Elastic Dispensing Closure for Rigid Container Squeezability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing packages that use glass or rigid containers are not suitable for manual squeezing and require inversion, as glass is not elastic and rigid containers cannot be distorted to dispense fluent materials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing closure system comprising an inner elastic dispensing element and an outer closure stand that supports the container in an inverted position, allowing manual squeezing of the elastic element to dispense materials without distorting the rigid container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass or rigid containers are used for dispensing fluent material, then container strength and durability are improved, but the container cannot be manually squeezed to dispense material effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dispensing function into two separate components: the rigid container (for strength and storage) and the elastic closure element (for dispensing action). The closure element is segmented from the container body, allowing it to provide manual squeezability while the container maintains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic closure element acts as an intermediary between the user and the rigid container. It transfers the user's squeezing force to the fluent material inside the container, enabling dispensing without requiring the container itself to be deformable.
2Ease of operation
If polymeric elastic containers are used for manual squeezing, then ease of operation is improved, but container material limitations arise
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic closure element serves multiple functions: it provides manual squeezability, seals the container opening, and interfaces with various container types (glass, rigid plastic, metal). This universal design allows the same closure mechanism to work with diverse container materials and fluent products.
3Quantity of substance
If glass containers are inverted for dispensing, then gravity assists material flow, but usability and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element incorporates dynamic movement capability, allowing it to be compressed manually at any orientation. This eliminates the need for fixed inverted positioning while still enabling effective material dispensing through elastic deformation and pressure application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of glass or rigid containers by providing an elastic closure that facilitates manual dispensing without needing to invert the container, enhancing usability and flexibility in packaging designs.
Implementation Method 1
an inner elastic dispensing element... The dispensing element is manually squeezable by a user to dispense the fluent material out of the glass container
Implementation Method 2
manually squeezable by a user to dispense the fluent material... increase pressure in the interior to force a food condiment out
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic dispensing closure includes an outer closure stand at least partially circumferentially surrounding an inner elastic dispensing element, which includes an open end establishing an inlet, an elastic sidewall extending axially away from the open end and establishing a reservoir, and a normally-closed end terminating the elastic sidewall and having an outlet. The stand includes a container support annulus, and a radially outer skirt extending away from the container support annulus and terminating in a rest surface establishing a support open end of the outer closure stand. A package includes the elastic dispensing closure and a rigid container including a container closed end, a sidewall extending away from the container closed end, and a container open end terminating the sidewall and coupled to the elastic dispensing closure.