Multi-Piece Closure with Pull Ring

Abstract

A closure is provided for coupling to a container. The closure includes an insert and an overcap affixed to a container neck of a container. The insert includes a cover removably coupled to the insert. The insert may includes a pull tab coupled to the cover, the cover detaching from the insert in response to a user pulling on the pull tab.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to closures and, more particularly, to multi-component closures including pull rings to remove detachable covers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including a first longitudinal axis, an overcap, and an insert. The overcap includes a body configured to couple to a container neck of a container. The body defines a first opening in fluid communication with a storage compartment in the container, and the first opening is centered on the first longitudinal axis. The overcap further includes a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge. The insert interfaces with the body thereby frictionally engaging the insert with the overcap. The insert includes a first inner cylindrical wall configured to engage an interior of the container neck, a cover detachably coupled to the first inner cylindrical wall, and a pull tab coupled to the cover. The first inner cylindrical wall includes a first inner surface that faces towards the first longitudinal axis, and the pull tab circumferentially extends around a second longitudinal axis that is not colinear with the first longitudinal axis.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including a first longitudinal axis, an overcap, and an insert. The overcap is centered on the first longitudinal axis. The overcap includes a body configured to couple to a container neck of a container, the body defining a first opening in fluid communication with a storage compartment in the container, and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge. The lid pivotally actuates between a closed position and an open position with respect to the body such that the lid blocks the first opening when the lid is in the closed position and the lid does not block the first opening when the lid is in the open position. The insert interfaces with the body thereby frictionally engaging the insert with the overcap. The insert includes a first inner cylindrical wall configured to engage to an interior of the container neck, a cover detachably coupled to the first inner cylindrical wall, and a pull tab coupled to the cover. The cover is centered on the first longitudinal axis, and the first inner cylindrical wall is centered on the first longitudinal axis. The first inner cylindrical wall includes a first inner surface that faces the first longitudinal axis. The pull tab circumferentially extends around a second longitudinal axis that is not colinear with the first longitudinal axis.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including a first longitudinal axis, an overcap centered on the first longitudinal axis, and an insert. The overcap includes a body configured to couple to a container neck of a container. The body defines a first opening in fluid communication with a storage compartment in the container, and a lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge. The lid pivotally actuates between a closed position and an open position with respect to the body such that the lid blocks the first opening when the lid is in the closed position and the lid does not block the first opening when the lid is in the open position. The insert interfaces with the body thereby frictionally engaging the insert with the overcap. The insert includes a first inner cylindrical wall configured to engage an interior surface of the container neck, a cover detachably coupled to the first inner cylindrical wall, and a pull tab coupled to the cover. The first inner cylindrical wall is centered on the first longitudinal axis. The first inner cylindrical wall includes a first inner surface that faces the first longitudinal axis, not more than a single wall of the overcap is radially further from the first longitudinal axis than the cover.

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

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the closure and container of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the closure and container of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the closure and container of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the insert of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the insert of FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the closure of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third closure, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 14, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the closure of FIG. 14, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 14, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a multi-component closure are shown. In various embodiments, the closure includes multiple components, such as an insert and an overcap. The insert includes a detachable cover and a mechanism for removing the cover, such as a pull ring. In various embodiments the pull ring and cover can be removed while the overcap is still coupled to and around the insert, thereby facilitating users removing the cover. In various embodiments, a center of the pull ring is offset from a center of the cover and/or a center of overcap, thereby facilitating users grasping the pull ring.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, various aspects of closure 110 are provided. Closure 110 is coupled to a container neck 212 of a container 210 to enclose a storage compartment 214 of container 210. Closure 110 includes longitudinal axis 112, overcap 120, and insert 170.

Overcap 120 includes a lid 140 pivotally coupled to body 122 via hinge 142. Body 122 is configured to couple to container neck 212 of container 210. Lid 140 pivotally actuates between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 2) with respect to body 122. Lid 140 blocks the opening 128 of inner cylindrical wall 126 of body 122 when lid 140 is in the closed position and lid 140 does not block opening 128 of inner cylindrical wall 126 of body 122 when lid 140 is in the open position.

Body 122 of overcap 120 includes an inner cylindrical wall 126 of overcap 120. Cover 176 is detachably coupled to inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170. Inner cylindrical wall 126 of body 122 interfaces with inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170, and outer cylindrical wall 132 of body 122 interfaces with outer cylindrical wall 186 of insert 170, thereby providing engagement (e.g., frictional, via threading) between body 122 of overcap 120 and insert 170. Pull tab 178 is coupled to cover 176, such as rigidly coupled. In various embodiments, pull tab 178 is at least partially between (e.g., at least part of pull tab 178 is between) opening 128 of body 122 and the storage compartment of the container (e.g., storage compartment 214 of container 210).

In use, a user pulls on pull tab 178 to decouple cover 176 from inner cylindrical wall 172 because cover 176 is configured to detach from inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170 in response to a user pulling on pull tab 178. Overcap 120 also includes outer cylindrical wall 132, which is further from axis 112 than inner cylindrical wall 126.

Referring to FIG. 3, insert 170 is configured to interface to a container neck of a container (e.g., container neck 212). Insert 170 includes outer cylindrical wall 186 and helical threading 192 extending outward from outer cylindrical wall 186, such as via outer cylindrical wall 186 including helical threading 192. Outer cylindrical wall 186 is configured to couple to an exterior of a container neck (e.g., exterior 218 of container neck 212) opposite the interior of the container neck. As will be shown, helical threading 192 is configured to engage with overcap 120.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, various aspects of closure 110 and container 210 are shown. Pull tab 178 extends from first end 180 to second end 182. In various embodiments, pull tab 178 circumferentially extends around axis 184. In various embodiments, axis 184 is not colinear with axis 112.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, overcap 120 is affixed to container neck 212, thereby securing the contents (e.g., a liquid) stored within storage compartment 214. In particular, insert 170 interfaces with body 122, thereby engaging (e.g., rigidly coupling via frictionally engagement and/or via threading) the insert 170 with the overcap 120.

In use, a user pulls on pull tab 178 to remove cover 176, thereby permitting the user to access the contents within storage compartment 214. Insert 170 includes helical threading 188, which extends towards axis 112 and engages container neck 212 to secure insert 170 to container neck 212.

Referring to FIG. 5, cover 176 is detachably coupled to inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170, such as to inner surface 174 of inner cylindrical wall 172 that faces axis 112. Inner cylindrical wall 172 is configured to engage and when in use engages (e.g., frictionally engages) an interior of a container neck (e.g., interior 216 of container neck 212). Helical threading 188 of insert 170 engages with exterior 218 of container neck 212, which is opposite interior 216, thereby securing (e.g., rigidly coupling) insert 170 to container neck 212.

In various embodiments, overcap 120 is a single wall structure. For example, in various embodiments only a single (e.g., not more than one) wall of overcap 120 (e.g., outer cylindrical wall 132) is radially further from axis 112 than cover 176. As another example, in various embodiments only a single wall of overcap 120 (e.g., outer cylindrical wall 132) is radially further from axis 112 than insert 170. Stated another way, insert 170 is circumferentially surrounded with respect to axis 112 by not more than one wall of overcap 120 (e.g., outer cylindrical wall 132).

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170 defines opening 194 and has diameter 196. Inner cylindrical wall 126 of body 122 of overcap 120 defines opening 128 and has diameter 130. Opening 128 is in fluid communication with a storage compartment in a container (e.g., storage compartment 214 of container 210). In various embodiments, pull tab 178 defines diameter 198.

In various embodiments, diameter 130 of opening 128 of body 122 is between 10% and 20% bigger than diameter 198 of pull tab 178. In various embodiments, diameter 130 of opening 128 of body 122 is at least 5% bigger than diameter 198 of pull tab 178, and more specifically at least 10%, and even more specifically at least 20%.

Outer cylindrical wall 186 of insert 170 defines outer surface 190, which faces away from axis 112. In use, a user pulls pull tab 178 to remove cover 176, thereby providing fluid communication between storage compartment 214 and an exterior of container 210. In various embodiments, one or more components of closure 110 are centered on axis 112. In particular, in various embodiments one or more of opening 128, opening 194, inner cylindrical wall 126, inner cylindrical wall 172, and/or cover 176 are centered on axis 112.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, various aspects of insert 170 are shown. Insert 170 includes an inner cylindrical wall 172 defining an inner surface 174 that faces towards axis 112. Pull tab 178 extends from a first end 180 to a second end 182. In various embodiments, pull tab 178 is centered on and circumferentially surrounds axis 184. Outer cylindrical wall 186 of insert 170 is further from axis 112 than inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170. In various embodiments, outer cylindrical wall 186 of insert 170 and/or inner cylindrical wall 172 of insert 170 are centered on axis 112.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13, various aspects of closure 310 are shown. Closure 310 is substantially the same as closure 110 except for the differences discussed herein.

In particular, body 322 of closure 310 includes tab 324 that extends radially away from axis 312 of closure 310, and recess 326 that extends radially inward towards axis 312. Applicant has observed that providing tab 324 above recess 326 facilitates a user opening closure 310 to pivot lid 340 open via hinge 342 with respect to body 322.

Referring to FIGS. 14-17, various aspects of closure 410 are shown. Closure 410 is substantially the same as closure 110 or closure 310 except for the differences discussed herein.

In particular, body 422 of closure 410 includes protrusion 424 that extends radially away from axis 412 of closure 410, and lid 440 includes protrusion 444 that extends radially towards axis 412. When closed, protrusion 424 and protrusion 444 interface against each other to bias lid 440 from pivoting open via hinge 442 with respect to body 422.

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

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

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

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

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

Claims

1. A closure comprising: a first longitudinal axis;an overcap comprising: a body configured to couple to a container neck of a container, the body defining a first opening in fluid communication with a storage compartment in the container, wherein the first opening is centered on the first longitudinal axis; anda lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge; andan insert interfacing with the body thereby frictionally engaging the insert with the overcap, the insert comprising a first inner cylindrical wall configured to engage an interior of the container neck, a cover detachably coupled to the first inner cylindrical wall, and a pull tab coupled to the cover, the first inner cylindrical wall comprising a first inner surface that faces towards the first longitudinal axis, wherein the pull tab circumferentially extends around a second longitudinal axis that is not colinear with the first longitudinal axis.

2. The closure of claim 1, the cover configured to detach from the first inner cylindrical wall in response to a user pulling on the pull tab.

3. The closure of claim 1, the insert comprising a first outer cylindrical wall configured to couple to an exterior of the container neck opposite the interior of the container neck, the first outer cylindrical wall further from the first longitudinal axis than the first inner cylindrical wall, the first outer cylindrical wall comprising helical threading configured to couple the insert to the container neck.

4. The closure of claim 3, the first outer cylindrical wall comprising a first outer surface facing away from the first longitudinal axis, the body comprising a second inner cylindrical wall interfacing with the first inner cylindrical wall, the body comprising a second outer cylindrical wall interfacing with the first outer cylindrical wall.

5. The closure of claim 4, the first inner cylindrical wall defining a second opening centered on the first longitudinal axis, and the second inner cylindrical wall defining the first opening.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the first opening defines a first diameter with respect to the first longitudinal axis, the pull tab defines a second diameter with respect to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the first diameter is at least 20% bigger than the second diameter.

7. The closure of claim 5, wherein the first opening defines a first diameter with respect to the first longitudinal axis, the pull tab defines a second diameter with respect to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the first diameter is between 10% and 20% bigger than the second diameter.

8. The closure of claim 1, the body comprising a second inner cylindrical wall interfacing with the first inner cylindrical wall.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein the pull tab extends from a first end to a second end, each of which are rigidly coupled to the cover.

10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the pull tab is at least partially between the first opening and the storage compartment of the container.

11. The closure of claim 1, wherein the cover is centered on the first longitudinal axis.

12. The closure of claim 1, wherein the lid pivotally actuates between a closed position and an open position with respect to the body, wherein the lid blocks the first opening when the lid is in the closed position and the lid does not block the first opening when the lid is in the open position.

13. A closure comprising: a first longitudinal axis;an overcap centered on the first longitudinal axis, the overcap comprising: a body configured to couple to a container neck of a container, the body defining a first opening in fluid communication with a storage compartment in the container; anda lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge, the lid pivotally actuating between a closed position and an open position with respect to the body, wherein the lid blocks the first opening when the lid is in the closed position and the lid does not block the first opening when the lid is in the open position; andan insert interfacing with the body thereby frictionally engaging the insert with the overcap, the insert comprising a first inner cylindrical wall configured to engage to an interior of the container neck, a cover detachably coupled to the first inner cylindrical wall, and a pull tab coupled to the cover, the cover centered on the first longitudinal axis, the first inner cylindrical wall centered on the first longitudinal axis, the first inner cylindrical wall comprising a first inner surface that faces the first longitudinal axis, wherein the pull tab circumferentially extends around a second longitudinal axis that is not colinear with the first longitudinal axis.

14. The closure of claim 13, the cover configured to detach from the first inner cylindrical wall in response to a user pulling on the pull tab, wherein the pull tab extends from a first end to a second end, each of which are rigidly coupled to the cover.

15. The closure of claim 13, the insert comprising a first outer cylindrical wall configured to couple to an exterior of the container neck opposite the interior of the container neck, the body comprising a second inner cylindrical wall interfacing with the first inner cylindrical wall, the second inner cylindrical wall defining a second opening centered on the first longitudinal axis, wherein the second opening defines a first diameter with respect to the first longitudinal axis, the pull tab defines a second diameter with respect to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the first diameter is at least 10% bigger than the second diameter.

16. The closure of claim 13, not more than a single wall of the overcap is radially further from the axis than the cover.

17. The closure of claim 13, the insert comprising a first outer cylindrical wall configured to couple to an exterior of the container neck opposite the interior of the container neck, the first outer cylindrical wall further from the first longitudinal axis than the first inner cylindrical wall, the body comprising a second inner cylindrical wall interfacing with the first inner cylindrical wall, the body comprising a second outer cylindrical wall interfacing with the first outer cylindrical wall, the first inner cylindrical wall defining a second opening centered on the first longitudinal axis, and the second inner cylindrical wall defining the first opening.

18. A closure comprising: a first longitudinal axis;an overcap centered on the first longitudinal axis, the overcap comprising: a body configured to couple to a container neck of a container, the body defining a first opening in fluid communication with a storage compartment in the container; anda lid pivotally coupled to the body via a hinge, the lid pivotally actuating between a closed position and an open position with respect to the body, wherein the lid blocks the first opening when the lid is in the closed position and the lid does not block the first opening when the lid is in the open position; andan insert interfacing with the body thereby frictionally engaging the insert with the overcap, the insert comprising a first inner cylindrical wall configured to engage an interior surface of the container neck, a cover detachably coupled to the first inner cylindrical wall, and a pull tab coupled to the cover, the first inner cylindrical wall centered on the first longitudinal axis, the first inner cylindrical wall comprising a first inner surface that faces the first longitudinal axis, not more than a single wall of the overcap is radially further from the first longitudinal axis than the cover.

19. The closure of claim 18, the insert comprising a first outer cylindrical wall configured to couple to an exterior of the container neck opposite an interior of the container neck, the body comprising a second inner cylindrical wall interfacing with the first inner cylindrical wall, the second inner cylindrical wall defining a second opening centered on the first longitudinal axis, wherein the second opening defines a first diameter with respect to the first longitudinal axis, wherein the pull tab circumferentially extends around a second longitudinal axis that is not colinear with the first longitudinal axis, the pull tab defines a second diameter with respect to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the first diameter is at least 5% bigger than the second diameter.

20. The closure of claim 18, wherein the cover is centered on the first longitudinal axis.