Container and Cap Assembly

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to a packaging assembly and particularly to a cap assembly for a container.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

A container is provided to contain a selected volume. The container includes an internal volume that is surrounded by a wall and/or plurality of interconnected walls to define the volume. The container assembly may include a removable lid or covering that may enclose the volume for containing or enclosing the volume. The lid may be a lid that may be removed from other portions of the container to access an interior of the container. The lid, therefore, may be removed to allow access to the interior of the container to remove material from the container.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

A container assembly may be provided in various configurations such as with flexible or substantially rigid wall. The walls may be formed in a selected shape that may be selected based in part upon the material positioned within the container. The container, therefore, may at least partially enclose a container volume.

An opening may be provided through one or more of the walls into the container and may be selectively closed with a selected member. In various embodiments, a fitment or passage assembly may be fixedly connected to the container. The fitment may have portions that allow for connection of a removable cap thereto.

The fitment may be fixedly and permanently sealed to the container. A material may not pass around the fitment, but rather only through a passage or a bore formed by the fitment. The cap may be connected to the fitment to close or cap the passage or bore. Thus, the cap may close and, in a selected manner, seal the container or release the internal volume of the container. The cap may provide a liquid tight seal, gas tight seal, or other appropriate type of seal.

In various embodiments, the cap may be removed from the fitment to open the passage through the fitment by opening the passage through the fitment so that material may be removed from within the container through the fitment passage. The cap, however, may include a connection member that may be also referred to as a tether to hold the cap to at least one of the fitment and/or the container walls. Therefore, the cap may be maintained in connection with at least one of the fitment or the container after the cap has been removed from the fitment to allow material to pass through the fitment passage. This allows the container assembly, including the container and the cap, to be held as a unit even after the cap is removed from the fitment.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a container and cap assembly, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a container and cap assembly in an open configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a fitment, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a fitment, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a fitment, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a bottom detailed cross-sectional view of the fitment of FIG. 3 taken along line 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a cap assembly, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a cap assembly, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of a cap assembly, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along the line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along line 12-12;

FIG. 13 is detailed view of FIG. 10 from circle 13;

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of a cap assembly, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a side plan view of a cap assembly, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a fitment and cap assembly in a unengaged configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a cap assembly and fitment in a partial engaged configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of a fitment cap assembly in an engaged configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16D is a top plan view of a cap assembly and fitment in an engaged configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a side plane view of a cap assembly and fitment in the process of being disengaged.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With initial reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a container assembly 20 is illustrated. The container assembly 20 may include a container member or portion 24, a fitment member or assembly 28, and a cap assembly 40. The cap assembly 40 may include, as discussed further herein, a cap member 44, a tether or connecting member 48, and a retaining member 52, also referred to as a retention or locking ring or member. The connector member 48 may interconnect the cap member 44 and the retention ring 52. Generally, the connector member 48 may be molded as a single piece with the cap member 44 and the retention ring 52. The retention member 52 may also be connected, in a selected manner, as also discussed further herein, to the fitment 28. Generally, the retaining member 52 may be held to a locking portion, which may also be referred to as a locking shelf or ledge 56, of the fitment 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the container assembly 20 may be provided in an assembled and closed configuration with the cap member 44 engaging the fitment 28. The fitment 28 may further include a spout or straw portion 58 that includes one or more cap engaging portions, which may include a thread 62 (e.g., external thread). The thread 62 may engage an internal thread of the cap member 44, as discussed further herein. By rotating the cap member 44 in a selected direction, such as in the direction of arrow 66, the tether member 48 may be unwound and/or disengaged from either or both of the cap member 44 and the retaining member 52, as discussed further herein.

With reference to FIG. 2, the cap member 44 may be removed from the spout portion 58 of the fitment member 28 to allow access to a fitment passage or bore 68 that is formed as a passage through the fitment member 28. When the cap member 44 is removed from the fitment 28, material may exit the container member 24 generally in the direction of arrow 72 from within an internal volume 76 of the container member 24. Similarly material may pass through the passage 68, generally in an opposite direction to the arrow 72, to be placed into the volume 76. Nevertheless, the connection or tether member 48 in combination with the retaining member 52 allows for retention of the cap member 44 to the fitment member 28. As also discussed further herein, the fitment member 28 may be fixed to the container 24 such that the container assembly 20 including the container 24, the fitment 28, and the cap assembly 40 may be maintained as a single unit once assembled as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In various embodiments, this may allow for efficient retention and disposal (e.g., recycling or reusing) of the container assembly 20, coordinating use of the cap member 44, retaining the cap member 44, etc.

With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the fitment 28 includes the spout portion 58 that may incorporate the threads 62 and the locking ledge 56 that extends from the spout 58. The locking ledge 56 may extend radially from an outer wall 58w of the spout 58 and from a central axis 80. Generally, the locking ledge 56 may extend a selected distance 84 from the outer wall 58w to an outer wall or edge 88 of the locking ledge 56. The distance 84 may be any appropriate distance and be selected based on the geometry or size of the fitment 58 and/or the retaining member 52. In various embodiments, for example, the distance 84 may be about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 6 mm, including about 1 mm to 4 mm, and further including about 2 mm.

The locking ledge 56 may include various features that also may be described further herein. For example, the locking ledge 56 may include a variable radius such that the outer edge 88 has a variable distance 84 from the outer wall 58w. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the locking ledge 56 extends from the wall 58w to different respective edges of the locking ledge 56. For example, the radius or distance 84 may include a maximum distance 84max and a minimum distance 84min. The distance 84, therefore, may vary depending on various features of the locking member or locking ledge 56 as discussed further herein. The maximum 84 max and the minimum distances 84 min may be within the range noted above. For example, the dimensions 84 min and 84 max may include about 2 mm to about 4 mm, including about 2.5 mm for the minimum 84 min and about 2 mm to about 5 mm, including about 3.5 mm for the maximum 84 max. The difference between 84 min and 84 max may be about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, including about 1 mm. Further, the ratio different between 84 min and 84 max may be about 1 to 3 to about 1 to 6.

Further, the locking ring may include gradual changes such as an increasing radius region 92 that may be formed between the minimum radius 84 min and the maximum radius region 84 max. The changing radius portion 92 may allow for various interactions of the locking ring 56 with the retaining member 52, as also discussed further herein. The geometry of the outer edge 88 of the locking ledge 56, therefore, may allow of appropriate interaction of the retaining member 52 with the ledge 56.

The locking ledge 56 may include various features for further interaction with the retaining member 52. For example, the locking ledge 56 may include one or more projections or tabs 96 that may interact with the locking member 52 to assist in orienting the locking member 52 relative to the fitment 28. The locking ledge 56 may also include one or more depressions 98, also refer to as a cutout or a slot, that allow for passage and interaction of the locking member 52 with the fitment 28. Accordingly, the locking ledge 56 may include various features and geometries to interact with the retaining member 52 to assist in retaining and holding the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment 28 and allowing for an appropriate interaction of the retaining member 52 with the fitment 28.

The fitment 28 may also include a second or lower shelf 102 that also extends from the wall 58w of the spout 58. The locking ledge 56 may be spaced a distance 106 from the second shelf or surface 102, according to various embodiments. In addition, various strengthening or fixing portions may extend between the two shelves or surfaces 56, 102, such as an orientating tab projection or wall 110 and one or more reinforcing or retaining legs or wall 114. In light of the various features, the locking ledge 56 may be substantially held relative to the second shelf or surface 102 to assist in providing rigidity and/or retention to the locking ledge 56 interaction with the retaining member 52. For example, generally the locking ledge may cause portions of the retaining member 52 to bend or flex, as discussed herein.

The fitment 28 may further include a container sealing or upper surface 120 and a container fitment or sealing surface 124. The geometry and shape of the container fitment sealing surface 124 and/or the upper sealing surface 120 may be any selected geometry for connection or interaction with a selected container, such as the container 24. In various embodiments, the container 24 may be a flexible walled pouch. The pouch 24 may be formed of the flexible material that is sealed to the sealing portion 124 and/or the sealing surface or portion 120. Thus, the internal volume 76 may be filed before or after sealing to the sealing portions of the fitment 28 to provide a material within the container volume 76 and for passage through the fitment passage 68.

As discussed above, the cap assembly 40 may be connected to the fitment member or assembly 28. With continuing reference to FIG. 1-6 and additional reference to FIGS. 7-13, the cap assembly 40, according to various embodiments will be discussed in further detail. The cap assembly 40, as discussed above, includes the cap member portion 44 and the tether or connecting portion 48 and the retaining ringer member 52. In addition, the cap member 44 may include various components or members that are formed as a single unit and/or assembled together.

Generally, the cap member portion 44 may include an outer grip portion 140 that may include an outer grasping region or portion 144. The outer grasping region 144 may include a selected surface, such as a ridged surface, a textured surface, or the like. Generally, the gripping portion 140 allows for engagement of the cap member 44 by a user, such as with one or more digits. The grip portion 144 may be connected with one or more connector portions or ribs 148 that extend radially from a closing portion or a central hub 152.

The grip portion 144 may be any appropriate geometry such as curved or having a flat side, such as square, triangle, etc. The flat sides may allow for ease of torque application. Further, the outer perimeter and/or diameter may be selected such as greater or less than 30 mm. Generally, for example, a gripping portion greater than 30 mm may reduce a chance of swallowing. In addition, the number of the ribs 148 may be selected for ensuring a selected rigidity of the grip portion 144. In various embodiments, for example, the ribs 148 may number as four, or six, or other appropriate number. The number of the ribs 148 may be selected and/or the thickness of the grip portion 144 may be selected to achieve a selected rigidity of the grip portion 144.

The closing portion 152 generally includes an internal surface 156 that may include an internal thread 157 that may be a complimentary thread to engage the external threads 62 of the fitment member 28. Thus, the closure 152 may close the passage 68 through engagement of the internal threads formed by the wall or on the wall 156 with the external threads 62. Further, the closure 152 may include a top wall 158 and a side wall 162 that may also be referred to as an outer or exterior wall.

The connecting ribs or members 148 extend from the outer side wall 162 to the grasping member 144. The number of the ribs 148, a length 164, a thickness and/or space between the ribs or members 148, may be selected based upon a geometry of the grasping portion 144, a geometry of the closure portion 152, a geometry of the ribs 148, and other appropriate considerations. The geometry of the various portions may include various dimensions, such as thickness, maximum exterior dimension, maximum or minimum internal dimensions, or the like. Nevertheless, the cap portion 40 may include the grasping region or portion 140 that may be engaged by a user and may allow for a force to be transferred to the closure 152 to open or close the passage 68 to obtain or gain access to the internal volume 76 of the container 24.

The closure portion 152 may include a selected dimension, therefore, such as one great enough to allow for closing of the passage 68, but allowing the retaining member 52 to engage portions of the fitment 28, such as at least the locking shelf 56. The closure portion 152 may include an overall height 170. The height 170 of the closure 152 may incorporate the internal wall 156, the internal thread 157, and any other appropriate sealing portions to seal the passage 68 through the fitment 28.

The closure 152 may include the tether member 48 connectedly and/or continuously wrapped around the closure portion 152, such as around the exterior wall 162. The tether member 48 may be wrapped or encircle the closure portion 152 any appropriate number of times, but is illustrated to encircle the closure portion 152 a single time or substantially a single circle. Further, the tether member 48 may include a circumference or a radius 174 that extends from a central axis 176. Generally, the central axis 176 may be aligned with the central axis 80 through the fitment 28, when the cap member 40 is connected to the fitment 28. The radius 174 of the tether member 48 may be selected based upon an outer dimension of the outer wall 162 of the closure 152, a geometry of the grasping portion 140, or other appropriate geometries. Further, as discussed above, the tether member 48 may encircle the enclosure portion 152 more than once.

Nevertheless, the tether member 48 may be connected to the outer wall 162 at a first end 180 and to the retaining ring member 52 at a second end 184. The two ends 180, 184 may be formed to connect to the respective outer wall 162 and retaining member 52 as discussed further herein. In various embodiments, for example, the tether member 48 may be formed separately from the retaining member 52 and the outer wall 162 and affixed thereto, such as with sonic welding, heat melting, adhesives, or the like. In various embodiments, however, the cap member 40, including the cap portion 44, the tether member 48, and the retaining ring 52 may all be formed as a single member in a selected process, such as injection molding, milling, or the like.

With reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, the first end 158 may include a return or connecting tab 188 that extends from a first or outer section 192 of the tether 48 to the wall 162 of the closure 152. Therefore, the connecting tab 188 may include a dimension, such as a length or width 194 between the outer wall 162 and the grasp portion 192 of the tether 48. The dimension 194 may any appropriate dimension such as about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, including about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and further including about 2 mm. The tether 48, therefore, may be spaced a selected distance from the outer wall 162 to allow for spacing, molding, design features, and the like of the cap assembly 40.

The second end 184 may include a tab or connecting portion 198 that may extend from the tether 48 to an upper wall or a surface 202 of the retaining ring 52. Accordingly, the second connecting portion 198 may include a selected dimension, such as a height, 206 between the tether 48 and the upper surface 202 of the retaining ring 52. It is understood, however, that the various return or connecting tab 188, 198 may be formed substantially integrally or as a single member with the tether 48.

The tether member 48 may be further frangibly connected to the retaining member 52 with one or more frangible members that may also be referred to as minder or tamper evident tabs or members 210. The frangible members 210 may be formed to selectively break when the cap assembly 40 is opened by a user, such as the user rotating the cap portion 44 in the direction of arrow 66, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The frangible members 210 may include weakened or frangible portions to allow for the tether member 48 to be disengaged from the retaining ring 52 at the frangible portions 210. The tether connection portions 188, 198, however, are formed to be maintained in connection even after the frangible members 210 are broken between the tether member 48 and the retainer ring 52. Accordingly, the frangible members 210 may extend between a selected surface, such as a lower surface 212 of the tether 48, and the upper surface 202 of the retaining ring 52. These may be broken upon an application of a selected force, such as a force by the user. Accordingly, the frangible members 210 may be broken at a force of about 19 Newtons (N) to about 30N, including about 20N. The tether connection portions 188, 198, however, may not be broken by the force that is sufficient to break the frangible portions 210. The connecting portion 188, 198 of the tether member 48 between the cap portion 44 and the retaining ring 52 may be selected to have a breaking force of about 19N. In other words, the frangible portions 210 may be formed to provide a selected connection of the tether member 48 to the retaining ring 52 that may be broken at a force that is less than a force needed to break the connection portions 188, 198 between the tether 48 and the cap portion 44 and the tether 48 and the retaining ring 52.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 7-11 and additional reference to FIG. 12, the connecting ring or retaining ring 52 may include various features or projections that may project toward the central axis 176 that may engage portions of the fitment 28, as discussed above and further herein. Generally the retaining ring 52 includes an inner or contacting surface 220. Extending from the surface 220 may be one or more locking or engaging or retaining portions that extend to engage one or more portions of the fitment 28, as discussed further herein. The various portions may assist in allowing the retaining member 52 to engage the fitment 28 in a first manner or instance and then retain the retaining member 52 on the fitment 28 during a second instance. As discussed further herein, for example, the retaining member 52 may include the portions that extend to engage the various portions of the fitment 28 when the cap assembly 20 is placed on the fitment 28 during manufacturing or filling of the container 24. The retaining member 52 may further include the projections from the surface 220 to lock or hold the retaining member 52 to the fitment 28 when the cap assembly 40 is removed by a user, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the retaining member 52 may be held relative to the fitment 28 for various purposes and with the selected portions.

The retaining member 52 may include one or more retaining or locking features portions 221 that may each extend from the surface 220. For example, a locking tab 224 may extend from the inner surface 220. A locking shelf 228 may also extend from the surface 220. Furthermore one or more retention shelves such as a first retention shell 232 and a second retention shelf 236 may extend from the inner surface 220. It is understood that any appropriate number of the various portions including the locking tab, locking shelf 228, and/or the retention shelves or projections 232, 236 may be repeated and/or positioned at any appropriate position to extend form within the surface 220. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, each of the portions may include second or additional portions disposed at various positions that are angularly offset relative to those portions discussed above as noted herein. Therefore, the retaining member 52 may include a plurality of projections that extend toward the central axis 176 of the cap assembly 40 and/or at least a distance toward the center where the axis 176 is defined from the surface 220.

The various members may have selected geometries to interact with the fitment 28. For example, the locking tab 224 may be substantially rectangular and extend toward the central axis 176 or away from the wall surface 220 substantially normal to a tangent of the wall surface 220. The locking shelf 228 may include a shelf or locking surface 240 that also extends substantially normal to a tangent of the inner surface 220 and also substantially normal to the axis 176. The locking shelf 228 may further include an angled surface 244 that extends at an angle between about 1 degree and about 89 degrees relative to the upper surface 240. The angled surface 244 may generally extend, therefore, to form a wedge or wrapped surface relative to the locking surface 240. The locking shelf 228 may further include a projection portion having a height greater than a distance between the surfaces 240, 244. The projection portion 248 may assist in engaging the fitment 28, as also discussed further herein.

Each of the retention shelves or members 232, 236 may include a first angle upper surface 250 and a second angle lower surface 254. The two surfaces 250, 254 may be formed substantially parallel to one another and extend at an angle 258 relative to a line 262 that is normal to the axis 176. The angle 258 may be selected to assist in interaction of the retention members 232, 236 relative to portions of the fitment 28 as discussed further herein. Further, the angle 246, that also may be defined relative to the line or plane 262 relative to the central axis 176 may also be formed to defined to interact with the fitment 28 to assist in holding or maintaining the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment and during an initial engagement of the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment 28.

Therefore, the assembly 40 may include various portions that assist in engaging the fitment 28 and allowing the user to remove portions of the cap assembly 40 for accessing the internal volume 76 of the container 24. The retaining member 52 may engage the fitment 28, as discussed further herein, to ensure maintaining the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment even during removal of the cap portion 44 from the fitment 28. As discussed above, the cap assembly 40 may be provided in various configurations.

Turning reference to FIG. 14, a cap assembly 340 is illustrated. The cap assembly 340 may include portions similar to those discussed above and will not be described in specific detail, save for the variations thereof. The cap assembly 340 may include a cap portion 344, a retaining member portion 348, and a retaining member or portion 352. The cap portion 344, as illustrated in FIG. 14, may include an external dimension that is substantially similar to an external dimension of the retaining tether 348 and the retaining member 352. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the cap assembly 340 may have a substantially uniform external geometry that may resemble a cylinder. Nevertheless, the cap member portion 344 may be engaged by a user to remove the cap portion 344 from the fitment 28 to retain access to the internal volume 76 of the container 24. The retaining member 352 may engage and be held relative to the fitment 28 in the selected manner to assist in retaining at least a portion of the cap assembly 340 to the container 24. The tether member 348 may interconnect the retaining member 352 and the cap portion 344.

The tether member 348 may include a tether portion or length 360 that extends from a first end 364 to a second end 368. The two ends may be near or terminate near each other as illustrated in FIG. 14, such as with a gap or area 372 between the two ends 364, 368. The two ends 364, 368 may, however, connect to the respective retaining member 352 and cap portion 344.

The first end 364 may include a connection extension or portion 376 that extends to connect with the retaining member 352 such as on a surface 378 thereof. The connection portion 376 may be substantially similar to that discussed above of the connection portion 198 of the cap assembly 40. The second end 368 may include a second connection portion 382 that extends to engage a lower surface 386 of the cap portion 344, such as a grasping portion 387 thereof.

As discussed above, the cap portion 344 may include the external gripping or grasping portion 387 and the connection portion 382 may extend and connect directly to the lower surface 386. As discussed above, the retaining member 48 may include the connection 188 that extends toward the central axis 176 to engage the outer wall 162 of the cap portion 44. Additionally and/or alternatively the connection portion 382 may extend substantially parallel with the axis 176 and also substantially parallel with the connection portion 376. Therefore, the retaining tether 348 may interconnect the cap portion 344 and the retaining member 352 with a selected geometry.

The cap assembly 340 may further include frangible portions, as discussed herein, extend from the tether member 348. The frangible portions may include a first or first set of frangible portions 390 that extend from the tether portion 360 and the retaining member 352. A second one or set of frangible portions 394 may extend from the tether portions 360 and the cap portion 344. As discussed above, frangible portions, such as the frangible portions 210, may extend between the tether portion 48 and a retaining member 52. However, as illustrated in FIG. 14 and various embodiments, frangible portions may also extend in other directions and/or to other portions of the cap assembly from the tether portion 348 rather than just the retaining member 52. As illustrated in FIG. 14, first and second sets of frangible portions 390, 394 may extend to engage the retaining member or ring 352 and/or the cap portion 344. The frangible portions 390, 394 may disconnect at a selected force. The frangible force may be less than a force required to disconnect the connecting portions 376, 382 from the respective retaining member 352 or cap portion 344.

Turning reference to FIG. 15, a cap assembly 440 is illustrated. The cap assembly 440 includes portions similar to those discussed above that will not be described in detail again here save for differences therefrom. Accordingly, the cap assembly 440 includes a cap member portion 444, a tether portion 448, and a retaining member or ring 452. The retaining member or ring 452 may engage the fitment 28 and include various engaging portions, such as those discussed above. Further, the cap portion 440 may include an outer gripping or holding portion 460 similar to the gripping portion discussed above. The tether member 448 may further extend substantially around the cap assembly 440, such as around the central axis 176.

The tether member 448 may extend between two ends, such as a first end 470 and a second end 474. The two ends 470, 474 may engage different portions of the cap assembly 440, such as the first end 470 having a connection portion or region 476 that engages the retaining member 452 and the second end 474 including a connection portion or region 478 that engages a portion of the gripping portion 460. As discussed above, the retaining member 452 may include a surface 482 that is connected or attached to the connection portion 476 and the gripping portion 460 may include a surface 486 that is engaged or connected by the connection 478. This allows the tether member 448 to interconnect the retaining member 452 and the cap portion 444, if selected.

The tether member 448, however, such as near the ends 470, 474 may include and/or define generally curved or non-straight edges. The tether member 448 may include a length or portion that has substantially parallel edges such as a first edge 490 and a second 494. The two edges may be substantially parallel over a substantial portion of the length of the tether member 448 such as about 70% to about 90% of the length of the tether member 448. The tether portion may transfer to a configuration that has curved or edges that may remain substantially parallel or equidistant a part, however, not be parallel or normal to the central axis 176. For example, the first end 470 may include a first curved region 496 and a second curved region 498. The second end 474 may include a first curved region 502 and a second curved region 506. The curved regions may provide a portion where the tether member 448 overlaps or has ends that overlap such as in an overlapping region 510. Accordingly, rather than having ends or a connection portion that extends substantially parallel or orthogonal to the central axis 176, the respective ends 474, 474 may have a curved exterior or outer edges that extend from a main portion 511 of the tether 448 to the connection portions 476, 478.

While the tether member 448 may have curved or non-linear regions, the tether 448 may maintain a connection of the cap portion 440 with the retaining member 452. As discussed above, the connection portion 476, 478 may have a breaking force that is greater than one or more frangible members, such as a first one or set of frangible members 520 and a second one or set of frangible members 524. Thus, the tether 448 may maintain a connection of the cap portion 444 with the retaining member 452 while the cap portion 444 may be removed from the fitment 28 while being retained with the retaining member 452 relative thereto to allow access to the internal volume 74.

With reference to FIGS. 1-15 illustrated and discussed above, cap assemblies, according to various embodiments, may be connected with the fitment assembly 28 to allow for a use of the container assembly 20. The cap portion 44 according to various embodiments, may be used to open and close the passage 68 through the fitment 28. Therefore, the cap assembly 40 may be engaged to the fitment 28 during an assembly process and the cap portion 44 may be removed from the fitment 28 during use while the tether 48 may maintain connections between the cap portion 44 and the retaining member 52 to fix the cap assembly 40 to the fitment 28 even after removing the cap portion 44.

In the following discussion as an example, the cap assembly 40 having the cap member 44 is discussed. It is understood that the cap assembly 40 may include portions that are substantially similar to the other cap assemblies as also discussed above, and therefore discussion of the cap assembly 40 is not intended to limit the following discussion of a use of the cap assembly 40 and the fitment 28, but rather as an example thereof.

Thus, the fitment 28 may be formed separately from the cap assembly 40. Accordingly, the fitment 28, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3, may be formed and assembled to the container portion 24 separately from the cap assembly 40. The cap assembly 40 may be connected to the fitment assembly 28 in a selected manner. Generally, the cap assembly 40 may be connected to the fitment assembly 28 with a force, such as an axial force generally in the direction or along the axis 80 of the fitment 28 that may be aligned and positioned to be coaxial with the axis 176 of the cap assembly 40. During assembly, the cap assembly 40, therefore, may be moved toward the fitment 28 such as generally along the co-aligned axes 80, 176. At a selected time the internal threads 157 of the cap assembly 40 may engage the external threads 62 of the fitment 28. The cap assembly 40 may therefore or thereafter be rotated to allow a threaded engagement of the cap assembly 40 with the fitment 28 along with an axial movement of the cap assembly 40 relative to the fitment 28.

After a selected amount of axial and/or rotational movement, a portion of the retaining ring or retaining member 52 may engage one or more portions of the fitment 28, such as the locking shelf 56. As discussed further herein, the various portions of the retaining or retention member 52 may selectively engage the locking shelf 56 to hold the retention ring 52 relative to the fitment 28, such as to the locking shelf 56.

With reference to FIGS. 16A-16D, the cap assembly 40 may be moved toward the fitment 28, such as generally in the direction of arrow 600. The cap assembly 40 may further be rotated, such as generally in the direction of arrow 604, once the cap assembly 40 is on the fitment 28, a sufficient amount to allow engagement of the external threads 62 with the internal threads within the cap assembly 40. Thereafter, the cap assembly 40 may be rotated while engaging the respective threads and continuing movement generally in the direction of arrow 600 toward the locking shelf 56 of the fitment 28. It is understood, however, that rotation is not required and that the threads may elastically flex relative to one another and be retained after engaged.

The retaining ring 52 of the cap assembly 40 includes the retaining portions 221. The retaining portions 221 may engage various portions or features of the fitment 28, such as the locking shelf 56. Each of the retaining features 221 may engage the locking shelf 56 at a selected manner and/or in a selected order, which may be based upon the dimensions of the retaining member 52, the dimensions of the various locking features 221, or other appropriate dimensions. In light of the above, the example discussed herein is exemplary for engaging the locking or retaining member 52 with the locking shelf 56.

Nevertheless, in various embodiments, the locking tab 224 may engage the outer surface 88 of the locking shelf 56 during a rotational and/or axial movement of the cap assembly 40 toward engagement in sealing with the fitment 28. Further, the locking tab 224 may flex relative to the inner surface 220 due to various geometries, material selections, or the like of the locking tab 224. The locking tab 224, therefore, may engage the outer edge 88 as the cap assembly 40 is rotated. During rotation and movement of the locking tab 224 along and/or relative to the outer edge 88, the locking tab 224 may engage in a substantially fixed manner within a locking slot 98, as illustrated in FIG. 16B. The locking slot 98 may be formed as an indent from the outer edge 88 toward the wall 58w of the fitment 28. The locking indent 98 may engage the locking tab 224 to substantially limit rotation of the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment 28 once the retaining member 52 has engaged the locking shelf 56 of the fitment 28.

With continuing reference to FIG. 16B, as the cap assembly 40 continues to be rotated generally in the direction of arrow 600 and/or moved axially, the retention shelves 232, 236 may deflect or move, such as generally in the direction of arrow 614 as the cap assembly 40 is moved onto the fitment 28. The retention shelves 232, 236 may deflect due to force applied to the cap assembly 40 during placing of the cap assembly onto the fitment 28. The retention shelves 232, 228, however, may then rebound after elastic deformation during movement of the cap assembly 40.

Once the retention shelves 232, 236 move past the locking shelf 56 and past the edge 88, the retention shelves 232, 236 may deflect and move to engage an undersurface or lower surface 618 of the locking shelf 56. Therefore, the retention shelves 232, 236 may assist in axially holding the cap assembly 40 relative to the fitment 28. For example, the retention shelves 232, 236 may assist in maintaining an axial position of the cap assembly 40 relative to the fitment 28 by not allowing movement in generally in the direction of arrow 614 of the retaining member 52 once the cap assembly 40 is assembled onto the fitment 28.

The locking shelf 228 may also elastically deform as the cap assembly 40 is moved toward the locking shelf 56. The locking shelf 228 may include the surface or edge 240 as discussed above, which may engage the undersurface 618 of the locking shelf 56. The geometry and mass of the locking shelf 228 may assist in rigidly holding the cap assembly 40 in an axial positon relative to the fitment 28 after the locking shelf 228 is moved past the locking shelf 56 of the fitment 28.

Therefore, the retention features 221 may hold the cap assembly 40 in a generally selected axial position and/or rotational position relative to the fitment 28 once they are engaging to the locking shelf 56, including the locking indent or slot 98 and/or the undersurface 618. The retaining member 52, therefore, may be held relative to the locking shelf 56 of the fitment 28 when accessed by the user, as discussed further herein. Assembly of the cap assembly 40 to the fitment 28 may include elastic deformation of various portions of the locking retaining features 221 to assist in holding and fixing the cap assembly, or the retaining member 52 thereof relative to the fitment 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16D, the cap assembly 40 may be connected to the fitment 28 with the retaining features 221 of the cap assembly 40. The retaining features 221 of the cap assembly 40 at least axially fix and rotationally fix the retaining member 52 to the fitment 28. It is understood that the rotational and axial fixation of the retaining member 52 to the fitment 28 may include selected movement or a range of movement, but generally hold the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment 28 to allow disengagement of the cap member 44 from the fitment 28. As discussed further herein, the cap 44 may be rotated and/or axially moved relative to the fitment 28 to remove the cap member 44 from the fitment 28 and at least partially disengage the tether member 48 from either or both the cap member 44 and/or the retaining member 52.

Even when the cap member 44 is removed, the retaining member 52 may move a selected rotational amount and/or axial amount. For example, the retaining member 52 may move about one to about 10 degrees relative to the fitment 28, but otherwise be limited in rotational movement relative thereto. Further, the retaining member 52 may move generally about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm axially relative to the fitment 28 and generally along the axis 80, but otherwise be limited or restricted in movement relative to the fitment 28. Accordingly, the retaining member 52 may be substantially limited in movement relative to the fitment 28 once the retaining features 221 of the retaining member 52 are engaged to the fitment 28, as discussed above.

Once the cap assembly 40 is connected to the fitment 28, the tether member 48 may be used as a tamper evidence system and/or retention of the cap member 44. As discussed above, the cap assembly 40 including the tether member 48 may include the tether member 48 that completely or partially encircles the inner portion of the cap assembly 40, such as the outer wall 162. The tether member 48 may encircle the assembly to about 360 degrees, including less or more than 360 degrees such as by about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the tether 48 is connected to the outer wall 162 of the cap assembly 40 with the connector 188. Further, the tether assembly 48 is connected to the retaining member 52 with the second connector 198. The connectors 188, 198 are selected to be connectable or maintain connection between the retaining member 52 and at the cap member 44 after the cap member is removed from the fitment 28 after assembly of the cap assembly 42 to the fitment 28. Further, the frangible members 210 connect at least a portion of the tether member 48 to the retaining member 52. The frangible members 210 may be intended to break after the cap assembly 40 is fitted to the fitment 28 and a user intends to remove the cap member 44. Accordingly, at least the frangible members 210 may provide an indication of previous removal of the cap 44 from the retaining member 52. As discussed above, the retaining members or features 221 of the cap assembly 40 hold the retaining member 52 relative to the fitment 28. Accordingly, an attempt to rotate the cap member 44 generally in the direction of arrow 66 (see FIG. 1) may break the frangible members 210 and allow removal of the cap member 44 from the fitment 28. While the frangible members 210 may break between the tether member 48 and the retaining member 52, the connection portion 188, 198 may maintain connection between the cap member 44 and the retaining member 52.

With additional reference to FIG. 17, regarding removal of the cap member 44, as the cap member 44 is rotated generally in the direction of arrow 66, the cap member 44 may move axially generally along the direction 614 along the axis 80. The rotation and/or axial movement of the cap member 44 may break the frangible members 210. After breaking the frangible members 210, the cap member 44 may then be removed from the fitment 28.

As the camp member 44 is removed, according to various embodiments, the retaining member 52 may stay connected to the fitment while the tether 48 moves, such as flexes. The tether 48 may flex or move a selected amount as the cap member 44 is removed from the fitment 28. As the cap member 44 is rotated, the tether 48 may move or flex a selected amount 630. The selected amount may be based on the materials, geometry, etc. of the tether member 48. For example, the amount may be a distance of about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm. The tether member 48 may flex when a force is applied thereto from the cap member 44 when the cap member 44 is moved. Thus, the tether 48 may have a collapsed or first position, when not flexed, and an expanded or second position when flexed to the position 630.

As the cap member 44 is moved to remove the cap member 44, the tether 48 may move. The retaining member 52 may be maintained on the fitment 28, however. As the retaining member 52 is maintained on the fitment 28 the cap member 44 is also connected to the fitment 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, after the frangible members 210 are broken and removing the cap member 44 from the fitment 28, the tether member 48 may maintain connection between the cap member 44 and the retaining member 52. As discussed above, the retaining member 52 may further be connected relative to the fitment 28 in a substantially fixed manner such that the cap member 44 is maintained and connected to the fitment 28 even after the cap member 44 is removed from the fitment 28 to open the volume or pouch. Therefore, a user may gain access to the central opening of the fitment 28 while the cap member 44 maintains a connection to the fitment 28. The tether member 48 may be substantially flexible such that a user may hold the cap member 44 and/or the tether member 48 away from the opening 68 to allow for access and/or removal of material from the pouch member or assembly 26. Thus, a user may remove the cap 44 from the fitment 28 and access material within the container assembly 24. The cap member 44 may remain connected to the fitment 28 by the tether member 48. Thus, the container assembly 20 may be maintained as a single unit after the cap assembly 40 is fixed to the fitment 28, even after the cap member 44 is removed from the fitment 28 after the assembly of the cap assembly 40 to the fitment 28.

The tether member 48 may be provided in various embodiments, as discussed above, and allow for a selected length of the tether member 48 to allow for positioning of the cap member 44 substantially away from the opening 68 to allow ease of access to the opening 68 and/or material within a container assembly 44. The cap member 44 may be used at a selected time to seal the container assembly 20, and also allow access to within the container member 24.

In part, due to the tether 48, the cap 44 may then be used to reseal or reclose the container assembly 24. The tether 48 maintains a connection in proximity of the cap member relative to the fitment 28 for ease of resealing or reclosing the fitment 28 and the associated container assembly 24. Therefore, the cap assembly 40 including the cap member, the tether member 48, and the retaining member 52 may be used to maintain the cap assembly 40 relative to the fitment 28 after assembly thereof and also after removal of the cap member 48 for the fitment 28.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Container and Cap Assembly

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS