Dispensing closure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing closure (40, 40A, 40B) for a fluid substance containing system such as a container, the dispensing closure comprising a main body (54, 54A, 54B) for receiving fluid substance from the system and a pivotable actuator (60, 60A, 60B) assembled with the main body (54, 54A, 54B). The actuator (60, 60A, 60B) has a rear zone (116) opposite its outlet end (132) and having a central cam element (150, 150A, 150B) for frictionally engaging the closure main body (54, 54A, 54B) to maintain the actuator in an open dispensing position. The actuator rear zone (116) further comprises at least one rib (160, 160A, 160B) located adjacent the central cam (150, 150A, 150B) to prevent the actuator (60, 60A, 60B) from moving into the open dispensing position. The rib (160, 160A, 160B) has an initial configuration and a permanently deformed configuration after the actuator (60, 60A, 60B) is moved into the open dispensing position.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 514,029, filed July 17, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a dispensing closure for a container or other system for containing fluid substances. Background Technology

[0004] Closures are employed to selectively prevent or allow communication between the outside and inside of a system through openings within the system. Such systems may take the form of machines or containers (such as bottles or pouches). Typical closures include at least: (1) a receiving structure (e.g., a body, base, fitting, etc.) at the opening leading to the interior of the system; and (2) a closing element (e.g., a cap, cover, outer cover, pivotable disc-shaped top actuator, etc.) which is cooperatively received by the receiving structure.

[0005] The receiving structure of the closure can typically be: (1) a separate structure that (a) can be attached to the opening of the system and (b) defines at least one channel through the receiving structure for communication with the interior of the system through the opening of the system; or (2) an integral structure that is a single part of the system and defines at least one channel through the integral structure, such that the channel itself serves as an opening to the system.

[0006] Closing elements are typically movable relative to the receiving structure channel between (1) a fully closed position that blocks the channel and (2) an open position that at least partially exposes the channel. Some closures may include additional elements such as tamper-evident features or locking elements.

[0007] 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 surface region. If the container is a bottle, pouch, or other such container, and it has a closure and contains contents, such a container can be characterized as a "package".

[0008] One type of dispensing closure is a toggle-type, typically featuring a closure element for dispensing fluid substances in the form of a generally flat, disc-shaped, top-type actuator or a dome-shaped actuator. Users of this type of closure typically encounter the actuator in a closed, non-dispensing position. The actuator may be provided with areas for the user to press to toggle, tilt, pivot, or otherwise rotate the actuator relative to a stationary portion of the closure (e.g., the closure body), thereby moving the actuator from a closed position to an open position, allowing fluid substances to be dispensed through the closure. This type of actuator can then be toggle, pivot, or otherwise rotated back to the closed, non-dispensing position by pressing different areas of the actuator.

[0009] The inventors of this invention have noted that in some applications, when placed within or on a system (e.g., a container for a fluid substance), such actuated closures may be prone to accidental opening during manufacturing, transport, or handling (especially under e-commerce conditions), potentially leading to premature or disorderly leakage of fluid from the closure. The possibility of accidental opening of such closures can be prevented or at least minimized by applying an adhesive seal or membrane wrapping around at least a portion of the closure to mechanically prevent actuator movement until the seal or wrapping has been removed by the user of the closure. Such additional seals or wrappings may increase the cost of the closure, require additional manufacturing steps, adversely affect sustainability requirements, or inconvenience the user who must remove such seals or wrappings.

[0010] The inventors of this invention have also determined that some toggle-type closures (those with rotary or torsional locking mechanisms) may require unacceptably high torques for the user to perform locking and unlocking operations. The inventors have also found that achieving a liquid seal for this type of closure can be difficult, especially in e-commerce scenarios.

[0011] The inventors of this invention have also determined that some toggle-type closures (those with rotational or torsion locking mechanisms) may require the user to perform additional actions to open the closure.

[0012] The inventors of this invention determined that it is desirable to provide an improved toggle action distribution closure for preventing or minimizing the possibility of accidental opening of the closure, while further providing improved leak resistance experienced during the manufacture, transport, or handling of packages containing the closure (especially under e-commerce conditions).

[0013] The inventors of the present invention also determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved toggle action distribution closure that would allow the closure to be repeatedly and directly actuated by the user without requiring any special movement or action from the user.

[0014] The inventors of the present invention also determined that it is desirable to provide an improved toggle action distribution closure that can be configured for use with a container of fluid substances in order to have one or more of the following advantages: (1) improved ease of manufacture and / or assembly, and / or (ii) reduced manufacturing and / or assembly costs.

[0015] The inventors of this invention have invented a novel structure for a toggle action distribution closure for use with a system, which may be a container or other type of system, wherein the closure includes various advantageous features not proposed or conceived in the prior art to date. Summary of the Invention

[0016] According to a broad aspect of one form of the invention, a dispensing closure is provided for a system having an opening between the outside and the inside of the system, where fluid material can be stored. The dispensing closure has a closure body that can be positioned at the system opening and defines a lower end for communication with the system. The closure body includes an upper end and a main flow channel for accommodating flow of fluid material through the closure body. The dispensing closure includes an actuator rotatably mounted to the closure body for blocking the main flow channel to prevent fluid material from flowing through the dispensing closure when the actuator is in a closed, non-dispensing position, and for allowing flow of fluid material through the dispensing closure when the actuator is rotated to an open dispensing position. The actuator also includes a dispensing flow channel having an inlet end communicating with the main flow channel and an outlet end allowing dispensing through the actuator in the open dispensing position. The actuator has a rear region opposite to the outlet end, and thereon a central cam element for frictionally engaging the closure body to hold the actuator in the open dispensing position. The rear region includes at least one rib positioned adjacent to the central cam to prevent the actuator from moving into the open dispensing position. The at least one rib has an initial (i.e., during molding) configuration before the actuator moves into the open dispensing position, and at least one rib has a permanently deformed configuration after the actuator moves into the open dispensing position. The dispensing closure prevents or minimizes the possibility of accidental opening, while further providing improved leak-proofness experienced during the manufacture, transport, or handling of packages containing the closure (especially under e-commerce conditions). Furthermore, the dispensing closure allows for repeatable and direct actuation by the user without any special movement or action required by the user in the area of ​​a disc-top type dispensing closure.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one rib has the form of a pair of ribs located on the rear region of the actuator and positioned on opposite sides of the central cam element. Preferably, the pair of ribs are equidistant from the central cam element along the circumference of the rear region of the actuator. More preferably, the closure body defines a central axis extending between the lower and upper ends, and the pair of ribs defines a central angle (when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis) between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 50 degrees.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one rib extends parallel to the central axis along the rear region of the actuator.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one rib has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least one rib has a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one rib has a substantially flat abutting surface for facing the closure body in a closed, unassigned position, and the abutting surface extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0022] In one aspect of the invention, the actuator is configured to have a first actuating force when it first moves between its closed undistributed position and its open distributed position. Furthermore, the actuator is configured to have a second actuating force when it subsequently moves between its closed undistributed position and its open distributed position, wherein the first actuating force is greater than the second actuating force.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one rib defines a pair of angled sidewalls that terminate at an edge extending substantially parallel to the central axis.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the closure body terminates at an inclined upper surface facing at least one rib, wherein the inclined upper surface is arranged to slope downward in a direction away from at least one rib.

[0025] In one aspect of the invention, the actuator includes a pair of oppositely extending protrusions, and the closure body includes an outer wall having a pair of facing recesses therein to each receive a different protrusion among the protrusions.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one rib and a central cam element are integrally formed with the actuator.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the initial movement of at least one rib from its initial configuration to its permanently deformed configuration does not generate any fragile pieces of the actuator and / or closure body.

[0028] Preferably, the closure body is adapted for use with a system that is a container with a defined opening, and in the system the closure body is one of: a separate structure for attaching to the container at the container opening; or an integral structure that is a single component of the container formed at the container opening.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing closure is combined with a system that serves as a container for the fluid substance. The closure and the container together define the package.

[0030] 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

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an isometric view taken from above and rear, illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the dispensing closure of the present invention, which is shown positioned at the opening of a container of fluid material, wherein... Figure 1 The image shows only a partial upper portion of the container;

[0033] Figure 1A for Figure 1 An isometric view taken from above and rear of the closure only, showing the actuator of the closure in its closed, unallocated position or configuration on top of the closure body;

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The exploded rear front view of the distribution closure shown;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The exploded isometric view of the distribution closure shown, taken from the front and left sides;

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The distribution closure shown generally follows along Figure 6 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken from plane 4-4 in the image, and Figure 4The inclined upper surface relative to the main wall of the closure is shown as a flat adjacent surface facing the structure;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partially enlarged isometric view of the distribution closure, cropped from the rear and right sides, and... Figure 5 Ribs are shown positioned on opposite sides of the central cam in the rear region of the actuator;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged top front view of the rear area of ​​the actuator of the distribution closure member;

[0039] Figure 6A for Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the actuator of the dispensing closure, taken generally along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central vertical axis of the dispensing closure, and Figure 6A A preferred embodiment of the rib-like member on the rear of the actuator is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Top plan view of the closure body only;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An isometric view of the main body of the closure, taken from the top and right sides;

[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 7 An isometric view of the closure body taken from below and left;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure, taken generally along a vertical plane extending through one of the ribs on the actuator. Figure 10 This shows the actuator moving 5 degrees away from the closed, unassigned position;

[0044] Figure 11 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure, taken generally along a vertical plane extending through one of the ribs on the actuator. Figure 11 This shows the actuator moving 10 degrees away from the closed, unassigned position;

[0045] Figure 12 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure, taken generally along a vertical plane extending through one of the ribs on the actuator. Figure 12 This shows the actuator moving 15 degrees away from the closed, unassigned position;

[0046] Figure 13 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the distribution closure, taken generally along a vertical plane extending through one of the ribs on the actuator. Figure 13 This shows the actuator moving 22 degrees from the closed, unallocated position into the fully open, allocated position;

[0047] Figure 14 The image shows an isometric view taken from above and rear, representing a second exemplary embodiment of the dispensing closure of the present invention. Figure 14 The actuator ribs are shown, which have a rounded form with a semi-circular or arcuate cross-section (in a horizontal plane); and

[0048] Figure 15 This is an isometric view taken from above and rear, illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of the dispensing closure of the present invention. Figure 15 The actuator rib is shown, which has a rounded form with a semi-circular or arcuate cross section (in a horizontal plane) and is positioned closer to the central cam member of the actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0049] 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 embodiments thus described, and the scope of the invention will be set forth in the appended claims.

[0050] For ease of description, numerous figures illustrating the invention show embodiments in a typical orientation, where the closure will be present at the opening of a system shaped like an upright bottle, and terms such as "inward," "outward," "upper," "lower," "axial," "radial," and "lateral" are used with reference to this orientation. The terms "axial" and "radial" refer to the orientation relative to the central longitudinal or vertical axis 30 (…). Figure 2 The central longitudinal or vertical axis used in this invention is generally defined as an axis located within the geometric center of the dispensing closure and extending from the bottom end of the dispensing closure to the top end. The phrase "axially inward" refers to a direction along the central axis 30 toward the bottom of the closure and toward the interior of the container. The phrase "axially outward" refers to the opposite direction along the central axis 30 toward the top of the closure and away from the interior of the container. The phrase "radially inward" refers to a direction perpendicular to and toward the central axis 30. The phrase "radially outward" refers to a direction perpendicular to and away from the central axis 30. However, it should be understood that the closure of this invention can be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in orientations other than those described.

[0051] The dispensing closure of the present invention (or simply "closure" herein) is particularly suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special systems, including containers, etc., although details of these systems are not fully shown or described, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art and those who understand such containers. The specific containers shown and described herein do not themselves form part of the most extensive form of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit the most extensive 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 exemplary closures described.

[0052] The closures described herein are particularly suitable for use on containers containing fluid materials or substances in the form of lotions or creams, which can be dispensed from the container or otherwise discharged through an open closure. Such fluid substances can be, for example, personal care products, food products, industrial products, household products, or other types of products. These substances are intended for human or animal use, either internally or externally, or for other purposes (e.g., involving pharmaceutical, manufacturing, commercial or domestic maintenance, construction, agricultural, etc.).

[0053] A first currently preferred embodiment of the closure element of the present invention and its components are described below. Figures 1 to 13 As shown, the closure is generally designated by reference numeral 40. In the first exemplary embodiment, the closure 40 is provided as a separate article of art, which is configured to attach or assemble into a system such as container 44 (only when...). Figure 1 (The middle part is visible), and the system will typically contain fluid substances.

[0054] Container 44 can be any conventional type, such as a collapsible flexible pouch, or a generally rigid structure with slightly flexible elastic walls, such as a bottle or can. Figure 1 An embodiment of a closure 40 attached to a container 44 is shown. The container is a generally rigid bottle with walls that are slightly flexible and can be squeezed by a user to dispense product when the closure 40 is opened. The closure 40 may alternatively be used in a larger dispensing system (not shown) that may include, for example, a medical device, processing machine, dispenser, on-machine reservoir, or part thereof, wherein the system has an opening leading to the interior of the system.

[0055] Container 44 or a portion thereof may be made of a material suitable for the intended application (e.g., a thin, flexible material for pouches (where such material may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or polyethylene film and / or aluminum foil), or a thicker, less flexible material, such as molded polyethylene or polypropylene, for a more rigid container 44 (such as a bottle).

[0056] In applications where the closure 40 is fitted into a container 44 (such as a bottle or pouch (not shown)), it is conceivable that, typically after the closure manufacturer manufactures (e.g., by molding parts of the closure 40 from a thermoplastic polymer and assembling them) the closure, the closure manufacturer then transports the closure 40 to a container filling facility at another location, where the container 44 is manufactured or otherwise supplied, and where the container 44 is filled with product before the closure is placed. If the container is a collapsible shrink-fit pouch, the closure may include a suitable fitting portion that may be attached to the pouch when it is manufactured and filled, or attached to the pouch when it is manufactured but before it is subsequently filled by the open closure or by an open area of ​​the pouch wall that is later sealed closed.

[0057] In the first embodiment of the closure 40, the closure 40 is provided as a separately manufactured article, component, or unit for threaded connection to the container 44. However, it should be understood that in some applications, it may be desirable for the closure 40 to be attached to the container in a manner that does not allow the user to easily remove the closure 40. Additionally, it may be desirable for the closure (or at least its body) to be formed as an integral part or extension of the container (e.g., a bottle), wherein such an integral part or extension also (i.e., simultaneously) defines the end structure of the container itself.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 (The container 44 illustrated is a bottle.) Bottles typically include an upper portion defining the spout or opening of the bottle (or other suitable structure on a part of the bottle) and a threaded portion (or snap-fit ​​bead, not shown) for mating with a cooperating threaded portion (or snap-fit ​​bead, not shown) of the closure 40, which will be discussed in detail below. The upper portion of the bottle typically has a cross-sectional configuration to which the closure 40 is adapted to engage. Extending from the upper portion is the body portion of the bottle. The body portion typically has a different cross-sectional configuration than the upper portion of the bottle at the bottle opening. In other types of bottles, the bottle may alternatively have a substantially uniform shape along its entire length or height, without any portion with reduced dimensions or different cross-sections.

[0059] The first exemplary embodiment of the closure 40 is particularly suitable for use with a container 44, which is a bottle having one or more substantially flexible walls that can be squeezed or laterally deflected inward by a user to increase the internal pressure within the bottle, thereby forcing fluid material out of the bottle and through the open closure 40. The walls have sufficient inherent elasticity such that when the squeezing force is removed, the bottle walls return to their normal stress-free shape.

[0060] In other applications, it may be desirable to use a generally rigid container and pressurize the inside of the container at a selected time using a piston or other pressurization system (not shown), or reduce the external environmental pressure, so that the material can be sucked out through an open closure.

[0061] In some other applications, the closure 40 may be used with a product containment system or other types of systems (not shown), wherein the closure 40 may be used to allow or prevent substances from leaving or entering the system in which the closure 40 is housed.

[0062] For example, in some applications, it may be desirable to also accommodate the filling or refilling of container 44 by allowing fluid contents to pass through the open closure 40 into container 44 (or other systems).

[0063] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The closure 40 comprises the following basic components: a base or closure body 54 and an actuator 60 capable of moving or pivoting relative to the closure body 54. An optional cap or sash (not shown) may be provided for removable mounting on top of the closure 40. The closure body 54 and actuator 60 are preferably formed or molded as separate structures and subsequently assembled together. The closure body 54 and actuator 60 are each preferably formed or molded from a suitable thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Other materials may be used instead. It should be understood that in alternative designs (not shown), two or more of the basic components may be initially integrally formed or molded together as a connected structure, then substantially separated, and then operatively assembled. Additionally, it should be understood that the closure body 54 may be integrally formed or molded as an extension of the upper end of the container 44.

[0064] Actuator 60 can open the dispensing position ( Figure 13 ) and non-assigned closed position ( Figure 1 Move between ).

[0065] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The closure body 54 includes an entrance portion or lower end 68 and an upper end 70. A cylindrical skirt-like portion or outer wall 71 extends between the lower end 68 and the upper end 70. The lower end 68 defines an entrance or passage 74 (in... Figure 9 (As can be seen), this entrance or channel is used to locate bottle 44 ( Figure 1 The opening is connected to the interior of the bottle 44 containing the fluid substance.

[0066] refer to Figure 9The closure body 54 has a plurality of internal threads or concave threads 76 extending radially inward from the outer wall 71. These internal threads are paired with mating external threads or convex threads located on the outside of the container 44. Figure 1 (Not visible in the middle) cooperates and threadedly engages to connect the closure body 54 to the container 44 at the opening of the container 44. Figure 1 They are securely attached together. It should be understood that other conventional or special methods may be used to attach the closure body 54 to the container 44, such as mating snap-fit ​​beads, double injection molding, adhesives, mechanical locks, rotatable welding of the closure to the container, etc.

[0067] If the closure body 54 is intended for use on a flexible pouch (not shown), it is currently conceivable that the lower end 68 of the closure body will have a suitable boat-shaped fitting construction for sealing with the pouch (e.g., a fitting body such as that shown in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2014 / 193358 A1, the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference), and most pouch manufacturers would prefer to use heat-sealing or ultrasonic sealing techniques to position the lower end of the closure body at the opening formed in the pouch.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 8 The closure body 54 includes an inner platform 80 extending laterally relative to the outer wall 71. The platform 80 also has a circular orifice 84 that opens into the interior of the container 44 (i.e., communicates with the interior of the container). A nozzle 88 surrounds the orifice 84 and extends from the platform 80 to define a body flow channel 92. Although the closure body 54 is shown as having substantially an axis 30 ( Figure 1 The closure body 54 is generally cylindrical in shape, but it should be understood that it can take many forms and is not limited to a cylindrical shape, nor does it need to have a circular cross-section as shown. For example, the lower end 68 and / or the upper end 70 can be elliptical, polygonal, or some other irregular shape.

[0069] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 The inner side of the wall 71 of the closure body 54 is provided with a pair of opposing stoppers or hemispherical recesses 96, which are used to retain the paired hemispherical protrusions or lugs 100 formed on the opposite left and right sides of the actuator 60. Figure 3 and Figure 6 (This will be discussed in detail below.)

[0070] like Figure 1As can be seen, the rear portion of wall 71 includes a cut-off or recessed region 104 to accommodate a user's finger (e.g., thumb or index finger) during actuation of actuator 60, as will be discussed herein. The recessed region 104 has an inclined upper surface 105 for facing a feature portion on actuator 60 (as shown in...). Figures 10 to 13 (best observed in the vertical cross-section), as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0071] Now for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Platform 80 includes a central rib 108 that, when viewed from above, bisects the closure body 54. The central rib 108 extends between opposite sides of the wall 71 below the hemispherical recess 96. The central rib 108 reinforces the closure body 54 and also serves to support the actuator 60 during pivoting movement relative to the closure body 54, and to prevent undesirable vertical movement of the body 54 relative to the actuator during pivoting of the actuator 60, as will be discussed in detail below. The closure body 54 defines a pivot axis 106 (in... Figure 7 As can be seen in the image, actuator 60 can pivot about the pivot axis relative to body 54, the operation of which is discussed below.

[0072] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the actuator 60 has a generally disc-shaped form with a front region 112 and a rear region 116, the rear region being designed to accommodate the user's fingers of the closure 40 during actuator 60 opening. The actuator 60 has an annular circumferential wall or sidewall 120 having the aforementioned pair of hemispherical protrusions or lugs 100 spaced 180 degrees apart and separating the front region 112 and the rear region 116 respectively. Each of the protrusions 100 engages within a recess 96 in the body 54.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the actuator 60 is provided with a flow distribution channel 124, which has an inlet end 128 and an outlet end 132 on the outside of the actuator 60. The actuator 60 has a plug or internal annular wall 136 that extends downward from the actuator to seal against the inside of the nozzle 88 when the actuator 60 is in the closed position (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown).

[0074] refer to Figure 10The first semi-circular sealing edge 140 and the second semi-circular sealing edge 144 extend downward in the actuator 60 to maintain a tight fluid seal between the nozzle 88 and the actuator 60, such that when the actuator 60 is in the open position, the outlet end 132 of the distribution flow channel 124 is the only exit path for the fluid substance.

[0075] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The rear portion of the annular sidewall 120 of the actuator 60 has a central wedge-shaped protrusion or cam element 150 extending therefrom. The cam element 150 is positioned at the rear region 116 on the back (i.e., the rear portion) of the actuator 60 and serves to frictionally engage the inner side of the wall 71 of the closure body 54. The frictional engagement of the cam element 150 with the wall 71 serves to stabilize the actuator 60, thereby maintaining the actuator 60 in the open position after the user has pivoted the actuator 60 to the desired open position.

[0076] Now for reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The actuator's rear region 116 and more specifically, the annular sidewall 120, are further provided with one or more protrusions or ribs 160 that face the recessed portion 104 of the closure body wall 71 to initially prevent movement of the actuator 60 from the closed undistributed position to the open distributed position. As will be discussed in more detail below, the ribs 160 have an initial configuration before the actuator 60 initially moves to its open distributed position, and the ribs 160 have a permanently deformed configuration after the actuator 60 initially moves to the open distributed position. A preferred first exemplary embodiment of the closure 40 includes a pair of ribs 160 that are equally spaced on opposite sides of the cam element 150, defining a central angle between approximately thirty and approximately fifty degrees relative to the axis 30 (when... Figure 6 (When viewed from above).

[0077] like Figure 5 As can be seen, the ribs 160 extend in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to the central axis 30 of the closure 40. Each rib 160 has a generally or substantially triangular cross-sectional shape truncated in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central axis 30 of the closure 40. Each rib 160 includes or defines a pair of angled sidewalls 164 terminating at longitudinally extending edges. The terminal edges of each rib 160 are radially oriented relative to the central axis 30. The lower portion of the rib includes a substantially flat abutment surface 168 for abutting or facing the inclined upper surface 105 of the recessed back portion 104 of the closure body 54. Figure 4 (In the closed position of actuator 60).

[0078] Rib 160 is configured to limit a first force requirement to be overcome by the user to pivot the actuator 60 from a closed position to an open position, and then rib 160 is further configured to limit a second force requirement to be overcome by the user to subsequently move the actuator 60 to a closed position, wherein the second force requirement is significantly reduced relative to the first force requirement and is more comfortable for the user to close the actuator. The inventors have found that the flat or near-flat abutment surface 168 at the bottom of the rib allows for a tight fit to the body 54 and limits unintended opening of the actuator 60 prior to consumer use. Furthermore, the inventors have found that the angled sidewalls 164 of the rib 160 allow for easier deformation of the rib 160 during intended consumer opening, compared to other configurations.

[0079] The inventors have discovered that, compared to prior art closures, the construction of the actuator 60 and body 54 of the present invention exhibits improved leak resistance while still maintaining robust protection against premature operation. Unlike the fragile connections of the prior art, there are no noticeable sharp edges or debris caused by initial deformation of the rib 160 or by subsequent repeated pivoting of the actuator 60 relative to the body 54. Furthermore, unlike the prior art, there are no fragile portions or small pieces (which could interfere with the proper operation of the closure 40) that could be removed or captured below the actuator 60 and above the body 54. The closure 40 is advantageously user-operable without requiring any additional steps, hand movements, or required markings as in the case of prior art torsion-locking closures.

[0080] Next reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A method for assembling an assembly of closure 40 is discussed. It should be understood that the assembly method described herein is merely illustrative, and other methods for assembling the assembly of closure 40 may exist. The actuator 60 and the closure body 54 can be assembled by first aligning the recess 96 on the interior of the annular wall 71 of the body 54 with the hemispherical protrusion 100 of the actuator 60, such that the rear region 116 of the actuator 60 is positioned proximal to the recessed region 104 of the wall 71. The actuator 60 and the body 54 can then be joined together along axis "30" until the hemispherical protrusion 100 is pressed into the two recesses 96, such that the actuator 60 is oriented in the closed, unassigned position. Figure 4 As can be seen, when the actuator 60 is assembled with the body 54 and oriented in the non-distributed closed position, the plug 136 of the actuator 60 seals against the inside of the nozzle 88. One or both of the components, namely the body 54 and the actuator 60, have sufficient elasticity to accommodate the assembly of the two components. In some forms of the invention, the protrusion 100 may have other shapes known in the art, such as a cylindrical pivot.

[0081] Next, the initial reference will be... Figure 1 Describe the detailed operation and function of the closure 40. Typically, users will encounter situations such as... Figure 1 The closure 40 is shown, wherein the closure 40 is disposed on the top end of the container 44 of the fluid substance (the closure 40 and the container 44 together define the package). A removable adhesive, strip, or plastic wrapping (not shown) may optionally be provided on top of the actuator 60 of the closure 40 to provide redundant sealing or tamper-evident features. If such sealing or tamper-evident features are provided, the user will initially remove them from the closure 40 to expose the actuator 60 before initial operation of the closure 40.

[0082] Users typically encounter the actuator 60 oriented in the non-assigned closed position of the closure 40. In this position, each rib 160 and each flat abutment surface 168 is undeformed and oriented facing (contacting or minimally spaced from) the inclined upper surface 105 of the closure body wall 71. The inclined upper surface 105 terminates at a top edge positioned near the point where the ribs 160 extend from the circumferential wall 120 of the actuator 60. At this stage of operation of the closure 40, if the user attempts to move the actuator 60 from the closed position (e.g., by pressing down the rear region 116 of the actuator 60 to attempt to pivot the actuator 60 within the recess 96 of the closure body 54) to the open position, the user is prevented from doing so by the contact between the inclined upper surface 105 and the flat abutment surface 168. If the package is accidentally inverted and / or may be subjected to an accidental impact resulting in a slight increase in internal pressure, the initial closed position of actuator 60 prevents or at least minimizes the possibility of accidental dispensing or spillage of fluid substances.

[0083] join Figures 10 to 13 The user begins by initially opening the closure 40 to the open position by pressing down the rear area 116 of the actuator 60 to pivot the actuator 60 within the recess 96 of the body 54. When the user presses down the rear area 116 of the actuator 60, the user must overcome a predetermined first or initial force to deform the flat abutment surface 168 sufficiently to slide axially inward (downward) across the inclined upper surface 105, thereby allowing the two hemispherical protrusions 100 to rotate within the recess 96 of the body 54, causing the actuator 60 to pivot about the pivot axis 106.

[0084] When the actuator 60 moves to the open position, the cam element 150 slides downward against the wall 71 into the closing body 54. The cam element 150 stabilizes the actuator 60 and holds it in the open position through frictional engagement with the wall 71 of the body 54.

[0085] refer to Figures 10 to 13 When actuator 60 pivots to open, plug 136 partially lifts out of nozzle 88 to direct the flow distribution channel 124 to the outlet end 132 (in Figure 3 (Visible in the image) Exposed to the surrounding environment. The user can then grasp the flexible, elastic container 44 to collapse or otherwise reduce the internal volume of the container 44 to pressurize the fluid contained therein. In some cases, the user can also invert the container 44. During the dispensing of the fluid, the fluid initially enters the inlet flow channel 74 of the closure body 54, flows through the body flow channel 92, enters the dispensing flow channel 124 of the actuator 60, and exits the closure 40 from the exposed outlet end 132 of the actuator 60.

[0086] When the user stops squeezing (i.e., pressurizing) container 44, the outward flow of fluid material ceases, and it may even be drawn back towards container 44 by a temporary lower pressure within container 44 (e.g., if the container has resilient walls that allow it to return from a “squeezed” configuration to a normal, undeformed configuration). This allows some of the fluid material within the distribution flow channel 124, the main flow channel 92, and / or the inlet flow channel 74 to be forced back through the closure 40 and towards container 44 by greater ambient air pressure, helping to maintain the overall cleanliness of the package.

[0087] The user can then move the actuator 60 from the open position as follows ( Figure 13 Move back to the closed position. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The actuator 60 is pressed down in the front region 112 (located on the side opposite to the rear region 116 of the pivot axis) to pivot the two hemispherical protrusions 100 within the recess 96 of the body 54. The pivoting movement of the actuator 60 causes the plug 136 to reseal within the nozzle 88 and also conceals the outlet end 132 of the flow distribution channel 124 relative to the surrounding environment.

[0088] When the user then moves the actuator 60 to the open position relative to the closing body 54, the user must overcome only a second force from the rib 160, which is predetermined and configured to be substantially less than the first or initial actuation force discussed above.

[0089] Now for reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to the invention, the second and third exemplary embodiments of the closure are designated as 40A and 40B, respectively. Similar elements between the first exemplary embodiment of the closure 40 and the second and third exemplary embodiments of the closures 40A and 40B are designated with the same numbers (the first embodiment has no suffix, the second embodiment has the suffix "A", and the third embodiment has the suffix "B").

[0090] The second exemplary embodiment of the closure 40A has the same basic elements as the closure body 54A and the actuator 60A, and functions in the same manner as the first exemplary embodiment of the closure 20. However, the closure 40A includes a pair of modified ribs 160A that, when viewed in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the closure 40A, have a rounded or semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0091] The third exemplary embodiment of the closure 40B has the same basic elements as the closure body 54B and actuator 60B, and functions in the same manner as the first exemplary embodiment of the closure 20. However, the closure 40B also includes a pair of modified ribs 160B, which, when viewed in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the closure 40B, have a significantly increased rounded or semi-circular cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the distance of the ribs 160B from the central cam element 150B decreases around the circumference of the actuator 60B to compensate for the increased interference with the closure body 54B due to the larger cross-sectional surface area of ​​each rib 160B.

[0092] 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. Exemplary embodiments and examples are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing closure for a system having an opening between the outside of the system and the inside of the system, wherein a fluid substance can be stored in the interior, the dispensing closure comprising: A. Closure body, the closure body 1) It can be positioned at the system opening and defined as a lower end for communication with the system. 2) It has an upper end, and 3) It has a main flow channel to accommodate the flow of fluid substances through the main body of the closure; B. Actuator, said actuator 1) Rotatably mounted to the closure body for blocking the flow passage of the body to prevent the flow of fluid material through the dispensing closure when the actuator is in the closed, non-dispensing position, and for allowing the flow of fluid material through the dispensing closure when the actuator is rotated to the open, dispensing position. 2) Includes a distribution flow channel having an inlet end communicating with the main flow channel and an outlet end allowing distribution through the actuator in the open distribution position, and 3) Includes a rear region opposite to the outlet end and having a central cam element for frictionally engaging the closure body to hold the actuator in the open dispensing position, and the rear region includes at least one rib positioned adjacent to the central cam to prevent the actuator from moving into the open dispensing position, the at least one rib having an initial configuration before the actuator moves into the open dispensing position, and the at least one rib having a permanently deformed configuration after the actuator moves into the open dispensing position.

2. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rib has the form of a pair of ribs positioned on the rear region and on opposite sides of the central cam element.

3. The dispensing closure according to claim 2, wherein the pair of ribs are equidistant from the central cam element along the circumference of the rear region.

4. The dispensing closure according to claim 2, wherein the closure body is defined by a central axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the pair of ribs define a central angle between 30 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the central axis.

5. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body is defined by a central axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the at least one rib extends along the rear region parallel to the central axis.

6. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body is defined by a central axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the at least one rib has a triangular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

7. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body is defined by a central axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the at least one rib has a semi-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

8. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body is defined by a central axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the at least one rib has a flat abutment surface for facing the closure body in the closed, non-dispensing position, the abutment surface extending in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

9. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to have a first actuating force when first moving between the closed non-dispensing position and the open dispensing position, and the actuator is configured to have a second actuating force when subsequently moving between the closed non-dispensing position and the open dispensing position, the first actuating force being greater than the second actuating force.

10. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the closure body is defined by a central axis extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the at least one rib defines a pair of angled sidewalls terminating at an edge extending parallel to the central axis.

11. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure body defines an outer wall terminating at an inclined upper surface facing the at least one rib, the inclined upper surface being arranged to slope downward in a direction away from the at least one rib.

12. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the initial movement of the at least one rib from the initial configuration to the permanently deformed configuration does not generate any fragile pieces of the actuator and / or the closure body.

13. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rib and the central cam element are integrally formed with the actuator.

14. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing closure is combined with a system of containers as fluid substances, the closure and the container together defining a package.

15. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein the closure body is adapted for use with a system that defines the opening, and the closure body in the system is one of: a separate structure for attaching to the container at the container opening; or an integral structure that is a single component of the container formed at the container opening.

Images