Compact Tamper-Proof Closure With U-Shaped Pourer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-proof closures for containers are too long in the longitudinal direction, which is undesirable for certain types of liqueurs like vodka, where a more compact design is needed for marketing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A compact closure design featuring a U-shaped threaded pourer with cylindrical outer and inner portions, a threaded cap, and an anti-rotation device, which allows for a smaller longitudinal extension and includes optional features like a drip-stop lip and anti-refilling mechanisms, facilitating easy screw engagement and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drip-stop lip is formed on a longitudinal cylindrical structure extending above the upper edge of the mouth, then the pourer provides effective drip control, but the closure becomes too long in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The pourer structure transitions from a conventional longitudinal cylindrical design to a U-shaped cross-section design where the drip-stop lip is formed by the upper portion joining outer and inner cylindrical portions. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the drip control function to be achieved within a shorter longitudinal envelope by utilizing the radial and transverse dimensions more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the cylindrical structure upward to create the drip-stop lip, the invention inverts the approach by forming the drip-stop lip through the upper connecting portion of the U-shaped structure that joins the outer and inner portions laterally. This reverses the conventional vertical extension strategy into a lateral connection strategy, reducing longitudinal length while maintaining drip control functionality.
2Length of moving object
If a compact closure design is implemented, then the longitudinal extension is reduced for better marketing appeal, but the structural integrity and tamper-proof functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped pourer structure with outer and inner cylindrical portions nested together and joined by the upper portion creates a compact yet robust configuration. The nested arrangement of the outer and inner portions within the U-shaped cross-section allows the closure to achieve reduced longitudinal extension while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocked geometry and threaded engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure employs composite construction with the pourer body, outer portion, inner portion, and cap formed as integrated or separately molded components that work together. The U-shaped cross-section with its outer and inner portions creates a composite structural system that achieves both compactness and tamper-proof reliability through the synergistic interaction of its constituent parts and their geometric interlocking.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a compact closure for containers with a neck and mouth, comprising a threaded pourer (14) which has a drip-stop lip (19) and a threaded cap (3) designed to screw-engage with the threaded pourer, the pourer body comprising a part which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an upside-down “U” and the drip-stop lip being formed on the substantially annular upper portion (18) of the part with a cross-section in the form of an upside-down “U”.