Container with affixable head

Abstract

A container, with a main portion, an upper portion, and a removable head designed to attach to the upper portion. The upper portion is designed to include an opening, with an outside surface of the upper portion including a circumferential flange and at least one alignment tab. A head is designed with a receiving portion, a skirt, a lip on an inside surface of the skirt, with the head removably affixable to the upper portion of the container. The head is designed to accommodate a ball rotatably mounted and restrained. Threads and a locking mechanism may be formed on the head, which may mate with a cap, the cap designed with screw threads and a locking member on its interior.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates to containers with affixable top portions for dispensing materials contained within.SUMMARY

[0002] The present invention provides a container, comprising: a main portion and an upper portion, the upper portion including an opening, with an outside surface of the opening including a circumferential flange and at least one alignment tab; a head, with a receiving portion, a skirt, a lip on an inside surface of the skirt; and the head being removably affixable to the container, such that the lip of the skirt engages with the circumferential flange to seal the receiving portion into the opening, securely attaching the head to the container.

[0003] Preferably, the skirt is comprised of more than one segment around its circumference. Further, the skirt may be comprised of four segments, the upper portion with two alignment tabs positioned diametrically opposite from one another, and in which two alignment tabs engage with diametrically opposite open sections between the skirt segments. Further, there may be at least one rib located between an outside surface of each skirt segment and an inside surface of a lower side wall. Further, at least one rib may stiffen each skirt segment and increase the force required for the lip to disengage with the circumferential flange.

[0004] Preferably, a seal is secured over the opening; and / or in which the upper portion and the head are circular in cross-section; and / or in which a ball is rotatably mounted in and retained in the head; and / or in which the upper portion is smaller in diameter than that of the main portion; and / or in which two alignment tabs engage with the open sections between segments of the skirt to align the head with the upper portion; and / or in which the container and the head are manufactured from different materials.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment the container comprises a main portion and an upper portion, the upper portion including an opening, with an outside surface of the opening including a circumferential flange and at least one alignment tab; a head, with a receiving portion, a skirt, a lip on an inside surface of the skirt; the head being removably affixable to the container, such that the lip of the skirt engages with the circumferential flange to seal the receiving portion into the opening, securely attaching the head to the container; a ball rotatably mounted in and retained in the head; an outer wall of the head having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the outer wall having threads formed thereon, the second portion of the outer wall having a locking mechanism thereon; and a cap, the cap having a cap side wall and a cap top wall, the cap side wall having a cap wall upper portion, a cap wall lower portion, first and second screw threads formed on the cap wall upper portion, each of the screw threads extending for approximately half of a circumference of the upper portion of the upper outer wall, a locking member formed on the cap wall lower portion, a protrusion formed on an inner surface of the cap top wall, the protrusion engaging the ball when the cap is tightened on the container.

[0006] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a stop formed on the lower portion of the outer wall, and the locking member on the cap wall lower portion comprises a rib arranged to abut the stop when the cover is screwed on the container, the rib extending completely along the cap wall lower portion, the rib having a tapering height with a smallest height proximate a bottom of the cap wall lower portion.

[0007] Preferably, the locking mechanism on the lower portion of the outer wall has a first wall extending outwardly from the lower portion of the outer wall and a second wall extending from a free end of the first wall to merge with the lower portion of the outer wall, the second wall thereby forming a ramp to permit the locking member formed on the lower portion of the cap side wall to ride therealong prior to engaging with the locking member on the lower portion of the outer wall.

[0008] Preferably, the cap side wall has a stepped configuration; and / or wherein the protrusion formed on the inner surface of the cap wall has a circular configuration; and / or wherein the screw threads formed on the upper portion of the outer wall have a double start; and / or wherein there are provided two screw threads, each of the screw threads extending approximately half of the circumference of the upper portion of the outer wall; and / or wherein the cap side wall and the top wall include indicators showing how to remove the cap; and / or wherein the cap side wall includes interior ribs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1is a side elevational exploded view of one embodiment of container assembly; FIG. 2is an elevational exploded view of the container of FIG. 1 rotated through 90°; FIG. 3is a side elevational view with a ball in position of the container; FIG. 4is a perspective view thereof; FIG. 5is a perspective view of the container with the ball removed; FIG. 6is a further perspective view thereof; FIG. 7is a perspective view thereof illustrating the bottom portion of the container; FIG. 8is a perspective view of the cover of the container; FIG. 9is a plan view of the interior of the cover; FIG. 10is a sectional exploded view of the container; FIG. 11is a longitudinal sectional view of the assembled container; FIG. 12is a bottom perspective view of a cap; FIG. 13is a top perspective view thereof; FIG. 14is a side elevational view thereof; FIG. 15is a bottom plan view thereof; FIG. 16is a top plan view thereof; FIG. 17is a top perspective view of a container that accommodates an affixable head; FIG. 18is a side elevational view thereof; FIG. 19is a bottom perspective view of a affixable head; FIG. 20is a bottom plan view thereof; FIG. 21is a top perspective exploded view of a container and an affixable head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The specific embodiments given in the drawings and following description do not limit the disclosure. On the contrary, they provide the foundation for one of ordinary skill to discern the alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications that are contemplated by the inventors. The disclosed is best understood in the context of the larger environments in which they operate.

[0011] Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated a container with a affixable head which is generally designated by reference numeral 10. Container with a affixable head 10 includes a top generally designated by reference numeral 12, a main body generally designated by reference numeral 14 and an applicator roller or ball generally designated by reference numeral 16.

[0012] Top or cap 12 has, as may be seen in the drawings, a lower side wall 20 and an upper side wall 22. Cap 12 also includes a top wall 24.

[0013] Intermediate upper side wall 22 and lower side wall 20 is a stepped portion generally designated by reference numeral 25. A further stepped portion 27 extends between top wall 24 and upper side wall 22 and includes a plurality of vertical wall segments 26 and a plurality of horizontal wall segments 28 which form the step pattern.Formed on the under side of top wall 24 is a protrusion 30 which has an annular ring configuration for reasons which will become apparent herein below.

[0014] Main body 14 is defined largely by a cylindrical side wall 32 and a bottom wall or base 34. At its upper end, main body 14 has a neck portion generally designated by reference numeral 40. Neck portion 40 includes an upper side wall 42 and a lower side wall 54.

[0015] Upper side wall 42 has first and second threads 44, 46 formed on an exteriorly facing surface thereof. Each thread 44, 46 extends approximately half of the circumference of upper side wall 42. Upper side wall 42 merges with an inwardly tapering wall 48 which in turn meets an intermediate vertical wall segment 50.

[0016] Situated below intermediate vertical wall segment 50 is an outwardly tapering wall 52 which meets lower vertical side wall 54. A pair of locking members 56 and 56' are formed on the exterior surface of lower side wall 54. As will be seen, locking member 56 has a first wall 58 which extends outwardly from lower side wall 54. First wall 58 may be substantially perpendicular or form an acute angle with lower side wall 54. Second wall 60 extends from the end of first wall 58 and merges with lower side wall 54. Second wall 60 thus forms a ramp for a further locking member (to be discussed herein below) to slide along. A top wall 62 is angled downwardly from lower side wall 54. This helps to create a clearance of a further locking member when opening the top.

[0017] Interiorly of neck portion 40, there is provided a circular valve seat 61 which is designed to receive roller or ball 16. A lip 59 extends about the mouth of neck portion 40. In the manufacture, roller or ball 16 is inserted through the opening and is retained in position by lip 59. The insertion of roller 16 may be accomplished with the roller 16 being of a harder material such as polypropylene than the container 14 which may be formed of a polyethylene material.

[0018] Referring back to the top 12, it will be seen that the interior is provided with a pair of locking members 64, 64'. Locking member 64 has an acute angled wall 66; locking members 64, 64' are designed to engage with locking members 56, 56'. As seen in FIG. 8, locking member 64 may extend the complete length of lower side wall 20 and also may have a tapering height with the greatest height being adjacent upper side wall 22 and the smallest height being at the end of lower side wall 20. The tapered profile of locking members 64 and 64' may be thinnest at portion 67, and thickest at point 65. This may serve to create a desired height at the interior surface of top 12 for the desired engagement with locking members 56, 56' near point 67, while the thicker portion near 65 may add stiffness and structure to the locking member and / or top 12. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 68 may be provided on the interior of lower side wall 20. Threads 70, 72 are designed to engage with threads 44, 46.

[0019] It will be seen that both side wall 20 and upper side wall 22 may be provided with a knurled surface 74. Lower side wall 20 contains a pair of indicia 76 indicating where to push on the wall to disengage the locking members 64, 64'. A further indicia 78 may be provided on the top wall 24 also indicating the action to be taken to remove the top.

[0020] The roller 16 and neck 40 are dimensioned so as to provide a small gap between roller 16 and valve seat 61 to permit application of the material within body 14. During transport, inner ring 30 will force roller 16 into a tight seal with valve seat 61. The locking action of the cap with the neck of the container will prevent accidental loosening of the same.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, there is illustrated aan embodiment of the cap which may be utilized in the present disclosure and which cap is generally designated by reference numeral 110. Cap 110 has a side wall which is comprised of a lower side wall 112 and an upper side wall 114. Lower side wall 112 may transition into upper side wall 114 by means of a ledge or horizontal side wall 116.

[0022] On its outer surface, lower side wall 112 may be provided with a knurled surface 118 which has a knurled free portion 119. A plurality of ribs 120 are formed on the exterior of upper side wall 112. Each rib 120 has a lower side wall 122 and an upper tapered portion 124. A top wall 126 of cap 112 has a rounded upper side portion 127 on which tapered portion 124 is located. Interiorly of the cap, there is a lower side wall inner surface 128 and an upper side wall inner surface 130. Interconnecting the inner surfaces 128 and 130 is an interior surface 129 of horizontal side wall 116.

[0023] As may be seen in FIG. 12, wedges 134 are formed where lower side wall inner surface 128 meets with the interior of horizontal side wall 116. Top wall inner surface 136 includes an annular protrusion 138 to seat on the roller and ensure that the same will seal in a leak proof manner with the valve. Reinforcing ribs 140 extend along the interior surface 136.

[0024] The arrangement of having ribs extending up in conjunction with the upper tapered portion 124 provides a cap which may be manufactured relatively inexpensively due to less material being required. At the same time, the cap is sufficiently strong to maintain a downward pressure by annular protrusion 138 to seat on the roller. Since containers may be put in situations where reduced air pressure is present, such as when flying, a leak proof seal may be advantageous.

[0025] Figs 17 - 21 show an embodiment in which previously described neck portion 40 is comprised of a head 500, which is formed as a separate piece from previously described main body 14. In this configuration, most all components previously described as part of neck portion 40 may be configured into head 500. While roller ball 600 is included as a reference number in this embodiment, other elements previously described which allow neck portion 40 to mate with cap 12 are shown, but reference numerals are omitted for brevity.

[0026] Head 500 is removably installable on to an upper portion 510 of container 520, also referred to as the main portion of 520 upper portion 510 includes an opening 525, which may be smaller in diameter than that of the diameter of the main chamber of container 520. Alignment tabs 530a and 530b are located at approximately opposing positions on upper portion 510. Flange 540 is circumferential around opening 525, abutting into alignment tabs 520a and 520b as shown.

[0027] Head 500 includes components that allow it to be removably installable to upper portion 510. Collar 505 may include locking members 64, 64' as in other embodiments. As shown in Figs 19-20, there may be a skirt 550, shown here in four segments 550a, 550b, 550c, 550d. The slots created by the space between each segment are shown as slots 555. The inner side of skirt 550 may include a circumferential lip 560; herein each skirt segment includes its own portion of such a lip 560. The segmented configuration of skirt 550 creates flexibility to allow the skirt segments to flex outward. One or more ribs 558 may be present on the outer side of skirt 550, abutting an inner portion of collar 505 as shown, on an inside surface of the lower side wall of collar 505. Ribs 558 may serve to stiffen each skirt segment and increases the force required for the lip 560 to disengage with the circumferential flange 540.

[0028] While the drawings show a configuration with skirt 550 in four segments 550a, 550b, 550c, 550d, configurations with greater or fewer than four segments may be used in conjunction with a corresponding appropriate quantity of alignment tabs, such as 530a and 530b. Herein, the skirt segments, as well as the corresponding open sections are created between each segment, may be diametrically opposite one another.

[0029] Removably installing head 500 on to container 520 involves placing the two pieces together, by first positioning alignment tabs 520a and 520b into slots 555. Head 500 is then pressed against container 520, wherein skirt 550 flexes outward, with lip 560 moving over flange 540, thereby securely snapping head 500 into place on container 520, and engaging the components together. A receiving portion 570 of head 500 is configured to align with opening 525, creating a sealed joint. Head 500 may be removable from container 520 by applying appropriate force to separate the two parts, with skirt 550 flexing around lip 560, in a reversal of installation. Thus, head 500 is affixable to container 520, and in one embodiment is removable.

[0030] If desired, a removable seal (such as a foil, plastic membrane, or other suitable material) may be placed over opening 525. This prohibits the contents of the container from being dispensed through the roller ball 600 until the head is removed from the container, and the seal removed or punctured. This may be advantageous for child-proof and tamper-evident considerations.

[0031] There are advantages to such a configuration of a head that is a separate piece from a container. This allows each piece to be manufactured from separate types of materials. For example, a head unit could be molded from high-density polyethylene, allowing it to strip off the core rods in the molding process. Different materials may be used for a main container portion, such as but not limited to clear PET, polypropylene, acrylics, styrene and others appropriate materials available now or in the future. A configuration in which the bottle is made from the same material as the head (particularly a head with a roll-on applicator) may not allow certain types of liquids to be used, thus a two-material provides advantages. Alternately, the removable head and the container can be molded from the same material.

[0032] Numerous alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A container (520), comprising: a main portion and an upper portion (510), the upper portion (510) including an opening (525), with an outside surface of the opening (525) including a circumferential flange (540) and at least one alignment tab; a head (500), with a receiving portion (570), a skirt (550), a lip (560) on an inside surface of the skirt (550); and the head (500) being removably affixable to the container (520), such that the lip (560) of the skirt (550) engages with the circumferential flange (540) to seal the receiving portion (570) into the opening (525), securely attaching the head (500) to the container (520).

2. The container (520) of claim 1, in which the skirt (550) is comprised of more than one segment around its circumference.

3. The container (520) of claim 2, in which the skirt (550) is comprised of four segments (550a, 550b, 550c, 550d), the upper portion (510) has two alignment tabs (530a, 520a) positioned diametrically opposite from one another, and in which two alignment tabs (530a, 520a) engage with diametrically opposite open sections between the segments.

4. The container (520) of claim 3, in which two alignment tabs (530a, 520a) engages with the open sections between segments (550a, 550b, 550c, 550d) of the skirt (550) to align the head (500) with the upper portion (510).

5. The container (520) of any of claims 2 to 4, in which at least one rib (120) is located between an outside surface of each skirt (550) segment and an inside surface of a lower side wall (20, 112, 122, 20, 54), preferably in which the at least one rib (120) stiffens each skirt (550) segment and increases force required for the lip (560) to disengage with the circumferential flange (540).

6. The container (520) of any of claims 1 to 5, in which a seal is secured over the opening (525).

7. The container (520) of any of claims 1 to 6, in which the upper portion (510) and the head (500) are circular in cross-section.

8. The container (520) of any of claims 1 to 7, in which a ball (16) is rotatably mounted in and retained in the head (500).

9. The container (520) of any of claims 1 to 8, in which the upper portion (510) is smaller in diameter than that of the main portion and / or in which the container (520) and the head (500) are manufactured from different materials.

10. The container (520) of any of claims 1 to 9 further comprising: an outer wall of the head (500) having a first portion (570, 67) and a second portion (570, 67), the first portion (570, 67) of the outer wall having threads (70, 44) formed thereon, the second portion (570, 67) of the outer wall having a locking mechanism thereon; and a cap (110, 12, 112), the cap (110, 12, 112) having a cap side wall (20) and a cap top wall (126, 24, 62), the cap side wall (20) having a cap wall upper portion (510), a cap wall lower portion (570, 67), first and second screw threads (70, 44) formed on the cap wall upper portion (510), each of the screw threads (70, 44) extending for approximately half of a circumference of the upper portion (510) of the upper outer wall, a locking member (56, 64) formed on the cap wall lower portion (570, 67), a protrusion (30) formed on an inner surface of the cap top wall (126, 24, 62), the protrusion (30) engaging the ball (16) when the cap (110, 12, 112) is tightened on the container (520).

11. The container (520) of claim 10 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a stop formed on the lower portion (570, 67) of the outer wall, and the locking member (56, 64) on the cap wall lower portion (570, 67) comprises a rib (120) arranged to abut the stop when the cap (110, 12, 112) is screwed on the container (520), the rib (120) extending completely along the cap wall lower portion (570, 67), the rib (120) having a tapering height with a smallest height proximate a bottom of the cap wall lower portion (570, 67).

12. The container (520) of claim 10 or 11 wherein the locking mechanism on the lower portion (570, 67) of the outer wall has a first wall (58) extending outwardly from the lower portion (570, 67) of the outer wall and a second wall (60) extending from a free end of the first wall (58) to merge with the lower portion (570, 67) of the outer wall, the second wall (60) thereby forming a ramp to permit the locking member (56, 64) formed on the lower portion (570, 67) of the cap side wall (20) to ride therealong prior to engaging with the locking member (56, 64) on the lower portion (570, 67) of the outer wall.

13. The container (520) of any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the cap side wall (20) has a stepped configuration, preferably wherein the protrusion (30) formed on the inner surface of the cap (110, 12, 112) wall has a circular configuration.

14. The container (520) of any of claims 10 to 13 wherein the screw threads (70, 44) formed on the upper portion (510) of the outer wall have a double start, preferably wherein there are provided two screw threads (70, 44), each of the screw threads (70, 44) extending approximately half of the circumference of the upper portion (510) of the outer wall.

15. The container (520) of any of claims 10 to 14 wherein the cap side wall (20) and the cap top wall (126, 24, 62) include indicators showing how to remove the cap (110, 12, 112) and / or wherein the cap (110, 12, 112) side wall (20) includes interior ribs (558, 120).

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