Dispensing closure
By directly welding the closure base to the container and eliminating the shoulder, the problems of material waste and increased weight in container connection are solved, achieving a tight connection and improved aesthetics, while also facilitating recycling.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480048304.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
The existing container distribution closure requires an additional shoulder component when connecting to the container, resulting in material waste and increased weight. In addition, the connection is not tight, which may produce residues and has poor aesthetics.
The distribution closure base is directly welded to the container, eliminating the shoulder. Using polyethylene or polypropylene material, a seamless joint is formed by ultrasonic, friction, or laser welding, ensuring that the closure and the container form a homogeneous unit.
It reduces material usage, lowers weight, improves the tightness and impact resistance of the connection, avoids residue, enhances aesthetics, and is easy to recycle.
Smart Images
Figure CN121605073A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This disclosure relates to a dispensing closure for a container. This disclosure also relates to a container including such a closure. Background Technology
[0002] Disc-top dispensing closures for containers are known. In such closures, typically formed from injection-molded plastic, a nozzle is formed as part of a disc-shaped cap that is pivotally connected to a closure cap or base for rocking or tilting movements between open and closed positions. This container and closure combination can contain and dispense products in the form of granules, pastes, creams, liquids, fine particles, or aerosols.
[0003] Typically, standard containers such as plastic tubing consist of a shoulder and a sleeve made of polyethylene (PE). Polypropylene (PP) dispensing closures are also commonly provided. Since these materials and their mixtures do not create a permanent, strong bond, the shoulder serves to connect the dispensing closure and sleeve to each other by screwing or snapping. Aside from this, the shoulder has no other purpose, but it does, for example, have a significant impact on the weight of the container.
[0004] The examples disclosed herein seek to at least partially reduce one or more of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] According to a first aspect, a dispensing closure is provided. The dispensing closure includes an actuating disc and a base. The disc is pivotally mounted on the base and is pivotable between a closed position that prevents fluid product dispensing and an open position that allows fluid product dispensing. Furthermore, the base includes a coupling surface for welding the dispensing closure to a container.
[0006] According to this first aspect, a dispensing closure is provided, comprising a base having a connecting surface for welding the dispensing closure to a container. As a result, the base (and thus the dispensing closure) can be directly joined to the container (i.e., without the need for intermediate elements such as a shoulder), thus achieving a "shoulder-less" container. This reduces weight during container manufacturing because a separate "shoulder" is not required to join the dispensing closure to the container. For example, for the 50 mm version, the closure can have a relatively low weight between 5 and 10 grams (specifically 5.8 grams), and for the 35 mm version, it can have a relatively low weight between 3 and 5 grams (specifically 3.4 grams). Furthermore, the fact that the dispensing closure is welded to the container ensures a seamless and tight fit between these components.
[0007] These features ensure a satisfactory secure fit of the dispensing head onto the container, making the device not only remarkably leak-proof on the assembly line but also aesthetically pleasing. This combination of closure and container is also endowed with high impact resistance.
[0008] According to one example, a container is provided. The container includes a hollow, elongated body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The body also includes flexible walls. Furthermore, the first end of the container body is open to facilitate the introduction of a flowable product and is closable after the flowable product has been introduced. The container also includes a dispensing closure according to a first aspect. The engagement surface of the base of the dispensing closure is welded to an internal portion of the container body located at or adjacent to the second end of the container body.
[0009] Compared to conventional containers that include another element, such as a shoulder, to attach the dispensing closure to the container, this container saves a relatively large amount of material. At the same time, the welded dispensing closure forms a homogeneous unit with the container, thus avoiding unwanted residues in the dispensing closure and opening up new possibilities for container design for container manufacturers. The "shoulder-less" container therefore enables the manufacture of eco-friendly, lightweight, functional, sustainable, and especially cost-conscious packaging. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Non-limiting examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view schematically showing an example of a closure in the closed position; Figure 2 A perspective view of the closure in the open position is shown schematically; Figure 3 An exploded cross-sectional view of the closure is schematically shown; Figure 4 The welding to the container is shown. Figure 1-3 The closed element depicted in the image. Detailed Implementation
[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically showing an example of a closure in the closed position. Figure 2 A perspective view of the closure in the open position is shown schematically. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 This illustrates a disc-top or toggle-operated dispensing closure, typically designated 10. The closure 10 includes a base 15 and a cover 20 (or actuating disc) pivotally mounted to the base 15. Thus, the cover 20 can be in an "open" position relative to the base 15. Figure 2 ) and "closed" position ( Figure 1 ) shift between.
[0012] In this example, closure 10 can be a two-piece closure and can be made of a single material, such as polyethylene. Two-piece single-material solutions are lightweight and fully recyclable using current recycling processes. In another example, the materials forming the base and the cap can be different, such as different types of polymeric materials, like polypropylene. Specifically, the cap can be made of polypropylene. In some other examples, the closure can be manufactured as a one-piece closure.
[0013] Base 15 can be mounted on the neck of the container (see...) Figure 4 This is achieved by welding the base to the neck of the container, as explained below, thus obtaining a "shoulder-less" container such as a plastic tube. This "shoulder-less" tube saves material compared to conventional tubes. Simultaneously, the welded closure forms a homogeneous unit between the container and the closure, thereby avoiding unwanted residue in the closure.
[0014] The dimensions of the base 15 (and the corresponding cover 20) can be adjusted according to its purpose, and therefore can be varied for different applications of flowable products. For example... Figure 1 As can be seen, the base 15 extends longitudinally between the first end 15a and the second end 15b. The base 15 includes a first cylindrical sidewall 16, a second cylindrical sidewall 17, and an inclined transition portion 18 located between one end of the first cylindrical sidewall 16 and one end of the second cylindrical sidewall 17. As shown in this example, the height of the first cylindrical sidewall 16 (arrow A) may be different from the height of the second cylindrical sidewall 17 (arrow B). For example, the height of the second cylindrical sidewall 17 may be greater than the height of the first cylindrical sidewall 16. The second cylindrical sidewall 17 includes a notch or cutout portion 19.
[0015] Specifically, the second cylindrical sidewall 17 is arranged radially inward (i.e., closer to the geometric center of the base 15) relative to the first cylindrical sidewall 16. The inclined transition portion 18 is located radially inward relative to the first cylindrical sidewall 16, while it is located radially outward relative to the second cylindrical sidewall 17.
[0016] The second cylindrical sidewall 17 may define a generally vertical plane. The inclined transition portion 18 may define another plane. The plane defined by the inclined transition portion 18 may be arranged at an angle relative to the generally vertical plane defined by the second cylindrical sidewall 17. This angle may be between approximately 90 degrees and 100 degrees.
[0017] Two radially opposing pivot protrusions or trunnions (not visible in the figure) are provided in the cover 20, which are configured to engage in corresponding sockets / recesses 60 inside the second cylindrical sidewall 17. Figure 3 Only one of these recesses is shown in the image. This allows the cover 20 to pivot relative to the base 15 during use.
[0018] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer connecting portion 22 of the first sidewall 16 is configured to be directly welded (i.e., without intermediate pieces between the components to be welded) and sealingly connected to the inner connecting portion of the container neck. The outer connecting portion 22 is located at or adjacent to the first end 15a of the base. A locking element or locking member (not shown) may also be provided with the closure (e.g., across the notch 19). The locking element can be displaced between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking element is in the locked position, the cap 20 cannot be pushed down (accidentally or intentionally). This may be useful for preventing accidental opening and, for example, for preventing the cap from being pushed down by a child. However, when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the cap can be freely displaced relative to the base between an open position and a closed position.
[0019] like Figure 3 As can be seen, the base 15 also includes a flange 50, which is spaced apart from and located radially inward of the second cylindrical sidewall 17. The flange 50 extends substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal plane defined by the base. Furthermore, the base 15 includes a recess 51 between the flange 50 and the second cylindrical sidewall 17. When the dispensing closure is in the open configuration, and the user squeezes the container with the dispensing closure attached in use, the first and second sidewalls 16, 17 may be pressed in the direction of the arrow (arrow C), and the recess 51 will mitigate the pressure as it absorbs energy. This limits the amount of damage that may occur to the lid when the user squeezes the container. For example, it avoids the fact that the pivot protrusion may disengage relative to the corresponding recess 60 due to the pressure applied when squeezing the container (and thus cause the lid to detach relative to the base).
[0020] The base 15 also includes a plate 40 located in a space formed within the base 15. In this example, the plate 40 is a generally circular plate. In this example, the plate 40 is integrally formed with the base 15 of the closure. In some other examples not shown, the outer edge of the plate may serve as a coupling surface for attaching the plate to the space formed within the base.
[0021] As described above, the plate 40 can be located within the space inside the base 15, thus defining a seal such that flowable liquid cannot pass through the closure 10, except for liquid flowing via the dispensing channel 42 when the cover is in the open position. The dispensing channel 42 begins at a dispensing inlet 42a on the underside of the plate 40 and terminates at an opening 42b forming part of the cover (this is in Figure 2(This can also be seen in the image). In the closed position of the dispensing closure, the opening 42b is blocked, while in the open position of the dispensing closure, the opening 42b is not blocked, and a dispensing path is established between the container and the opening, through the base and then through the channel in the lid. Therefore, the dispensing channel 42 is suitable for dispensing a flowable medium pre-stored in the container, to which the closure is welded during use.
[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 20 may be generally disc-shaped, having a circular or elliptical top plate 70 and sidewalls 71 hanging from its periphery. The top plate 70 includes a pressing recess 73 for manually pivoting the cover to the open position. The cover may include a tamper-evident element for indicating that the disc has shifted from an initial closed position to an open position.
[0023] like Figure 4 As can be seen, container 80, such as a plastic tube, is also provided. The plastic material used can be any known type suitable for injection molding. The plastic material used can be, for example, polyethylene (PE).
[0024] Tube 80 may be a compressible tube with a flexible wall. Tube 80 may have a wall that can be gripped and squeezed or compressed by a user to increase the internal pressure within the tube, thereby forcing the product out of the container and through a dispensing closure welded to the tube. This flexible tube wall typically has sufficient inherent elasticity so that when the extrusion pressure is removed, the container wall returns to its normal, stress-free shape.
[0025] Following this example, the tube includes a hollow, elongated tube body 80a for sealing the contents of the tube. The tube body extends longitudinally from a first end 80b to a second end 80c. The first end 80b corresponds to the discharge end. Once the plastic tube 80 has been filled with its contents, it is sealed by welding the second open end 80c of the tube body to itself, and the first end 80c of the tube body 2 then has a flatter shape.
[0026] A closure 10 as described above can also be provided. The closure is welded directly to the container without the need for an intermediate part, such as a shoulder, between the closure and the container. Specifically, the outer connecting portion of the first sidewall of the closure is welded to the inner connecting portion (not visible) located at or adjacent to the first end 80b of the container. For example, the closure can be thermally welded to the pipe using methods such as friction welding, thermal clamping, laser welding, or ultrasonic welding.
[0027] When using ultrasonic energy, the ultrasonic frequency can be between 20 kHz and 100 kHz. The energy consumed can be less than 1200 joules, preferably less than 600 joules, for example, between 200 and 500 joules. This welding can be achieved in a time period between 0.05 and 2 seconds. As mentioned above, in variant examples, friction welding or laser welding can be used.
[0028] The container and closure can be made of the same material. In some other examples, the container may be made of polyethylene (PE), for example, while the closure may be made of polypropylene (PP), for example.
[0029] The final manufactured tube can consist of only three parts: a closure (manufactured as a two-piece closure with a base and a cap) and the tube itself. Therefore, the final manufactured tube requires only a small number of components in its production. As a result, material savings are achieved. The manufactured tube also requires relatively little energy in its production. Furthermore, the final manufactured tube is easily recyclable.
[0030] Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses, and / or equivalents are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are covered. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the specific examples, but should be determined solely by a fair interpretation of the following claims.
Claims
1. A dispensing closure, comprising: Actuator disk, and Base, in which The disc is pivotally mounted on the base and can pivot between a closed position that prevents fluid product dispensing and an open position that allows fluid product dispensing. The base includes a connecting surface for welding the dispensing closure to the container.
2. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein The base includes a first cylindrical sidewall, a second cylindrical sidewall, and an inclined transition portion located between the first cylindrical sidewall and the second cylindrical sidewall.
3. The dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein... The second cylindrical sidewall includes a notch or cutout.
4. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein The second cylindrical sidewall is arranged radially inward relative to the first cylindrical sidewall, and the inclined transition portion is located radially inward relative to the first cylindrical sidewall, while the inclined transition portion is located radially outward relative to the second cylindrical sidewall.
5. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein The plane defined by the inclined transition portion is arranged at an angle between 91 and 100 degrees relative to the generally perpendicular plane defined by the second cylindrical sidewall.
6. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein The height of the first sidewall is less than the height of the second sidewall.
7. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein The first sidewall and the second sidewall are integrally formed with the base.
8. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-7, wherein The actuation disk includes two radially opposing pivoting protrusions for engaging corresponding recesses located in the inner portion of the second cylindrical sidewall, thereby enabling the actuation disk to pivot relative to the base.
9. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein The connecting surface corresponds to the outer portion of the first sidewall.
10. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein The base also includes a flange spaced apart from the inner surface of the second sidewall, wherein the flange is located radially inward relative to the second sidewall, such that a recess is formed between the second cylindrical sidewall and the flange.
11. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein A space is formed inside the base, and a generally circular plate is located within the space.
12. The dispensing closure according to claim 11, wherein... The plate and the base are integrally formed.
13. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 11-12, further comprising: The distribution channel, in use, extends between a distribution inlet located on the underside of the plate and an opening located in the actuation disk.
14. The dispensing closure according to claim 13, wherein The opening is the front distribution outlet.
15. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 13-14, wherein When the closure is in the closed position, the opening is blocked, and when the closure is in the open position, the opening is not blocked, and a dispensing path is established between the container and the opening, so that the flowable medium pre-stored in the container can be dispensed.
16. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein The actuation disk includes a generally circular or elliptical top plate and overhanging sidewalls.
17. The dispensing closure according to claim 16, wherein... The top plate includes a pressing recess for manually pivoting the cover to the open position.
18. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1-17, further comprising: A locking member that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the disk cannot pivot between an open position and a closed position, and in the unlocked position the disk can pivot between an open position and a closed position.
19. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein The disk and the base are made of the same material.
20. The dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein The disk includes an anti-tampering element for indicating that the disk has moved from the initial closed position to the open position.
21. A container comprising: A hollow, elongated body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, wherein the tube body includes a flexible wall, wherein the first end is open to facilitate the introduction of a flowable product and is closable after the flowable product is introduced; According to any one of claims 1-20, the connecting surface of the base of the dispensing closure is welded to an internal connecting portion of the body of the container located at or adjacent to a second end of the body of the container.
22. The container of claim 21, wherein The container and the dispensing closure are made of different materials.
23. The container according to claim 22, wherein The container is made of polyethylene, and the closure is made of polypropylene.
24. The container according to claims 21-23, wherein The welding of the dispensing closure to the container defines a seal between them, thereby providing watertightness and airtightness through the seal.
25. The container according to claims 21-24, wherein The dispensing closure is attached to the container using thermal welding, specifically friction, laser, or ultrasonic welding.