Closure

Abstract

A cap is provided for coupling to a container. The cap includes a closure and an insert that may be coupled together prior to affixing the cap to a container. The insert may include a removable wall coupled to a pull tab, the removable wall detaching from the insert in response to a user pulling on the pull tab.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to closures and, more particularly, to multi-component closures being preassembled before being inserted onto a container.

Affixing a multi-component closure to a container neck is often a multi-step process, with at least one step for each of the components. This process can further be complicated by efforts to keep the container neck and/or the closure aseptic. Applicant has developed a multi-component closure that can be preassembled before being attached to the container neck, thereby simplifying the process to affix the closure to the container neck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a cap including a closure and an insert. The closure includes a body and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge. The insert interfaces with the closure, thereby frictionally engaging the insert the at least one of the body and the lid. The insert is configured to engage with a container neck subsequent to the insert being frictionally engaged with the closure.

An exemplary method of using this invention includes providing a closure including a body and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge. The method further includes providing an insert, the insert including an internal wall and a removable separation wall coupled to a pull tab and detachably coupled to the internal wall. The method further includes frictionally engaging the closure with the insert such that the closure is biased to remain coupled to the insert, the closure and the insert sharing a rotational axis. The method further includes providing a container including a container neck. The method further includes frictionally engaging the insert with the container neck.

In various exemplary methods of use, the insert including an outer ring radially further from the rotational axis than the internal wall, and frictionally engaging the insert with the container neck includes the outer ring engaging the container neck.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description included, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary method of applying the closure of FIG. 1 to a container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of a closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a closure are shown. Affixing a multi-component closure to a container neck is often a multi-step process, which can be complicated by efforts to keep the container and/or the closure aseptic. Applicant has developed a multi-component closure that can be preassembled before being attached to the container neck, thereby simplifying affixing the closure to the container neck.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a closure 110 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Closure 110 is configured for being coupled to a neck of a container (e.g., container neck 190 of container 192) to encapsulate a product, such as a liquid, within the container.

Closure 110 includes overcap 120 and insert 170. In various embodiments and/or uses, overcap 120 and insert 170 are engaged and thereby coupled together prior to closure 110 being engaged and coupled to the container. For example, overcap 120 and insert 170 are coupled together via a friction fit.

In various embodiments, overcap 120 includes body 130 and lid 150 pivotally coupled to body 130 via hinge 112. In various embodiments one or more of overcap 120, body 130, lid 150, and/or insert 170 are rotationally centered on axis 114. Body 130 defines opening 140, which provides fluid communication between interior 194 of container 190 and exterior 196 of container 190. Insert 170 includes cylindrical wall 184 that extends upward away from container 190 and that extends circumferentially around the rotational axis 114. Lid 150 actuates between an open position and a closed position with respect to the body 130 such that the lid 150 prevents fluid communication between the interior 194 of the container 190 and the exterior 196 of the container 190 when the lid 150 is in the closed position, and the lid 150 does not prevent fluid communication between the interior 194 of the container 190 and the exterior 196 of the container 190 when the lid 150 is in the open position.

Body 130 includes cylindrical wall 132 that peripherally surrounds the insert 170 and/or the container neck with respect to axis 114. In various embodiments, cylindrical wall 132 of body 130 includes a threading 136 that helically protrudes inwards towards axis 114, and a retention band, shown as J-band 138. Threading 136 engages container neck 192. J-band 138 is configured to interface with the container neck thereby securing closure 110 to the container neck 192 and preventing and/or biasing closure 110 from being removed from the container neck 192, such as by biasing overcap 120 to remain coupled to container neck 192.

In various embodiments, body 130 includes a disc, shown as annular disc 134, that extends radially inward towards axis 114 from an upper portion of cylindrical wall 132. In various embodiments, annular disc 134 is configured to interface with insert 170, thereby frictionally coupling overcap 120 to insert 170 before closure 110 is affixed to a container neck.

Lid 150 includes an outer wall, shown as outer cylindrical wall 152, an interior wall, shown as inner cylindrical wall 154, and a central wall, shown as central cylindrical wall 156, between outer cylindrical wall 152 and inner cylindrical wall 154. When lid 150 is in the closed configuration, central cylindrical wall 156 interfaces with insert 170 (e.g., cylindrical wall 178) and inner cylindrical wall 154 interfaces with insert 170 (e.g., cylindrical wall 184) such that one or both of central cylindrical wall 156 and inner cylindrical wall 154 frictionally retain lid 150 in the closed configuration.

Insert 170 includes outer ring 172 and outer cylindrical wall 174 extending downward from outer ring 172. One or both of outer ring 172 and outer cylindrical wall 174 interface with the container neck to couple and seal closure 110 to the container neck. In various embodiments, insert 170 includes cylindrical wall 174 that is radially further from the rotational axis 114 than the cylindrical wall 178, and the insert 170 frictionally engaging with the container neck 192 includes the cylindrical wall 174 engaging the container neck 192. In various embodiments, outer ring 172 defines a plane that is perpendicular to axis 114. In various embodiments, insert 170 includes a cylindrical wall, such as a spout wall 176, that facilitates pouring liquid from the container such that the liquid does not spill and is instead recaptured in the container, and the spout wall 176 is closer to rotational axis 114 than cylindrical wall 184.

Insert 170 includes internal cylindrical wall 178 that interfaces with inner cylindrical wall 154 of lid 150 to retain lid 150 in the closed configuration. Insert 170 also includes an upper cylindrical wall 184 that interfaces with annular disc 134 to retain lid 150 in the closed configuration. A removable wall 180 is coupled to pull tab 182 and detachably coupled to internal cylindrical wall 178. Until broken and removed, removable wall 180 seals the contents of the container within the container. When a user pulls on pull tab 182, which is coupled to removable wall 180, the removable wall 180 detaches from internal cylindrical wall 178, thereby permitting a user to access the contents of the container.

In various embodiments, overcap 120 is formed from a first material including low density polyethylene (LDPE), and container 192 is formed from a second material selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). The container neck 192 provides fluid communication between an interior 194 of container 190 and an exterior 196 of container 190.

Referring to FIG. 4, various aspects of an exemplary method 200 of applying closure 110 to container 190 are shown. Starting at step 202, an overcap 120 is provided. At step 204, insert 170 is provided. At step 204, overcap 120 is engaged with insert 170, such as frictionally engaged, such that overcap 120 is biased to remain coupled to insert 170. At step 206 a container 190 including a container neck 192 is provided.

At step 208, closure 110 is engaged with container 190. As a first example, closure 110 is engaged with container 190 via engaging insert 170 with container neck 192, such as frictionally engaging, such that insert 170 blocks fluid communication between an interior 194 of container 190 and an exterior 196 of container 190.

In various embodiments, insert 170 includes an outer ring 172 radially further from the rotational axis 114 than the internal wall 178, and frictionally engaging the insert 170 with the container neck 190 includes the outer ring 172 engaging the container neck 190.

In various embodiments, the method includes sterilizing the insert 170 subsequent to applying the insert 170 to the overcap 120 and/or the container neck 190. In various embodiments, the method includes assembling the overcap 120 and the insert 170 prior to coupling the overcap 120 and the insert 170 to the container 190.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, various aspects of closure 310 are shown. Closure 310 is substantially the same as closure 110 except for the differences discussed herein and shown in the figures.

In particular, overcap 320 of closure 310 is biased to remain coupled to insert 370 via protrusions extending from each of overcap 320 and insert 370 that interface against each other. Overcap 320 includes body 330, which includes cylindrical wall 332. Protrusion 334 extends outward from cylindrical wall 332 towards the axis. Insert 370 includes cylindrical wall 372 and protrusion 374 extending inward from cylindrical wall 372. In use, protrusion 334 interfacing with protrusion 374 biases overcap 320 to remain coupled to the insert 370.

Referring to FIG. 7, various aspects of closure 410 are shown. Closure 410 is substantially the same as closure 110 or closure 310 except for the differences discussed herein and shown in the figures.

Closure 410 includes overcap 420 and insert 470. In various embodiments, overcap 420 and insert 470 are both centered on axis 414. In various methods of using closure 410, overcap 420 and insert 470 are coupled together before engaging closure 410 against a container neck (e.g., container neck 192 of container 190).

Overcap 420 includes body 430 and lid 450 pivotally coupled to body 430 via hinge 412. Body 430 includes cylindrical wall 432, cylindrical wall 434, and platform 436. Platform 436 extends radially between cylindrical wall 432 and cylindrical wall 434 with respect to axis 414. Cylindrical wall 432 is further from axis 414 than cylindrical wall 434.

Lid 450 includes cylindrical wall 452 and cylindrical wall 454, which is closer to axis 414 than cylindrical wall 452. Insert 470 includes cylindrical wall 472, spout 474, spill wall 476, removable wall 478, and pull tab 480. Removable wall 478 is detachably coupled to cylindrical wall 472. In use, a user pulls on pull tab 480 to remove removable wall 478 from cylindrical wall 472.

In one exemplary method of applying closure 410 to a container neck, overcap 420 and insert 470 are engaged together, such as frictionally engaged. Then, closure 410 is applied to a container neck and engages the container neck, such as frictionally engaging the container neck. In particular, cylindrical wall 434 of body 430 of overcap 420 engages against the internal surface of the container neck, thereby securing closure 410 to the container neck 192.

Referring to FIG. 8, various aspects of closure 510 are shown. Closure 510 is substantially the same as closure 110, closure 310, or closure 410 except for the differences discussed herein and shown in the figures.

Closure 510 includes overcap 520 and insert 570. In various embodiments, overcap 520 and insert 570 are both centered on axis 514. In various methods of using closure 510, overcap 520 and insert 570 are coupled together before engaging closure 510 against a container neck (e.g., container neck 192 of container 190).

Overcap 520 includes body 530 and lid 550 pivotally coupled to body 530 via hinge 512. Body 530 includes cylindrical wall 532 and platform 536. Platform 536 extends radially from cylindrical wall 532 towards axis 514.

Lid 550 includes cylindrical wall 552, cylindrical wall 554, and cylindrical wall 556. Cylindrical wall 552 is radially further from axis 514 than both cylindrical wall 554 and cylindrical wall 556, and cylindrical wall 554 is radially further from axis 514 than cylindrical wall 556.

Insert 570 includes cylindrical wall 572, spout 574, spill wall 576, removable wall 578, and pull tab 580. Removable wall 578 is detachably coupled to cylindrical wall 572. In use, a user pulls on pull tab 580 to remove removable wall 578 from cylindrical wall 572.

In one exemplary method of applying closure 510 to a container neck (e.g., container neck 192), overcap 520 and insert 570 are engaged together, such as frictionally engaged. Then, closure 510 is applied to a container neck and engages the container neck, such as frictionally engaging the container neck. In particular, cylindrical wall 572 of insert 570 engages against the inner surface of the container neck, thereby securing closure 510 to the container neck.

Referring to FIG. 9, various aspects of closure 610 are shown. Closure 610 is substantially the same as closure 110, closure 310, closure 410, or closure 510 except for the differences discussed herein and shown in the figures.

Closure 610 includes overcap 620 and insert 670. In various embodiments, overcap 620 and insert 670 are both centered on axis 614. In various methods of using closure 610, overcap 620 and insert 670 are coupled together before engaging closure 610 against a container neck (e.g., container neck 192 of container 190).

Overcap 620 includes body 630 and lid 650 pivotally coupled to body 630 via hinge 612. Body 630 includes cylindrical wall 632 and platform 636. Platform 636 extends radially from cylindrical wall 632 towards axis 614.

Lid 650 includes cylindrical wall 652. Cylindrical wall 652 engages against spill wall 576 when lid 550 is in the closed position with respect to body 530.

Insert 670 includes cylindrical wall 672, spout 674, spill wall 676, removable wall 678, pull tab 680, and platform 682. Platform 682 extends radially away from spill wall 676 with respect to axis 614. Removable wall 678 is detachably coupled to cylindrical wall 672. In use, a user pulls on pull tab 680 to remove removable wall 678 from cylindrical wall 672.

In one exemplary method of applying closure 610 to a container neck (e.g., container neck 192), overcap 620 and insert 670 are engaged together, such as frictionally engaged. In particular, cylindrical wall 632 of body 630 engages against platform 682 of insert 670, and platform 634 of body 630 engages against spill wall 676 and platform 682 of insert 670. Then, closure 610 is applied to a container neck and engages the container neck, such as frictionally engaging the container neck. In particular, cylindrical wall 632, platform 682, and spill wall 676 engages against the upper and inner surfaces of the container neck, thereby securing closure 610 to the container neck.

Referring to FIG. 10, various aspects of closure 710 are shown. Closure 710 is substantially the same as closure 110, closure 310, closure 410, closure 510, or closure 610 except for the differences discussed herein and shown in the figures.

Closure 710 includes overcap 720 and insert 770. In various embodiments, overcap 720 and insert 770 are both centered on axis 714. In various methods of using closure 710, overcap 720 and insert 770 are coupled together before engaging closure 710 against a container neck (e.g., container neck 192 of container 190).

Overcap 720 includes body 730 and lid 750 pivotally coupled to body 730 via hinge 712. Body 730 includes cylindrical wall 732, cylindrical wall 734, and platform 736. Platform 736 extends radially between cylindrical wall 732 and cylindrical wall 734 with respect to axis 714.

Lid 750 includes cylindrical wall 752, cylindrical wall 754, and cylindrical wall 756. Cylindrical wall 752 is radially further from axis 714 than both cylindrical wall 754 and cylindrical wall 756, and cylindrical wall 754 is radially further from axis 714 than cylindrical wall 756.

Insert 770 includes cylindrical wall 772, spout 774, spill wall 776, removable wall 778, and pull tab 780. Removable wall 778 is detachably coupled to cylindrical wall 772. In use, a user pulls on pull tab 780 to remove removable wall 778 from cylindrical wall 772.

In one exemplary method of applying closure 710 to a container neck (e.g., container neck 192), overcap 720 and insert 770 are engaged together, such as frictionally engaged. In particular, cylindrical wall 772 and platform 782 of insert 770 are engaged (e.g., frictionally) with cylindrical wall 734 and platform 736 of body 730. Then, closure 710 is applied to a container neck and engages the container neck, such as frictionally engaging the container neck. In particular, cylindrical wall 734 of body 730 engages against the inner surface of the container neck, thereby securing closure 510 to the container neck.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

Claims

1. A method of applying a closure to a container neck, the method comprising: providing an overcap comprising a body and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge;providing an insert, the insert comprising: a first cylindrical wall; anda removable separation wall coupled to a pull tab and detachably coupled to the first cylindrical wall;frictionally engaging the overcap with the insert such that the overcap is biased to remain coupled to the insert, the overcap and the insert sharing a rotational axis;providing a container comprising a container neck; andfrictionally engaging the insert with the container neck such that the insert blocks fluid communication between an interior of the container and an exterior of the container.

2. The method of claim 1, the insert comprising a second cylindrical wall radially further from the rotational axis than the first cylindrical wall, wherein frictionally engaging the insert with the container neck comprises the second cylindrical wall engaging the container neck.

3. The method of claim 1, comprising sterilizing the insert subsequent to engaging the insert with the container neck.

4. The method of claim 1, comprising engaging the overcap and the insert prior to engaging the insert with the container neck.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an opening that provides fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container, the insert comprising a third cylindrical wall that extends away from the container and that extends circumferentially around the rotational axis.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the insert comprises a spout wall that extends away from the insert, wherein the spout wall is closer to the rotational axis than the third cylindrical wall.

7. The method of claim 1, the body comprising helical threading extending inward towards the rotational axis, the threading engaging the container neck.

8. The method of claim 1, the body comprising a J-band interfacing with the container neck to bias the overcap to remain coupled to the container neck.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an opening that provides fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container, the lid actuating between an open position and a closed position with respect to the body such that the lid prevents fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container when the lid is in the closed position, and the lid does not prevent fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container when the lid is in the open position.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the overcap is formed from a first material comprising LDPE.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the container is formed from a second material selected from the group consisting of HDPE and PP.

12. A method of applying a closure to a container neck, the method comprising: providing an overcap comprising a body and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge, the body comprising a first cylindrical wall and a first protrusion extending inward from the first cylindrical wall;providing an insert comprising a second cylindrical wall and a second protrusion extending outward from the second cylindrical wall;engaging the overcap with the insert such that the first protrusion interfacing with the second protrusion biases the overcap to remain coupled to the insert, the overcap and the insert sharing a rotational axis;providing a container comprising a container neck; andengaging the insert with the container neck such that the insert blocks fluid communication between an interior of the container and an exterior of the container.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising engaging the overcap and the insert prior to engaging the insert with the container neck.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the body comprises an opening that provides fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container, the body comprising a third cylindrical wall that extends away from the insert and that extends circumferentially around the rotational axis, and wherein the body comprises a spout wall that extends away from the insert, wherein the spout wall is closer to the rotational axis than the third cylindrical wall.

15. The method of claim 12, the body comprising helical threading extending inward towards the rotational axis, the threading engaging the container neck, and the body comprising a J-band interfacing with the container neck to bias the overcap to remain coupled to the container neck.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the body comprises an opening that provides fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container, the lid actuating between an open position and a closed position with respect to the body such that the lid prevents fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container when the lid is in the closed position, and the lid does not prevent fluid communication between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container when the lid is in the open position.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the overcap is formed from a first material comprising LDPE, and wherein the container is formed from a second material selected from the group consisting of HDPE and PP.

18. A closure comprising: an overcap comprising a body and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge; andan insert frictionally engaged with the body of the closure, the overcap and insert sharing a rotational axis, the insert configured to engage with a container neck subsequent to the insert engaging with the closure.

19. The closure of claim 18, the body comprising a first cylindrical wall and a first protrusion extending inward from the first cylindrical wall, the insert comprising a second cylindrical wall and a second protrusion extending outward from the second cylindrical wall, wherein the first protrusion interfacing with the second protrusion biases the overcap to remain coupled to the insert.

20. The closure of claim 18, wherein the overcap is formed from a first material comprising LDPE, wherein the container neck is formed from a second material selected from the group consisting of HDPE and PP.