TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to packaging and in particular, tethered caps and spouts for containers.
BACKGROUND
Containers, such as bottles, use caps to seal and contain a material in the container. Removal of the cap allows access to the material. However, the cap may be mislaid or lost, and re-closing of the container is then not possible.
SUMMARY
Disclosed herein are tethered cap and spout combinations. The tethered cap and spout combinations prevent loss of the cap after opening. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combinations may provide mechanisms for puncturing or opening a seal that may be present at a throat or neck of the container which provides both an anti-tampering and freshness function. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combinations may provide anti-tampering mechanisms. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combinations may provide mechanisms to hold an opened and tethered cap away from the container opening during use.
In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout includes a base and a sidewall. A spout is configured to engage the cap and a retaining element is secured with respect the spout. A tab is connected to the sidewall and a pair of non-linear flexible members connected to at least the retaining element. A rotation of the cap causes the pair of non-linear flexible members to rise and the tab to engage with a neck of the spout in a stay-back position.
In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout includes a cutting mechanism configured to be in engagement with at least a camming mechanism included in the cap, where the camming mechanism engages the cutting mechanism to push through a seal.
In an implementation, the pair of non-linear flexible members are connected to the tab, the tab is a radial tab extending from a junction including the pair of flexible members and the sidewall, the pair of flexible members converge and are connected at a same point to the retaining element, and the pair of flexible members are in a serpentine-type configuration.
In an implementation, the pair of flexible members are connected to the tab, the tab is a downward tab from the sidewall, each flexible member is connected to a different portion of the retaining element, and the pair of flexible members are in a circumferential arc configuration.
In an implementation, the pair of flexible members are connected to a different portion of the sidewall, the pair of flexible members are connected to a different portion of the retaining element, and the pair of flexible members are in a L-shaped configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and are incorporated into and thus constitute a part of this specification. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a tethered cap and spout combination in a closed position in accordance with implementations.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are other views of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 6 is a view of the locking mechanism of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIGS. 7A-7D are a view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 cycling through closed-open-closed in accordance with implementations.
FIG. 8 is a view of another tethered cap and spout combination in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 8 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 8 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 11 is a view of another tethered cap and spout combination in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 12 is another view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 11 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 11 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 11 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 13 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 16 is an image of an opened tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 13 in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 17 is a view of another tethered cap and spout combination in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 17 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 17 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 20 is a view of another tethered cap and spout combination in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
FIG. 21 is a view of another tethered cap and spout combination in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplified to illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein disclosed processes, machines, manufactures, and/or compositions of matter, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, compositions and methods. Those of ordinary skill may thus recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, compositions and methods described herein. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in light of the discussion herein.
Embodiments are provided throughout so that this disclosure is sufficiently thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosed embodiments to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific aspects, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain specific disclosed details need not be employed, and that embodiments may be embodied in different forms. As such, the exemplary embodiments set forth should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The steps, processes, and operations described herein are thus not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred or required order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, in place of or in conjunction with the disclosed aspects.
Yet further, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, steps or aspects, these elements, steps or aspects should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element or aspect from another. Thus, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, step, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, step, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.
The non-limiting embodiments described herein are with respect to tethered cap and spout combinations. The tethered cap and spout combinations and methods for making the tethered cap and spout combinations may be modified for a variety of applications and uses while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments and variations described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope and spirit. The descriptions herein may be applicable to all embodiments of the device and the methods for making the devices.
Disclosed herein are implementations of tethered cap and spout combinations. The implementations shown are illustrative and other implementations may include grips or protrusions for aiding in opening the cap which are within the scope of the specification and claims described herein.
FIG. 1 is a view of a tethered cap and spout combination 100 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 100 includes a cap 105, a retaining element 130, a retaining element lock mechanism 140 (shown in FIG. 4), and a spout 150. The cap 105 includes a base 110 and a sidewall 120. The sidewall 120 and the retaining element 130 includes or operates with (collectively “includes”) a tether mechanism 170 which is attached via a plurality of rupture members 180. The tether mechanism 170 includes a tethered hinge 172 and a radial tab 174 which performs as a lock or cap stay-back mechanism. The tethered hinge 172 includes a pair of circumferential arc or serpentine type flexible member 176 and 178 which are connected to the retaining element 130 at one end and to the sidewall 120 at another end. The radial tab 174 extends from the juncture of the flexible members 176 and 178 and the sidewall 120. In an implementation, the retaining element 130 and the plurality of rupture members 180 may function as an anti-tampering device.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination 100 of FIG. 1 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 1, and not repeated here for clarity, the tethered cap and spout combination 100 further includes a cutter mechanism 190 which is engaged with protrusions 155 on an internal wall 157 of the spout 150 and a camming mechanism 195 disposed internally with respect to the base 110 and the sidewall 120. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combination 100 may not include the cutter mechanism 190.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tethered cap and spout combination 100 of FIG. 1 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations and shows the elements described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-2. In particular, the cutter mechanism 190 is engaged with the protrusions 155 on the internal wall 157 of the spout 150 and the camming mechanism 195.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tethered cap and spout combination of FIG. 1 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations and shows the elements described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-3. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the cap 105, the cutter mechanism 190, the spout 150, and a mouth 151 of the spout 150.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are other views of the tethered cap and spout combination 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations. In particular, FIG. 5A shows the tether mechanism 170 and FIG. 5B shows the tethered hinge 172 and the radial tab 174, which is shown in an engaged position in FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 6 is a view of the locking mechanism of the tethered cap and spout combination 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain implementations. In an opened position, the radial tab 174 engages a portion of a neck 152 of the spout 150 to keep the cap 105 in a stay-back position with respect to the mouth 151 (as shown in FIG. 4) of the spout 150. In an implementation, the radial tab 174 may engage a section of the retaining element lock mechanism 140. In an implementation, the radial tab 174 may engage threads 159 of the spout 150.
FIGS. 7A-7D are a view of the tethered cap and spout combination 100 of FIG. 1 cycling through closed-open-closed in accordance with implementations. Operationally, the cap 105 is sufficiently rotated (for example, maybe 180°-360° and the like) to rupture the plurality of rupture members 180. The tethered hinge 172 rises and stretches from a flat closed position. Nearly simultaneously, when the tethered cap and spout combination 100 includes the cutting mechanism 190, the camming mechanism 195 engages the cutting mechanism 190, which may then puncture a seal on a container (where the tethered cap and spout combination 100 is implemented on the container). The cap 105 is then flipped up and kept away from the mouth 151 of the spout 150 by the length of the tethered hinge 172 and by having the radial tab 174 engage a portion of the neck 152 of the spout 150. To close, the cap 105 is flipped back on and screwed onto the spout 150.
FIG. 8 is a view of a tethered cap and spout combination 800 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 800 includes a cap 805, a retaining element 830, a retaining element lock mechanism 840 (shown in FIG. 10), and a spout 850. The cap 805 includes a base 810 and a sidewall 820. The sidewall 820 and the retaining element 830 includes a tether mechanism 870. The tether mechanism 870 includes a tethered hinge 872 and a downward tab 874 which functions as a lock or cap stay-back mechanism. The tethered hinge 872 includes a pair of circumferential arc flexible members 876 and 878, which are connected to the retaining element 830 at one end and to the downward tab 874 at another end. The downward tab 874 is further connected to the sidewall 820. In an implementation, the retaining element 130 may function as an anti-tampering device.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination 800 of FIG. 8 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 8, and not repeated here for clarity, the tethered cap and spout combination 800 further includes protrusions 855 on an internal wall 857 of the spout 850 which may engage a camming mechanism 895 disposed internally with respect to the base 810 and the sidewall 820. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combination 800 may include a cutter mechanism which would operate as described with respect to FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tethered cap and spout combination 800 of FIG. 8 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations and shows the elements described herein with respect to FIGS. 8-9. In particular, a neck 852 of the spout 850 is shown. In addition, the protrusions 855 may be configured to engage with the camming mechanism 895. Also shown is the retaining element lock mechanism 840 which is configured to engage the retaining element 830.
Operationally, the cap 805 is sufficiently rotated (for example, maybe 180°-360° and the like) which causes the tethered hinge 872 to rise and stretch from a flat closed position. The cap 805 is then flipped up and kept away from a mouth of the spout 850 by the length of the tethered hinge 872 and by having the downward tab 874 engage a portion of the neck 852 of the spout 850. To close, the cap 805 is flipped back on and screwed onto the spout 850.
FIG. 11 is a view of a tethered cap and spout combination 1100 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 1100 includes a cap 1105, a retaining element 1130, a retaining element lock mechanism 1140 (shown in FIGS. 14 and 15), and a spout 1150. The cap 1105 includes a base 1110 and a sidewall 1120. The sidewall 1120 and the retaining element 1130 includes a tether mechanism 1170. The tether mechanism 1170 includes a tethered hinge 1172 and a downward tab 1174 which functions as a lock or cap stay-back mechanism. In an implementation, the retaining element 1130 may function as an anti-tampering device.
FIG. 12 is another view of the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 of FIG. 11 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations showing the tethered hinge 1172 and the downward tab 1174. In particular, the tethered hinge 1172 includes a pair of circumferential arc or serpentine type flexible members 1176 and 1178, which are connected to the retaining element 1130 at one end and to the downward tab 1174 at another end. The downward tab 1174 is further connected to the sidewall 1120.
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 of FIG. 11 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 11, and not repeated here for clarity, the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 further includes protrusions 1155 on an internal wall 1157 of the spout 1150 which may engage with a camming mechanism 1195 disposed internally with respect to the base 1110 and the sidewall 1120. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 may include a cutter mechanism (as shown in FIG. 15) which would operate as described with respect to FIG. 1.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 of FIG. 8 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations and shows the elements described herein with respect to FIGS. 11-13. In particular, a neck 1152 of the spout 1150 is shown. In addition, the protrusions 1155 may be configured to engage with the camming mechanism 1195. Also shown is the retaining element lock mechanism 1140 which is configured to engage the retaining element 1130.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a tethered cap and spout combination in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 1500 may include a cap 1505, a cutter mechanism 1590, a spout 1550, and a mouth 1551 of the spout 1550. Functionally and operationally the tethered cap and spout combination 1500 may work as described for the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 with the inclusion of the cutter mechanism 1590, which operates as described with respect to the tethered cap and spout combination 100.
Operationally, the cap 1105 is sufficiently rotated (for example, maybe 180°-360° and the like) which causes the tethered hinge 1172 to rise and stretch from a flat closed position. The cap 1105 is then flipped up and kept away from a mouth of the spout 1150 by the length of the tethered hinge 1172 and by having the downward tab 1174 engage a portion of the neck 1152 of the spout 1150. To close, the cap 1105 is flipped back on and screwed onto the spout 1150.
FIG. 16 is an image of the tethered cap and spout combination 1100 of FIG. 13 in an open position in accordance with certain implementations. As shown, the cap 1105 is flipped back, the tethered hinge 1172 is stretched up, and the downward tab 1174 is engaged with the neck 1152 of the spout 1150 to keep the cap 1105 away from a mouth 1151 of the spout 1150.
FIG. 17 is a view of a tethered cap and spout combination 1700 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 1700 includes a cap 1705, a retaining element 1730, a retaining element lock mechanism 1740 (shown in FIG. 19), and a spout 1750. The cap 1705 includes a base 1710 and a sidewall 1720. The sidewall 1720 and the retaining element 1730 includes a tether mechanism 1770. The tether mechanism 1770 includes a tethered hinge 1772 and a downward tab 1774 which functions as a lock or cap stay-back mechanism. The tethered hinge 1772 includes a pair of L-shaped flexible members 1776 and 1778, which are connected to the retaining element 1730 at one end and to the sidewall 1720 at another end. The downward tab 1774 is connected to the sidewall 1720. In an implementation, the retaining element 1730 may function as an anti-tampering device.
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 of FIG. 1 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 1, and not repeated here for clarity, the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 further includes a cutter mechanism 1790 which is configured to engage with protrusions 1755 on an internal wall 1757 of the spout 1750 and a camming mechanism 1795 disposed internally with respect to the base 1710 and the sidewall 1720. In an implementation, the tethered cap and spout combination 100 may not include the cutter mechanism 1790.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 of FIG. 17 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations and shows the elements described herein with respect to FIGS. 17-18. In particular, a neck 1752 of the spout 1750 is shown. The cutter mechanism 1790 may be engaged with the protrusions 1755 on the internal wall 1757 of the spout 1750 and the camming mechanism 1795. Also shown is the retaining element lock mechanism 1740 which is configured to engage the retaining element 1730.
Operationally, the cap 1705 is sufficiently rotated (for example, maybe 180°-360° and the like) which causes the tethered hinge 1772 to rise and stretch from a flat closed position. Nearly simultaneously, when the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 includes the cutting mechanism 1790, the camming mechanism 1795 engages the cutting mechanism 1790, which may then puncture a seal on a container (where the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 is implemented on the container). The cap 1705 is flipped up and kept away from a mouth of the spout 1750 by the length of the tethered hinge 1772 and by having the downward tab 1774 engage a portion of the neck 1752 of the spout 1750. To close, the cap 1705 is flipped back on and screwed onto the spout 1750.
FIG. 20 is a view of a tethered cap and spout combination 2000 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 2000 includes a cap 2005, a retaining element 2030, a retaining element lock mechanism (not shown), and a spout 2050. The cap 2005 includes a base 2010 and a sidewall 2020. The sidewall 2020 and the retaining element 2030 includes a tether mechanism 2070. The tether mechanism 2070 includes a tethered hinge 2072 and a downward tab 2074 which functions as a lock or cap stay-back mechanism. The tethered hinge 2072 includes a pair of L-shaped flexible members 2076 and 2078, which are connected to the retaining element 2030 at one end and to the sidewall 2020 at another end. The downward tab 2074 is connected to the sidewall 2020. In an implementation, the retaining element 2030 may function as an anti-tampering device. The tethered cap and spout combination 2000 is operationally and functionally similar to the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 except that the length of the circumferential arc flexible members 2076 and 2078 are longer than the circumferential arc flexible members 1776 and 1778. This may provide a greater degree of freedom and operation with respect to keeping the cap 2005 away from the mouth of the spout 2050.
FIG. 21 is a view of a tethered cap and spout combination 2100 in a closed position in accordance with certain implementations. The tethered cap and spout combination 2100 includes a cap 2105, a retaining element 2130, a retaining element lock mechanism (not shown), and a spout 2150. The cap 2105 includes a base 2110 and a sidewall 2120. The sidewall 2120 and the retaining element 2130 includes a tether mechanism 2170. The tether mechanism 2170 includes a tethered hinge 2172 and a downward tab 2174 which functions as a lock or cap stay-back mechanism. The tethered hinge 2172 includes a pair of L-shaped flexible members 2176 and 2178, which are connected to the retaining element 2130 at one end and to the sidewall 2120 at another end. The downward tab 2174 is connected to the sidewall 2120. In an implementation, the retaining element 2130 may function as an anti-tampering device. The tethered cap and spout combination 2100 is operationally and functionally similar to the tethered cap and spout combination 1700 except that the length of the circumferential arc flexible members 2176 and 2178 are longer than the circumferential arc flexible members 1776 and 1778 and the circumferential arc flexible members 2076 and 2078. This may provide a greater degree of freedom and operation with respect to keeping the cap 2105 away from the mouth of the spout 2150.
The tethered cap and spout combinations described herein may be manufactured using compression molding, injection molding and other like production processes. The tethered cap and spout may be made from polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the like.
The construction and arrangement of the methods as 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 and components, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, 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. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
Patent Application
20240367876
