CN101128365A - Closure system with improved sealing of lid - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure system (30) is provided with a peripheral wall (32) (e.g., as defined either by a top portion of a container for extending from, and defining, an opening or as defined by a separate closure body for extending from a container). The peripheral wall (32) has a laterally inwardly extending sealing member (60). A lid (34) is provided for being moved from an open position to a closed position on the peripheral wall (32). The lid (34) has a flange (100) with a peripheral sealable surface (102) for being engaged by the sealing member (60) of the peripheral wall (32) to effect a seal.

Description

Closure system with improved lid seal

Cross-reference related applications

not applicable.

Statement Regarding Research or Development Sponsored Federally

not applicable.

View Microfiche Addendum

not applicable.

technical field

The present invention relates to closure systems for containers.

Background technique

There are a variety of conventional closures. One prior art closure system includes a body for attachment to the top of a container. The body forms an opening to the interior of the container. The system also includes a lid hingedly mounted to the body and liftable to reveal an opening to the interior of the container. The closure body to which the lid is attached may alternatively be described as a closure base or base portion.

For some types of items, it is desirable to provide a closure with a hinged top or other lid configuration that provides an outlet for the item (eg, liquid items as well as non-liquid items) and that will selectively accommodate the closure through opening Utensils that are inserted into the closure to allow the item to be scooped out of the container using a spoon, knife, ladle, etc., or accommodate a user's hand inserted through an open closure to lift the item through the user's hand.

It would be beneficial if the closure was equipped with an improved seal between the lid and closure body, especially for "wide-mouth" closures in which the minimum dimension of the access opening for the article is at least 40 or exceeds mm. In the past, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that it is necessary to design a wide-mouth, replaceable thermoplastic type closure that has very good sealing properties and is strong enough to accommodate the manufacturing process, assembly process and handling during shipping and use. is difficult.

It would be desirable to provide improved seals for closures, including wide mouth closures, where the seal is effective in providing the characteristic sealing function and is robust. It would also be especially desirable if the improved seal could effectively guide the mating portion of the lid during closure.

It would also be beneficial if an improved seal could withstand some curling or other deformation of a large closure without detrimentally affecting sealing performance.

Furthermore, it would also be desirable if the improved seal had an optional feature for being incorporated into a closure having a lid, preferably hinged to the body of the closure.

It would also be beneficial if a closure with the improved seal could accommodate containers of a variety of shapes and constructed of a variety of materials.

Preferably, a closure with the improved seal should be easy to use. Preferably, the seal of the improved closure should also be able to be easily incorporated into a structure which facilitates cleaning of the closure.

It would also be beneficial if a closure with this improved seal could be easily adapted to be manufactured from thermoplastic material.

It would also be desirable if the closure with the improved seal could be molded from thermoplastic material in one or more parts, and preferably in a single piece as an integral part so that assembly of multiple parts is not required.

Furthermore, it would be ideal if closures with this improved seal could accommodate high-efficiency, high-quality, high-velocity, high-volume manufacturing techniques that have the potential to reduce article rejects to produce parts that have the same job part-to-part High-reliability items with characteristics.

It would also be beneficial if the improved seal could optionally also be incorporated directly into the container, the seal functioning as part of the closure system around the opening of the container without the need for the closure system itself to use a separate Closer body.

Contents of the invention

The improved seals of the present invention may be incorporated into closure systems comprising one or more of the desirable components described above.

According to one aspect of the invention, a first form of the closure system is provided for a container having an item stored therein. The closed system includes:

a peripheral side wall extending from the container towards the interior of the container around the opening and through which articles can be removed in a retrieval direction perpendicular to the opening; and

A cover movable between a closed position (1) closing the opening and a fully open position (2) exposing the opening. The peripheral side wall may be a closure base formed as a unitary or integral extension of the container, or may be a separate closure body for mounting on the container. The peripheral sidewall includes a laterally inwardly extending seal overhanging the partial opening. The seal includes a first portion and a distal second portion having a cross-sectional configuration consisting of a transversely inwardly extending top arcuate surface (a), a transversely inwardly extending bottom arcuate surface (b) and A sealing surface (c) is formed which is generally parallel to the take-off direction and extends between the top arcuate surface and the bottom arcuate surface and joins both arcuate surfaces.

The lid includes a closure flange forming a peripheral sealing surface which is generally oriented parallel to the take-off direction when the lid is in said closed position (a) and which is aligned with the distal second portion of the seal The sealing faces of (b) are sealingly fitted to exert a laterally outward force on the second portion of the end.

According to another aspect of the present invention, another form of closure system is provided for a container having articles stored therein, and the closure system comprises:

(A) a peripheral side wall extending from the container to the interior of the container around the opening and through which articles can be removed in a retrieval direction perpendicular to the opening; and

(B) a lid movable between a closed position (1) that closes the opening and a fully open position (2) that exposes the opening; and wherein (a) the peripheral side wall includes a transverse an inwardly extending seal comprising a first portion and a terminal second portion extending from the first portion to form a sealing surface generally parallel to the take-off direction; and

(b) the lid includes a closure flange that forms a peripheral sealing surface that is (i) oriented generally parallel to the take-off direction when the lid is in the closed position and (ii) The spatial location of the perimeter formed by the surface has the smallest lateral measurement dimension, the sealing surface exceeds 40 mm;

(iii) the sealing surface is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the second portion of the seal end of the peripheral side wall so as to exert a laterally outward force on the second portion of the end; and

(iv) in a direction opposite to the take-off direction, the sealing surface extends inwardly beyond the sealing member of the peripheral sidewall by about 0.5 of the largest transverse dimension at a spatial location across the perimeter formed by the sealing surface of the lid flange % to approximately 10.0%.

According to another aspect of the present invention, another form of closure system is provided for a container having articles stored therein, and the closure system comprises:

(A) a peripheral side wall extending from the container to the interior of the container around the opening and through which articles can be removed in a retrieval direction perpendicular to the opening; and

(B) a lid movable between a closed position (1) enclosing the opening and a fully open position (2) exposing the opening; and wherein

(a) the peripheral sidewall includes a transversely inwardly extending seal overhanging the portion of the opening, the seal comprising a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion to form an extremity of a sealing surface generally is parallel to the feeding direction;

(b) the lid includes a closure flange forming a peripheral sealing surface which is (i) oriented generally parallel to the take-off direction when the lid is in said closed position and which is aligned with the peripheral side wall the sealing surface of the second portion of the end of the seal is in a sealing fit (ii) to exert a laterally outward force on the second portion of the end;

and

(c) The maximum transverse dimension of the sealing surface of the second portion of the peripheral side wall seal end (when measured perpendicular to the take-off direction and across the peripheral side wall of the second portion of the seal end when the lid is opened) the sealing surface measured in space) is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller than the largest lateral dimension of the sealing surface of the lid flange (measured in space across the periphery of the flange formed by the sealing surface of the lid flange), When the lid is closed, a laterally outward force is exerted by the sealing surface of the lid flange on the second portion of the peripheral sidewall seal end.

In a presently most preferred embodiment, the maximum transverse dimension of the sealing surface of the peripheral sidewall of the second portion of the seal tip is between about 0.50% and about 0.75% less than the maximum transverse dimension of the sealing surface of the lid flange.

According to another aspect of the present invention, another form of closure system is provided for a container having articles stored therein, and the closure system comprises:

(A) a peripheral side wall extending from the container to the interior of the container around the opening and through which articles can be removed in a retrieval direction perpendicular to the opening; and

(B) a lid movable between a closed position (1) enclosing the opening and a fully open position (2) exposing the opening; and wherein

(a) the peripheral sidewall has an inner surface and further includes a transversely inwardly extending seal depending from the inner surface across the partial opening, the seal including a first portion and an end extending from the first portion to form a sealing surface In the second part, the sealing surface (i) is generally parallel to the taking direction, and (ii) has a height measured along the taking direction, and the height of the sealing surface is the same as the height measured perpendicular to the taking direction the ratio of the largest lateral dimension of the inner surface of the peripheral sidewall is between about 0.08 and about 0.17; and

(b) the lid includes a closure flange forming a peripheral sealing surface which (i) is generally oriented parallel to the take-off direction when the lid is in the closed position, and

(ii) is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the distal second portion of the peripheral side wall for exerting a laterally outward force on the distal second portion.

The closure system of the present invention is particularly suitable for (but not limited to) larger item access openings (e.g. openings (which may be circular, oval or otherwise shaped) having a minimum transverse dimension across the opening of at least 40 mm ).

Many other advantages and features of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, claims and drawings.

Description of drawings

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the closure system of the present invention, which outlines a closure for use on or as part of a container, and the closure shown is in a fully closed state;

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view roughly along the plane 2-2 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the area indicated by the circle marked "FIG.3" in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the closure shown in Figure 1, but in Figure 4 with the lid shown in an open position;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view roughly along the plane 5-5 in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the area indicated by the ellipse marked "FIG.6" in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the area indicated by the circle indicated by "FIG.7" in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view similar to Figure 3, but with the lid just beginning to engage the body when the lid is closed;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the closure system of the present invention, outlining a closure for use on or as part of a container, and showing the closure in a fully closed state;

Figure 10 is a top view of a second embodiment of the closure shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a left side elevational view of the second embodiment of the closure shown in Figures 9 and 10;

Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view roughly along the plane 12-12 in Figure 10;

Figure 13 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the area indicated by the circle indicated by "FIG.13" in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the closure shown in Figure 9, but in Figure 14 with the lid shown in the open position; and

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along plane 15-15 of FIG. 14. FIG.

Detailed ways

While the invention may be embodied in many different forms, the specification and drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention is indicated in the appended claims.

For ease of illustration, the closure system of the present invention is generally in a vertical orientation, and the closure system may be located on the upper end of the container when the container is vertically placed on its base. However, it will be appreciated that the closure system of the present invention may be manufactured, stored, shipped, used and sold in orientations other than those described.

The closure system of the present invention is suitable for use in conventional or special containers of a variety of configurations, the details of which (although not shown or described) will be apparent to and understandable to those skilled in the art. . The container itself need not be a part of the invention in relation to the broadest scope of the invention, and thus, any particular container described herein is not intended to limit the broadest scope of the invention.

A presently preferred, first embodiment of the closure system of the present invention is incorporated into the closure shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 and generally indicated by the reference numeral 30 in FIG. 1 . The closure 30 is configured as a separately manufactured component for mounting to the top end of a container (not shown). However, it should be appreciated that in some applications it may be desirable for the closure to be formed as a single piece or extension of the container, wherein the single piece or extension forms the tip structure of the container itself.

The container (not shown) may be a bag-like structure or a more rigid structure. Containers enclosed by substantially rigid or somewhat flexible walls generally have a conventional mouth that provides access to the interior of the container and holds items therein. The item may be a pasty item or a liquid item (which may be scooped or scooped out of the container using a spoon, knife, ladle, etc.), or may be, for example, nuts, rock candy, firecrackers, small desserts, etc. (which may be removed from the container) Scoop, scoop, or remove by hand from a container) small, individual objects. Other items contemplated include ground coffee, sugar, or other items in the form of liquids, powders, gels, pastes, slurries, detergents, creams, etc. Such articles may be used as foodstuffs, personal products, industrial or household products (such as detergents or creams) or other composites (such as for internal or external use by humans or animals, or for medical, manufacturing, commercial or domestic maintenance , construction, agriculture, etc.) for sale.

A substantially rigid container or a container surrounded by somewhat flexible walls may generally have a neck or other suitable structure forming a mouth of the container having a cross-sectional configuration that cooperates with the closure 30 . The container body may have another cross-sectional structure than that of the container mouth. On the other hand, the container may have substantially the same shape along its entire length or height without any necks of reduced size or different cross-section.

The container can also be a packet or bag made from a thinner flexible film, or the container can be a squeezable container with a flexible wall or walls that can be grasped and slightly compressed by the user . One embodiment of closure 30 is particularly suitable for use with containers having substantially rigid walls that cannot be squeezed inwardly by a user. Another embodiment is particularly suitable for flexible sachet-type containers.

As shown in the first embodiment in Figure 4, the preferred construction of the closure 30 includes (A) a peripheral side wall 32 and (B) a lid 34 forming the base or body 32 of the closure, the lid being hinged 36 is connected to the peripheral side wall 32 (i.e. the base or body of the closure), and the hinge may be any suitable universal hinge of known construction in the art of closures, or it may be a specially designed hinge whose details Structures form no part of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, the hinge 36 incorporates a momentary action hinge structure disclosed in US Patent No. 4,403,712. In the preferred first embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, the peripheral side wall 32 of the closure (i.e. the closure base or body), lid 34 and hinge 36 are of unitary construction (which may comprise double injection molding). parts or other multi-step injection molded parts) are molded from a suitable thermoplastic material (such as polypropylene, etc.). Other materials may be used instead.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the lid 34 may be a separate component from the peripheral side wall 32 (ie, the closure base or body) and not connected to the peripheral side wall 32 by any hinges.

In still another alternative embodiment (not shown), the cover 34 and the peripheral side wall 32 may be separate components, each having a hinged mating portion that combines together to provide a hinge for receiving the peripheral side wall. Cover 34 on 32 is a hinged device that produces pivotal movement between closed and open positions.

In other contemplated embodiments, the peripheral sidewall 32 need not be a completely separate structure or component from the container. Alternatively, the container may be constructed with the take-off end integrated with the closure 30 or at least with the peripheral side wall 32 as the entire top portion of the container. To create this alternative embodiment, the closure 30 of the illustrated first embodiment can be modified so that it is formed as an extension of the top end of the container, and the extension forming the peripheral side wall 32 of the closure is then configured to fit A structural component that communicates with the interior of a vessel. In general, the peripheral sidewall 32 (whether it is an integral part of the container top or a separate part removably or permanently mounted to the container top) may be configured as a peripheral sidewall extending around the opening from the container opening into the container.

Regardless of whether the integral closure 30 (or just the peripheral wall 32) is molded as an integral extension of the container or as a separate unit, the container may initially have an opening opposite the top end on which the closure 30 is located. bottom, and the bottom can be used to fit upside down containers filled with items. After the inverted container is filled with articles through the open bottom end of the container, the open bottom end of the container can be closed by suitable means such as a separate bottom end closure which can be attached (for example, via proper threaded fit, snap fit, adhesive fit, heat bonded fit, etc.) on the bottom end of the container. Alternatively, the open bottom of the container may be deformed closed (for example, using a suitable process of heat and force, if the bottom end portion of the container is made of thermoplastic material or other material suitable for the application of the process).

Wherein the peripheral side wall 32 is the base or body of a separate closure 30, as in FIGS. (FIGS. 2 and 4), the threads are used to releasably attach the base or body 32 to mating threads of a container (not shown). In the following description of the closure system, the peripheral side wall 32 is often referred to simply as the closure base or body 32 .

The closure base or body 32 may also be removably attached to the container by providing the body 32 with a conventional bead (not shown) for mating grooves (not shown) in the container or by other means. ) for snapshot matching. Additionally, depending on the materials used for the container and closure body 32, the closure body 32 may be permanently attached to the container by induction welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, or the like.

The interior of the body 32 may also include special or conventional sealing components to provide an enhanced leak-tight seal between the closure body 32 and the container. The illustrated body 32 utilizes this reinforced sealing member in the form of a conventional "crab claw" type seal 44 (FIG. 2) for sealing containers.

In the preferred first embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, the closure body 32 includes an upwardly facing protruding mouth 50 (Figures 5 and 7) having an outer diameter _D1 (Figure 7). Cylindrical outer surface 52 (FIG. 7). To some extent, the interior of the mouth 50 is formed by an inner surface 54 ( FIG. 7 ) having a diameter _D2 and having an annular, cylindrical configuration concentric with the outer surface 52 of the mouth.

The closure body 32 (and in particular the protruding spout 50) defines a retrieving channel for communication with the container opening and defines a direction of retrieving articles generally perpendicular to the container opening through which the articles can be removed (by pouring , scoop, lift, etc.).

The closure body 30 includes a seal 60 (FIG. 7) that extends laterally inwardly from the inner surface 54 of the lip so that it overhangs the opening of the container when the closure 30 is assembled thereon. As can be seen from FIG. 7 , the sealing member 60 includes a first portion 61 and an end second portion 62 extending from the first portion 61 . Preferably, the first portion 61 is tapered so that it becomes thinner in a radially inward direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the seal first portion 61 is defined by a circle radius R ₁ . The inner surface of the seal 60 (extending along the first portion 61 of the seal and the second end portion 62 of the seal) is defined by a circle radius R ₂ . Radius _R1 and radius _R2 are set so that each arcuate surface defined by radius _R1 and radius _R2 is tangent to a horizontal plane passing through the protruding mouth in an orientation perpendicular to the reclaiming direction. In particular, the arcuate surface defined by radius R ₁ is tangent to upper plane P ₁ ( FIG. 7 ), while the arcuate surface defined by radius R ₂ is tangent to lower plane P ₂ ( FIG. 7 ).

The maximum thickness of the seal between planes _P1 and _P2 , at which the seal is attached to the protruding mouth 50, is indicated by _T1 in FIG. 7 . The arcuate surface on the outside of the seal, defined by radius R ₁ , has a radially inwardly extending length indicated by L ₁ in FIG. 7 . The seal 60 extends radially inwardly from the lip inner surface 54 a distance or length indicated by L ₂ in FIG. 7 . The overall height of the seal is denoted _H1 in Figure 7. Seal 60 protrudes below the point of junction (in plane _P2 ) of the arcuate inner surface defined by radius _R2 with protruding mouth 50, and the magnitude of this protrusion is indicated in FIG. 7 by distance _H2 .

The distal second portion of the seal has a radially inwardly extending arc formed by (i) a transversely inwardly extending top arcuate surface 71, (ii) a transversely inwardly extending bottom arcuate surface 72, and (iii) a sealing surface 74. The end portion (in the cross-sectional structure shown in Figure 7), the sealing surface is generally parallel to the material direction and extends between the top arched surface 71 and the bottom arched surface 72, and is connected to the top arched surface and the bottom Arched surfaces merge. The sealing face 74 forms the radially inwardmost extent of the distal second portion of the seal and has a cylindrical or annular configuration of diameter _D4 illustrated in FIG. 7 . The vertical height of the sealing surface parallel to the feeding direction is represented by _H3 in Figure 7. As will be described in more detail below, the sealing surface 74 is adapted to cooperate with components on the lid 34 when the lid 34 is closed.

In a preferred configuration of seal 60, seal 60 has a generally tapered configuration over a substantial portion of its length. The thinnest portion is formed at the position where the end second portion 62 is connected to the first portion 61, and the dimension of this thinnest portion is indicated by _T2 in FIG. 7 .

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 5, the closure body 32 includes a peripheral shoulder 80 for receiving the lid 34 when the lid 34 is closed. The lid 34 includes an outer rim or edge 82 for meeting the shoulder 80 of the closure body when the lid 34 is closed. The rim or edge 82 includes a radially inwardly extending annular portion 84 forming a circular opening 86 ( FIGS. 2 and 6 ). The opening 86 is covered by an insert disc 88 ( FIGS. 2 , 3 , and 5 ), which is preferably double injection molded on the annular portion 84 . Disc 88 may be of the same material as the remainder of closure 30 or may be of a different material. In a preferred embodiment, disc 88 is a translucent material, and it may be of a different tint or color than the rest of the closure. In other contemplated embodiments, a separate puck 88 need not be used. More suitably, the entire top of lid 34 with hinge 36 and body 32 may be molded as a single structure and this structure will not be combined with any double injection molded parts or components.

To retain the lid 34 in the closed position, the closure body 32 includes an upwardly projecting annular flange 90 . On the front of the closure body 32, the flange 90 includes an outwardly protruding mating bead 92 for cooperating with a mating bead 94 on the closure lid edge 82 which is in front of the lid 34 ( Figure 5). It can be seen in FIG. 2 that there is an outward projection 96 on the front of the lid 34 which, when lifting the lid, acts as a finger or thumb to assist the user in lifting the lid.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the cover 34 includes a closure flange 100 protruding from the underside of the cover 34 . The closure flange 100 of the lid forms a peripheral sealing surface 102 and forms a diameter D ₃ shown in FIG. 6 . The diameter _D3 of the lid sealing surface 102 is larger than the diameter _D4 of the sealing surface 74 of the closure body seal. The edge of the outer end of the flange 100 shown in FIG. 6 is tapered or chamfered at 104 . When the lid 34 is closed (FIGS. 2 and 3), the peripheral sealing surface 102 of the lid flange 100 is generally oriented parallel to the take-off direction and contacts the end of the seal 60 of the peripheral side wall of the closure body. The sealing surface 74 of the second portion 62 sealingly engages to exert a laterally outward force on the distal second portion 62 . Figure 8 illustrates when the lid is closed on the closure body 32, the lid 34 is in an intermediate position, and Figure 8 illustrates how the flange 100 of the closure lid begins to fit before the seal 60 deforms radially outwards to the seal 60 of the closure body.

In order to provide a robust closure system that can withstand normal manufacturing and handling processes and withstand normal use, especially for larger diameter closures, the diameter D of the sealing surface ₁₀₂ of the closure lid flange should be slightly larger than The inner diameter of the seal face 74 of the closure body seal (diameter D ₄ in FIG. 7 ) as measured in dies (unstressed condition). In particular, in a preferred form of the invention, the second portion of the end of the seal is measured perpendicular to the direction of retrieving, and when the lid is opened, measured across the space of the sealing face 74 of the second portion of the end of the seal. The maximum transverse dimension of the sealing surface 74 of the portion 62 (i.e. dimension _D4 ) is greater than the ratio of the sealing surface 102 of the lid flange measured across the spatial position of the periphery of the lid flange 100 formed by the sealing surface 102 of the lid flange. The largest transverse dimension (ie, dimension _D3 ) is between about 0.3% and about 2.0% smaller. Presently, the most preferred range for the maximum transverse dimension of the sealing surface of the seal is between about 0.50% and about 0.75% less than the maximum transverse dimension of the sealing surface 103 of the lid flange. With this interference relationship, when the lid 34 is closed, a sufficient amount of force is exerted laterally outwardly by the sealing surface 102 of the lid flange on the terminal second portion 62 of the peripheral sidewall seal to ensure proper sealing under normal use. Well sealed. This helps to provide a good seal that does not cause excessive friction when the lid is closed and opened - thereby facilitating the operation of the lid and reducing wear on the sealing surfaces. In a presently preferred embodiment, when the lid 34 is in the closed position, interference occurs between the sealing surface 102 of the lid flange and the distal second portion 62 of the peripheral sidewall seal such that the resulting force causes the peripheral sidewall to seal. The end second portion 62 of the member is displaced radially outward by a distance between about 0.05 mm and about 0.51 mm, preferably about 0.21 mm or at least about 0.20 mm.

A presently preferred range for height _H3 (FIG. 7) of sealing surface 74 is between about 0.10 millimeters and about 1.02 millimeters for round and oval closures. The sealing surface 74 of the distal second portion of the peripheral sidewall seal is preferably designed so that it has a height _H3 based on the sealing surface and a distance _L2 (where _L2 is the lateral inward projection of the seal 60 from the inner surface 54 of the protruding mouth). The height H ₃ of the ideal ratio of the length of the out section) (Fig. 7). The ideal ratio of _H3 to _L2 is between about 0.08 and about 0.17. This helps to provide a good seal that does not cause excessive friction when the lid is closed and opened - thereby facilitating the operation of the lid and reducing wear on the sealing surfaces. In the presently preferred embodiment set forth in Table 1 discussed below, the sealing surface 74 of the second portion of the seal tip has a height of only between about 0.15 millimeters and about 0.35 millimeters (ie, height _H3 in FIG. 7 ) .

In the illustrated embodiment, the height _H3 (FIG. 7) of the sealing surface 74 of the second portion of the peripheral sidewall seal end, measured in the take-off direction, may be about 0.25% of the maximum transverse dimension _D4 (FIG. 7). To about 0.38%, the maximum transverse dimension _D4 is measured across the space formed by the sealing surface 74 when the lid 34 is in the open condition. In the present manufacturing example, for circular or elliptical closures, the ratio H ₃ /D ₄ (ie the ratio between the height H ₃ of the sealing face of the seal and the largest transverse dimension of the sealing face 74 of the seal) Between about 0.002 and about 0.01.

Again, in accordance with a preferred form of the invention, there is a preferred relationship between the peripheral sidewall or inner surface 54 of the lip 50 and the sealing surface 74 of the distal second portion 62 of the seal. In particular, the inner surface 54 of the peripheral sidewall preferably has a maximum lateral dimension X (e.g., diameter _D2 ) defined as the largest lateral dimension defined by the inner The surface 54 defines, and the sealing surface 74 of the distal second portion 62 of the seal has a maximum lateral dimension Y (eg, D ₄ ) defined as the maximum lateral dimension across the space defined by the sealing surface 74. The position is measured, and the ratio of X to Y is between about 1.04 and 1.08.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, when the lid 34 is closed, the sealing surface 102 of the lid flange extends inwardly beyond the seal 60 of the peripheral sidewall in a direction opposite to the take-off direction. A section is denoted by S in FIG. Indicates the distance. It has been found that to ensure a good working of the seal between the flange 100 of the lid and the seal 60, especially for closures 30 which have larger extraction openings (e.g. above 40mm) and which must withstand the creep or relaxation of the closure material due to stress), it is useful to have some protrusion on the surface 62 beyond the deformed seal 60 .

It is also useful in situations where the internal pressure of the extension S of the lid flange 100 below the seal 60 in the package can impose a direct outward force on the lid 34 (including when the closed package is inverted). In a preferred construction, the sealing surface 102 of the lid flange extends past the seal 60 of the closure body a distance S of an amount at least equal to that measured across the perimeter defined by the sealing surface of the lid flange. 0.59% of the maximum transverse dimension obtained (ie dimension D ₃ about the flange 100 of the circular closure cap shown in FIG. 3 ). In the currently preferred range, for a circular closure (where _D3 is the diameter of the lid flange 100) or an oval closure (where _D3 is the length of the major axis of the oval closure), the distance S of the extension is between Between about 0.5% and about 10.0% of _D3 . In embodiments of the closure system currently manufactured (the closure may be circular or oval), the distance S is between approximately 0.60% and 2.60% of the maximum lateral dimension D ₃ of the lid flange sealing surface 102 . This extended distance S helps to provide a good seal without excessive friction during opening and closing of the lid - thereby facilitating the operation of the lid and reducing wear on the sealing surfaces. In a preferred embodiment of a circular closure in which the seal 60 of the closure body has an inner diameter _D4 (before the lid 34 is closed) of at least 57 mm, the sealing surface of the lid flange when the lid 34 is in the closed position 102 extends inwardly past the seal 60 of the peripheral sidewall a distance S in a direction opposite to the take-off direction, the distance S being at least 1.40 mm.

In the above discussion of dimensional relationships, the term "largest lateral dimension" has been used with respect to the particular component concerned. For the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, where the closure is of generally circular configuration, the "largest transverse dimension" is the diameter of the particular part. In oval or elliptical closures (as in the second embodiment discussed below), this "largest transverse dimension" is the major axis of the oval or elliptical member.

Two preferred embodiments of circular closures of different sizes (closure A and closure B) are listed in Table 1 below and an implementation of an elliptical closure C (described in detail in Table 1 follows) example. A number of parameters and relationships of circular closures A and B (including those discussed above) and relationships are listed in Table 1, respectively, and multiple parameters and relationships of elliptical closures (followed by Table 1 for detailed description) are listed. parameters and relationships. In Table 1, the values in column A (closer A), column B (closer B) and column C (oval closer C) are in millimeters unless followed by a percentage symbol. Values followed by a percentage sign are the ratio of the parameter located in the leftmost column multiplied by 100. In Table 1, the parameter values listed are preferred values which have been found to provide the desired working of the closure with respect to sealing and construction having sufficient firmness or robustness to withstand manufacturing tolerances, handling and the interior of the container normal pressure (including pressure applied to the closure lid from an inverted container and/or from the contents of a compressed container).

Table 1

parameters A B C long axis Minor axis H ₁ 1.30 1.3 1.3 1.3 H ₂ 0.80 0.8 0.7 0.7 L ₁ 1.30 1.6 1.3 1.3 _D3 57.7 74. 80. 48. S 1.50 1.4 0.4 0.4 S/D ₃ 2.60 1.9 0.6 0.9 D ₄ 57.2 73. 80. 48. (D ₃ - 0.21 0.2 0.2 0.2 (D ₃ - 0.73 0.5 0.5 0.8 D ₁ 62.5 79. 86. 54. _D2 61.0 78. 83. 52. D ₂ /D ₄ 1.06 1.0 1.0 1.0 L ₂ =(D ₂ - 1.86 2.3 1.8 1.8 L ₂ /D ₃ 3.22 3.1 2.2 3.6 L ₂ /D ₃ 3.05 2.9 2.1 3.4 L ₂ /D ₃ 3.22 3.1 2.2 3.6 T ₂ 0.21 0.3 0.3 0.3

T ₂ /D ₃ 0.36 0.4 0.3 0.6 T ₁ 0.50 0.5 0.5 0.5 R ₁ 1.21 1.7 1.2 1.2 R ₂ 1.21 1.7 1.2 1.2 R ₁ /D ₃ 2.10 2.3 1.5 2.5 H ₃ 0.16 1.1 0.3 0.3 H ₃ /D ₄ 029% 0.2 0.3 0.6 H ₃ /L ₂ 0.08 0.0 0.1 0.1

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 9-15, in which an oblong or oval closure 30A is illustrated. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the closure 30A comprises a peripheral side wall, base or body 32A adapted to protrude from the container (not shown) into the interior of the container around the opening, and through the opening can be accessed in the direction of extraction (i.e. perpendicular to the opening) to remove the item. The closure 30A also includes a cover 34A that is movable between a closed position (1) that closes the opening and a fully open position (2) that exposes the opening. In a preferred form of the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 9-15, the cover 34A is attached to the peripheral side wall 32A by a flexible hinge 36A. Hinge 36A may be omitted entirely. Alternatively, the hinge 36A may be another type of hinge such as a momentary action hinge.

The peripheral side wall 32A includes a base flange 41A extending laterally outward and adapted to be sealed to the side wall of the container formed by the spout around which the flange 41A fits. Containers can generally be rigid or flexible. The second embodiment of closure 30A is particularly suitable for use on flexible containers. The flexible container may be any suitable flexible container including, but not limited to, a packet type container made of thin, flexible thermoplastic film. Flange 41A may be heat sealed or secured to the side wall of the container with an adhesive. Other fixtures may be used, including purely mechanical ones.

In a preferred form of the second embodiment 30A shown in Figure 14, the molding of the peripheral side wall 32A is started first and then the closure's lid 34A is double injection molded onto the peripheral side wall 32A. Preferably, if the closure 30A includes a slack-like hinge 36A as shown in FIG. part. When the cover 34A is double injection molded onto the perimeter side wall 32A, the two hinge extensions outward of the hinge fold line are joined together.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, the cover 34A preferably includes a downwardly extending latch tab 37A for receiving a slot 39A in the snap-fit-like peripheral side wall 32A. This snap fit engagement can be overcome to lift the lid 34A away from the peripheral side wall 32A when sufficient force is applied in an upward direction by a user's finger or thumb to the lid 34A.

As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14 , the peripheral sidewall 32A includes a seal 60A. As in the foregoing detailed description of the first embodiment of the closure shown in FIGS. 1-8 , in cross-section, the undeformed molded structure of seal 60A and lid flange 100A is identical to that of seal 60 and lid flange 100A. The structures of 100 are each identical.

In the closure of the second embodiment, the lid 34A includes an outwardly projecting flange 100A. As shown in Figure 13, the flange 100A is adapted to be sealed by a seal 60A when the lid 34A is closed on the peripheral side wall 32A. Seal 60A includes a sealing face 74A that has a generally elliptical configuration and is planar in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 so that it is generally parallel to the retrieving direction of articles. Surface 74A is suitable for sealing peripheral sealing surface 102A on the surface of lid flange 100A.

In this second embodiment of the closure 34A shown in Figures 9-15, the seal 60A has an oval configuration and the sealing flange 100A of the lid has a mating oval configuration. The major axis of the elliptical configuration of a particular component of closure 30A may be referred to as the "largest transverse dimension" of that particular component. The various transverse dimensions of the components of the seal 60A of the closure and the flange 100A of the lid may by the way be indicated by using the same dimension notations as for the first embodiment of the closure 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 . That is, various dimensions such as D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ , D ₄ , L ₁ , L ₂ , H ₁ , H ₂ , H ₃ , T ₁ , T ₂ etc. in the first embodiment can also be Used in the configuration of the oval closure shown in Figures 9-15. To some extent, the components of the elliptical closure all have major and minor axes, such major and minor axes are listed in column C of Table 1 for the embodiment shown in Figures 9-15. The values listed in the "Major Axis" column and "Minor Axis" column under item C in Table 1 are preferred values which have been found to provide the desired performance of the closure with respect to sealing and construction with sufficient Robustness or firmness to withstand manufacturing tolerances, handling and normal pressure inside the container (including pressure exerted on the closure lid from an inverted container and/or from the contents of a compressed container).

For a circular closure (first embodiment shown in Figures 1-8) or oval closure (second embodiment shown in Figures 1-15), it is found that the top arched surface 71, 71A and the bottom arch The function of the curved surfaces 72, 72A is conducive to the closing and opening cooperation of the sealing flange 100, 100A of the closure lid with the peripheral side wall seal 60, 60A, and these arcuate surfaces 71, 71A, 72, 72A can further Sharp edges are removed as they may be uncomfortable for a user to touch with a finger.

Also, for all embodiments, the contour and size relationship of the cooperating structure helps to provide a device in which the sealing flange 100, 100A of the lid can be properly guided during closing of the lid 34, 34A to facilitate its sealing. Self-closing and sealing, especially for "wide-mouth" sizes (eg, 40mm or larger). The device is also sufficiently robust to withstand some flexing or other deformation and handling during manufacture, shipping and use without detrimentally affecting sealing performance.

It will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and its accompanying drawings that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. bounded system that is used for container, this container has inner chamber, can stores in this inner chamber, described bounded system comprises:

(A) peripheral side wall, this peripheral side wall is extended to internal tank from described container around opening, and can article taken out perpendicular to getting on the material direction of described opening by it; With

(B) lid, this lid activity are positioned between off position (1) of closing described opening and the full open position of coupler (2) that exposes described opening; And wherein

(a) described peripheral side wall comprises the sealing member that laterally inwardly extends that overhangs on the part of described opening, and described sealing member comprises first and have the terminal second portion of cross-sectional structure that this cross-sectional structure is formed by following array structure

(i) the top arcuate surface that laterally inwardly extends,

(ii) the bottom arcuate surface that laterally inwardly extends and

(iii) sealing surface, sealing face be parallel to usually described get the material direction and between described top arcuate surface and described bottom arcuate surface, extend and with its merging; With

(b) described lid comprises the closure flange of the sealing surfaces that forms peripheral side wall, and when described lid was in described off position, the sealing surfaces of this peripheral side wall was

(i) be parallel to usually described get material direction orientation and

(ii) be sealed and matched, so that on described terminal second portion, laterally outwards apply application force with the described sealing surfaces of the described terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing member.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein

Described system separates with container but can be attached to obturator on the container, and this container has an opening that leads to internal tank;

Described obturator comprises the body that is formed by described peripheral side wall; With

Described lid and body are used as by hinged single structure molded.

3. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the flange of described lid and the sealing member of described peripheral side wall respectively have a cartouche.

4. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when described lid is in the closed position, the sealing surfaces of described lid flanges is extending inwardly past the distance of the sealing member some of described peripheral side wall in the opposite direction with getting material side, the distance of this some the measured maximum transverse size in the locus of the periphery that the sealing surfaces that crosses by described lid flanges forms about 0.5% to about 10.0%.

5. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the maximum transverse size little about 0.3% to about 2.0% of the sealing surfaces of the described lid flanges that records when the locus of the flange perimeter that forms than the sealing surfaces that crosses by described lid flanges perpendicular to the maximum transverse size of the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described described peripheral side wall sealing element when getting the material directional survey and when lid is opened, crossing the spatial position measuring that the described sealing surface by the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall limits, when described cover closing, apply laterally outside application force for the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing element by the sealing surfaces of described lid flanges.

6. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when described lid is in described off position, the terminal second portion of the sealing surfaces of described lid flanges and described peripheral side wall sealing member interferes, and equals about 0.2 a millimeter distance at least so that laterally outwards promote the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing member.

7. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described peripheral side wall has an inside face, and described sealing member extends from this inside face; With when along the described material of getting during directional survey, the sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing member has a height, and the height of described sealing surface with when perpendicular to the described ratio of the maximum transverse size of crossing the locus that the inside face by described peripheral side wall limits of expecting directional survey of getting about 0.08 to about 0.17.

8. system as claimed in claim 7, the height of wherein said sealing surface is between about 0.10 millimeter to about 1.02 millimeters.

9. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said peripheral side wall has an inside face, and described sealing member extends from this inside face; With

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, described peripheral side wall has crosses locus that the inside face by described peripheral side wall limits and the size X that is defined as maximum transverse size;

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described sealing member has the locus one size Y that record and that be defined as maximum transverse size that crosses by the described sealing surface definition of the terminal second portion of described sealing member; With

Wherein the ratio of X and Y is between about 1.04 to 1.08.

10. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first of described sealing member is tapered and attenuation on radially inner direction; With

The first of described sealing element is formed by the first surface of outside protrusion and the second surface that inwardly concaves.

11. a bounded system that is used for container, this container has inner chamber, can stores in this inner chamber, and described bounded system comprises:

(A) peripheral side wall, this peripheral side wall is extended to internal tank from described container around opening, and can article taken out perpendicular to getting on the material direction of described opening by described opening; With

(B) lid, this lid activity are positioned between off position (1) of closing described opening and the full open position of coupler (2) that exposes described opening; And wherein

(a) described peripheral side wall comprises the sealing member that laterally inwardly extends that overhangs on the described opening of part, described sealing member comprises first and extends forming the terminal second portion of sealing surface from described first, and described sealing surface normally is parallel to gets the material direction; With

(b) described lid comprises a closure flange that forms the peripheral side wall sealing surfaces, and when described lid was in described off position, the sealing surfaces of this peripheral side wall was

(i) be parallel to the described material direction orientation of getting usually,

(ii) has the measured smallest lateral dimension in locus of crossing the periphery that forms by the sealing surfaces that surpasses 40 millimeters;

(iii) be sealed and matched, so that laterally outwards promote described terminal second portion with the described sealing surfaces of the described terminal second portion of the described sealing member of described peripheral side wall; With

(iv) getting the distance that material side extends inwardly past described peripheral side wall sealing element some in the opposite direction with described, this distance be the maximum transverse size that records in the locus of the periphery that the sealing surfaces that crosses by described lid flanges forms about 0.5% to about 10.0%.

12. system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described system separates with container but can be attached to a obturator on the container, and this container has an opening that leads to internal tank;

Described obturator comprises the body that is formed by described peripheral side wall; With

Described lid and body are used as by a hinged single structure molded.

13. system as claimed in claim 11, wherein,

(1) compares the maximum transverse size little about 0.3% to about 2.0% of sealing surfaces of the described lid flanges that the locus that ought cross the flange perimeter that the sealing surfaces by described lid flanges forms records when the maximum transverse size of the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of the described seal member when getting the material orientation measurement and when lid is opened, crossing the spatial position measuring that the described sealing surface by the terminal second portion of described seal limits; When described cover closing, apply laterally outside active force for the second portion of described peripheral side wall seal member end by the sealing surfaces of described lid flanges.

(2) described peripheral side wall has an inside face, described sealing member from this inside face extend and

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the inside face of described peripheral side wall has and crosses a locus that the inside face by described peripheral side wall limits and a size X who is defined as maximum transverse size;

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described sealing member has and crosses the locus one size Y that record and that be defined as maximum transverse size that the described sealing surface by the terminal second portion of described sealing member limits; With

Wherein the ratio of X and Y is between about 1.04 to 1.08.

(3) sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall has along described and gets the height that the material direction records, and the ratio of the size X of the height of described sealing surface and described peripheral inside face is between about 0.08 to about 0.17;

(4) first of described sealing member tapered and attenuation on radially inner direction; With

(5) first of described sealing member is formed by the first surface of outside protrusion and the second surface that inwardly concaves.

14. a bounded system that is used for container, this container has inner chamber, can stores in this inner chamber, and described bounded system comprises:

(A) peripheral side wall, this peripheral side wall is extended to internal tank from described container around opening, and can article taken out perpendicular to getting on the material direction of described opening by described opening; With

(B) lid, this lid activity are positioned between off position (1) of closing described opening and the full open position of coupler (2) that exposes described opening; And wherein

(a) described peripheral side wall comprises the sealing member that laterally inwardly extends that overhangs on the described opening of part, described sealing member comprises first and extends forming the terminal second portion of sealing surface from described first, and described sealing surface normally is parallel to gets the material direction;

(b) described lid comprises a closure flange that forms the peripheral side wall sealing surfaces, and when described lid was in described off position, the sealing surfaces of this peripheral side wall was

(i) normally be parallel to the described material direction orientation of getting,

(ii) be sealed and matched, so that apply laterally outside application force for described terminal second portion with the described sealing surface of the described terminal second portion of the described sealing member of described peripheral side wall; With

(c) when perpendicular to the feeding orientation measurement and the maximum transverse size little about 0.3% to about 2.0% of the sealing surfaces of the described lid flanges that records than the locus of the flange perimeter that forms when the sealing surfaces that cross by described lid flanges of the maximum transverse size of the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of the described peripheral side wall seal when when lid is opened, crossing the spatial position measuring that the described sealing surface by the described peripheral side wall of the terminal second portion of described all seals limits; When described cover closing, apply laterally outside active force for the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall seal member by the sealing surfaces of described lid flanges.

15. system as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described system separates with container but can be attached to a obturator on the container, and this container has an opening that leads to internal tank;

Described obturator comprises the body that is formed by described peripheral side wall; With

Described lid and body are used as by a hinged single structure molded.

16. system as claimed in claim 14, wherein

When (1) described lid is in the closed position, the sealing surfaces of described flange is extending inwardly past the distance of the sealing member some of described peripheral side wall in the opposite direction with getting material side, the distance of this some the measured maximum transverse size in the locus of the periphery that the sealing surfaces that crosses by described lid flanges forms about 0.5% to about 10.0%.

(2) described peripheral side wall have the inside face that extends from described sealing member and

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the inside face of described peripheral side wall has and crosses a locus that the inside face by described peripheral side wall limits and a size X who is defined as maximum transverse size;

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described sealing member has and crosses the locus one size Y that record and that be defined as maximum transverse size that the described sealing surface by the terminal second portion of described sealing member limits; With

Wherein the ratio of X and Y is between about 1.04 to 1.08.

(3) sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall has along described and gets the height that the material direction records, and the ratio of the size X of the height of described sealing surface and described peripheral inside face is between about 0.08 to about 0.17;

(4) first of described sealing member tapered and attenuation on radially inner direction; With

(5) first of described sealing member is formed by the first surface of outside protrusion and the second surface that inwardly concaves.

17. a bounded system that is used for container, this container has inner chamber, can stores in this inner chamber, and described bounded system comprises:

(A) peripheral side wall, this peripheral side wall is extended to internal tank from described container around opening, and can article taken out perpendicular to getting on the material direction of described opening by described opening; With

(B) lid, this lid activity are positioned between off position (1) of closing described opening and the full open position of coupler (2) that exposes described opening; And wherein

(a) described peripheral side wall has an inside face and comprises from the overhang sealing member that laterally inwardly extends of the described opening of part of described inside face, described sealing member comprises first and extends to form the terminal second portion of sealing surface from first part, sealing face (i) normally is parallel to the described material direction of getting, and (ii) have a height along the described material direction of getting, and this height of described sealing surface and perpendicular to the ratio of described maximum transverse size of getting the described peripheral side wall inside face of expecting that direction records between about 0.08 to about 0.17; With

(b) described lid comprises a closure flange of the sealing surfaces that forms peripheral side wall, and when described lid was in described off position, the sealing surfaces of this peripheral side wall was

(i) be parallel to usually described get material direction orientation and

(ii) be sealed and matched, so that on described terminal second portion, laterally outwards apply application force with the described sealing surfaces of the described terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing member.

18. system as claimed in claim 17, wherein, described system separates with container but can be attached to a obturator on the container, and this container has an opening that leads to internal tank;

Described obturator comprises the body that is formed by described peripheral side wall; With

Described lid and body are used as by a hinged single structure molded.

19. system as claimed in claim 17, wherein

(1) when described lid is in the closed position, the sealing surfaces of described flange is extending inwardly past the distance of the sealing member some of described peripheral side wall in the opposite direction with getting material side, the distance of this some the measured maximum transverse size in the locus of the periphery that the sealing surfaces that crosses by described lid flanges forms about 0.5% to about 10.0%;

(2) the maximum transverse size little about 0.3% to about 2.0% of the sealing surfaces of the described lid flanges that records when the locus of the flange perimeter that forms than the sealing surfaces that crosses by described lid flanges perpendicular to the maximum transverse size of the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described described peripheral side wall sealing element when getting the material directional survey and when lid is opened, crossing the spatial position measuring that the described sealing surface by the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing member limits, when described cover closing, apply laterally outside application force for the terminal second portion of described peripheral side wall sealing element by the sealing surfaces of described lid flanges;

(3) described peripheral side wall have the inside face that extends from described sealing member and

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the inside face of described peripheral side wall has and crosses a locus that the inside face by described peripheral side wall limits and a size X who is defined as maximum transverse size;

Wherein, when perpendicular to the described material of getting during directional survey, the described sealing surface of the terminal second portion of described sealing member has and crosses the locus one size Y that record and that be defined as maximum transverse size that the described sealing surface by the terminal second portion of described sealing member limits;

Wherein the ratio of X and Y is between about 1.04 to 1.08.

(4) first of described sealing member tapered and attenuation on radially inner direction;

(5) first of described sealing member be form by the first surface of outside protrusion and the second surface that inwardly concaves and

(6) height of described sealing surface is between about 0.10 millimeter to about 1.02 millimeters.

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