US20080029527A1 - Container-Closure Arrangement - Google Patents
Container-Closure Arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080029527A1 US20080029527A1 US11/661,240 US66124005A US2008029527A1 US 20080029527 A1 US20080029527 A1 US 20080029527A1 US 66124005 A US66124005 A US 66124005A US 2008029527 A1 US2008029527 A1 US 2008029527A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- flange
- projection
- closure
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
- B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/30—Tamper-ring remaining connected to closure after initial removal
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
- B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
- B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
- B65D2543/00203—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular specifically square
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
Definitions
- An improved container-closure arrangement is disclosed, for example, an arrangement wherein at least the closure is moulded from plastic and which is adapted when assembled to be resistant to closure removal when dropped, and to be resistant to pilfering (eg. to be tamper proof) etc.
- closure does not become detached from the container as a result of inadvertent dropping of the container and/or from shifting loads during handling, transport etc. It is also desirable that the closure is, at least to some extent, tamper proof.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,889 discloses a plastic container of rectangular shape, with top 2 having flaps 5 . Tooth-shaped projections 8 located on the flaps mesh with a notched portion 11 of container shoulder 10 .
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,691 discloses a plastic container of rectangular shape, with lid 12 having members 24 extending therefrom. Each member has a latch 26 , which latches into an aperture 32 of container wall 30 .
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,917 discloses a plastic container of circular shape with an arrow-like projection 7 extending from lid 1 .
- the projection 7 extends through and is latched into orifice 15 of pail latch 14 .
- WO 02/30780 discloses a bead-latch arrangement at the upper end of a container rim for attaching a closure to the container.
- WO 02/30780 discloses additional means of securing a remote end of an external skirt of the closure to a projecting flange of the container.
- a container-closure arrangement comprising:
- a container having a base, a peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and a flange formed integrally with and extending out from the wall below the rim;
- a closure having a central portion that is arranged to overfit the opening of the container, a skirt formed integrally with the central portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is fitted to the container, the skirt being positionable adjacent to the flange when the closure is fitted to the container;
- each projection typically comprises a portion that is deflectable relative to a remainder of the projection by the corresponding formation of the flange such that, once inserted into the opening, the formation maintains the portion in a deflected orientation to thereby resist projection removal from the opening.
- the formation of the flange causes the projection portion to assume an orientation wherein removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
- each projection typically comprises a recess or aperture into which the formation of the flange can extend such that, when the projection is inserted into the opening, the formation is first deflected by the projection until it aligns with the recess or aperture and, once so aligned, moves into the recess or aperture such that the projection then resists removal from the flange.
- the recess or aperture defines the corresponding formation of the projection, and thus it is the recess or aperture that causes the formation of the flange to assume an orientation wherein removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
- portion or corresponding formation can be formed at or on the container and may project therefrom to interact with the projection once it has been inserted into the flange opening, although this embodiment may be less easy to manufacture (eg. mould) then the embodiment in which the portion or corresponding formation is formed at or on the flange.
- the closure could comprise a single skirt (eg. where the projections permanently attach the skirt to the flange), typically the skirt comprises two or three skirt portions frangibly coupled together, with each projection extending from a distal end of the distal skirt portion.
- frangibly coupled skirt portions can thus provide a ready means of closure removal.
- a middle one of the skirt portions can define a removable tear strip. Removal of this tear strip then frees the closure for removal from the container.
- a line of severance between these portions can be defined. Severance along this line then frees the closure for removal from the container.
- the deflectable portion once deflected, typically assumes a locking position whereat the projection is locked in and against the flange, thereby locking the closure to the container.
- the deflectable portion whilst the deflectable portion may lock at partial insertion of the projection into the opening, typically it locks at full projection insertion.
- the corresponding formation of the flange can comprise a discrete protrusion formed within the flange, or it may simply be defined by an internal wall of the flange, or an external wall of the container. Once inserted into the opening typically the deflectable portion is deflected laterally towards or away from the container wall, and into a latching position with respect to the flange.
- each projection may be defined by a tab extending from the skirt, with the deflectable portion then comprising a tongue formed within the tab.
- the tongue can be attached along one of its edges to a remainder of the tab to define a tongue hinge.
- the tongue in profile, can have the same thickness as the remainder of the tab.
- the protrusion can then be a boss formed integrally with and projecting out from an inner wall of the flange within the opening, or can project out from an external wall of the container.
- the boss engages against the tongue and deflects it into a locking position with respect to the flange.
- the boss is generally dome-shaped to facilitate tongue movement therepast, or may be defined as a ridge.
- the tongue in profile, can have a thickness greater than the remainder of the tab.
- the internal wall in the flange opening can then be located to deflect the tongue into a locking position once the projection has been inserted into the opening.
- the tongue, in profile can taper outwardly from tongue hinge such that, as the projection is inserted into the opening, the tongue interferes with and is deflected by an internal wall of the flange into a locking position.
- the tongue can interfere with and be deflected by an external wall of the container to cause the tongue to pivot into a locking position. In either case, the tongue may be deformed as it is inserted into the opening.
- the formation can be defined as a latch which, in profile, tapers outwardly from a location adjacent to an entrance to the opening, to a location remote from the opening entrance.
- the remote part of the latch can define a shoulder, with the latch taper facilitating projection movement therepast until the latch aligns with and then moves into the recess or aperture, such that an edge of the recess or aperture latches under the shoulder. This latching thus locks the projection within the flange.
- each projection can again be defined by a tab extending from the skirt, but in this embodiment the recess or aperture is now defined centrally within the tab.
- the flange extends peripherally right around the container wall, although it can be provided as respective discrete flanges corresponding in location to each projection when the closure is mounted to the container.
- the skirt or a distal skirt portion can be adapted for fastening at the flange. This fastening may provide additional fastening between the closure and container to that provided by the projections.
- the closure and container configurations depicted in WO 02/30780 can be employed together with the projection arrangements defined and described herein.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled container-closure arrangement
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective detail of the container-closure arrangement of FIG. 1 in a disassembled (pre-filling) configuration
- FIG. 3A shows a sectioned perspective view through a portion of the closure taken on the line 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 2 , and showing a first tab configuration
- FIG. 3B shows a sectioned perspective view similar to FIG. 3A , but showing a second tab configuration
- FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional side detail through a portion of the arrangement taken on the line 3 C- 3 C of FIG. 1 , but with FIG. 3C also showing how the closure is mounted to the container at a location remote from a tab configuration;
- FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional side view through the tab of FIG. 3A
- FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional side detail of this tab, of part of the closure to which the tab is connected, and of part of the container to which the closure is mounted, with FIG. 4B illustrating a first mode of tab insertion;
- FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional side view through the tab of FIG. 3B
- FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional side detail of this tab, of part of the closure to which the tab is connected, and of part of the container to which the closure is mounted, with FIG. 5B illustrating a second mode of tab insertion;
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view through a tab having a configuration somewhat like the tab of FIG. 3B , and shows a cross-sectional side detail of part of an alternative closure mounted to an alternative container, with the container having a straight (vertical) side wall, and with FIG. 6 illustrating a third mode of tab insertion;
- FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional side view through an alternative (flared) tab configuration and FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional side detail of this tab, of part of the closure to which the tab is connected, and of part of the container to which the closure is mounted, with FIG. 7B illustrating a fourth mode of tab insertion;
- FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through another (flared) tab, and shows a cross-sectional side detail of part of a closure similar to FIG. 6 that is mounted to the container of FIG. 6 , with the container having a straight (vertical) side wall, and with FIG. 8 illustrating a fifth mode of tab insertion.
- a container-closure arrangement comprises a container in the form of generally square-bottomed pail 10 , and a closure in the form of lid 11 .
- a pivotable handle may be connected to the container at opposing holes 12 for ease of handling. Whilst a square pail and lid is shown, the closure mechanisms described herein are equally applicable to pails and lids having plan shapes that are rectangular, circular, etc.
- the pail and lid are typically moulded from a polymer, and may be moulded from eg. polypropylene or high density polyethylene. Alternatively, the pail can be formed from metal (eg. steel). The handle may be formed from steel or a plastic material. The pail may be moulded in any desired size and can have a volumetric capacity in the order of 4 to 25 litres. In this regard, reference is made to the disclosure in the applicant's patent application WO 02/30780, the relevant contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the pail 10 has a base 13 which can be sized to locate within a well 14 of the lid, so that a number of assembled pail-lid arrangements may be stacked one upon another.
- the pail has a peripheral wall 15 and, as shown in FIG. 2 , a rim 16 forms an upper margin of the wall 15 and surrounds an opening of the pail.
- a bead 17 is formed integrally with and either surrounds the rim 16 or is provided as discrete bead segments around the rim.
- the bead has an undersurface 18 ( FIG. 3C ) that extends from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 15 .
- An annular flange 19 is formed integrally with and typically surrounds the peripheral wall 15 of the container, although a number of discrete projecting flanges can be provided as an alternative.
- the flange is located below the level of the bead 17 and typically comprises two wall portions 20 and 21 .
- the wall portion 20 can be inclined with respect to the peripheral wall 15 of the container (FIGS. 1 to 5 ) or may project orthogonally therefrom (as in the arrangements of FIGS. 6 to 8 ).
- the wall portion 21 typically depends from the outer margin of the wall portion 20 .
- a rebate 23 can be formed in the flange at the junction of the two wall portions 20 and 21 to assist with tamper-proofing the join between lid and pail.
- the lid 11 may comprise a continuous (unbroken) depending skirt extending peripherally therearound, typically the skirt comprises a number of skirt portions.
- the lid comprises a first skirt portion 26 , a second skirt portion 29 and typically a third skirt portion 31 .
- the first skirt portion 26 is formed integrally with the central portion 25 and is sized to surround and engage the pail bead 17 .
- the first skirt portion 26 can extend right down to the flange when the lid is mounted to the pail (and thus define a continuous depending skirt), typically it is connected to the further skirt portions (as described below).
- An annular ledge 27 is located within and is formed integrally with the first skirt portion 26 , and the ledge 27 is positioned to locate in interlocking engagement with the undersurface 18 of the bead 17 when the lid is mounted to the pail.
- the ledge 27 may accordingly be formed as corresponding ledge segments around and within the first skirt portion 26 .
- the first skirt portion 26 may be shaped to flare outwardly from the ledge 27 , to provide for subsequent access to an internal surface 28 that is profiled with gentle curves to accommodate the fingers of a person who seeks to lift the lid from the pail (ie. after tear strip removal—described below). This shaping also facilitates a sliding inter-engagement of the lid and the pail when the lid is pushed onto the pail.
- the bead 17 may be shaped as shown to facilitate sliding engagement between the lid and the pail when the lid is pushed onto the pail.
- the second skirt portion 29 depends from and is frangibly connected to first skirt portion 26 by way of an integrally moulded thin connecting web 30 .
- the third skirt portion 31 is provided as an extension of the second skirt portion 29 and is frangibly connected thereto by an integrally moulded web 32 .
- the frangible connection together of skirt portions 26 , 29 and 31 thereby define the second skirt portion 29 as an easily removable tear strip.
- the second skirt portion 29 may also be formed with an integral tear tab 37 for initiating tear strip removal.
- the third skirt portion 31 can locate within the rebate 23 of the flange 19 , to provide a tamper-proof join between the lid and pail.
- the third skirt portion 31 may also be thermally or chemically bonded in that rebate 23 .
- projecting rim 50 of the third skirt portion 31 is typically push-fitted ( FIG. 3C ) into and locks in a groove 52 of the container flange 19 , after the container has been charged with material, and as the lid 11 is mounted to the pail 10 for the first time.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a discrete projection in the form of generally rectangular tab 70 or 70 ′ respectively is shown in a cut-away perspective view through the lid 11 .
- a plurality of tabs 70 or 70 ′ (typically at least four around a square lid, ie. at least one at each side) are intermittently located along each side of lid 11 , to project downwardly therefrom.
- FIG. 2 shows four such tabs being arranged along each side of lid 11 .
- each tab 70 or 70 ′ is integrally moulded with the third skirt portion 31 to project downwardly therefrom as shown, and replaces projecting rim 50 for the length of the tab.
- a corresponding tab recess 72 for each tab is defined in the flange 19 and replaces a corresponding length of the groove 52 .
- the recess 72 for a given tab is typically located in the flange adjacent to and aligned with the groove 52 . Whilst the recess 72 can be defined separately from groove 52 , typically it is contiguous therewith.
- the tab 70 may also project downwardly from a single unbroken skirt (eg. where second skirt portion 29 defining a tear strip is not provided) or it may subtend directly from second skirt portion 29 (eg. where the third skirt portion 31 is not provided).
- an aperture 73 is defined in the tab 70 as shown.
- the aperture 73 can receive therein a protrusion from the flange 19 when the tab has been inserted into its recess 72 , as described below.
- an alternative tab 70 ′ is provided with an integral tongue portion 74 , which is deflectable, relative to a remainder of the tab, about a hinge line HL, when the tab has been inserted into its recess 72 , as described below.
- tabs 70 , 70 ′ are provided with a bevel face 76 to facilitate and guide tab insertion into tab recess 72 .
- the tabs 70 , 70 ′ By locating the tabs 70 , 70 ′ at a number of discrete, evenly spaced locations around the periphery of the lid 11 , an additional fastening of the lid 11 to pail 10 is achieved, over and above that provided by the fastening of the third skirt portion 31 to the flange (ie. in the ways described in WO 02/30780).
- the tabs firmly secure the lid to the pail so that the arrangement is able to meet the drop test requirements of many countries, and so that the lid is securely fastened against removal as a result of inadvertent dropping, knocking or bumping etc.
- the tabs also provide an additional tamper-proofing feature, helping to prevent lid removal, pilfering etc.
- the tab 70 is shown prior to insertion ( FIG. 4A ) and after having been inserted into tab recess 72 ( FIG. 4B ). Insertion is assisted by bevel face 76 which defines a relatively narrower insertion end 78 of the tab. To further assist tab insertion the opening to recess 72 can be flared outwardly at 80 .
- the aperture 73 is shaped to receive a protrusion in the form of a locking lug 81 , the lug 81 being integrally formed with and projecting from a depending inner wall section 82 of flange 19 .
- the locking lug 81 projects into the aperture 73 such that tab inner edge 83 is located and captured behind a shoulder 84 defined at an in-use lower end of lug 81 .
- lug 81 tapers outwardly down to shoulder 84 .
- This outward tapering facilitates movement of tab end face 78 past lug 124 , and typically causes the flange inner wall section 82 to flex inwardly until the lug registers with aperture 73 , and the tab inner edge 83 has moved past the shoulder 84 .
- the flange inner wall section 82 is caused to snap back outwardly away from the pail wall, to lock tab inner edge 83 under shoulder 84 .
- the faces of tab inner edge 83 and shoulder 84 are parallel to each other and are respectively inclined.
- the tab 70 ′ is shown prior to insertion ( FIG. 5A ) and after having been inserted into tab recess 72 ( FIG. 5B ). Insertion is again assisted by bevel face 76 and narrower tab insertion end 78 . Again, to further assist tab insertion the opening to recess 72 is flared outwardly at 80 .
- an inside face of flange wall portion 21 is provided with a protrusion in the form of generally dome-shaped boss 85 .
- the boss 85 is located such that, as tab 70 ′ is inserted into recess 72 , the boss engages against tongue 74 .
- the boss causes tongue 74 to be urged against the flange inner wall section 82 so that it flexes inwardly until the tongue moves past an inset lower edge 86 of wall section 82 (ie. defined by a cut-away section of wall section 82 ).
- the tongue 74 is caused to snap inwardly (in the direction of arrow P, the tongue pivoting around hinge line HL) and flange inner wall section 82 is caused to snap outwardly away from the pail wall. This locks an upper edge of tongue 74 under wall section lower edge 86 . The boss 85 then maintains the tongue 74 in this position, thereby preventing tab removal from recess 72 (eg. when an upward force is applied to lid 11 ).
- the tongue may be configured to assume the locking position earlier than full tab insertion (eg. by shortening the tongue or extending up the cut-away section of wall section 82 ).
- FIG. 6 where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, an alternative pail 10 ′ and lid 11 ′ is shown employing an alternative tab mounting arrangement.
- This arrangement can be employed for straight-sided containers, such as metal cans etc.
- the flange 19 comprises an outer wall portion 21 subtending from a laterally (eg. orthogonally) extending wall portion 20 .
- the skirt portions 26 and 29 sit flush against the wall 15 of pail 10 ′ at rim 16 .
- the second skirt portion 29 is provided as a more pronounced tear strip 87 , and tab 70 is connected to the second skirt portion 29 via web 32 (rather than to a third skirt portion 31 , which in this embodiment is not required).
- the bead 17 is formed to protrude inwardly of rim 17 so that ledge 27 instead projects inwardly from the central portion 25 of lid 11 ′.
- the first skirt portion 26 is provided with a peripheral ledge 88 to facilitate press fitting of the lid 11 ′′ onto pail 10 ′′ (eg. by a ring press tool) and to facilitate removal of the lid once tear strip 87 has been removed (eg. by finger or tool).
- a boss 85 ′ is formed to project outwardly from pail wall 15 and is typically moulded or formed integrally with the wall. Tongue portion 74 is also adapted to pivot laterally outwards from pail 10 ′ in use.
- the tongue portion 74 at least is formed from a deformable material to facilitate its insertion into recess 72 .
- that part of the flange surrounding tab recess 72 can be formed from a deformable (eg. polymeric) material and/or can be deflected during insertion.
- a cut-away groove 90 can be provided along the hinge line HL, where the tongue portion is attached to the remainder of tab 70 .
- bevel 76 is now provided on an opposite side of tab 70 , the bevel again facilitating tab insertion into recess 72 , but also facilitating tab movement around boss 85 ′ (ie. preventing an inner sharp edge of tab end 78 from catching on boss 85 ′ during tab insertion).
- tongue 74 primarily bends and deforms to enable such insertion.
- tongue 74 is deflected to locate under flange underside face 92 , thereby locking the tab in recess 72 and preventing removal of lid 11 ′ from pail 10 ′.
- tab 70 ′′ is shown prior to insertion ( FIG. 7A ) and after having been inserted into tab recess 72 ( FIG. 7B ).
- tab 70 ′ has been modified by replacing tongue portion 74 with an enlarged tongue portion 94 .
- enlarged tongue portion 94 is wider at its remote (distal) end 96 relative to the remainder of tab 70 ′′.
- the tongue portion 94 at least is formed from a deformable material to facilitate its insertion into tab recess 72 .
- that part of the flange surrounding tab recess 72 can be formed from a deformable (eg. polymeric) material to deform and/or to be deflected during tab insertion into recess 72 .
- FIG. 7B the modified tab 70 ′′ is shown fully inserted into tab recess 72 , with the flange/recess configuration being similar or identical to the flange/recess configuration shown in FIG. 5 .
- tongue side face 98 is forced into engagement with the recess opening at 80 , and thence with an inner face 100 of flange wall portion 21 , this engagement causing the tongue portion 94 to pivot around cut-away groove 90 .
- During such insertion inside face 101 of the tongue portion 94 pivots and engages outside face 102 of flange wall portion 82 , such that wall portion 82 is caused to flex inwardly.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B can be modified for use with the lid-pail arrangement of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts.
- the modified tab 70 ′′ of FIG. 7A is shown fully inserted into tab recess 72 .
- tongue portion 94 rides against an external face of pail wall 15 .
- the tongue portion 94 may deform, as may wall portions 20 and/or 21 , as the tab moves through the opening at 80 .
- the external face of pail wall 15 urges tongue 94 back to its outwardly pivoted position, and maintains it in this position. This is a similar locking position to that assumed by the tongue 74 in FIG. 6 , and thus the tab is locked in recess 72 and the removal of lid 11 ′ from pail 10 ′ is prevented.
- Each of the various tab embodiments described effectively lock the lid to the pail and enable an assembled lid-pail arrangement to meet the various drop test requirements of countries across the world (including various south-east Asian countries) whilst enhancing tamper-proofing.
- the resultant lid-pail mounting can also resist lid removal due to inadvertent bumping, sharp blows etc that occur during production, transportation and in use.
- lid-pail arrangements can be embodied in many other forms.
Abstract
In an arrangement of a container (10) and a closure (11); the container (10) has a base (13), a peripheral wall (15), a rim (16) forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and a flange (19) formed integrally with and extending out from the wall below the rim; the closure has a central portion (14) that is arranged to overfit the opening of the container (10), and a skirt (26, 29, 31) formed integrally with the central portion and arranged to surround the rim (16) when the closure is fitted to the container. The skirt is positionable adjacent to the flange when the closure is fitted to the container. A plurality of discrete projections (70), each extending from the skirt, and each being insertable into a respective opening in the flange are arranged such that, once a given projection has been inserted into a respective opening (72) in the flange, a portion (74, 94) of that projection is caused to assume an orientation by a corresponding formation (85, 100, 101) of the flange, or a portion (81) of the flange is caused to assume an orientation by a corresponding formation (73) of the projection, such that removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
Description
- An improved container-closure arrangement is disclosed, for example, an arrangement wherein at least the closure is moulded from plastic and which is adapted when assembled to be resistant to closure removal when dropped, and to be resistant to pilfering (eg. to be tamper proof) etc.
- With containers used for holding chemicals such as paints, solvents, oils, powders etc it is desirable that the closure does not become detached from the container as a result of inadvertent dropping of the container and/or from shifting loads during handling, transport etc. It is also desirable that the closure is, at least to some extent, tamper proof.
- Many countries have developed so-called container drop tests in an attempt to prescribe minimum performance standards for container-closure arrangements. An example of one such international standard is UN 1H2/Y1.5/40. Attempts have been made in the art to prevent closures from becoming detached from a container as a result of inadvertent dropping etc.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,889 discloses a plastic container of rectangular shape, with top 2 having flaps 5. Tooth-shaped projections 8 located on the flaps mesh with a notched
portion 11 ofcontainer shoulder 10. - U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,691 discloses a plastic container of rectangular shape, with
lid 12 having members 24 extending therefrom. Each member has alatch 26, which latches into anaperture 32 ofcontainer wall 30. - U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,917 discloses a plastic container of circular shape with an arrow-like projection 7 extending from lid 1. The projection 7 extends through and is latched into
orifice 15 ofpail latch 14. - Each of these documents thus provides for additional latching over that provided for by a bead-latch arrangement at the upper end of the container rim.
- The present applicant in WO 02/30780 discloses a bead-latch arrangement at the upper end of a container rim for attaching a closure to the container. In addition, WO 02/30780 discloses additional means of securing a remote end of an external skirt of the closure to a projecting flange of the container.
- A container-closure arrangement is provided comprising:
- (i) a container having a base, a peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and a flange formed integrally with and extending out from the wall below the rim;
- (ii) a closure having a central portion that is arranged to overfit the opening of the container, a skirt formed integrally with the central portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is fitted to the container, the skirt being positionable adjacent to the flange when the closure is fitted to the container; and
- (iii) a plurality of discrete projections, each extending from the skirt, and each being insertable into a respective opening in the flange;
- wherein, once a given projection has been inserted into a respective opening in the flange, a portion of that projection is caused to assume an orientation by a corresponding formation of the flange, or a portion of the flange is caused to assume an orientation by a corresponding formation of the projection, such that removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
- Thus, once the projection has been inserted into the opening, by causing the projection or flange portion to assume an orientation that resists projection removal from the opening, an alternative or additional means of securely fastening the closure to the container is provided. In effect, the closure can be locked to the container. The applicant has observed that drop test and transportation performance and resistance to pilfering (ie. tamper proofing) are accordingly improved.
- In a first embodiment each projection typically comprises a portion that is deflectable relative to a remainder of the projection by the corresponding formation of the flange such that, once inserted into the opening, the formation maintains the portion in a deflected orientation to thereby resist projection removal from the opening. In this first embodiment the formation of the flange causes the projection portion to assume an orientation wherein removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
- In a second embodiment the portion of the flange is typically located adjacent to the corresponding formation of the projection. In the second embodiment each projection typically comprises a recess or aperture into which the formation of the flange can extend such that, when the projection is inserted into the opening, the formation is first deflected by the projection until it aligns with the recess or aperture and, once so aligned, moves into the recess or aperture such that the projection then resists removal from the flange. In this second embodiment the recess or aperture defines the corresponding formation of the projection, and thus it is the recess or aperture that causes the formation of the flange to assume an orientation wherein removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
- In a further variation the portion or corresponding formation can be formed at or on the container and may project therefrom to interact with the projection once it has been inserted into the flange opening, although this embodiment may be less easy to manufacture (eg. mould) then the embodiment in which the portion or corresponding formation is formed at or on the flange.
- Whilst the closure could comprise a single skirt (eg. where the projections permanently attach the skirt to the flange), typically the skirt comprises two or three skirt portions frangibly coupled together, with each projection extending from a distal end of the distal skirt portion. The employment of frangibly coupled skirt portions can thus provide a ready means of closure removal. For example, where three skirt portions are employed, a middle one of the skirt portions can define a removable tear strip. Removal of this tear strip then frees the closure for removal from the container. Where two skirt portions are employed, a line of severance between these portions can be defined. Severance along this line then frees the closure for removal from the container.
- In the first embodiment, once deflected, the deflectable portion typically assumes a locking position whereat the projection is locked in and against the flange, thereby locking the closure to the container. In this regard, whilst the deflectable portion may lock at partial insertion of the projection into the opening, typically it locks at full projection insertion.
- In the first embodiment, the corresponding formation of the flange can comprise a discrete protrusion formed within the flange, or it may simply be defined by an internal wall of the flange, or an external wall of the container. Once inserted into the opening typically the deflectable portion is deflected laterally towards or away from the container wall, and into a latching position with respect to the flange.
- In the first embodiment, each projection may be defined by a tab extending from the skirt, with the deflectable portion then comprising a tongue formed within the tab. The tongue can be attached along one of its edges to a remainder of the tab to define a tongue hinge.
- In one variation of the first embodiment, in profile, the tongue can have the same thickness as the remainder of the tab. In this variation the protrusion can then be a boss formed integrally with and projecting out from an inner wall of the flange within the opening, or can project out from an external wall of the container. Thus, when the projection is inserted into the opening, the boss engages against the tongue and deflects it into a locking position with respect to the flange. Preferably the boss is generally dome-shaped to facilitate tongue movement therepast, or may be defined as a ridge.
- In another variation of the first embodiment, in profile, the tongue can have a thickness greater than the remainder of the tab. In this other variation the internal wall in the flange opening can then be located to deflect the tongue into a locking position once the projection has been inserted into the opening. In this other variation, the tongue, in profile, can taper outwardly from tongue hinge such that, as the projection is inserted into the opening, the tongue interferes with and is deflected by an internal wall of the flange into a locking position. Alternatively, the tongue can interfere with and be deflected by an external wall of the container to cause the tongue to pivot into a locking position. In either case, the tongue may be deformed as it is inserted into the opening.
- In the second embodiment the formation can be defined as a latch which, in profile, tapers outwardly from a location adjacent to an entrance to the opening, to a location remote from the opening entrance. The remote part of the latch can define a shoulder, with the latch taper facilitating projection movement therepast until the latch aligns with and then moves into the recess or aperture, such that an edge of the recess or aperture latches under the shoulder. This latching thus locks the projection within the flange.
- In the second embodiment each projection can again be defined by a tab extending from the skirt, but in this embodiment the recess or aperture is now defined centrally within the tab.
- Typically the flange extends peripherally right around the container wall, although it can be provided as respective discrete flanges corresponding in location to each projection when the closure is mounted to the container.
- In addition to the plurality of projections (ie. at locations other than where the projections are located), the skirt or a distal skirt portion can be adapted for fastening at the flange. This fastening may provide additional fastening between the closure and container to that provided by the projections. In this regard, reference is made to the disclosure in the applicant's patent application WO 02/30780, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The closure and container configurations depicted in WO 02/30780 can be employed together with the projection arrangements defined and described herein.
- Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the container-closure arrangement as defined in the Summary, specific container-closure arrangements will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled container-closure arrangement; -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective detail of the container-closure arrangement ofFIG. 1 in a disassembled (pre-filling) configuration; -
FIG. 3A shows a sectioned perspective view through a portion of the closure taken on theline 3A-3A ofFIG. 2 , and showing a first tab configuration; -
FIG. 3B shows a sectioned perspective view similar toFIG. 3A , but showing a second tab configuration; -
FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional side detail through a portion of the arrangement taken on theline 3C-3C ofFIG. 1 , but withFIG. 3C also showing how the closure is mounted to the container at a location remote from a tab configuration; -
FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional side view through the tab ofFIG. 3A , andFIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional side detail of this tab, of part of the closure to which the tab is connected, and of part of the container to which the closure is mounted, withFIG. 4B illustrating a first mode of tab insertion; -
FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional side view through the tab ofFIG. 3B , andFIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional side detail of this tab, of part of the closure to which the tab is connected, and of part of the container to which the closure is mounted, withFIG. 5B illustrating a second mode of tab insertion; -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view through a tab having a configuration somewhat like the tab ofFIG. 3B , and shows a cross-sectional side detail of part of an alternative closure mounted to an alternative container, with the container having a straight (vertical) side wall, and withFIG. 6 illustrating a third mode of tab insertion; -
FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional side view through an alternative (flared) tab configuration andFIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional side detail of this tab, of part of the closure to which the tab is connected, and of part of the container to which the closure is mounted, withFIG. 7B illustrating a fourth mode of tab insertion; and -
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through another (flared) tab, and shows a cross-sectional side detail of part of a closure similar toFIG. 6 that is mounted to the container ofFIG. 6 , with the container having a straight (vertical) side wall, and withFIG. 8 illustrating a fifth mode of tab insertion. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a container-closure arrangement comprises a container in the form of generally square-bottomedpail 10, and a closure in the form oflid 11. A pivotable handle may be connected to the container at opposingholes 12 for ease of handling. Whilst a square pail and lid is shown, the closure mechanisms described herein are equally applicable to pails and lids having plan shapes that are rectangular, circular, etc. - The pail and lid are typically moulded from a polymer, and may be moulded from eg. polypropylene or high density polyethylene. Alternatively, the pail can be formed from metal (eg. steel). The handle may be formed from steel or a plastic material. The pail may be moulded in any desired size and can have a volumetric capacity in the order of 4 to 25 litres. In this regard, reference is made to the disclosure in the applicant's patent application WO 02/30780, the relevant contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The
pail 10 has a base 13 which can be sized to locate within a well 14 of the lid, so that a number of assembled pail-lid arrangements may be stacked one upon another. The pail has aperipheral wall 15 and, as shown inFIG. 2 , arim 16 forms an upper margin of thewall 15 and surrounds an opening of the pail. Abead 17 is formed integrally with and either surrounds therim 16 or is provided as discrete bead segments around the rim. The bead has an undersurface 18 (FIG. 3C ) that extends from the outer surface of theperipheral wall 15. - An
annular flange 19 is formed integrally with and typically surrounds theperipheral wall 15 of the container, although a number of discrete projecting flanges can be provided as an alternative. The flange is located below the level of thebead 17 and typically comprises twowall portions wall portion 20 can be inclined with respect to theperipheral wall 15 of the container (FIGS. 1 to 5) or may project orthogonally therefrom (as in the arrangements of FIGS. 6 to 8). Thewall portion 21 typically depends from the outer margin of thewall portion 20. Arebate 23 can be formed in the flange at the junction of the twowall portions - Whilst the
lid 11 may comprise a continuous (unbroken) depending skirt extending peripherally therearound, typically the skirt comprises a number of skirt portions. In this regard, the lid comprises afirst skirt portion 26, asecond skirt portion 29 and typically athird skirt portion 31. Thefirst skirt portion 26 is formed integrally with thecentral portion 25 and is sized to surround and engage thepail bead 17. Thus, whilst thefirst skirt portion 26 can extend right down to the flange when the lid is mounted to the pail (and thus define a continuous depending skirt), typically it is connected to the further skirt portions (as described below). Anannular ledge 27 is located within and is formed integrally with thefirst skirt portion 26, and theledge 27 is positioned to locate in interlocking engagement with theundersurface 18 of thebead 17 when the lid is mounted to the pail. Whenbead 17 is formed as discrete bead segments around the rim, theledge 27 may accordingly be formed as corresponding ledge segments around and within thefirst skirt portion 26. - The
first skirt portion 26 may be shaped to flare outwardly from theledge 27, to provide for subsequent access to aninternal surface 28 that is profiled with gentle curves to accommodate the fingers of a person who seeks to lift the lid from the pail (ie. after tear strip removal—described below). This shaping also facilitates a sliding inter-engagement of the lid and the pail when the lid is pushed onto the pail. Similarly, thebead 17 may be shaped as shown to facilitate sliding engagement between the lid and the pail when the lid is pushed onto the pail. - The
second skirt portion 29 depends from and is frangibly connected tofirst skirt portion 26 by way of an integrally moulded thin connectingweb 30. Thethird skirt portion 31 is provided as an extension of thesecond skirt portion 29 and is frangibly connected thereto by an integrally mouldedweb 32. The frangible connection together ofskirt portions second skirt portion 29 as an easily removable tear strip. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, thesecond skirt portion 29 may also be formed with anintegral tear tab 37 for initiating tear strip removal. - The
third skirt portion 31 can locate within therebate 23 of theflange 19, to provide a tamper-proof join between the lid and pail. Thethird skirt portion 31 may also be thermally or chemically bonded in thatrebate 23. In addition, projectingrim 50 of thethird skirt portion 31 is typically push-fitted (FIG. 3C ) into and locks in agroove 52 of thecontainer flange 19, after the container has been charged with material, and as thelid 11 is mounted to thepail 10 for the first time. Again reference is made to the relevant description of the applicant's patent application WO 02/30780. - Referring now to each of
FIGS. 3A and 3B , where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a discrete projection in the form of generallyrectangular tab lid 11. A plurality oftabs lid 11, to project downwardly therefrom.FIG. 2 shows four such tabs being arranged along each side oflid 11. - Typically each
tab third skirt portion 31 to project downwardly therefrom as shown, and replaces projectingrim 50 for the length of the tab. In addition, a correspondingtab recess 72 for each tab is defined in theflange 19 and replaces a corresponding length of thegroove 52. Thus, therecess 72 for a given tab is typically located in the flange adjacent to and aligned with thegroove 52. Whilst therecess 72 can be defined separately fromgroove 52, typically it is contiguous therewith. - In an alternative configuration, the
tab 70 may also project downwardly from a single unbroken skirt (eg. wheresecond skirt portion 29 defining a tear strip is not provided) or it may subtend directly from second skirt portion 29 (eg. where thethird skirt portion 31 is not provided). - In the tab embodiment of
FIG. 3A , anaperture 73 is defined in thetab 70 as shown. Theaperture 73 can receive therein a protrusion from theflange 19 when the tab has been inserted into itsrecess 72, as described below. - In the tab embodiment of
FIG. 3B , analternative tab 70′ is provided with anintegral tongue portion 74, which is deflectable, relative to a remainder of the tab, about a hinge line HL, when the tab has been inserted into itsrecess 72, as described below. - Typically the
tabs bevel face 76 to facilitate and guide tab insertion intotab recess 72. - By locating the
tabs lid 11, an additional fastening of thelid 11 topail 10 is achieved, over and above that provided by the fastening of thethird skirt portion 31 to the flange (ie. in the ways described in WO 02/30780). The tabs firmly secure the lid to the pail so that the arrangement is able to meet the drop test requirements of many countries, and so that the lid is securely fastened against removal as a result of inadvertent dropping, knocking or bumping etc. The tabs also provide an additional tamper-proofing feature, helping to prevent lid removal, pilfering etc. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, thetab 70 is shown prior to insertion (FIG. 4A ) and after having been inserted into tab recess 72 (FIG. 4B ). Insertion is assisted bybevel face 76 which defines a relativelynarrower insertion end 78 of the tab. To further assist tab insertion the opening to recess 72 can be flared outwardly at 80. - The
aperture 73 is shaped to receive a protrusion in the form of a lockinglug 81, thelug 81 being integrally formed with and projecting from a dependinginner wall section 82 offlange 19. Whentab 70 is fully inserted intorecess 72 the lockinglug 81 projects into theaperture 73 such that tabinner edge 83 is located and captured behind ashoulder 84 defined at an in-use lower end oflug 81. - It will also be seen that, in profile and moving downwardly in
recess 72, lug 81 tapers outwardly down toshoulder 84. This outward tapering facilitates movement of tab end face 78 past lug 124, and typically causes the flangeinner wall section 82 to flex inwardly until the lug registers withaperture 73, and the tabinner edge 83 has moved past theshoulder 84. In effect, when this occurs, the flangeinner wall section 82 is caused to snap back outwardly away from the pail wall, to lock tabinner edge 83 undershoulder 84. In addition, to maintain the tab in a locked position, it will be seen that the faces of tabinner edge 83 andshoulder 84 are parallel to each other and are respectively inclined. Thus, when an upward force is applied tolid 11, thetab 70 is caused to be drawn into and against the flangeinner wall section 82, enhancing the locking of the tab in and to the flange. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, thetab 70′ is shown prior to insertion (FIG. 5A ) and after having been inserted into tab recess 72 (FIG. 5B ). Insertion is again assisted bybevel face 76 and narrowertab insertion end 78. Again, to further assist tab insertion the opening to recess 72 is flared outwardly at 80. - In this embodiment, an inside face of
flange wall portion 21 is provided with a protrusion in the form of generally dome-shapedboss 85. Theboss 85 is located such that, astab 70′ is inserted intorecess 72, the boss engages againsttongue 74. During progressive tab insertion the boss causestongue 74 to be urged against the flangeinner wall section 82 so that it flexes inwardly until the tongue moves past an insetlower edge 86 of wall section 82 (ie. defined by a cut-away section of wall section 82). Again, when this occurs, thetongue 74 is caused to snap inwardly (in the direction of arrow P, the tongue pivoting around hinge line HL) and flangeinner wall section 82 is caused to snap outwardly away from the pail wall. This locks an upper edge oftongue 74 under wall sectionlower edge 86. Theboss 85 then maintains thetongue 74 in this position, thereby preventing tab removal from recess 72 (eg. when an upward force is applied to lid 11). - The tongue may be configured to assume the locking position earlier than full tab insertion (eg. by shortening the tongue or extending up the cut-away section of wall section 82).
- Referring now to
FIG. 6 , where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, analternative pail 10′ andlid 11′ is shown employing an alternative tab mounting arrangement. This arrangement can be employed for straight-sided containers, such as metal cans etc. - In this embodiment, the
flange 19 comprises anouter wall portion 21 subtending from a laterally (eg. orthogonally) extendingwall portion 20. In addition, in this embodiment theskirt portions wall 15 ofpail 10′ atrim 16. Thesecond skirt portion 29 is provided as a morepronounced tear strip 87, andtab 70 is connected to thesecond skirt portion 29 via web 32 (rather than to athird skirt portion 31, which in this embodiment is not required). - In addition, the
bead 17 is formed to protrude inwardly ofrim 17 so thatledge 27 instead projects inwardly from thecentral portion 25 oflid 11′. Furthermore, thefirst skirt portion 26 is provided with aperipheral ledge 88 to facilitate press fitting of thelid 11″ ontopail 10″ (eg. by a ring press tool) and to facilitate removal of the lid oncetear strip 87 has been removed (eg. by finger or tool). - In this embodiment a
boss 85′ is formed to project outwardly frompail wall 15 and is typically moulded or formed integrally with the wall.Tongue portion 74 is also adapted to pivot laterally outwards frompail 10′ in use. - Typically the
tongue portion 74 at least is formed from a deformable material to facilitate its insertion intorecess 72. Alternatively, or additionally, that part of the flange surroundingtab recess 72 can be formed from a deformable (eg. polymeric) material and/or can be deflected during insertion. To further facilitate tongue bending during insertion, and to facilitate pivoting once inserted, a cut-awaygroove 90 can be provided along the hinge line HL, where the tongue portion is attached to the remainder oftab 70. - Furthermore, in this embodiment,
bevel 76 is now provided on an opposite side oftab 70, the bevel again facilitating tab insertion intorecess 72, but also facilitating tab movement aroundboss 85′ (ie. preventing an inner sharp edge of tab end 78 from catching onboss 85′ during tab insertion). - During tab insertion into
recess 72, thetongue 74 primarily bends and deforms to enable such insertion. When the tab has been fully inserted as shown inFIG. 6 ,tongue 74 is deflected to locate underflange underside face 92, thereby locking the tab inrecess 72 and preventing removal oflid 11′ frompail 10′. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7A and 7B where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a further modifiedtab 70″ is shown prior to insertion (FIG. 7A ) and after having been inserted into tab recess 72 (FIG. 7B ). In this embodiment,tab 70′ has been modified by replacingtongue portion 74 with anenlarged tongue portion 94. In this regard, in profile,enlarged tongue portion 94 is wider at its remote (distal) end 96 relative to the remainder oftab 70″. Typically thetongue portion 94 at least is formed from a deformable material to facilitate its insertion intotab recess 72. Alternatively, or additionally, that part of the flange surroundingtab recess 72 can be formed from a deformable (eg. polymeric) material to deform and/or to be deflected during tab insertion intorecess 72. - In
FIG. 7B the modifiedtab 70″ is shown fully inserted intotab recess 72, with the flange/recess configuration being similar or identical to the flange/recess configuration shown inFIG. 5 . However, rather than employingboss 85 to cause tongue pivoting, during tab insertion tongue side face 98 is forced into engagement with the recess opening at 80, and thence with aninner face 100 offlange wall portion 21, this engagement causing thetongue portion 94 to pivot around cut-awaygroove 90. During such insertion insideface 101 of thetongue portion 94 pivots and engagesoutside face 102 offlange wall portion 82, such thatwall portion 82 is caused to flex inwardly. When thetongue portion 94 has moved past thelower edge 86 ofwall section 82, the tongue portion is caused to snap inwardly, and flangeinner wall section 82 is caused to snap outwardly away from the pail wall. This locks anupper edge 104 oftongue portion 94 under wall sectionlower edge 86. Theinner face 100 offlange wall portion 21 then maintains thetongue portion 94 in this position, thereby preventing tab removal from recess 72 (eg. when an upward force is applied to lid 11). - The tab embodiment of
FIGS. 7A and 7B can be modified for use with the lid-pail arrangement ofFIG. 6 . In this regard, reference is now made toFIG. 8 , where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts. In the embodiment ofFIG. 8 the modifiedtab 70″ ofFIG. 7A is shown fully inserted intotab recess 72. - During tab insertion into
recess 72 theinside face 101 oftongue portion 94 rides against an external face ofpail wall 15. During such insertion thetongue portion 94 may deform, as may wallportions 20 and/or 21, as the tab moves through the opening at 80. When the tab has been fully inserted intorecess 72, the external face ofpail wall 15 urgestongue 94 back to its outwardly pivoted position, and maintains it in this position. This is a similar locking position to that assumed by thetongue 74 inFIG. 6 , and thus the tab is locked inrecess 72 and the removal oflid 11′ frompail 10′ is prevented. - Each of the various tab embodiments described effectively lock the lid to the pail and enable an assembled lid-pail arrangement to meet the various drop test requirements of countries across the world (including various south-east Asian countries) whilst enhancing tamper-proofing. The resultant lid-pail mounting can also resist lid removal due to inadvertent bumping, sharp blows etc that occur during production, transportation and in use.
- Whilst a number of preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that the lid-pail arrangements can be embodied in many other forms.
Claims (22)
1. A container-closure arrangement comprising:
(i) a container having a base, a peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and a flange formed integrally with and extending out from the wall below the rim;
(ii) a closure having a central portion that is arranged to overfit the opening of the container, a skirt formed integrally with the central portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is fitted to the container, the skirt being positionable adjacent to the flange when the closure is fitted to the container; and
(iii) a plurality of discrete projections, each extending from the skirt, and each being insertable into a respective opening in the flange;
wherein, once the closure has been fitted to the container, whereby a given projection has been inserted into a respective opening in the flange, a portion of that projection is caused to assume an orientation by a corresponding formation of the flange, or a portion of the flange is caused to assume an orientation by a corresponding formation defined in the projection, such that removal of that projection from the opening is resisted.
2. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein each projection comprises a portion that is deflectable relative to a remainder of the projection by the corresponding formation of the flange such that, once inserted into the opening, the formation maintains the portion in a deflected orientation to thereby resist projection removal from the opening.
3. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein once deflected, the deflectable portion typically assumes a locking position whereat the projection is locked in and against the flange, thereby locking the closure to the container.
4. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein the deflectable portion locks at full insertion of the projection into the opening.
5. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein the corresponding formation of the flange comprises a discrete protrusion formed within the flange, or is defined by an internal wall of the flange or an external wall of the container.
6. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein, once inserted into the opening, the deflectable portion is deflected laterally towards or away from the container wall, and into a latching position with respect to the flange.
7. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein each projection is defined by a tab extending from the skirt, with the deflectable portion then comprising a tongue formed within the tab.
8. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein the tongue is attached along one of its edges to a remainder of the tab to define a tongue hinge.
9. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein, in profile, the tongue has the same thickness as a remainder of the tab, and the protrusion is a boss formed integrally with and projecting out from an inner wall of the flange within the opening, or projects out from an external wall of the container, such that, when the projection is inserted into the opening, the boss engages against the tongue and deflects it into a locking position with respect to the flange.
10. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 9 wherein the boss is generally dome-shaped to facilitate tongue movement therepast, or is defined as a ridge.
11. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein, in profile, the tongue has a thickness greater than the remainder of the tab, and the internal wall in the flange opening is located to deflect the tongue into a locking position once the projection has been inserted into the opening.
12. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the tongue, in profile, tapers outwardly from tongue hinge such that, as the projection is inserted into the opening, the tongue interferes with and is deflected by an internal wall of the flange into a locking position, or interferes with and is deflected by an external wall of the container to cause the tongue to pivot into a locking position.
13. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion of the flange is located adjacent to the corresponding formation of the projection, with the formation of each projection comprising a recess or aperture into which the formation of the flange can extend such that, when the projection is inserted into the opening, the formation is first deflected by the projection until it aligns with the recess or aperture and, once so aligned, moves into the recess or aperture such that the projection then resists removal from the flange.
14. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein the formation is defined as a latch which, in profile, tapers outwardly from a location adjacent to an entrance to the opening, to a location remote from the opening entrance.
15. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 14 wherein the remote part of the latch defines a shoulder, with the latch taper facilitating projection movement therepast until the latch aligns with and then moves into the recess or aperture, such that an edge of the recess or aperture latches under the shoulder and locks the projection within the flange.
16. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein each projection is defined by a tab extending from the skirt, with the recess or aperture being defined centrally within the tab.
17. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion or corresponding formation is formed at or on the container and projects therefrom to interact with the projection once it has been inserted into the flange opening.
18. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the skirt comprises two or three skirt portions frangibly coupled together, with each projection extending from a distal end of the distal skirt portion.
19. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 18 wherein three skirt portions are employed, with a middle one of the skirt portions defining a removable tear strip, whereby removal of this tear strip frees the closure for removal from the container.
20. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 18 wherein two skirt portions are employed, with a line of severance being defined between these portions, such severance along this line then frees the closure for removal from the container.
21. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange extends peripherally right around the container wall, or is defined as a series of respective discrete flanges corresponding in location to each projection when the closure is mounted to the container.
22. A container-closure arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in addition to the plurality of projections (at locations other than where the projections are located), the skirt or a distal skirt portion is adapted for fastening at the flange.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2004904883 | 2004-08-26 | ||
AU2004904883A AU2004904883A0 (en) | 2004-08-26 | Container-closure arrangement | |
PCT/AU2005/001267 WO2006021034A2 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2005-08-23 | Container-closure arrangement having skirt projections within flange openings |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080029527A1 true US20080029527A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 |
Family
ID=35967891
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/661,240 Abandoned US20080029527A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2005-08-23 | Container-Closure Arrangement |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080029527A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1781549A2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101068723B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2577538A1 (en) |
MY (1) | MY154951A (en) |
TW (1) | TW200610710A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006021034A2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150283416A1 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2015-10-08 | Shawn C. Bloemker | Firefighting training unit |
US9573009B2 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2017-02-21 | Max Fire Training, Inc. | Firefighting training unit |
US20190062009A1 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2019-02-28 | Jokey Plastik Wipperfürth GmbH | Container |
USD850218S1 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2019-06-04 | Lda, Llc | Container |
WO2021148791A1 (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2021-07-29 | Swingball Limited | Play apparatus |
US11524195B2 (en) | 2018-10-27 | 2022-12-13 | Max Fire Training, Inc. | Fire fighting training unit |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102006031599A1 (en) * | 2006-07-06 | 2008-01-10 | Otto Männer Innovation GmbH | Resealable container, e.g. for liquid milk products, has a main body with an edge and a cover with an edge as well as a U-shaped groove, retaining elements and counter elements |
ITMI20080503A1 (en) * | 2008-03-21 | 2009-09-22 | Abb Spa | ACCESSORY FOR OPENING AND / OR CLOSING OF CABLES-CABLES |
US8839975B2 (en) | 2009-08-03 | 2014-09-23 | Ropak Corporation | Container and lid |
CN102774546B (en) * | 2012-07-05 | 2015-07-08 | 常州瑞杰塑料股份有限公司 | Container with tearing strip |
CN103612821A (en) * | 2013-12-04 | 2014-03-05 | 深圳宝嘉电子设备有限公司 | Stable collision-preventing packing-case |
US11014716B2 (en) * | 2016-08-11 | 2021-05-25 | Glenn Norman Tyler | Plastic container body and container closure and carry handle grip / container leverage opening tool assembly |
DE202018106381U1 (en) | 2018-11-09 | 2020-02-12 | Jokey Plastik Wipperfürth GmbH | Container with a lid |
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US4431113A (en) * | 1982-12-07 | 1984-02-14 | Northern Telecom Limited | Cover attachment device |
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US5348549A (en) * | 1993-03-29 | 1994-09-20 | Brown Daniel R | Fluid tight medical apparatus disposal receptacle |
US5979691A (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 1999-11-09 | Von Holdt; John W. | Container and locking lid |
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US6279774B1 (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 2001-08-28 | Southcorp Packaging Usa | Cover locking mechanism |
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DE10022851A1 (en) * | 2000-05-10 | 2001-11-22 | Streuber Sulo Eisenwerk F | Tub with lid; has barrel-like body and fitted, sealing lid with seal that can be opened and resealed and tightening device to tighten lid against body, so that lid engages body tightly and completely |
MY128453A (en) * | 2000-10-12 | 2007-02-28 | Innovative Design Co Pty | Container-closure arrangement |
-
2005
- 2005-08-23 WO PCT/AU2005/001267 patent/WO2006021034A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-08-23 CN CN2005800352688A patent/CN101068723B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-08-23 US US11/661,240 patent/US20080029527A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-08-23 CA CA002577538A patent/CA2577538A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-08-23 EP EP05773606A patent/EP1781549A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-08-25 MY MYPI20053993A patent/MY154951A/en unknown
- 2005-08-25 TW TW094129089A patent/TW200610710A/en unknown
Patent Citations (7)
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US4034889A (en) * | 1975-10-03 | 1977-07-12 | Mauser Kommanditgesellschaft | Plastic container-cover assembly |
US4431113A (en) * | 1982-12-07 | 1984-02-14 | Northern Telecom Limited | Cover attachment device |
US4852792A (en) * | 1988-03-02 | 1989-08-01 | Greif Bros. Corporation | Self locking cover/bottom for fibre drums |
US5348549A (en) * | 1993-03-29 | 1994-09-20 | Brown Daniel R | Fluid tight medical apparatus disposal receptacle |
US6021917A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 2000-02-08 | Industrial Containers Ltd. | Pail and plastic lid comprising non-linear, flexible ribs |
US6279774B1 (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 2001-08-28 | Southcorp Packaging Usa | Cover locking mechanism |
US5979691A (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 1999-11-09 | Von Holdt; John W. | Container and locking lid |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150283416A1 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2015-10-08 | Shawn C. Bloemker | Firefighting training unit |
US9573009B2 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2017-02-21 | Max Fire Training, Inc. | Firefighting training unit |
US9707424B2 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2017-07-18 | Max Fire Training, Inc. | Firefighting training unit |
US10376726B2 (en) * | 2014-01-22 | 2019-08-13 | Shawn C. Bloemker | Firefighting training unit |
US20190062009A1 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2019-02-28 | Jokey Plastik Wipperfürth GmbH | Container |
US11124339B2 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2021-09-21 | Jokey Plastik Wipperfurth Gmbh | Container |
USD850218S1 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2019-06-04 | Lda, Llc | Container |
US11524195B2 (en) | 2018-10-27 | 2022-12-13 | Max Fire Training, Inc. | Fire fighting training unit |
WO2021148791A1 (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2021-07-29 | Swingball Limited | Play apparatus |
GB2606312A (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2022-11-02 | Swingball Ltd | Play apparatus |
GB2606312B (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2024-03-06 | Swingball Ltd | Play apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MY154951A (en) | 2015-08-28 |
WO2006021034A2 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
CN101068723B (en) | 2011-03-02 |
WO2006021034A3 (en) | 2006-09-14 |
TW200610710A (en) | 2006-04-01 |
CN101068723A (en) | 2007-11-07 |
CA2577538A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
WO2006021034A8 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
EP1781549A2 (en) | 2007-05-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INNOVATIVE DESIGN CO PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOINARSKI, DAVID ALEXANDER;REEL/FRAME:019119/0935 Effective date: 20070308 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |