Patent Application
20190119015
The present invention relates to a container and a lid, wherein the lid produces audible and tactile feedback when the container is closed with the lid. The invention further relates to a method for forming a lid for engagement with a container.
Containers with lids which fit together with threads come in many different arrangements, from simply having complementary threads to having different closing and/or locking features or arrangements. Some provide notches, locks, snaps and/or protrusions to secure the container to the lid. Additionally, these can sometime provide a click or other sound to help the user know when the lid is sufficiently secured to or unsecured from the container.
One such container with lid is shown in US 2008/0110850 A1. This container and lid secure together with threads, and the lid and the container include a complementary notch and lug to provide an audible indication the lid is sufficiently closed. These notches and lugs are located in a central position of the threads, separating the threads into segments.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,953 shows a number of different containers and closures which are aimed at having a closure which effectively seals plastics material after manufacture and filling. Many of the closures disclosed include a slot in the neck of the container for receiving a flange on the closure, with threads to mate the container and closure together. One embodiment includes a collar formed on the surface of the container, which the bottom edge of the closure abuts to isolate the threads from contact with water or another fluid in which the container may be immersed.
EP 0 251 259 A1 relates to a screw cap made of plastic for containers, particularly bottles.
US 2008/110850 A1 relates to an audible closing feature for threaded containers and lids.
Another such container is disclosed in EP 2 080 711 A1, which provides a container for a fabric conditioning composition where the lid produces an audible sound by manually forced interengagement of the locking members. The closure is stated that it can be a push-on-push-off lid and could include threads with the interengageable locking members, which preferably would be an outward projection on an outer surface of the dispensing opening and a corresponding inwardly oriented recess on an inner surface of the lid. These can provide audible and tactile feedback to the users.
Nevertheless there is a need for another type of container and lid for food products, wherein the lid produces audible and tactile feedback when the container is closed with the lid. The present invention provides such another type of container and lid.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a container with a lid for food products comprises a body with a neck surrounding an opening; at least one thread on the neck; an annular ring on the neck beneath the at least one thread; at least one thread on the lid for engaging the at least one thread on the neck; and an engagement mechanism on the lid to engage the annular ring and secure the lid to the neck when the lid is in a fully engaged position. Audible and tactile feedback are produced when the lid moves into the fully engaged position. The annular ring projects radially outward from the neck on an outer circumference of the neck, and can extend further than the at least one thread on the neck.
In a second aspect the present invention provides a method of forming a lid for engagement with a container with an annular ring, the method comprising forming a lid with at least one thread; and forming an engagement mechanism on a lower portion of an inner surface of the lid positioned such that audible and tactile feedback are produced from the engagement of the engagement mechanism and the annular ring when the lid has moved into a fully engaged position with the container.
Such a container with a lid with an engagement mechanism which can engage the annular ring helps to both secure the lid to the neck of the container, and to provide the user with audible and tactile feedback to know such full engagement has taken place. The sensorial feedback helps the user to ensure full engagement every time, which is especially useful when container holds things are prone to spoilage if not properly sealed between uses, for example, food products. The engagement of the annular ring on the neck allows for use with a variety of containers that typically already have an annular neck, for example, for neck handling purposes during manufacturing or other operations. The lid can engage with a standard container neck to provide the desired engagement and sensorial feedback from engagement (and disengagement).
According to an embodiment, the engagement mechanism comprises a protrusion at a lower portion of the lid positioned to snap over the annular ring to bring the lid into the fully engaged position. The protrusion acts as the engagement mechanism snapping over the annular ring to engage or snapping off the annular ring when disengaging the lid from the container to produce the audible and tactile feedback. The protrusion can be shaped and/or sized to provide the specific range of desired audible and tactile feedback according to container and lid materials, shape, etc.
According to an embodiment, the lid further comprises a recess to receive the annular ring. This recess can form a whole or part of the engagement mechanism, receiving the annular ring when the lid is sufficiently engaged to the container, and providing the audible and/or tactile feedback desired.
According to an embodiment, the audible and/or tactile feedback is generated by the engagement mechanism moving over the annular ring to engage the lid with or disengage the lid from the neck. The movement over the annular ring typically flexes the engagement mechanism and/or the lid. Once over the annular ring, the lid and/or engagement mechanism resume the natural state. The interactions and/or flexing can produce the audible and/or tactile feedback.
According to an embodiment, a subtle pop is generated upon disengaging the lid from the container. The subtle pop lasts about 0.01 seconds or more upon disengaging the lid from the container. Alternatively, this subtle pop can last anywhere in the range of about 0.002 seconds to about 0.025 seconds, preferably to about 0.02 seconds. Further optionally, the subtle pop has a sound pressure level in the range of about 20 to 120 dB, preferably 30 to 100 dB, preferably 35 to 80 dB, preferably maximally 70 dB. Further optionally, the frequency intensity of the subtle pop is in the range of about 0.00005 to 0.002 watt per square metre (W/m2), preferably from about 0.00005 to 0.001 W/m2, preferably from about 0.0001 to 0.0008 W/m2. The subtle pop can give a user surety that the lid was fully and properly engaged to the container neck, thereby assuring the user of the freshness of the contents of the container. This can also allow the user to feel the disengagement process. These specific duration and frequency intensity ranges have been shown to be reassuring for test users.
The sound levels referenced for the audible feedback are generally from a distance of about 0.5 meters, or an arm's length.
According to an embodiment, the engagement mechanism comprises a plurality of extended protrusions at a lower portion of the lid positioned to snap over the annular ring when the lid moves into the fully engaged position. The plurality of extended protrusions can assure a secure engagement of the lid to the container. Additionally, the space between the extended protrusions can allow for relatively easier engagement of protrusions to annular ring in the process of engaging the lid with the container.
According to an embodiment, at least one thread on the neck and/or the at least one thread on the lid are varied in thickness such that progressive torque is required to bring the lid to the fully engaged position. Such a feature can provide further tactile feedback for a user when engaging or disengaging the lid to or from the container. The increasing torque on engagement also helps to ramp up to the torque required for engagement of the engagement mechanism to the annular ring. Thus, the user can gradually increase or decrease torque when engaging or disengaging lid.
According to an embodiment, full engagement of the lid with the neck produces a snap sound. Optionally, the snap sound lasts about 0.01 seconds or more. Preferably this is in the range of about 0.01 seconds to about 0.025 seconds, preferably to about 0.02 seconds. Preferably the snap sound has a sound pressure level in the range of about 20 to 120 dB, preferably 30 to 100 dB, preferably 35 to 80 dB, preferably maximally 70 dB. Preferably the frequency intensity of the snap is in the range of about 0.00005 to 0.003 watt per square metre (W/m2), preferably from about 0.00005 to 0.002 W/m2, preferably from about 0.0001 to 0.0016 W/m2. Producing a snap sound at full engagement helps a user to know when the lid has been fully engaged to the container to seal the contents inside. This also helps to prevent a user trying to turn the lid more with respect to the container even after full engagement, which can damage threads and/or the seal between the lid and container. The duration and frequency intensity ranges have been found to demonstrate a unique sound profile and frequency histogram, which the user will learn to associate with knowledge that there has been proper engagement between the lid and the container.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of forming a lid for engagement with a container with an annular ring comprises forming a lid with at least one thread; and forming an engagement mechanism on a lower portion of an inner surface of the lid positioned such that audible and tactile feedback are produced from the engagement of the engagement mechanism and the annular ring when the lid has moved into a fully engaged position with the container.
Such a lid can work with a variety of standard containers which include an annular neck ring to provide a simple method for ensuring they are properly engaged and providing a user audible and tactile feedback such that the user knows this as well. The audible and tactile feedback provided by the engagement mechanism engaging the annular ring allows the user to know when the lid is fully engaged or becoming disengaged.
According to an embodiment, the step of forming an engagement mechanism on a lower portion of an inner surface of the lid comprises forming at least one protrusion for engaging the annular ring when the lid has been moved into a fully engaged position with the container. The at least one protrusion can be formed to snap over the annular ring when the lid is fully engaged, and provide an audible and tactile sound when doing so to let the user know that the lid is fully engaged. Similarly, the disengagement of the protrusion and the annular ring (by the protrusion moving back over the annular ring) provides audible and tactile feedback.
According to an embodiment, the step of forming at least one protrusion for engaging the annular ring when the lid has been moved into a fully engaged position with the container comprises forming a plurality of extended protrusions for engaging the annular ring when the lid has been moved into a fully engaged position with the container. A plurality of extended protrusions can provide more engagement surfaces for engaging with the annular ring.
According to an embodiment, the step of forming an engagement mechanism on a lower portion of an inner surface of the lid comprises forming a recess for receiving the annular ring when the lid has been moved into a fully engaged position with the container. The recess can be used in combination with the protrusions or separately, and can provide audible and/or tactile feedback when receiving the annular ring for engagement.
Lid 12 includes threads 16 and an engagement mechanism which includes protrusions 18 and recess 19. Lid 12 is generally cylindrical in shape on the outer side, and can be formed of a variety of materials. The lid preferably comprises polypropylene or high density polyethylene. In this embodiment, lid 12 includes two threads 16 wrapping around the inner surface of lid, but other embodiments could have more or fewer threads. Protrusions 18 are located around the inner surface at a lower end of lid 12, and recess 19 is positioned just above protrusions 18. In this embodiment lid 12 includes four extended protrusions 18, though other embodiments could have more or fewer, including one extended protrusion around the entire inner side of lid 12.
Neck 14 of container 10 includes threads 20 and annular ring 22. Threads 20 expand in thickness from the upper end of neck 14 toward the lower end of neck 14. Annular ring 22 extends all the way around an outer circumference of neck 14 at a lower portion of neck 14. Container 10 and neck 14 can be formed as one piece, preferably comprising polyethylene terephthalate.
As can be seen in
When protrusions 18 move over annular ring 22 to engage annular ring 22 in recess 19, a snap sound and tactile feedback is generated for the user. The tactile feedback is also generated in the increase in thickness of threads. Such a snap can last about 0.01 seconds, preferably this is in the range of about 0.01 seconds to about 0.025 seconds, preferably to about 0.02 seconds. Preferably the frequency intensity of the snap is in the range of about 0.00005 to 0.003 watt per square metre (W/m2), preferably from about 0.00005 to 0.002 W/m2, preferably from about 0.0001 to 0.0016 W/m2 (see
When it is desired to remove lid 12 from neck 14, protrusions 18 must be disengaged from annular ring 22, which generates a subtle pop sound as well as tactile feedback for the user. This sound can last about 0.01 seconds or more, preferably maximally about 0.025 seconds, preferably maximally to about 0.02 seconds, and can have a sound pressure level in the range of about 20 to 120 dB, preferably 30 to 100 dB, preferably 35 to 80 dB, preferably maximally 70 dB. Additionally, due to the changing thickness of threads 20, the torque required to disengage lid 12 from neck 14 reduces as the lid is coming closer to fully disengaged, providing the user with additional tactile feedback.
As mentioned in the background, while there are already lids and containers which include recesses and projections to produce a sound when engaging lid to container, they all require a special configuration of both the lid and the container such that the projections and recesses can interact to produce the desired sound. The current invention uses an arrangement whereby a standard container with an annular ring 22 around the neck 14 can be used as an engagement mechanism, and only the lid must be specially designed and formed to interact to provide a specific range of audible and tactile feedback desired.
The use of lid 12 with engagement mechanisms and container 10 with neck 14 with annular ring 22 provide audible sound and tactile feedback at the engaging and disengaging of lid 12 with container 10. Specifically, protrusions 18 and recess 19 in lid 12 work to provide sensorial feedback when snapping over annular ring 22 (or when coming back off). This sensorial feedback helps a user to know that lid 12 is properly engaged with container 10, thereby ensuring sealing of container 10 and freshness of contents inside. Additionally, the increase in thickness of one or more of threads 16, 20 can also help a user know and feel full engagement between lid 12 and container 10. These features work with annular ring 22, which is a common feature on standard containers 10 used for handling, particularly during manufacturing processes. Thus, lid with the engagement features allows for the inclusion of this system with a variety of standard containers and/or neck sizes, including containers which have been manufactured in a variety of different ways. Additionally, by these features providing the user audible and tactile feedback for the disengagement of lid 12 from container 10, they also provide a user assurances that the container 10 and lid 12 were fully engaged and protecting the freshness of the contents of container between uses.
The engagement of protrusions 18 with annular ring 22 also provides a securing feature, ensuring that lid 12 does not become unintentionally disengaged from neck 14 once in a fully engaged position. This can be especially useful during storage and/or transportation of containers 10, thereby ensuring freshness of any product in container 10.
The size and shape of engagement mechanisms are shown for example purposes only, and only require that they be able to engage annular ring 22 of neck 14, providing audible and tactile feedback through engagement. Additionally, the layout and number of threads for engagement of lid 12 with neck 14 are also examples, and could be a different configuration of complementary threads which may engage each other. In some embodiments, threads may be a constant width, and not cause additional torque when moving lid to a fully engaged position, with the only tactile and/or audio feedback given through engagement mechanism(s) and annular ring.
The specific lid 12 and container 10 used to produce the sound profiles and frequency histograms of
As can be seen in
The closing of lid 12 with container can produce the sound profile and frequency histogram shown in
These sound profiles and frequency histograms are a result of the specific lid and container engagement mechanisms and result in specific volumes, durations and frequency intensities which have been tested to provide a user with clear audible feedback when engaging or disengaging a lid from a container. This results in a user clearly being able to hear (as well as feel) the engagement or disengagement, providing the user with better assurances regarding sealing of the lid and container and freshness of the product within.
Some specific examples of containers 10 and lids 12 which could be used to produce desired audible and tactile feedback for a user include containers made of PET and lids formed of PP with the following dimensions:
While these specific examples are given, other containers and lids could produce the desired audible and tactile feedback, and this application is not limited to the specific example dimensions given above.
The sound levels referenced for the audible feedback are generally from a distance of about 0.5 meters, or an arm's length.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16162470.5 | Mar 2016 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2017/056510 | 3/20/2017 | WO | 00 |
