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EP2698325B1 - Moyens de verrouillage pour bouchon - Google Patents

Moyens de verrouillage pour bouchon Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2698325B1
EP2698325B1 EP13190195.1A EP13190195A EP2698325B1 EP 2698325 B1 EP2698325 B1 EP 2698325B1 EP 13190195 A EP13190195 A EP 13190195A EP 2698325 B1 EP2698325 B1 EP 2698325B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lid
cap
locking means
panel
protrusion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13190195.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2698325A1 (fr
Inventor
Filip Dominique Hubert Vangeel
Katrien De Malsche
Rainer Scharrenberg
Gene Michael Altonen
Guy Hubert Stephane Sylvain Culeron
Neil Anthony Litten
Georgina Lindsey Clare Milich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to PL13190195T priority Critical patent/PL2698325T3/pl
Publication of EP2698325A1 publication Critical patent/EP2698325A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2698325B1 publication Critical patent/EP2698325B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0809—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions
    • B65D47/0814—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage and elastically biased towards both the open and the closed positions by at least three hinge sections, at least one having a length different from the others
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
    • B65D2251/1016—Means for locking the closure in closed position
    • B65D2251/105—The closure having a part fitting over the rim of the container or spout and retained by snapping over integral beads or projections

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a locking means for a cap designed to be particularly resistant to impact forces to provide for a leak-tight fitting whilst allowing simple and quick release.
  • a preferred field of use is that of caps for large containers for domestic or household use, containing detergents or other cleaning preparations, fabric conditioners and the like.
  • said cap may equally be suitable in other fields of use such as containers for manual and automatic dishwashing liquids, hair-care products and oral care applications such as mouth washes.
  • container caps suitable for use with containers holding fluid base substances such as, shower gels, hair shampoos, suncreams, sun lotions, body oils and the like.
  • the purpose of these caps is, on the one hand, to form a leakproof seal so that the substance contained within does not escape and so that outside air does not constantly pervade the container.
  • such cap should be easy to open and close.
  • Caps of this kind usually have an essentially tubular-shaped cap body with a female thread provided in its inner wall for screwing onto, for example, an accordingly configured (male) thread at the upper end of a container neck.
  • a sealing arrangement By means of a sealing arrangement, a leakproof connection is created between the cap and the container.
  • US6409034B relates to a hinged cap body designed for fitting with a leakproof seal on a container opening, a hinged lid joined to the cap body for closing an outlet aperture formed on the cap body, and a locking arrangement formed on the cap body and the hinged lid. Sealing is achieved via a protrusion extending from said hinged lid which at least partly lodges in the outlet aperture when the lid is closed.
  • Ease of opening and closing is achieved via a combination of; an elastically deformable material, which creates a biasing force between the cap body and the hinged lid in order to bring the hinged lid into an open position; and a locking projection which, in closed position, clutches rearwards to a biased, manually operable locking element which is disposed on the cap body.
  • the locking arrangement is especially simple to use in that only a light pressure must be manually applied to disengage the locking element from the locking projection and allow the elastically deformable material to flip the hinged lid open.
  • Such device introduces a number of disadvantages.
  • One disadvantage is that the hinged lid may easily flip open if the container is accidentally knocked over by the user and cause spillage of the content.
  • Another disadvantage is that the only sealing means for preventing the content to exit the outlet aperture is the protrusion on the hinged lid which may leak when subjected to high pressures caused by, for example, high impact forces during transportation.
  • Further disadvantages may be: alignment problems between the protrusion and the outlet aperture in case of distortion of the hinges and/or its suitability only for small outlets.
  • Caps provide various locking mechanisms, particularly for child-proof containers of medications.
  • Caps of this kind use mechanisms such as the "push-and-turn" system or other mechanisms such as those described in WO2006/102601A1 and US7404495B2 , which require the combination of a radial force and an upward force applied onto a portion of said locking mechanism to open said cap.
  • these mechanisms may be useful in preventing a child from opening the caps, they render singlehanded operation difficult, which may be important for certain users, such as for elderly.
  • EP2218654A1 relates to a cap comprising a base portion with an outer periphery adapted to extend over at least a portion of a container, a skirt depending downwardly from the base portion and a lip seal member depending downwardly from the base portion.
  • the container has an opening bounded by a lip extending upwards from the container.
  • the lip seal member is adapted to abut an interior side of the lip, when the cap is in closed position.
  • a locking means having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in WO 2006/003168 .
  • Such devices although suitable for preventing moisture entering or exiting the container, do not provide a strong enough locking force to prevent the lid from opening upon impact. Furthermore, such devices rely solely on a single sealing surface thus more likely to leak during, for example; handling of the container by the user wherein the container is subjected to a given, albeit small, holding pressure; or accidental knock-over.
  • the present invention relates to a locking means in a cap capable of connecting to a container, said locking means comprising a panel connected to a lid of said cap on at least a portion of the perimeter thereof.
  • a slot is provided in a portion of a cap body of said cap.
  • At least one protrusion extending from a portion of said panel towards the inside of said lid for coupling with said slot and further, an elastically deformable material connecting said panel to said lid, wherein at least a portion of said protrusion extends at an angle c and wherein at least a portion of said slot is slanted at an angle b so that coupling with said protrusion is achieved when said lid is pressed onto said cap body, characterized in that the angle c of said protrusion is between 1 and 2 degrees and the angle b of said slot is between 0 and 2 degrees, taken from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap, and in that said elastically deformable material is selected from the group essentially consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone and mixtures thereof.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the present invention relates to a cap capable of being connected to a container, comprising a locking means.
  • lock or locking means that the cap is tightly secured in its closed position.
  • tightly secured as used hereinbefore it is meant that said cap withstands a force of at least 30N, preferably at least 50N, and more preferably at least 70N.
  • large container means containers for holding at least 1.5 liters, preferably at least 2 liters of a liquid, more preferably from 2 liters to 5 liters, most preferably from 2 liters to 3 liters.
  • pressure in the radial direction or “radial pressure” as used herein means a pressure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY).
  • the invention is directed to a locking means particularly suitable for a cap (1), preferably suitable for large containers, and particularly holding a liquid.
  • the containers may be of any shape and size and made of any material; resilient, flexible, rigid or otherwise. Suitable materials include but are not limited to plastic and glass.
  • the cap (1) may comprise a cap body (2) capable of being connected to a container and a lid (3) for coupling with said cap body (2).
  • Said cap (1) may further comprises a disposable sealing means (4) sealing an outlet opening (5) located on said cap body (2), and a locking means disposed on said cap body (2) and said lid (3) to lock said lid (3) onto said cap body (2).
  • At least a portion of the cap (1) may be formed of a plastic material, by injection molding or other suitable molding techniques.
  • the cap (1) may be molded of polypropylene.
  • the cap (1) will have a Tensile modulus of at least 1500 MPa, preferably between 1600 and 1700 MPa.
  • the said at least one portion of the cap (1) can be formed as a single unit.
  • said at least one portion of the cap (1) may be molded independently and then subsequently assembled.
  • the cap (1) may comprise a cap body (2) having a longitudinal axis (YY) extending parallel to the centerline thereof.
  • Said cap body (2) may comprise an outlet opening (5) therein, preferably said cap body (2) comprises a spout (6) with said outlet opening (5) being located therein.
  • said cap body (2) may comprise an outer wall (7) defining the shape of said cap body (2).
  • the average thickness of said outer wall (7) is typically between 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm.
  • Said outer wall (7) may be defined by an outer surface (8) and an inner surface (9).
  • Said cap body (2) may further comprise a first surface of contact (10) located on said outer surface (8) and may subtend from a portion substantially proximal to the apex of said outer surface (8) of said outer wall (7).
  • Said first surface of contact (10) is preferably non-linear such that when at least a portion of the locking means, preferably a portion of a panel thereof, abuts said first surface of contact (10), a sliding motion is encouraged.
  • said first surface of contact is curved with the greatest gradient being located proximal to the apex of said outer wall (7). If the cap comprises a hingedly connected lid, said first surface of contact is preferably located opposite the hinge (11).
  • said spout (6) may extend from a first portion, defining a top (12), vertically displaced from said outer wall (7), to a second portion, defining a base (13).
  • Said base (13) may comprise said opening therein ().
  • said base (13) may be capable of entering in at least a portion of the container to which said cap (1) is connected to.
  • Said spout (6) may be constructed to have a substantially flat top (12).
  • said top (12) may be slanted at an angle and present a curvature on its uppermost surface.
  • the distance between the uppermost portion of the top (12) of the spout (6) and the apex of said outer wall (7) may be at least 6 mm preferably at least 7mm, more preferably between 7 and 10 mm. It is understood that said distance between the uppermost portion of the top (12) of the spout and the apex of said outer wall (7), and thus the total height of the spout (6), may also be determined by the height of said lid (3).
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous for allowing pouring of a liquid content to be achieved in a predetermined direction without dripping onto the outer wall (7) and/or container.
  • the cap body (2) may further comprise a female thread (14) extending from said inner surface (9) for coupling with a container neck threaded accordingly, to secure said cap body (2) onto said container.
  • said cap body (2) may comprise a bridge-type portion (15) formed by a portion of the outer wall (7), preferably said portion of the outer wall (7) is the uppermost portion thereof.
  • said bridge-type portion (15) comprises a flat notch (16) capable of contacting the uppermost surface of a container neck when said cap body (2) is fully screwed onto said container neck.
  • said flat notch (16) is oriented so that the flat surface (17) thereof makes contact with said uppermost surface of the container when said cap body (2) is fully screwed on.
  • the distance "a" between the apex of said bridge-type portion (15) and said flat surface (17) is between 2mm and 3mm, preferably between 2.2mm and 2.5mm. This specific notch configuration and range of thickness has been found to be particularly beneficial to reduce the stress concentrations generated upon tightening of the cap body (2) onto the container neck and to contribute in stiffening the bridge-type portion region against deflection at high torque.
  • said cap body (2) may comprise a plug seal (18) proximal said flat notch (16) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY) of said cap body (2).
  • the plug seal (18) may be capable of contacting at least a portion of the inner surface of a container neck, when said cap body (2) is coupled to said container.
  • said flat notch (16) and plug seal (18) may provide a sealing means when the cap body (2) is screwed tightly onto a container neck by blocking any passages which may be formed in the connecting portion between said cap body (2) and said container neck and preventing any content from escaping through said passages.
  • said bridge-type portion (15) may be generally curvilinear, preferably said bridge-type portion (15) may present a curvature having a radius of between 4.5mm and 5.5mm, preferably 5.0mm. This configuration has been found to reduce the stress concentrations to which the bridge-type portion portion is subjected to when said cap body (2) is tightly screwed onto a container neck.
  • Such stiffening, resistance to deflection and shape may become particularly important when tightening or over-tightening of the cap body (2) occurs. Strong tightening of the cap body (2) onto a container neck may be required in order to maximize the sealing capabilities of said cap body (2) and to prevent accidental unscrewing from said container neck. It may also be desirable to tighten the cap body (2) to such an extent to prevent the user to easily unscrew it, particularly when the cap comprises a separate lid that the user should open instead. In these scenarios it is desirable to screw said cap body (2) with a torque of up to 600Ncm, preferably from 240Ncm to 600Ncm. A problem which is likely to arise at such high torque values is deflection of the regions subjected to the greatest force.
  • the cap body (2) of the present invention is capable of being connected to a container neck with a torque of up to 400Ncm, preferably up to 500Ncm, more preferably up to 600Ncm, most preferably from 240Ncm to 600Ncm, without experiencing a deformation of more than 0.3mm.
  • the aforementioned embodiments have been found particularly effective in withstanding a torque of up to 400Ncm, preferably 100Ncm to 400Ncm, more preferably 100Ncm to 500Ncm, most preferably 240Ncm to 600Ncm, and wherein the deflection is less than 0.3mm.
  • At least a portion of the bridge-type portion (15) may be coated with a material capable of elastically deforming upon the application of a force.
  • a material capable of elastically deforming upon the application of a force Preferably said material is selected from polyolefines.
  • an O-ring may be introduced.
  • the coating may be of a different material than that of the cap body (2), preferably said coating is of a material that experiences a greater elastic deformation compared to the material of said cap body (2).
  • the portion of the bridge-type portion (15) being coated provides for a stiff structure while the material in the coating purposively deforms to provide a leak-tight seal even at lower torques.
  • the cap body (2) may further comprise a flange (19) extending substantially parallel and proximal to the spout (6).
  • Said flange (19) may be located substantially parallel and in between a portion of the inner surface (9) of the outer wall (7) and a surface of said spout (6).
  • a gap is formed between said flange and said portion of the inner surface (9) to accommodate the insertion of a ridge (20) extending from a surface of the lid (3) when said lid (3) is closed.
  • the spout may be of any shape such that the liquid content inside a container can be easily poured.
  • said spout (6) has a horse-shoe-type perimeter at the top to ease pouring in a predetermined direction. If the cap (1) has a lid (3) hingedly connected to said cap body (2), said predetermined direction is oriented such that it points way and opposite the hinge (11).
  • said spout (6) comprises a product flow cut off lip (21) located proximal to the uppermost portion of the top (12) of said spout (6). Said product flow cut off lip (21) has the advantage of reducing dripping onto portions of the cap body(2) which may in turn affect the smooth opening and closing of the cap (1).
  • the cap (1) may comprise a lid (3).
  • Said lid may comprise a first lid surface (22) defining the outside shape and perimeter of said lid (3).
  • said lid (3) may comprise a ridge (20) extending within and substantially parallel to said first lid surface (22) which is capable of inserting in between a flange (19) and a portion of the inner surface (9) of the outer wall (7) of the cap body (2) when said lid (3) is closed.
  • This configuration is particularly advantageous in providing an additional sealing means when said lid (3) is locked onto said cap body (2).
  • said lid (3) may be hingedly connected to the cap body (2) with one or more hinges (11).
  • This configuration aids single-handed opening of the cap (1) since, once unlocked, the lid (3) simply pivots to the open position with pressure applied by the user.
  • the hinge may comprise a spring element that forces the lid (3) to open upon unlocking.
  • Suitable spring elements may include any elastic object that stores mechanical energy, such as springs, including but not limited to cantilever springs, coil springs, helical springs, torsion springs, and/or elastically deformable materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
  • the one or more hinges (11) are one part with said lid (3) and said cap body (2) and are made of the same material. It is however understood that other types of hinges may equally be suitable such as flush type hinges, butterfly hinges, butt hinges and the like which are welded or similarly joined to said lid (3) and said cap body (2).
  • the lid (3) may comprise a top surface (23) defining the uppermost outer surface of said lid (3).
  • Said top surface (23) may comprise an inner top face facing the inside of the container when said lid (3) is closed onto the cap body (2).
  • said top surface (23) comprises an interconnected groove (24).
  • interconnected it is herein meant that the groove (24) forms a closed shape, thus the groove (24) does not have a beginning nor an end.
  • said shape is circular. It is however, understood that other shapes may equally be suitable such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular and so on.
  • such groove (24) allows for attachment of a doser onto the top of said lid (3).
  • the lid (3) may be made of the same material as the cap body.
  • said material is selected from polyolefines and more specifically polypropylene.
  • the cap (1) may further comprises a disposable sealing means (4) sealing the outlet opening (5) on the cap body (2).
  • said disposable sealing means (4) may be welded on at least a portion of the base (13) of the spout (6) to form a resistant sealing means against high pressure build-up particularly due to large impact forces.
  • the material of said disposable sealing means (4) is selected from polyethylene therephthalate (PET), polyurethane, aluminum foil, polypropylene and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable films of this type typically comprise PET 12 ⁇ m/Adhesive 5 ⁇ m /ink (optional)/soft aluminium foil 38 ⁇ m /coextruded welding layer 116 ⁇ m.
  • the disposable sealing means (4) may comprise a pull tab for easy removal of said disposable sealing means (4).
  • a pull tab is particularly advantageous when the cap body (2) comprises a spout (6), in order improve peeling.
  • said pull tab is dimensioned to provide easy reach for the user whilst not compromising the opening and closing of the cap (1). More preferably said pull tab is capable of folding into the gap formed between the flange (19) on the cap body (2) and the portion of the inner surface (9) of the outer wall (7) of said cap body (2), its insertion aided by the ridge (20) on the lid (3) of said cap (1) upon closing. When folded in, a portion of said pull tab is easily accessible for the user to grip in order to begin the peeling action.
  • said pull tab may be located on a side of the cap body (2), preferably proximal to the hinged connection with the lid (3). This configuration allows for ease of pealing, particularly when the top (12) of the spout (6) is slanted at an angle.
  • the disposable sealing means (4) may have a peel force of between 7N and 15N, preferably between 7N and 11N, and more preferably between 9N and 11N.
  • peel force refers to the force required to peel the disposable sealing means (4). If the force is below the abovementioned ranges the user will have not the intended quality impression while forces greater than the abovementioned ranges would be undesirable due to the greater fatigue placed on users and the greater likelihood of tearing and incomplete peeling.
  • the disposable sealing means (4) may have a bursting pressure of at least 2.5bar, preferably between 2.5 bar and 4bar.
  • bursting pressure refers to the pressure needed to cause failure (or bursting) of the disposable sealing means (4). It has been found that a disposable sealing means (4) having a bursting pressure within the abovementioned ranges provides for a leak-proof sealing also at high impact forces.
  • Table A illustrates the peel force and burst pressures of a number of materials.
  • the locking means according to the present invention is suitable for a cap (1) capable of connecting to a container.
  • Said locking means may be disposed on the cap body (2) and the lid (3) to lock said lid (3) onto said cap body (2).
  • the locking means comprises a panel (25) connected to a lid (3) of the cap (1) at the perimeter thereof, preferably connected to a portion of the first lid surface (22), at least one protrusion (26) extending from a portion of said panel (25) towards the inside of said lid (3) for coupling with a slot (27) provided in a portion of the cap body (2) of said cap (1), and an elastically deformable material (28) connecting said panel (25) to said lid (3).
  • said elastically deformable material (28) is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone and mixtures thereof.
  • the panel (25) may comprise a bottom, two sides, and a top, when viewed from the front of the cap (1) in its closed position.
  • said bottom is not straight and experiences a curve while the top and the two sides are straight such that the perimeter of said panel (25) forms an arch-type shape. It is however understood that other shapes may equally be suitable such as square, circular, rectangular and so on.
  • At least one portion of the panel (25) may abut at least a portion of a first surface of contact (10) of the cap body (2) when pressure is applied to said panel (25).
  • the first surface of contact (10) may be curved to aid sliding between at least a portion of the panel (25) and said first surface of contact (10).
  • said at least one portion of said panel (25) comprises at least one projection (29) extending along at least a part of the height of said panel (25).
  • said projection (29) extends for at least 50% of said height.
  • the height of the panel (25) is defined herein as the vertical distance from the bottom of the panel (25) to the top of the panel (25) taken along a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY), preferably said height extends substantially parallel to the two side edges of said panel (25).
  • the projection (29) may further comprise a gradient to improve the sliding ability over said first surface of contact (10), thus easing the opening of the lid (3). Such projections (29) may provide stiffening of the panel (25) concurrently with improving the sliding ability of the panel (25) over said first surface of contact (10).
  • At least a portion of the protrusion (26) extends at an angle c, wherein said angle is between 1 and 2 degrees. Also at least a potion of the slot (27) is slanted at an angle b so that coupling with said protrusion (26) is achieved when the lid (3) is pressed onto the cap body (2), wherein said angle is between 0 and 2 degrees.
  • This configuration allows for stronger interlocking of the two parts allowing for a greater resistance to opening unless the locking means is disengaged by applying pressure onto the panel (25) with one or more fingers.
  • the protrusion (26) may extend from 0.80mm to 0.85mm towards the inside of the lid (3) and the slot (27) is from 0.86mm to 0.9mm deep.
  • inside of the lid it is meant herein that the protrusion (26) extends from an inner face of the first lid surface (22) for a predetermined length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) to approach the ridge (20) formed on said lid (3).
  • deep or depth refers to the dimension taken from a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) from the open end to the closed end of the slot (27).
  • the length of the protrusion (26) may be shorter than the length of the slot (27).
  • length as used herein means the distance between one end to the other end of either said protrusion (26) or said slot (27) taken along a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY).
  • the panel (25) may rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) when pressure is applied thereto so that disengagement of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27) and abutting of the at least one portion of the panel (25) onto the first surface of contact (10) of the cap body (2) occurs substantially simultaneously.
  • YY longitudinal axis
  • the panel (25) rotates and the protrusion (26) exits the slot (27), concurrently a portion of the panel (25) abuts a portion of the first surface of contact (10) to cause sliding between the faces thereof.
  • the upward pressure needed is considerably lower than the initial pressure in the radial direction required for unlocking of the lid (3) from the cap body (2) making the entire opening process of the cap (1) easier for the user.
  • the locking means herein in turn allows to construct a protrusion (26) and slot (27) capable of generating a greater interlocking force without compromising ease of opening.
  • the locking means may be capable of withstanding a push through force of between 30N and 70N, preferably between 50N and 70N, when said locking means is engaged.
  • push through force as used hereinbefore, it is meant the force required to open the cap (1) without disengaging the locking means, applied in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY) onto the inner top face of the lid (3). Said force is applied from the inside out. It has been found that a locking means capable of withstanding the abovementioned forces, allows the cap (1) to remain closed particularly against pressure build ups resulting from impact forces particularly during accidental knock-over in everyday use.
  • the locking means may be disengaged by applying a force of between 15N and 35N onto a portion of said panel (25).
  • disengagement of the locking means as used hereinbefore, it is meant: the concurrent release of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27) along with abutting and initial sliding of a portion of said panel (25) onto the first surface of contact (10) of said cap body (2).
  • a lubricating additive may be added to the resin of the cap body (2), lid (3) and locking means where the greatest contact occurs.
  • said lubricating additive is selected from the group consisting of erucamide, siloxane and mixtures thereof.
  • the panel (25) may be further connected to the lid (3) by a second material having a lower elastic deformation than the elastically deformable material (28), preferably said second material is the same material of said lid (3).
  • the panel (25) may be connected to the lid (3) by said second material at two discrete locations, one on each of the two sides of the panel (25) parallel and mirrored to each other such to form two parallel pivot points for rotation.
  • the remaining portions of the panel may be connected to the lid (3) via the elastically deformable material (28).
  • the two discrete locations are proximal to the bottom of the panel (25) and distal from the top of the panel (25) such that a greater rotational arm is formed between the two parallel pivot points and said top of the panel (25).
  • the elastically deformable material (28) covers at least one face of said panel (25), preferably the face onto which the user applies pressure thereon, more preferably the face pointing away from the inside of said lid (3).
  • grip is improved allowing the user to apply the necessary pressure for unlocking without the risk of one or more fingers slipping, thus making singlehanded opening easier.
  • the elastically deformable material (28) aids the protrusion (26) to snap into the slot (27) by applying an additional tension, preferably said tension exerts a resultant force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY).
  • said elastically deformable material (28) may comprise indicia on at least part of its surface, preferably the surface onto which the user applies pressure thereon with one or more fingers.
  • said indicia may indicate the optimal position onto which the user should press to achieve unlocking with the least possible effort.
  • Fig. 8A-C illustrate an example of the operation of the cap (1).
  • Fig. 8A illustrates the resting position of the cap (1) in its closed position, prior to use.
  • the user disengages the lid (3) by applying a pressure, preferably in the radial direction, onto at least a portion of the panel (25) forming part of the locking means with one or more fingers.
  • the direction and location of the pressure is indicated in Fig. 8A by the arrow A.
  • This pressure causes the plate () to rotate upon an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (YY) such that the protrusion (26) exits the slot (27) substantially concurrently with a portion of said panel (25) abutting at least a portion of a first surface of contact (10) of the cap body (2).
  • Fig. 8B illustrates the disengagement of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27).
  • the user may now apply a substantially upward pressure to lift the lid (3) to its fully open position for pouring of the content of the container connected thereto.
  • the user may continue to apply a radial pressure, albeit of smaller magnitude, onto said portion of the panel (25) combined with an upward pressure to lift the lid (3) thus creating a smooth transition between the disengagement of the protrusion (26) from the slot (27) and the lifting of the lid.
  • Fig. 8B illustrates both the radial pressure of smaller magnitude A' and the upward pressure B.
  • Fig. 8C illustrates the cap (1) in its fully open position. Once the user has finished pouring the content, the lid (3) may be closed singlehandedly by pushing said lid (3) back onto the cap body (2) until the protrusion (26) snaps back into the slot (27) to lock the cap (1) in its closed position. The operation may be repeated for subsequent uses.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Moyen de verrouillage dans un bouchon (1) pouvant être relié à un récipient, ledit moyen de verrouillage comprenant :
    (i) un panneau (25) relié à un couvercle (3) dudit bouchon (1) sur au moins une partie du périmètre de celui-ci ;
    (ii) une fente (27) ménagée dans une partie d'un corps de bouchon (2) dudit bouchon (1) ;
    (iii) au moins une saillie (26) s'étendant à partir d'une partie dudit panneau (25) vers l'intérieur dudit couvercle (3) pour un couplage avec ladite fente (27) ; et
    (iv) un matériau élastiquement déformable (28) reliant ledit panneau (25) audit couvercle (3), dans lequel au moins une partie de ladite saillie (26) s'étend à un angle c, et dans lequel au moins une partie de ladite fente (27) est inclinée à un angle b de telle sorte que le couplage avec ladite saillie (26) est réalisé lorsque ledit couvercle (3) est pressé sur ledit corps de bouchon (2), caractérisé en ce que l'angle c de ladite saillie (26) est compris entre 1 et 2 degrés et l'angle b de ladite fente (27) est compris entre 0 et 2 degrés, pris par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal (YY) du bouchon (1), et en ce que ledit matériau élastiquement déformable (28) est choisi dans le groupe constitué par un élastomère thermoplastique (TPE), le silicone et leurs mélanges.
  2. Moyen de verrouillage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins une partie dudit panneau (25) vient en butée contre une première surface de contact (10) dudit corps de bouchon (2) lorsqu'une pression est appliquée sur ledit panneau (25).
  3. Moyen de verrouillage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel une partie dudit panneau (25) comprend en outre au moins une saillie (29) s'étendant le long d'au moins une partie de la hauteur dudit panneau (25), de préférence ladite saillie comprend un gradient pour améliorer le glissement sur ladite première surface de contact (10).
  4. Moyen de verrouillage selon les revendications 2 et 3, dans lequel ledit panneau (25) tourne autour d'un axe perpendiculaire audit axe longitudinal (YY) lorsqu'une pression est appliquée sur celui-ci, de sorte que le désengagement de ladite saillie (26) de ladite fente (27) et la butée de ladite au moins une partie dudit panneau (25) sur ladite première surface de contact (10) sont réalisés sensiblement en même temps.
  5. Moyen de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit moyen de verrouillage est capable de résister à une force comprise entre 30 N et 70 N, de préférence comprise entre 50 N et 70 N, lorsque ledit moyen de verrouillage est engagé.
  6. Moyen de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit moyen de verrouillage est désengagé par l'application d'une force comprise entre 15 N et 35 N sur une partie dudit panneau (25).
  7. Moyen de verrouillage selon la revendication 6, dans lequel au moins une partie dudit panneau (25) est en outre reliée audit couvercle (3) par un second matériau présentant une déformation élastique inférieure à celle dudit matériau élastiquement déformable (28), de préférence ledit second matériau est le même matériau que celui dudit couvercle (3).
  8. Moyen de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite saillie (26) est plus courte en longueur que ladite fente (27).
  9. Moyen de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite saillie (26) s'étend de 0,80 mm à 0,85 mm vers l'intérieur dudit couvercle (3), et dans lequel ladite fente (27) a une profondeur comprise entre à 0,86 mm et 0,9 mm.
  10. Procédé d'ouverture et de fermeture d'un bouchon à une seule main (1) comprenant le moyen de verrouillage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à appliquer une pression sur ledit panneau (25) avec un ou plusieurs doigts et à soulever en même temps ledit couvercle (3), libérer ladite pression, et éventuellement fermer ledit couvercle (3) en enfonçant de nouveau ledit couvercle (3) sur ledit corps de bouchon (2).
  11. Bouchon (1) pouvant être relié à un récipient, comprenant un moyen de verrouillage selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9.
EP13190195.1A 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyens de verrouillage pour bouchon Active EP2698325B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL13190195T PL2698325T3 (pl) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Elementy do blokowania pokrywki

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US38810810P 2010-09-30 2010-09-30
EP11757509.2A EP2621824B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyen de verrouillage pour bouchon

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11757509.2A Division-Into EP2621824B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyen de verrouillage pour bouchon
EP11757509.2A Division EP2621824B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyen de verrouillage pour bouchon

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2698325A1 EP2698325A1 (fr) 2014-02-19
EP2698325B1 true EP2698325B1 (fr) 2014-12-17

Family

ID=44652016

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13190195.1A Active EP2698325B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyens de verrouillage pour bouchon
EP11757509.2A Active EP2621824B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyen de verrouillage pour bouchon

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11757509.2A Active EP2621824B1 (fr) 2010-09-30 2011-09-07 Moyen de verrouillage pour bouchon

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (2) EP2698325B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP5813772B2 (fr)
AR (1) AR083254A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112013005389A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2811512A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2013003641A (fr)
PL (1) PL2698325T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012044446A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6292964B2 (ja) * 2014-04-28 2018-03-14 株式会社吉野工業所 ヒンジキャップ

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6025930Y2 (ja) * 1981-02-02 1985-08-05 株式会社吉野工業所 化粧用コンパクト
GB9718662D0 (en) * 1997-09-04 1997-11-05 A C W Limited Improved pouring device
DE19832799B4 (de) 1998-07-21 2006-03-02 Kunststoffwerk Kutterer Gmbh & Co. Kg Aufklappbare Verschlußkappe
ATE478812T1 (de) 2002-10-10 2010-09-15 Csp Technologies Inc Wiederverschliessbare, feuchtigkeitsdichte behälter für streifen und ähnliches
US7404495B2 (en) 2003-07-28 2008-07-29 Rexam Closure Systems Inc. Child-resistant flip-top dispensing closure and package
EP1786698B1 (fr) * 2004-06-30 2008-09-17 Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH Obturateur d'embouchure
JP4449725B2 (ja) * 2004-12-08 2010-04-14 タイガー魔法瓶株式会社 片開きボトル
CA2601815C (fr) 2005-03-24 2012-10-23 Csp Technologies, Inc. Contenant unitaire et ensemble de bouchon couronne presentant des caracteristiques de securite a l'epreuve des enfants
JP2008143543A (ja) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-26 Sumitomo Bakelite Co Ltd 生化学容器
JP2010089807A (ja) * 2008-10-06 2010-04-22 Daisen Sangyo Kk 合成樹脂製キャップ

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012044446A1 (fr) 2012-04-05
PL2698325T3 (pl) 2015-05-29
AR083254A1 (es) 2013-02-13
EP2621824B1 (fr) 2015-05-27
JP5813772B2 (ja) 2015-11-17
BR112013005389A2 (pt) 2016-06-07
EP2621824A1 (fr) 2013-08-07
CA2811512A1 (fr) 2012-04-05
JP2013542139A (ja) 2013-11-21
EP2698325A1 (fr) 2014-02-19
MX2013003641A (es) 2013-05-22

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