A operates in substantially the same manner as described in detail above with respect to the first exemplary embodiment of container 40, and container 44A has the same basic feature as one or more radially extending flanges 76A surrounding an opening 56A on the neck of container 44A at a position axially inward (below) where the thread 49A is located. The flanges 76A are used to allow the torque ribs 74 of the closure 40 to pass non-destructively during initial installation or threaded connection of the closure 40 relative to container 44A in a clockwise direction, and also to prevent or inhibit the closure 40 from loosening from container 44A in a counterclockwise direction. When viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 45A (as shown in...), Figure 32 (Observed from the center), each of the flanges 76A has a fin-shaped profile and includes an axially outward (i.e., vertically) extending bevel 92A and a substantially flat end face 94A facing one of the torque ribs 74.

[0101] refer to Figure 34 , Figure 35 and Figure 37 As can be seen, the difference between container 44A and the first embodiment 40 described above is that container 44A has a more gently sloping ramp 92A leading to the flat end face 94A. Preferably, the angle of inclination, measured relative to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central axis 45A, is between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees, and more preferably about 11 degrees. In contrast, the angle of inclination of ramp 92 in the first exemplary embodiment of closure 40 is between about 40 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0102] The inventors have discovered that the closure 40 and container 44A provided by the present invention offer an easy-to-manufacture closure design that prevents or at least minimizes the possibility of a user tampering with or refilling the assembly of closure 40 and container 44A. The inventors have also discovered that the assembly of closure 40 and container 44A advantageously provides sufficiently high resistance to opening torque to eliminate the need for a secondary seal or foil liner, which would increase the cost and difficulty of recyclability of the assembly. Furthermore, the assembly of closure 40 and container 44A is advantageously easier to assemble because the gradual tilting of the ramp 92A minimizes or at least reduces large force spikes when closure 40 is rotated relative to container 44A.

[0103] Other configurations of the invention are set forth in the claims.

[0104] Various modifications and alterations to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments and examples of closures and containers are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the widest scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A closure for restricting access to a substance that can be stored in a container, the container having an opening and at least one laterally extending flange located laterally outward of the opening, the closure comprising: A body for positioning at the opening of the container, the body having a platform defining an inner side and an outer side, and a central axis extending between the inner side and the outer side, the platform including at least one orifice communicating between the inner side and the outer side, the body having an inner wall overhanging from the platform, the inner wall having means for attaching the closure to the container, the body having at least one torque rib extending from the inner wall, the at least one torque rib for facing the at least one laterally extending flange of the container to inhibit relative rotation between the body and the container, and the at least one torque rib being non-planar, wherein the body also has a skirt overhanging from the platform and surrounding the inner wall, wherein the at least one torque rib extends from at least one of the inner wall and / or the skirt, and wherein the body also has at least one reinforcing rib extending between the inner wall and the skirt, wherein the at least one torque rib extends laterally from the reinforcing rib.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one torque rib extends axially inside the reinforcing rib.

3. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcing rib is planar and extends radially relative to the central axis.

4. The closure of claim 1 further includes a plurality of torque ribs, wherein in an assembly configuration with the container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of up to about 40 inch-pounds (4.5 Nm).

5. The closure of claim 1 further includes a plurality of torque ribs, wherein in an assembly configuration with the container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of up to about 60 inch-pounds (6.8 Nm).

6. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one torque rib defines a laterally outward side away from the central axis and a laterally inward side facing the central axis, and the laterally outward side includes a first triangular protrusion.

7. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one torque rib defines a laterally outward side away from the central axis and a laterally inward side facing the central axis, and the laterally inward side includes a second triangular protrusion.

8. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one torque rib defines a laterally outward side away from the central axis and a laterally inward side facing the central axis, the laterally outward side including a first triangular protrusion, and the laterally inward side including a second triangular protrusion facing opposite to the first triangular protrusion.

9. The closure according to claim 8, wherein the first triangular protrusion has a first distal end defining a first interior angle, the second triangular protrusion has a second distal end defining a second interior angle, and the second interior angle is greater than the first interior angle.

10. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the device on the inner wall includes at least one thread for engaging with at least one thread on the container.

11. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a cap connected to the body, the cap being movable between i) a closed position and ii) an open position, the closed position blocking the at least one orifice, the open position exposing the at least one orifice to allow material to pass through the body for communication.

12. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of torque ribs, wherein the body is configured to move from an unassembled configuration with the container to an assembled configuration with the container when subjected to a torque not exceeding about 20 inch-pounds (2.25 Nm).

13. A combination of a closure according to claim 1 and a container for a fluid substance, the container having an opening and at least one laterally extending flange located laterally outward of the opening.

14. The closure and container assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one laterally extending flange is fin-shaped and defines a flat end face for facing the at least one torque rib of the body.

15. The closure and container assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one laterally extending flange defines an axially extending ramp adjacent to the flat end face.

16. The closure and container assembly of claim 13, wherein the closure includes a plurality of the torque ribs and the container includes a plurality of laterally extending flanges, wherein, in the assembled state of the closure and the container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of up to about 40 inch-pounds (4.5 Nm).

17. The closure and container assembly of claim 13, wherein the closure includes a plurality of the torque ribs and the container includes a plurality of laterally extending flanges, wherein, in the assembled state of the closure and the container, the body is configured to resist rotation relative to the container when subjected to a torque of up to about 60 inch-pounds (6.8 Nm).

18. The closure and container assembly of claim 13, wherein the closure includes a plurality of torque ribs and the container includes a plurality of laterally extending flanges, wherein the body is configured to move from an unassembled configuration with the container to an assembled configuration with the container when subjected to a torque not exceeding about 20 inch-pounds (2.25 Nm).

19. A combination of a closure and a container for a fluid substance according to claim 1, wherein the closure, the container, and the fluid substance together define packaging.

20. The closure and container assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one laterally extending flange defines an axially extending ramp, the ramp forming an angle between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

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