Inverted Container Closure With Inverted Latch Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container closures are prone to unintended opening due to external impacts during handling and shipping, and they often require complex latching systems and more plastic material, leading to increased costs and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A closure design featuring a base with a peripheral skirt, recess, and sloping front surface, along with a lid that is recessed and supported by rim portions, allowing for secure sealing and reduced material usage, while minimizing the risk of accidental opening in inverted orientations and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latching systems with outwardly extending latch beads are used, then the lid can be securely latched closed, but the closure requires more plastic material and higher cost designs
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bead configuration is inverted: instead of having the base latch bead extend outward and the lid latch bead extend inward, this patent has the base latch bead extend inwardly into the base and the lid latch bead extend outwardly from the lid. This inversion maintains secure latching functionality while reducing the overall material required for the latching features.
2Reliability
If conventional latching systems with outwardly extending latch beads are used, then the lid can be securely latched closed, but the latching system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bead configuration is inverted: instead of having the base latch bead extend outward and the lid latch bead extend inward, this patent has the base latch bead extend inwardly into the base and the lid latch bead extend outwardly from the lid. This inversion maintains secure latching functionality while reducing the overall material required for the latching features.
3Reliability
If the closure is designed with robust latching resistance, then the lid remains securely closed, but external impacts during shipping can still overcome the latching resistance and dislodge the lid
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bead configuration is inverted: instead of having the base latch bead extend outward and the lid latch bead extend inward, this patent has the base latch bead extend inwardly into the base and the lid latch bead extend outwardly from the lid. This inversion maintains secure latching functionality while reducing the overall material required for the latching features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a recess in the base that receives the lid and positions it below the support surface of the rim portions. This recess acts as a cushioning feature that absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the latching mechanism from shipping impacts before they can dislodge the lid.
4Shape
If the lid is positioned flush with the closure base surface, then the closure has a compact design, but product accumulation on the closure base becomes difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a recess in the base that receives the lid and positions it below the support surface of the rim portions. This recess acts as a cushioning feature that absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the latching mechanism from shipping impacts before they can dislodge the lid.
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
The design enhances the reliability and durability of container closures by reducing the likelihood of accidental opening, minimizing material usage, and simplifying the latching system, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and product consistency.
Implementation Method 1
each of the rim portions has a support surface for supporting the closure while installed on the container when the closure and container are in an inverted orientation
Implementation Method 2
an upwardly directed force applied by the user so as to effect sufficient temporary, elastic distortion or deformation of the closure lid and/or closure base in the region of the lid latch bead and closure base latch bead
Data Source
AI summary
A closure (30) is provided for a container (32). In one particular embodiment, the closure (30) has a base (34) and a lid (36). The base (34) defines a recess (70) having a dispensing orifice (74). On either side of the recess (70), the base (34) has a rim portion (80) that defines a support surface (82). The front region of the base (34) has a sloping front surface (72). The lid (36) has a rear end connected with a connecting structure (40) to the closure base (34), and has a front end with a lid finger lift surface (86). When the lid (36) is closed, the front end of the lid (36) is located rearwardly of at least the lower end of the base sloping front surface (72), a major portion of the lid (36) is located between the base rim portions (80), and the lid (36) is located below the support surface (82) of each rim portion (80).