CONTAINER CLOSURE

Abstract

An assembly includes a jar, a lid, and a sealing liner arranged within the lid. The jar includes a first thread and the lid includes a second thread arranged to mate with the first thread. The first thread includes a detent and the second thread includes a locking nib configured to engage the detent of the first thread. The sealing liner is configured such that, upon twisting the lid onto the jar such that the second thread engages the first thread, the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the ends of the first thread and the second thread are in engagement with each other.

Description

BACKGROUND

Containers, or similarly any receptacle capable of storage, temporary or otherwise, requiring a sealable closure, employ varying design features to both orient and secure a closure in place. Due to its pliability and vast availability, plastic is often utilized to manufacture such design features, and in most cases, the containers and closures themselves. Once thought of as environmentally friendly, it is now widely known that plastics take up to hundreds of years to decompose. Similarly, plastics recycling is not the eco-friendly process it was once believed to be. Plastics recycling is inefficient, costly, and in some cases, the recycled plastics may present potential toxicity risks given the material's ability to absorb chemicals. Lastly, the emission of greenhouse gases is significant whether discarded plastic is landfilled, incinerated, or recycled.

Accordingly, it is desirable to limit where possible, or eliminate, the use of plastics in containers and their associated sealable closures. Additionally, it is most advantageous to manufacture the container and the closure in the same material. Doing so eases the recycling process.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

According to an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, an assembly includes a jar defining an interior cavity, the jar having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the jar having an opening defined in the first end, the first end having an upper extension that extends towards the second end, wherein the upper extension includes a first thread extending at least partially around an outer surface of the upper extension. The assembly includes a lid defining an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity includes a second thread extending at least partially around an inner surface of the interior cavity, wherein an end of the first thread and an end of the second thread are configured to engage each other. The assembly includes a sealing liner arranged within the interior cavity of the lid, wherein, upon twisting the lid onto the jar such that the second thread engages the first thread, the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the ends of the first and second threads are engaged with each other.

According to another embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, an assembly includes a jar defining an interior cavity, the jar having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the jar having an opening defined in the first end, the first end having an upper extension that extends towards the second end. The upper extension includes a first thread extending at least partially around an outer surface of the upper extension, wherein the first thread includes a detent. The first thread includes a first thread end and a second thread end, wherein the second thread end of the upper extension is closer to the second end of the jar than the first thread end, and the detent is positioned at the second thread end; The assembly includes a lid defining an interior cavity. The interior cavity includes a second thread extending at least partially around an inner surface of the interior cavity, wherein the second thread includes a locking nib configured to engage the detent of the first thread. The second thread on the lid includes a first thread end and a second thread end, wherein the second thread end of the lid is closer to the second end of the jar when assembled than the first thread end of the second thread, and the locking nib is positioned at the second thread end of the second thread. The second thread on the lid includes an upper side and a lower side, wherein the lower side is closer to the second end of the jar when assembled than the upper side of the second thread, and the locking nib is positioned at the upper side of the second thread. The assembly includes a sealing liner arranged within the interior cavity of the lid, wherein, upon twisting the lid onto the jar such that the second thread engages the first thread, the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the locking nib is engaged within the detent.

Any combinations of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein can be used in a further embodiment, consistent with the disclosure. These and other aspects and features can be appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments presented herein in accordance with the disclosure and the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an enlarged, schematic side view of an example assembly that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, schematic side view of the jar, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, schematic side view of the lid, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 an enlarged, cross-sectional side view of the assembly 100 depicting the engagement of the jar and the lid, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional side view of the assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure generally relate to containers and sealable closures. In particular, the present disclosure describes containers and mate-able, sealable closures manufactured from sustainable materials and/or materials that may be recycled in a more efficient and environmentally friendly process. Such materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and glass.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous over containers and closures substantially made of plastic. Manufacturing a container of predominately-sustainable material (e.g., glass) or of a material that may be efficiently recycled (e.g., aluminum and glass) has both environmental and economic benefits. Similarly, manufacture and subsequent reuse and recycle of containers comprising inert materials results in a reduction of potential toxicity to users.

FIG. 1 is an enlarged schematic illustrating an example assembly 100 that may embody or otherwise employ one or more principles of the present disclosure. The assembly 100 comprises a lid 102 that may be operatively coupled to a jar 104 by means of a compatible, mate-able thread.

In the present embodiment, the lid 102 and the jar 104 may be comprised of a recyclable, inert material (namely, not plastic). Further, the lid 102 and the jar 104 may be comprised of the same recyclable, inert material. Manufacturing the entirety of the assembly 100 in the same material increases the recycling process. Alternatively, manufacturing the lid 102 and jar 104 of varying recyclable, inert material does not exceed the scope of this disclosure. The jar 104 defines an interior cavity (obscured from view) within which a product may be stored/disposed.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, schematic side view illustrating the jar 104. The jar 104 comprises a generally cylindrical body 200 having a hollow interior body comprising a cavity 401 (see FIG. 4) operable for storage. The jar 104, as illustrated, having a first end 202 and a second end 204, wherein the second end 204 is positioned opposite the first end 202. The first end 202 including an opening 203 (or aperture) operable to access the interior cavity of the jar 104. The second end 204 may comprise a flat base such that the jar 104 may rest upon a flat surface. The body 200 may taper inwardly toward the second end 204, as exemplified in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the body 204 may be of the same outer dimension until the cylindrical body 200 terminates at the base or second end 204 of the jar 104.

As illustrated, the body 200 further includes a reduced outer diameter, or recess 206, at some predetermined distance above the base of the second end 204. The recess 206 may be compatible with the dimensions of the lid 102 (FIG. 1) so that the outer diameter of the lid 102 and outer diameter of the jar 104 align when mated. In other embodiments, the recess 206 may be varying in dimension wherein the outer diameter of the lid 102 and the outer diameter of the jar 104 do not align when mated, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The first end 202 may further include an upper extension 208 (alternatively referred to as the “extension 208”) having a generally cylindrical body 210 wherein the outer diameter of the extension 208 is less than the outer diameter of the jar 104 body. The extension 208 is directly coupled and perpendicularly positioned to, the recess 206. The extension 208 may extend toward the first end 202 some predetermined distance compatible with the dimensions of the lid 102 (FIG. 1).

The upper extension 208 includes an angled, discontinuous thread 212 extending at least partially around an outer surface 213 of the upper extension 208. The thread 212 may be defined within the exterior body of the extension 208 such that the thread 212 protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 213. In the present embodiment, the extension 208 includes a double lead thread. In other embodiments, the thread 212 may be a single, triple, or quadruple lead thread without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the thread 212 includes a detent 214. The detent 214 comprises a radial shoulder configured to engage a locking nib 308 (see FIG. 3) positioned on the thread defined within the interior body of the lid 102. The detent 214 may be positioned on the low side (i.e., the side of the thread closest to the second end 204 of the jar 104) of the end portion of the thread 212. Thus, the thread 212 may include a first thread end 220 and a second thread end 222, wherein the second thread end 222 of the upper extension 208 is closer to the second end 204 of the jar 104 than the first thread end 220, and, in the illustrated embodiment, the detent 214 is positioned at the second thread end 222.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional side view of the lid 102. In the present embodiment, the lid 102 comprises a generally cylindrical body that defines an interior cavity 301 configured to receive a portion of the jar 104, and the lid 102 includes an upper side 305a and a lower side 305b, with the lower side 305b being closer to the second end 204 of the jar 104 when assembled. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior cavity 301 of the lid 102 is configured to receive the upper extension 208 of the jar 104. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the lid 102 is the same as the outer diameter of the jar 104 such that they may align when mated. The lid 102 further comprises an outer cap 302a and an inner cap 302b, such that the inner cap 302b is not visible when the lid 102 is mated to the jar 104. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the lid 102 may exceed the outer diameter of the jar 104 when mated. In yet other embodiments, the outer diameter of the lid 102 may be less than the outer diameter of the jar 104, when assembled or mated. Any of the above embodiments described do not exceed the scope of this disclosure.

The inner cap 302b includes an angled, discontinuous thread 306 defined within the interior cavity 301 of the body of the inner cap 302b. The thread 306 protrudes outward from an inner surface 303 that defines the interior cavity 301, such that the thread 306 extends radially inward into the interior cavity 301, and the thread extends at least partially around the inner surface 303 of the interior cavity 301. The thread 306 is configured to engage and mate with the thread 212 disposed around the exterior body of the extension 208 (FIG. 1). The thread 306 includes an upper side 307a and a lower side 307b opposite the upper side 307a, with the upper side 307a being closer to the upper side 305a of the lid 102. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment the thread 306 includes a first thread end 309a and a second thread end 309b, wherein the second thread end 309b is closer to the lower side 305b of the lid 102 than the first thread end 305a, and, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking nib 308 is positioned on the upper side 307a of the thread 306 and at the second end 309b of the thread 306.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the assembly 100 also includes a sealing liner. Given that the efficiently recyclable materials comprising the lid 102 and the jar 104 may be aluminum and/or glass, the assembly 100 in the present embodiment lacks the pliability that constitutes much of the sealing capability that would be present if the lid 102 and the jar 104 were made of plastic or some other similarly pliable material. Accordingly, the assembly 100 includes some means of sealability permitting the mating of the lid 102 and the jar 104.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the assembly 100 (depicting the progressive steps of mating or assembling the lid 102 and jar 104) such that the lid 102 may be operatively coupled to the jar 104. As illustrated, the lid 102 includes a sealing liner 402 (alternatively referred to as the “liner 402”) arranged within the interior body of the inner cap 302b. Here, the liner 402 is positioned on an upper interior surface 315 of the interior cavity 301 of the lid 102. The liner 402 may be positioned above (or similarly, toward the first end 202) the interior thread 306 so as to prevent any interference in mating the corresponding thread 212 of the jar 104. In the present embodiment, the liner 402 comprises a pliable, compressible, soft material. Similar to a conventional container, the liner 402 does assist in the sealing capability of the assembly 100 as disclosed. However, in the present embodiment, the liner 402 may be of a greater thickness than those of conventional plastic containers.

In the present embodiment, the liner 402 is positioned within the inner cap 302b such that upon engaging the jar 104, the liner 402 may align with the first end 202 of the extension 208 aperture. Accordingly, the lid 102 may engage the jar 104 by means of axially pressure applied by the user to align the interior threads 306 of the lid 102 and the exterior threads 212 of the extension 208. The lid 102 and jar 104 may then be twisted (or similarly, screwed) together in opposing directions so that the threads (212, 306) engage. During this engagement, the liner 402 may then compress. At the position just prior to the locking nib 308 entering and engaging the associated detent 214, the liner 402 may be compressed (in some embodiments, almost to its maximum compression point). Application of axial pressure may continue such that the locking nib 308 locates and fully engages within the detent 214, for example, with the locking nib 308 riding/abutting on the radial shoulder 215. One the locking nib 308 is secured or engaged within the detent 214, the liner 402 compression may be reduced slightly (or similarly, the liner 402 expands or at least partially decompresses). The remaining compression within the liner 402 ensuring a competent seal between the lid 102 and the jar 104 remains even after the liner 402 is at least partially decompressed. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent 214 is on the jar 104 and the locking nib 308 is on the lid 102; however, in other embodiments, the detent 214 is on the lid 102 and the locking nib 308 is on the jar 104. Thus, the second end 222 of the first thread 212 and the second end 309b of the second thread 306 are configured to engage each other and facilitate locking of the lid 102 to the jar 104.

Further depicted in FIG. 4, the present embodiment includes a removable container 404 arranged within the interior cavity 401 defined in the interior body 200 of the jar 104. Accordingly, the interior of the body 200 may be configured to receive the removable container 404. In other embodiments, the interior of the body 200 may be configured to receive a container 404 of varying dimensions. In yet other embodiments, the jar 104 may be configured to receive any material or medium (e.g., liquid, gel, cream, etc.) without defining the interior of the body 200 with any particularity beyond that of required design constraints (e.g., wall thickness, or similar), without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional side view of the assembly 100, wherein the outer cap 302a has been removed. As illustrated, the interior thread 306 of the inner cap 302b has engaged the exterior thread 212 disposed within the extension 208 of the jar 104. The assembly 100 is depicted in its assembled and sealed state, wherein the locking nib 308 has fully engaged the detent 214 thus achieving mechanical retention between the lid 102 and the jar 104. Accordingly, the liner 402 (FIG. 4) may be in a state of some (i.e., at least partial) compression and sealingly engaging the first end 202 (FIG. 2) of the jar 104. In the assembled state, the threads 212, 306, will be hidden from view. Accordingly, in its unassembled state the exterior thread 212 is visible and exposed (FIG. 2). In its unassembled state, the interior thread 306 of the inner cap 302b may only be visible when viewing the internal cavity of the lid 102 (FIG. 3).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,” “comprises”, and/or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there must be a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, if used herein, the terms “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

The use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, uphole, downhole and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure, the uphole direction being toward the surface of the well and the downhole direction being toward the toe of the well.

While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: a jar defining an interior cavity, the jar having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the jar having an opening defined in the first end, the first end having an upper extension that extends towards the second end, wherein the upper extension includes a first thread extending at least partially around an outer surface of the upper extension;a lid defining an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity includes a second thread extending at least partially around an inner surface of the interior cavity, wherein an end of the first thread and end of the second thread are configured to engage each other; anda sealing liner arranged within the interior cavity of the lid, wherein, upon twisting the lid onto the jar such that the second thread engages the first thread, the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the ends of the first thread and the second thread are in engagement with each other.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first thread includes a detent and the second thread includes a locking nib configured to engage the detent of the first thread.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first thread on the upper extension is discontinuous.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first thread on the upper extension is a double lead thread.

5. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the detent comprises a radial shoulder configured to engage the locking nib.

6. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first thread on the upper extension includes a first thread end and a second thread end, wherein the second thread end of the upper extension is closer to the second end of the jar than the first thread end, and the detent is positioned at the second thread end.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second thread on the lid is discontinuous.

8. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second thread on the lid is a double lead thread.

9. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second thread on the lid includes a first thread end and a second thread end, wherein the second thread end of the lid is closer to the second end of the jar when assembled than the first thread end of the second thread, and the locking nib is positioned at the second thread end of the second thread.

10. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second thread on the lid includes an upper side and a lower side, wherein the lower side is closer to the second end of the jar when assembled than the upper side of the second thread, and the locking nib is positioned at the upper side of the second thread.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the jar are comprised of a same recyclable and inert material.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the lid and the jar comprise aluminum.

13. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises an outer cap and an inner cap disposed within the outer cap, and the second thread is provided on the inner cap.

14. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a removable container arranged within the interior cavity of the jar.

15. An assembly comprising: a jar defining an interior cavity, the jar having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the jar having an opening defined in the first end, the first end having an upper extension that extends towards the second end, wherein the upper extension includes a first thread extending at least partially around an outer surface of the upper extension, wherein the first thread includes a detent, wherein: the first thread includes a first thread end and a second thread end, wherein the second thread end of the upper extension is closer to the second end of the jar than the first thread end, and the detent is positioned at the second thread end;a lid defining an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity includes a second thread extending at least partially around an inner surface of the interior cavity, wherein the second thread includes a locking nib configured to engage the detent of the first thread, wherein: the second thread on the lid includes a first thread end and a second thread end, wherein the second thread end of the lid is closer to the second end of the jar when assembled than the first thread end of the second thread, and the locking nib is positioned at the second thread end of the second thread, andthe second thread on the lid includes an upper side and a lower side, wherein the lower side is closer to the second end of the jar when assembled than the upper side of the second thread, and the locking nib is positioned at the upper side of the second thread; anda sealing liner arranged within the interior cavity of the lid, wherein, upon twisting the lid onto the jar such that the second thread engages the first thread, the first end of the jar engages the sealing liner and compresses the sealing liner, wherein sealing liner at least partially decompresses when the locking nib is engaged within the detent.