Tethered Closure Device Radial Linking Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered closure devices for containers, such as gable top cartons, often interfere with the pouring operation due to limited removal distance and complex, costly manufacturing processes, which hinder the dispensing of contents and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A closure device featuring a cap with a linking portion and a retainment portion, where the cap is resealably arranged around a pour spout with specific separation lines and bridge sections allowing for a wide range of movement while maintaining a tethered connection, preventing interference during dispensing and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tethered cap is designed with a complex tethering mechanism (e.g., hinge-film and foldable parts), then the cap can be tethered to the pour spout, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into three distinct portions: a retainment portion that remains on the pour spout, a linking portion that provides the tethering connection, and a lid portion that can be opened and closed. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall tethering mechanism compared to complex hinge-film structures.
2Device complexity
If the tethered cap is designed with a limited removal distance, then the tethering structure remains simple, but the cap interferes with the pouring operation
Solution Approach 1:
The linking portion is designed to extend substantially radially outward from the pour spout when the cap is in the open position, rather than limiting movement in a single direction. This radial extension allows the lid portion to be positioned far enough away to prevent interference with pouring while maintaining a relatively simple tethering structure without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
3Strength
If the first bridge section has a large circumferential extent, then the retainment portion is securely connected to the linking portion, but the lid portion cannot be removed far enough to prevent interference with dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The first bridge section is designed with a circumferential extent of less than 90 degrees, creating a localized connection point rather than a widespread attachment. This localized design provides sufficient connection strength while allowing the linking portion to extend radially outward and position the lid portion far enough away to prevent interference with dispensing operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If the tethered closure device uses a simple design, then the production cost is reduced, but the control over the cap position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device transitions from a static, fully tethered cap to a dynamic system where the lid portion can be opened, closed, and positioned flexibly. The linking portion provides sufficient flexibility to allow the lid to assume various positions (open, closed, partially open) while maintaining tethered connection, providing adaptability without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure device (100) comprising a pour spout (200) and a cap (300), the cap comprising a lid portion (302), a linking portion (304) and a retainment portion (306), the linking portion permanently linking the lid portion to the retainment portion and the retainment portion being permanently retained around the pour spout, the lid portion being resealably arranged on the pour spout allowing the closure device to be brought between an open position and a closed position. The cap comprises first and second separation lines (340, 342) along which the cap is configured to separate when the closure device is brought from the closed position to the open position. The first separation line extends circumferentially around the cap between a first endpoint and a second endpoint defining between them a non-breakable first bridge section (348) configured to permanently connect the retainment portion to the linking portion, said first bridge section having a circumferential extent (a) that is less than 90°. The second separation line extends circumferentially around the cap between a first endpoint and a second endpoint defining between them a non-breakable second bridge section (354) configured to permanently connect the lid portion to the linking portion, said second bridge section having a circumferential extent (β) that is less than 90°. The first bridge section and the second bridge section are located at opposite sides of the cap. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a container and such a closure device