Dispensing closures

Abstract

Delivery seal, which includes the following: a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid are connected to each other using a film hinge arrangement such that the lid can be moved between an open position, in which the dispensing of product fluid is permitted, and a closed position, in which the release of product fluid is prevented, is movable, the base includes a coupling surface for welding the dispensing closure to a container.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to dispensing closures for containers. This disclosure further relates to containers that include such closures. BACKGROUND

[0002] Common dispensing closures typically comprise a closure body secured to the neck of a container holding the product to be dispensed by means of a shoulder. The closure body further includes a lid that can pivot between an open or dispensing position and a closed position, and a resilient hinge connecting the lid to the closure body. Such a resilient or "film" hinge allows the lid to pivot relative to the closure.

[0003] Standard containers, such as plastic tubes, typically consist of a shoulder and a tube sleeve made of polyethylene (PE). A dispensing cap made of polypropylene (PP) is also usually included. Since the materials and blends of these components do not create a permanent, tightly bonded connection, the shoulder's purpose is to connect the dispensing cap and the tube sleeve by screwing or snapping them together. Beyond this, the shoulder serves no other purpose, but it does, for example, significantly affect the container's weight.

[0004] The examples in this disclosure are intended to reduce at least some of the problems mentioned above. SUMMARY

[0005] According to this first aspect, a dispensing closure comprising a base and a lid is provided. The base and lid are connected to each other using a film hinge arrangement such that the lid is movable between an open position, in which the dispensing of product fluid is permitted, and a closed position, in which the dispensing of product fluid is prevented. Furthermore, the base includes a coupling surface for welding the dispensing closure to a container.

[0006] A dispensing cap is provided. The dispensing cap comprises a base with a coupling surface for welding the cap to a container. This allows the base (and thus the dispensing cap) to be directly connected to the container (i.e., without the need for an intermediate element, such as a shoulder), resulting in a "shoulderless" container. This saves weight in container manufacturing, as no separate "shoulder" is required to connect the dispensing cap to the container. For example, the cap can have a relatively low weight of between 2 and 10 grams (specifically 3.9 grams for the 50 mm version). Furthermore, welding the dispensing cap to the container ensures a seamless and leak-proof connection between the components.

[0007] This feature ensures a secure attachment of the dispensing cap to the container, guaranteeing that the device is not only sufficiently leak-proof on the production line but also aesthetically pleasing. Such a combination of cap and container also provides a high degree of impact resistance.

[0008] Furthermore, the base and lid are connected using a film hinge assembly. This eliminates the need for a pin, such as a screw or metal rod, to allow the hinge to rotate, thus reducing assembly costs.

[0009] In an example, a container is provided. The container comprises a hollow, elongated body extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end. The body also includes flexible walls. Furthermore, the first end of the container body is open for the introduction of a flowable product and can be closed after the introduction of the flowable product. The container also includes a dispensing closure as described in the first aspect. The coupling surface of the base of the dispensing closure is welded to an inner section of the container body located at or near the second end of the container body.

[0010] Compared to conventional containers that require an additional element, such as a shoulder, for attaching the dispensing cap, this container saves a significant amount of material. At the same time, the welded dispensing cap forms a homogeneous unit with the container, thus preventing unwanted residue from remaining in the cap and opening up new design possibilities for the container manufacturer. The "shoulderless" container therefore enables the production of an environmentally friendly, lightweight, functional, sustainable, and, above all, economical package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following are non-restrictive examples of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a delivery closure in an open position; Fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of the delivery seal; Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the film hinge arrangement, which is part of the dispensing closure; Fig. 4 schematically shows another view of the film hinge arrangement, which is part of the dispensing closure; Fig. 5 den in Fig. Figure 1-4 shows the closure with an example of a container welded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0012] In the present description and claims, the term "film hinge" is to be understood as a thin, flexible hinge that connects two components, as opposed to a mechanical hinge, such as a pivot hinge. In some examples, it is made of the same material as the two parts it connects. When made of the same material as the components it connects, it may have the same or a different thickness and may even be merely a natural bend in a continuous piece of material.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a closure in an open position. Referring to this figure, a dispensing closure of the "film hinge" type, generally designated by 10, is shown. The closure comprises a base 15, a lid 14, and a film hinge assembly 90 connecting the lid 14 to the base 15. The film hinge assembly can be, for example, a butterfly film hinge assembly or a bistable film hinge assembly. In this way, the lid 14 can be moved between an "open" position and a "closed" position with respect to the base 15.

[0014] The base 15, the lid 14, and the hinge assembly 90 can be integrally formed to create a one-piece closure and can be made from a single material, such as polyethylene. A one-piece, mono-material solution is lightweight and fully recyclable using current recycling methods. In other examples, the base and lid can be formed from a different material, such as a different type of polymer, like polypropylene. Specifically, the lid can be made from polypropylene. Any of these components that form part of the closure can also be manufactured using bi-material or bi-component injection molding, a process based on injecting two thermoplastic materials to form parts made from two materials.

[0015] Base 15 is attached to a container neck (see Fig. 5) The base can be attached by (directly) welding it to the container neck, as explained below, resulting in a "shoulderless" container, e.g., a plastic tube. Compared to conventional tubes, such a "shoulderless" tube saves material. At the same time, the welded closure forms a homogeneous unit between the container and the closure, thus preventing unwanted residue from remaining in the closure.

[0016] The size of the base 15 (and the corresponding lid 14) can be adapted as appropriate and can therefore be varied for different applications of flowable products.

[0017] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the base 15 extends longitudinally between a first end 15a and a second end 15b. The base 15 comprises a first side wall 16, e.g., a substantially cylindrical side wall, a second side wall 17, e.g., a substantially cylindrical side wall, and a transition section 18, e.g., an inclined transition section, located between an end of the first side wall 16 and an end of the second side wall 17. The first cylindrical side wall 16 is substantially circular in this example. As shown in Figure 1, the base 15 extends longitudinally between a first end 15a and a second end 15b. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first cylindrical side wall comprises a substantially straight section 16a and a substantially curved section 16b. The height of the first cylindrical side wall 16 (arrow A) can differ from the height of the second cylindrical side wall 17 (arrow B). For example, the height of the second cylindrical side wall 17 can be greater than the height of the first cylindrical side wall 16.

[0018] Specifically, the second cylindrical side wall 17 is arranged radially inwards (i.e., closer to a geometric center of the base 15) with respect to the first cylindrical side wall 16. The transition section 18 is located radially inwards with respect to the first cylindrical side wall 16 and radially outwards with respect to the second cylindrical side wall 17.

[0019] The second cylindrical side wall 17 can define a substantially vertical plane. The (inclined) transition section 18 can define another plane. The plane defined by the (inclined) transition section 18 can be arranged at an angle to the substantially vertical plane defined by the second cylindrical side wall 17. The angle can be approximately 90 degrees to 125 degrees, specifically 115 degrees to 125 degrees.

[0020] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the base 15 can further comprise an upper platform 20, e.g., an annular upper platform. The second cylindrical side wall 17 extends at least partially from the periphery of the platform 20. A recess 21 can be provided in the upper platform 20. An outlet opening 22 extends through the recess 21. The recess can form a coupling receiving element and be configured to receive and fit the cover 14.

[0021] The lid 14 in this example is essentially oval and shaped to fit the recess 21. The lid 14 comprises an outer wall 14a and a base 14b. The base 14b further comprises a lower surface 14c and an upper surface 14d. The outer wall 14a may also include a recess (not shown in this example). The arc-shaped recess may be shaped so that it can be easily manipulated by the user's fingers, allowing the user to easily open and close the lid 14 relative to the base 15. The lid may also include a tamper-evident feature (not shown in this example) to indicate that the lid has been moved from a closed initial position to the open position.

[0022] A sealing plug 32 extends below the lower surface 14c. The plug 32 is configured to fit into the opening 22 to seal the contents of the container to which the closure has been welded (without the use of a shoulder) when the lid is pivoted into its closed position.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an outer coupling section 110 of the first side wall 16 is configured to connect directly (i.e., without an intermediate part or element between the first side wall 16 and the container) to an inner coupling section of the container neck (not shown in this figure, but shown in Figure 2). Fig. (5 shown) is welded and sealed to it. The outer coupling section 110 can correspond to the substantially curved section 16b of the first side wall 16. In some other examples, the outer coupling section 110 can correspond to the substantially curved section 16b and at least part of the substantially straight section 16a. The closure, welded directly to the container, is shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0024] The “film hinge” arrangement 90 includes a film hinge 91. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 4, a first area 92 (e.g., a strip) is formed next to one edge of the film hinge 91, and a second area 93 (e.g., a strip) is formed next to the other edge of the film hinge 91. The areas can be made of the same material as the shutter. The areas 92 and 93 connect the second side wall 17 of the base 15 to the side wall 14a of the cover 14. The areas 92 and 93 have a reduced thickness (relative to the thickness of the remainder of the corresponding strip) along a common line or bending axis 400 (between the two areas or strips), which serves as a pivot point when the cover 14 is pivoted relative to the base 15.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the film hinge 91 comprises a first arm 91a and a second arm 91b. A thin pivot line 132 connects the first arm 91a to the second side wall 17 of the base 15, and a similar thin pivot line 134 connects the second arm 91b to the upper surface 14d of the cover 14. The thin pivot lines 132 and 134 serve as a pivot point when the cover 14 is pivoted relative to the base 15 between an open position and a closed position (and vice versa). Furthermore, the hinge is bent along a bend line 500, such that the first arm 91a is defined on one side of the bend line 500 and the second arm 91b is defined on the other side of the bend line 500.The film hinge arrangement can provide a preload force by which the lid snaps into the open position and the closed position of the lid relative to the base, and can even provide an audible "click" sound as the lid transitions from one stable state to the other.

[0026] Overall, the film hinge arrangement 90 allows the cap and base to be held connected, while at the same time allowing the cap to be easily shifted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0027] A locking element or locking member (not shown) may also be provided on the closure. The locking element can be moved between a locked and an unlocked position. When the locking element is in a locked position, the cover 14 cannot be moved relative to the base 15. This could be useful to prevent unintentional opening and, for example, to prevent the cover from being opened by a child. However, when the locking member is in an unlocked position, the cover can be moved freely between an open and a closed position relative to the base.

[0028] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, a container 80, e.g., a plastic tube, is also provided. The plastic material used can be a known type suitable for injection molding. The tube can also be laminated or extruded. The plastic material used can be, for example, polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0029] Tube 80 can be a squeezable tube with flexible walls. Tube 80 may have walls that can be grasped by the user and squeezed or compressed to increase the internal pressure in order to force the product out of the container and through the dispensing cap welded to the tube. Such a flexible tube wall typically possesses sufficient inherent elasticity so that the container walls return to their normal, unloaded shape when the squeezing forces are removed.

[0030] According to this example, the tube comprises a hollow, elongated tube body 80a for enclosing the contents of the tube. The tube body extends lengthwise from a first end 80b to a second end (not shown). The first end 80b corresponds to the outlet end. After the plastic tube 80 has been filled with its contents, it is closed by welding the second open end of the tube body to itself, with the second end (not shown) of the tube body 80 then having a flatter shape.

[0031] A closure 10 as described above may also be provided. The closure 10 is welded directly to the container without a required intermediate part, such as a shoulder, between the closure and the container. Specifically, an outer coupling section of the first side wall of the closure is welded to an inner coupling section (not visible) located at or near the first end 80b of the container. The outer coupling section of the first side wall may, for example, correspond to the curved outer section of the first side wall, as previously explained. For example, the closure may be welded to the tube by thermal welding, e.g., using friction, heated jaws, hot air, laser, or ultrasound.

[0032] If ultrasonic energy is used, the ultrasonic frequencies employed can range from 20 kHz to 100 kHz. The energy consumed can be less than 1200 joules, preferably less than 600 joules, for example, 200 to 500 joules. Such a weld can be produced within a period of 0.05 to 2 seconds. As mentioned above, friction welding or laser welding can be used in one example variant.

[0033] The container and the closure can be made of the same material. In some other examples, the container might be made of polyethylene (PE) and the dispensing closure might be made of polypropylene (PP).

[0034] The finished tube product can consist of only two parts: the closure (which, for example, is manufactured as a single piece comprising the base, cap, and film hinge assembly) and the tube itself. Therefore, only a small number of components are required for the production of the finished tube product. As a result, material can be saved. Consequently, the manufactured tube requires a relatively small amount of energy to produce. Furthermore, the finished tube product can also be easily recycled.

[0035] Although only a few examples have been disclosed here, further alternatives, modifications, uses, and / or equivalents are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also included. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should not be limited by the specific examples, but should only be determined by a proper interpretation of the following claims.

Claims

[1] Delivery seal comprising the following: a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid are connected to each other using a film hinge arrangement such that the lid can be moved between an open position, in which the dispensing of product fluid is permitted, and a closed position, in which the release of product fluid is prevented, is movable, the base includes a coupling surface for welding the dispensing closure to a container. [2] Dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first substantially cylindrical side wall, a second substantially cylindrical side wall and a transition section located between the first cylindrical side wall and the second cylindrical side wall, wherein the base specifically comprises an inclined transition section. [3] Dispensing closure according to claim 2, wherein the second substantially cylindrical side wall is arranged radially inwards with respect to the first substantially cylindrical side wall and the transition section is located radially inwards with respect to the first substantially cylindrical side wall and radially outwards with respect to the second substantially cylindrical side wall. [4] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein a plane defined by the inclined transition section is arranged at an angle of approximately 91 to 125 degrees, in particular 115 to 125 degrees, to a substantially vertical plane defined by the second cylindrical side wall. [5] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the height of the first substantially cylindrical side wall is less than the height of the second substantially cylindrical side wall. [6] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first substantially cylindrical side wall and the second substantially cylindrical side wall are integrally formed with the base. [7] Dispensing closure according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first substantially cylindrical side wall comprises a substantially straight section and a substantially curved section. [8] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the coupling surface corresponds to an outer section of the first side wall. [9] Dispensing closure according to claim 8, if dependent on claim 7, wherein the outer section of the first side wall corresponds to the substantially curved section of the first side wall. [10] Dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base further comprises an upper platform comprising a recess, the recess forming a coupling receiving element and being configured to receive and fit the lid. [11] Dispensing closure according to claim 10, if dependent on claims 2 to 9, wherein the second cylindrical side wall extends at least partially from the periphery of the platform. [12] Dispensing closure according to claims 10 to 11, wherein the lid is shaped to fit the recess, the lid comprising an outer wall and a base, the base comprising a lower surface and an upper surface. [13] Dispensing closure according to claim 12, wherein the lid comprises a closure plug extending below the lower surface, the plug being configured to fit into a dispensing opening positioned in the base. [14] Dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the film hinge arrangement comprises a film hinge, a first area and a second area, wherein the areas are specifically strips. [15] Dispensing closure according to claim 14, if dependent on claims 2 to 13, wherein the first area and the second area are configured to connect the second side wall of the base to the side wall of the lid. [16] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the first and second areas have a reduced thickness along a common line, which serves as a pivot point when the lid is moved between the open position and the closed position, with respect to the thickness of the remainder of the corresponding area. [17] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the film hinge comprises a first arm and a second arm. [18] Dispensing closure according to claim 17, wherein the film hinge comprises a first pivot line for connecting the first arm to the second side wall of the base, wherein the thickness of the first pivot line is reduced with respect to the thickness of a section of the first arm adjacent to the first pivot line. [19] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the film hinge comprises a second pivot line for connecting the second arm to the upper surface of the lid, wherein the thickness of the second pivot line is reduced with respect to the thickness of a section of the second arm adjacent to the second pivot line. [20] Dispensing closure according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the hinge is bent along a fold line located between the first arm and the second arm. [21] Dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the base, the lid and the film hinge arrangement are made of the same material. [22] Container comprising the following: a hollow elongated tube body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the hollow elongated tube body further comprising flexible walls, wherein the second end is open for the introduction of a flowable product and can be closed after the introduction of the flowable product, a dispensing closure according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein The coupling surface of the base of the dispensing closure is welded to an inner coupling section of the container body, which is located at or near the first end of the container body. [23] Container according to claim 22, wherein the container and the dispensing closure are made of different materials. [24] Container according to claim 23, wherein the container is made of polyethylene and the closure is made of polypropylene. [25] Container according to claims 22 to 24, wherein the weld between the dispensing closure and the container in use defines a seal between them, such that the seal provides water and air tightness. [26] Container according to claims 22 to 25, wherein the dispensing closure is welded to the container using thermal welding, in particular using friction, laser or ultrasound.

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