Beverage closure with integrated tether for multiple snap positions

Abstract

A closure system comprises a blocking element (10) tethered to a closure element (20). When the frangible bridge (101, 111) breaks upon initial rotation of the blocking element, the tether is released, while the two permanent bridges (121) minimize the length of the tether. A hook (13) allows the cup to be snapped onto the closure, or it can be shaped to fit against the closure in a resting position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to closures for selectively sealing fluid containers and / or providing tamper protection for fluid containers without generating removable plastic waste. This application claims priority to Italian application number 102023000022479, filed on October 26, 2023. Background Technology

[0002] Containers with nozzles or fluid dispensing closures are widely used in the beverage industry. Regulatory agencies require consumer products to use packaging and designs that are easily recyclable. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to design these pumps to be made solely of polymer materials, and more preferably of a single class of polymer. In this way, such “all-polymer” pumps can be recycled without the need for disassembly and / or separation of metal parts and components made of materials that are difficult to recycle. In this regard, metal or foil parts, thermosetting resins, specialty elastomers, certain combinations of thermoplastics, and other materials may be non-recyclable or require recycling temperatures / conditions incompatible with the materials used in other parts of the design.

[0003] Additionally, recent legislation and regulations have focused on eliminating this type of removable, loose plastic waste. Therefore, manufacturers need to design items that typically use integrally molded tethers to hold previously discarded plastic parts attached. However, tethers (or any connecting mechanism) require additional materials / resin, increasing costs. Furthermore, particularly for beverage containers, tethered caps may not always be practical, especially if the cap's position obstructs the user's ability to drink from the spout.

[0004] U.S. Patents 3,904,062; 4,805,792; 5,246,125 and 10,625,914, as well as European Patent Publications 3,584,190A1 and 3,727,784B1 and Japanese Patent Publication JP2005289488A, all provide examples of plastic caps attached to containers via elongated plastic strips or tethers. In these disclosures, the strips attach a ring-shaped element (keeping it fixed to the container) to the cap at a single point. These tethers “unfold” when the cap is unscrewed, forming a relatively long, thick tether while the cap is in a free-moving position.

[0005] U.S. Patent 5,090,583 envisions a similar method, but it relies on two separate, integrally molded tethers that engage with a loop fitted to or formed on the closure. The first tether provides anti-tamper protection, while the second tether ensures the closure remains securely attached to the closure.

[0006] U.S. Patent Publications 2005 / 0247714A1 and 2006 / 009687A1 describe a more conventional flip-top type of cap or closure that is integrally formed with and permanently attached to the closure. This flip-top type eliminates the need for rotation or twisting and instead relies on interference or snap-fit ​​engagement to remove the cap, as rotating such latched caps can be difficult and impractical.

[0007] Another method is illustrated in U.S. Patent Publications 2023 / 0257169A1 and 2021 / 0261308A1, as well as U.S. Patent 9,868,570, where the disclosed closure relies on a hinge to ensure the cap remains fixed to the container. One difference between previous free-moving tethers and these hinged designs is that the hinged design is designed to restrict the cap by allowing only pivoting movement. This arrangement causes the cap to remain in a position that could obstruct access to the nozzle / opening. Furthermore, the use of a hinge creates repetitive stress along a predetermined line / area, which could lead to cap failure and potential breakage.

[0008] In view of the above, a compact, hinge-independent closure design that provides tamper-evident protection after first use / opening would be desirable. Furthermore, a closure system with a cap fastened to the closure via a snap-fit ​​would be an improvement over the existing designs described above, which further enables the disassembled cap to be positioned in two separate, predetermined locations, thereby allowing easy access to the nozzle / opening within the closure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Not limited to the following overview, the present invention envisions a closure system having two discrete elements: a closure having a nozzle and attached to the neck of a container, and a latching cap that snaps onto an adjacent nozzle. Specifically, the cap includes a cup-shaped blocking element having a partially breakable tethering strip attached to the bottom edge of the cup and a separate partially breakable connecting ring attached to the bottom edge of the tethering strip. A permanent attachment bridging element is disposed between the cup and the tethering ring, at a circumferentially opposite position to a second permanent attachment bridging element located between the tethering ring and the connecting ring.

[0010] The aforementioned structure allows the user to twist the cup relative to the closure by less than 360º (i.e., less than one full turn) to break the fragile bridging between the tether loop and each of the cup and connecting ring. Conversely, the tether remains attached to the cup and connecting ring, but with sufficient gaps to allow the cup to flip into a first inverted position where the outer surface of the skirt abuts the corresponding surface on the closure ring, or, alternatively, a second inverted position in which a hook extending radially away from the cup can be engaged by features on the closure ring (e.g., within a slot, between the annular gaps between the ring and the flange on the neck of the container, etc.).

[0011] Methods for manufacturing and using the aforementioned closed system, as well as many other aspects and embodiments, are also considered, all as depicted and / or described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings form part of this specification, and any information in / within the drawings is both literally contained (i.e., actual stated values) and relatively contained (e.g., ratios for the various dimensions of the parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationships of the components shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, size, and appearance, all contribute to a further understanding of certain aspects of the invention, as if completely rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are referenced to inches, and any typographical information in / within the drawings forms part of this written disclosure.

[0013] All of these are incorporated herein by reference in the accompanying drawings and attachments:

[0014] Figures 1A to 1D Various views of the lid and closure system of the present invention are provided, wherein Figure 1A Provides a stereoscopic view. Figure 1B This is a side plan view. Figure 1C It is a front plan view, and Figure 1D This is a rear plan view.

[0015] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A perspective shadowed view of the cover, in which shadows are provided to highlight the interface and permanent and breakable connections on the lower end of the cover, as well as the snap-fit ​​connection between the lower end of the cover and the closure and the permanent and breakable connections on the lower end of the closure itself.

[0016] Figure 2B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional perspective view of the middle cover, with the cross-section cut slightly beyond the diameter to provide a view of how the cover, closure, and nozzle can be assembled together.

[0017] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A separate cross-sectional view of the tether in its original state.

[0018] Figure 3 A to Figure 3 E is a side view and sequence diagram, illustrating an arrangement through which... Figure 1A The lid can be configured, removed, and reattached to the container / closure. Figure 3 C and Figure 3 E includes enlarged illustrations to highlight certain aspects of the tether loops.

[0019] Figures 4A to 4C It is available Figure 3 Supplementary perspective views of various configurations for positioning the cover and closure. Figure 4A The image shows the lid before use, while Figure 4B It has a blocking element in a resting or blocking position, and Figure 4C The cover was shown being reattached above the outlet, where... Figure 4A In contrast, the elongated tether loops hang more loosely.

[0020] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6 A through 6C are various side views, including sequential schematics, illustrating an alternative configuration (with...). Figure 3 A to Figure 3 Compared to E), this configuration allows for the removal and re-fixing of the cover. Figure 5A Includes enlarged illustrations to highlight how ring 21 falls to create a gap in the space above it after the fragile element breaks, while Figure 5B and Figure 6 B includes enlarged illustrations to highlight the connection / engagement of the blocking elements. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The operation of the invention can be better understood by referring to the specification, drawings, claims, and abstract, all of which form part of this written disclosure. While specific aspects and embodiments have been considered, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to modify and / or substitute certain teachings without departing from the invention. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as an undue limitation of the invention.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “example” and “exemplary” refer to instances or illustrations. The terms “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate key or preferred aspects or embodiments. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive unless the context otherwise requires. For example, the phrase “A uses B or C” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A uses B; A uses C; or A uses both B and C). On the other hand, the articles “a” and “one” are generally intended to refer to “one or more” unless the context otherwise requires.

[0023] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the sealing system 1 has two main components: a cup-shaped blocking element 10 (sometimes referred to as a "dust cover") and a sealing element 20. An optional nozzle assembly 30 may be attached to the sealing element 20 to provide a separate component for opening and closing the outlet 22 defined by the sealing element 20.

[0024] It should also be understood that, according to any conventional means in the art, including Figure 2BThe most easily observed threaded connection is that the closure 20 is secured to the neck of the container (not shown). Thus, the closure 20 includes an annular skirt with connecting elements, such as threads, on its inner surface. The closure 20 may include one or more axial extensions 23 configured to receive and allow attachment of the blocking element 10, as will be described in more detail below. Additional extensions will be concentrically biased by flanges, and these additional extensions define an outlet 22 and / or allow connection for the nozzle assembly 30. A peripheral extension on the top surface of the flange of the closure 20 may create a gap that partially or completely obscures the connecting ring 11 and / or other portions of the blocking element 10.

[0025] The closure 20 may also include a tamper-evident (TE) ring or feature 21, preferably at its lower end. The TE ring 21 includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions or teeth 212 on its bottom edge. The teeth 212 form a gap between the closure 20 and the container, the size of which is adapted to receive the hook 13, as will be described below.

[0026] Ring 21 may also include a breakable bridging member 211 that connects ring 21 to the main skirt. If or when someone attempts to unscrew the closure 20 from the container, bridging member 211 will disassemble, thus providing an additional anti-tampering component.

[0027] The main anti-theft components are integrally formed within the blocking element 10. Specifically, after the blocking element is initially removed from the closure 20 and / or the nozzle 30, the stress-induced appearance X of the fracturing connectors 101, 111 and / or the tether loop and the residual end Y of the broken teeth can be seen (see Figure 3 (Illustration of E). It is noteworthy that all the fracturing connectors (101, 111, 211) envisioned herein will not produce any significant or obvious loose plastic parts upon disassembly (i.e., the bridging component breaks but remains attached). However, the breakage of fracturing connectors 101, 111 loosens most of the circumference along the tether loop 12 to allow for the range of movement and motion of the cup 10 relative to the closure 20 and the outlet 22.

[0028] In this way, the blocking element 10 remains tethered to the closure 20, so that the system 1 does not produce any loose plastic parts. This feature is advantageous compared to many prior art systems, in which the tamper-evident feature often produces disassembled plastic strips and / or other loose parts.

[0029] Structurally, element 10 has a cup-shaped form, with a top panel and a skirt extending downward from the panel. The skirt is sized to block outlet 22 and / or shield nozzle 30 (the nozzle itself can be used to seal outlet 22 independently of element 10). Grip protrusions and other markings may be provided. Optionally, a portion of the outer surface of the skirt (i.e., the sidewall) may be given a shape consistent with the corresponding portion of the closure, as... Figure 3 D and Figure 4B As shown in the figure. The shape can be flat, serrated, and / or include a graduated lip or feature.

[0030] The bottom edge of the skirt portion on the blocking element 10 includes a tether loop 12. The loop 12 is permanently secured to the skirt / blocking element 10 by a first permanent bridging member 122 extending upward from the top surface of the loop 12. The bridging member 122 extends along an arcuate section between 20° and 120° in the circumferential direction defined by the bottom edge of the skirt portion.

[0031] The tether loop 12 is also permanently secured to the connecting ring 11 positioned below the tether loop 12 by a second permanent bridging member 121 (i.e., the tether loop 12 is positioned between the cup portion of the blocking element 10 and the connecting ring 11). The arcuate portion occupied by the second bridging member 121 is equal to or more preferably smaller than the arcuate portion of the first permanent bridging member. Preferably, the second bridging member 121 is positioned adjacent to or coincident with the hook 13, such that the tether has sufficient range of motion to allow the hook to engage.

[0032] Bridging elements 121 and 122 are constructed with sufficient thickness and material to withstand the application of rotational forces that would otherwise cause the fragile bridging elements 101 and 111 to break. Note that the breakage of bridging elements 101 and 111 will also produce a clear clicking or snapping sound, thus providing the user with tactile and audible feedback that the tamper-evident features have been compromised.

[0033] Bridging elements 121 and 122 are also positioned circumferentially opposite (i.e., on opposite sides of element 10). This configuration allows the tether loop to separate and release along most of its circumference while maintaining attachment at the opposing permanent bridging elements. Thus, the tether portion can move freely and independently compared to the connecting ring 11 and the rest of the blocking element 10 (i.e., the skirt and top panel).

[0034] In this way, when the system is turned on and used, the cup / blocking element can be positioned in a variety of ways, such as rotating to the resting position. Figure 3 C and Figure 4B Or flip over the opposite edge to the engaging position. Figure 5B and Figure 6(C) thus providing versatility according to user preference. In either case, the free-moving portion of the cord is long enough to ensure that the cup does not obstruct access to the outlet 22, while remaining short enough that the "dangling" cup does not cause inconvenience. The relatively short length of the cord is further advantageous because it minimizes the use of plastic compared to many of the examples identified above, and significantly reduces the twisting required to open / release the cup.

[0035] The breakable bridging components 101 and 111 can have an hourglass or triangular shape to help define a precise break point (in...). Figure 2C (Best seen in the image). These points can be aligned on the same spatial plane to ensure rapid and uniform fracture when the blocking element 10 is subjected to a rotational force relative to the closure 20. It is worth noting that fracture will occur within less than a full turn, and more specifically, within less than half a turn of the element (i.e., less than 180° of torsion and possibly as little as 5° or less, all depending on the elasticity and flexibility of the material, and the thickness of all bridging elements 101, 111, 121, 122).

[0036] Go to Figure 3 A to Figure 3 E illustrates the sequence for opening, storing, and replacing the cup-shaped blocking element 10 above the outlet 22 of the closure 20. Specifically, Figure 3 A represents the initial positioning, where fragile bridging components 101 and 111 remain intact. Figure 3 In section B, an upward force, indicated by arrow 3b, is applied to the blocking element 10 so that as element 10 moves upward and away from the closure 20, the fragile bridging component breaks and produces a clear sound (this also causes the broken teeth to look like...). Figure 3 The residual Y is visible in the illustration of E. Thereafter, the upward force becomes a pivoting force, indicated by arrow 3c. When the blocking element changes its direction, the tether loop temporarily elongates to accommodate this movement (see...). Figure 3 (illustration of C), thus allowing the cover to continue through its range of motion 3d and into Figure 3 The placement or "blocking" position is indicated by D.

[0037] about Figures 5A to 6C. When the blocking element 10 includes a radially extending hook 13, the cup can be engaged with, engaged in, or engaged near the closure element 20. That is, the hook 13 is a J-shaped protrusion extending away from and below the bottom edge of the skirt. When the cup is removed, the end portion of the hook 13 is fitted into a hole or gap on or near the closure. By way of example and not limitation, this gap can be formed by an offset created by the teeth 212 between the outer side of the neck of the container (not shown, but located below the ring 21) and the ring 21, or alternatively, it may be formed between the ring 21 and the main skirt of the closure 20. A slot or hole may also be formed to receive the hook 13.

[0038] as Figure 5A As seen in the enlarged illustration, one aspect of the anti-tampering feature is that the ring 21 will fall when the fragile element breaks, creating a gap 5a between the ring and the skirt of the closure. The teeth 212 below the ring 21 also create a gap 5b, as... Figure 5B As can be seen from this. Hook 13 can be inserted into any of these gaps 5a, 5b to store the blocking element 10. Similar to Figure 3 A to Figure 3 The order in E, Figure 6 A to Figure 6 C indicates the starting position ( Figure 6 A), the pivoting motion 6b removes the blocking element 10 and places it in the gap 5b via the hook 13. Figure 6 B), and the upward force 6c required to open the optional sliding valve element associated with the outlet of the closure (B). Figure 6 C).

[0039] As shown in the accompanying drawings, teeth 102, 112 may be provided on the end edges of the interface surface. These teeth 102, 112 help maintain the spacing of the parts, facilitate connection and reconnection (e.g., as a snap-fit ​​feature), and / or facilitate the manufacturing process, especially in the case of injection molding.

[0040] It is worth noting that the blocking element 10 is initially formed as a single part. This means that the cup portion of the skirt / panel, as well as the tether loop, connecting ring, and any and all bridging elements (both fragile and permanent), can be formed as individual parts. In some respects, they can be injection molded from a single set of molded parts. Notably, the inner diameter of the connecting ring is sized to mate with the axial extension 23 on the closure 20. Grooves, slots, creases, or other features may be provided on the exposed or suitable surfaces of the closure 20 to aid in positioning, receiving, and retaining the connecting ring.

[0041] Because certain portions of the blocking elements 10 require strength and elasticity, they can be formed from different polymers compared to the closing elements (the closing elements themselves can also be molded into a single monolithic piece). In these respects, polypropylene grades are particularly preferred, and they offer the added advantage of being recyclable.

[0042] All components of the pump distributor should be made of materials with sufficient flexibility, structural integrity, and chemical inertness. Certain grades of polypropylene and polyethylene are particularly advantageous, especially considering the absence of any thermosetting resins and / or different blends of elastic polymers. Materials should also be selected based on processability, cost, and weight. Common polymers suitable for injection molding, extrusion, or other common molding processes (e.g., polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polybutene) should be used for specific purposes, employing selected and possibly different grades of polypropylene to produce the caps, tethers, and closure structures themselves. Containers can be formed from these materials or other materials.

[0043] References to connections in this disclosure should be understood to include any conventional means used in the art. While threaded connections, ball-groove and groove-flange assemblies may be employed, this can also take the form of snap-fit ​​or press-fit components. Adhesives and fasteners may also be used, although such components must be carefully selected to maintain the recyclability of the assembly.

[0044] Similarly, a junction can include a connection or an adjacency relationship. These terms, as well as any implied or explicit reference to a connection, should be considered in the context in which they are used, and any perceived ambiguity can be potentially resolved by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and various rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible. Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but further modifications and variations include those described in the foregoing detailed description. These modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A closed system (1), comprising: A cup-shaped blocking element (10) having an integrally formed connecting ring (11) and an integrally formed tethering ring (12). The sealing element (20) restricts the outlet (22); The tether loop is attached to the bottom edge of the blocking element via a first permanent bridging member (122) and to the top edge of the connecting loop via a second permanent bridging member (121), wherein a breakable bridging member (101, 111) connects the tether loop to each of the blocking element and the connecting element. Wherein, the first permanent bridging member is circumferentially opposite to the second permanent bridging member; and The connecting ring remains fixed to the closing element, while the remainder of the blocking element is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the outlet, and the open position allows free access to the outlet.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, When the blocking element rotates less than half a turn relative to the closing element, the fragile bridging element breaks, while the first permanent bridging element and the second permanent bridging element do not break.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking element includes a radially extending hook (13), wherein the hook is configured to be engaged by a portion of the closing element when the blocking element is in the open position.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The closure element includes a plurality of teeth (212) along the lower edge of the closure element to form a gap in which the hook is engaged.

5. The system according to claim 1 or 4, wherein, The enclosure element includes a tamper-evident ring (21) connected to the enclosure element via a breakable bridging connector (211).

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing element includes a nozzle assembly (30) configured to selectively seal and open the outlet independently of the blocking element.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first permanent bridging member occupies an arcuate section between 20° and 120° on the top surface of the tether loop.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The arcuate section occupied by the second permanent bridging member along the bottom surface of the tether loop is smaller than the arcuate section of the first permanent bridging member.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Two to five breakable bridging connectors connect the tether loop to the blocking element.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Two to five fracturing bridging connectors connect the tether loop to the connecting loop.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking element and the sealing element are made of different grades of polypropylene.

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