US20100270306A1 - Container and closure assembly - Google Patents

Container and closure assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100270306A1
US20100270306A1 US12/429,508 US42950809A US2010270306A1 US 20100270306 A1 US20100270306 A1 US 20100270306A1 US 42950809 A US42950809 A US 42950809A US 2010270306 A1 US2010270306 A1 US 2010270306A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
closure
slit
container
tab
skirt portion
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
Application number
US12/429,508
Inventor
David A. Shiffer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IPL Dayton Inc
Original Assignee
Tech II Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tech II Inc filed Critical Tech II Inc
Priority to US12/429,508 priority Critical patent/US20100270306A1/en
Assigned to TECH II, INC. reassignment TECH II, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SHIFFER, DAVID A.
Publication of US20100270306A1 publication Critical patent/US20100270306A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/34Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
    • B65D81/3446Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D81/3453Rigid containers, e.g. trays, bottles, boxes, cups
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D43/00Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0235Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0237Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
    • B65D43/0256Removable 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
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2205/00Venting means
    • B65D2205/02Venting holes
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00259Materials used
    • B65D2543/00296Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00564Contact between the container and the lid indirect by means of a gasket or similar intermediate ring
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2581/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D2581/34Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
    • B65D2581/3401Cooking or heating method specially adapted to the contents of the package
    • B65D2581/3402Cooking or heating method specially adapted to the contents of the package characterised by the type of product to be heated or cooked
    • B65D2581/3428Cooking unusual food, i.e. none of the above foods

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to assemblies that include a container and a removable closure associated therewith. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a closure having a tab, which is configured to facilitate removal of the closure from an associated container.
  • Container assemblies are useful for storing products therein.
  • container assemblies may be used to store prepared food products, such as soups, pastas, and other foodstuffs.
  • Container assemblies may include a container and a removable a closure.
  • the container includes a removable top portion that may be separated from the rest of the container to expose the contents therein.
  • the container holds a quantity of dry, liquid, or semi-liquid product, such as foodstuffs, therein.
  • the container may have a generally cylindrical shape and a generally flat bottom.
  • the cylindrical portion of the container defines a cavity suitable to contain the product.
  • the flat bottom stabilizes the container when the container is placed on a flat surface, such as a table. Users may withdraw the product within the container through an opening in the top of the container.
  • Some containers are made of materials that may be placed in a microwave oven, enabling users to heat the product within the container easily and quickly.
  • the container may further include a lip that defines the opening in the top of the container after the removable top portion is separated from the lip.
  • the lip may be part of a separate structure that is attached to the generally cylindrical wall of the container, or alternatively may be formed integral with the cylindrical wall. The lip may cooperate with the closure to ensure the closure remains secured to the container.
  • the removable top portion closes the opening in the top of the container to prevent the product within the container from spilling and/or leaking from the container through the opening. Additionally, the removable top portion may form an air and liquid impervious seal that preserves the freshness of a food product stored within the container.
  • the removable top portion When closing the opening of the container, the removable top portion is connected to the lip.
  • the removable top portion may include a pull tab or other similar device to assist a user in detaching the removable top portion from the rest of the container. Once the removable top portion has been detached from the container, it may not be reattached thereto.
  • the closure is configured to be removably connected to the container.
  • the closure fits over the lip and the removable top portion.
  • the closure may be coupled to the container to prevent some of the food product within the container from splattering out of the container while the food product is being heated in a microwave oven.
  • the closure may define a space into which the lip of the container is fitted when the closure is connected to the container to ensure the closure remains coupled to the container. Removal of the closure from the container does not require a separate tool; however, removal of the closure from the container may be relatively difficult since the closure may need to be temporarily distorted and forced over the lip.
  • some closures incorporate movable locking portions to facilitate removal of the closure from the container.
  • the movable locking portions block removal of the closure from the associated container; however, when moved to a second position the locking portions allow removal of the closure from the container.
  • Such closures may still be difficult to remove from a container because the locking portions may require use of a relatively large removal force or may be inconveniently situated.
  • known locking portions that do not require the use of a large removal force tend to only lightly engage the container and may easily become undesirably separated from the container.
  • a container and closure assembly includes a container defining an opening and having a lip positioned around the opening.
  • the lip defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer surface therebetween.
  • the container and closure assembly also includes a closure configured to be attached to the container.
  • the closure includes a top portion defining a circular periphery, and a first skirt portion extending downwardly from the circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space.
  • the closure also includes a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of the cylindrical structure.
  • the second skirt portion has a first side edge and a second side edge that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap.
  • the closure also includes a tab extending downwardly from a second part of the cylindrical structure and positioned in the gap.
  • the closure further includes a first vertex segment attached to the second skirt portion, a second vertex segment attached to the tab, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs.
  • the plurality of spaced apart ribs are positioned at least partially in the first internal closure space, and are attached to both the top portion and the cylindrical structure.
  • a closure includes a top portion defining a circular periphery, and a first skirt portion extending downwardly from the circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space.
  • the closure further includes a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of the cylindrical structure.
  • the second skirt portion includes a first side edge and a second side edge that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap.
  • the closure further includes a tab extending downwardly from a second part of the cylindrical structure and positioned in the gap.
  • the closure still further includes a first vertex segment attached to the second skirt portion, a second vertex segment attached to the tab, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs.
  • the plurality of spaced apart ribs are each positioned at least partially in the first internal closure space and are attached to both the top portion and the cylindrical structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and closure assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross sectional view of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the closure of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the closure of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the closure of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 , however, showing an alternative shape of the top portions of the slits 126 , 130 .
  • the container and closure assembly 10 includes a container 14 and a closure 18 .
  • the container 14 holds a quantity of dry, liquid, and/or semi-liquid product.
  • the container 14 may be used to contain a food product for human consumption.
  • the container 14 may be made from materials that are conventionally used for the storage and after-purchase heating of food products.
  • the container 14 may be made from materials that enable a user to heat the food product stored within the container 14 by placing the container 14 in a microwave oven, as described below.
  • the container 14 includes a body 22 and a lip 26 .
  • the body 22 may have any shape that is suitable to contain a food product.
  • the body 22 may have an approximately cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular, or other polygonal shape.
  • the bottom of the body 22 is closed to contain the food product therein; however, an upper end 34 of the body 22 defines an opening 30 through which a product contained within the container 14 may be withdrawn.
  • the lip 26 includes surfaces that cooperate with the closure 18 to secure the closure 18 to the container 14 .
  • the lip 26 is connected to the upper end 34 of the body 22 , and is positioned completely around the opening 30 .
  • the lip 26 may be separately made and connected to the body 22 .
  • the lip 26 may be a metallic component that is coupled to a polymeric body 22 as is conventional in the art of containers of this type.
  • the lip 26 may be integrally formed with the body 22 by a thermoplastic molding process so that both the lip 26 and the body 22 collectively define a single polymeric component.
  • the lip 26 defines a top surface 38 and a bottom surface 42 .
  • the lip 26 further defines an outer surface 46 positioned between the top surface 38 and the bottom surface 42 .
  • Each of the top surface 38 , the bottom surface 42 , and the outer surface 46 are configured to interface with a portion of the closure 18 when the closure 18 is coupled to the container 14 .
  • a distinct separation between the top surface 38 , bottom surface 42 , and outer surface 46 may not be readily discernable.
  • the lip 26 may have a largely rounded shape without sharp corners to define the surfaces.
  • the top surface 38 , bottom surface 42 , and outer surface 46 refer to the top, bottom, and outer portions of the lip 26 regardless of whether the surfaces are clearly defined.
  • a top portion (not illustrated) of the container 14 may be removably connected to the lip 26 of the container 14 .
  • the top portion may cover the opening 30 and provide an air-tight seal for the container 14 . Accordingly, food products may be stored in the container 14 for a substantial period of time without spoiling.
  • a circular score line (not shown) may be defined in the top of the container to facilitate separation of the top portion from the lip so as to allow easy opening and access to the contained food product without the need for an additional tool such as a can opener.
  • the top portion may include a pull tab (not shown) to facilitate separation of the top portion from the rest of the container 14 .
  • the closure 18 of the container and closure assembly 10 may be detached from the container 14 to expose the top portion of the container. After the closure 18 is detached from the container 14 , the top portion may be separated from the rest of the container 14 to create the opening 30 through which a food product may be withdrawn from the container 14 . Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1 , the closure 18 may be reattached to the container 14 . Then, the container and closure assembly 10 (now without its container top portion) may be placed in a microwave oven for heating of the food product contained in the container 14 .
  • the closure 18 may be made from materials conventionally used for the storage and after-purchase heating of food products.
  • materials for making the closure 18 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (“PP”) and other injection moldable thermoplastics.
  • PP polypropylene
  • the closure 18 may be made from nucleated PP having a density of approximately 0.800 to 1.00 grams per cubic centimeter and a melt index of approximately 50 to 170 grams per 10 minutes.
  • the closure 18 includes a top portion 50 , a skirt portion 54 , and a skirt portion 58 .
  • the top portion 50 defines a periphery of the closure 18 .
  • the top portion 50 may define a circular periphery 62 ; however, the top portion 50 may define a periphery of any shape as required by the shape of the opening 30 .
  • the top portion 50 may have a diameter between approximately 9.0 to 12.0 centimeters and may be formed of a material having a thickness of approximately 0.20 to 0.60 millimeters.
  • the top portion 50 may include a plurality of vent holes 66 to allow steam to pass through closure 18 .
  • the skirt portion 54 extends downward from the circular periphery 62 of the top portion 50 to form a cylindrical structure 70 defining an internal closure space 74 .
  • the skirt portion 54 may extend downward from the circular periphery 62 approximately 0.30 to 0.70 centimeters.
  • the skirt portion 54 may have a thickness of approximately 0.4 to 0.8 millimeters.
  • the skirt portion 58 extends downward from a part 78 of the cylindrical structure 70 .
  • the skirt portion 58 may extend downward from the part 78 of the cylindrical structure 70 approximately 0.7 to 1.2 centimeters.
  • the skirt portion 58 includes a side edge 82 and a side edge 86 that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap 90 .
  • the skirt portion 58 may also include a bottom skirt portion 94 that defines a skirt ridge 98 .
  • the skirt ridge 98 extends from the side edge 82 to the side edge 86 . Additionally, when the closure 18 is secured to the container 14 the skirt portion 58 contacts the outer surface 46 of the lip 26 .
  • the closure 18 further includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs 102 that increase the rigidity of the closure 18 .
  • the ribs 102 are positioned at least partially in the first internal closure space 74 and are attached to both the top portion 50 and the cylindrical structure 70 .
  • the ribs 102 may be located completely within the first internal closure space 74 as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the ribs 102 extend from the top portion 50 a distance approximately equal to the distance the skirt portion 54 extends from the circular periphery 62 .
  • the ribs 102 have a width W that is between approximately 3.0 to 10.0 millimeters. Additionally, the ribs 102 may be approximately equally spaced apart along the cylindrical structure 70 as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the ribs 102 are configured to become seated upon the lip 26 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the ribs 102 define a plurality of bottom rib edges 106 configured to contact the top surface 38 of the lip 26 when the closure 18 is secured to the container 14 .
  • the bottom rib edges 106 define a plane P.
  • the plane P forms a boundary between the skirt portion 54 and the skirt portion 58 .
  • the skirt portion 54 is located above the plane P, and the skirt portion 58 is located below the plane P.
  • the closure 18 includes a tab 110 that may be moved or pivoted from a default or relaxed position (see FIG. 3 —solid lines) to an unrelaxed position (see FIG. 3 —phantom lines).
  • a tab 110 When the tab 110 is located in the unrelaxed position, the closure 18 is unlocked from the container 14 and may be easily removed therefrom.
  • the tab 110 is located in its relaxed position, the closure 18 is locked to (or positively engaged with) the container 14 .
  • the tab 110 extends downward from a part 114 of the cylindrical structure 70 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ). As shown in FIG. 4 , the tab 110 is positioned in a gap 90 defined by a rib 118 and a rib 122 .
  • the rib 118 has a surface that defines a plane P 1 .
  • the rib 122 has a surface that defines a plane P 2 .
  • the tab 110 is located completely between the plane P 1 and the plane P 2 to enable the tab 110 to move easily from its relaxed position (solid in FIG. 3 ) to its unrelaxed position (phantom in FIG. 3 ).
  • the tab 110 defines a width that extends from the side edge 82 to the side edge 86 . The width of the tab 110 is approximately 1.0 to 3.0 centimeters.
  • the closure 18 defines a slit 126 and a slit 130 that forms the tab 110 .
  • the slits 126 , 130 separate the tab 110 from the skirt portion 58 .
  • the slit 126 is defined between the side edge 82 of the skirt portion 58 and the tab 110 .
  • the slit 130 is defined between the side edge 86 of the skirt portion 58 and the tab 110 .
  • the position of the slits 126 , 130 is also defined in relation to the plane P 1 and the plane P 2 .
  • the slit 126 may be located between the plane P 1 and the plane P 2 .
  • the slit 130 is located between the plane P 1 and the plane P 2 .
  • the slit 126 and the slit 130 each extends from the bottom to the top of the skirt portion 58 .
  • the slits 126 , 130 do not extend into the first skirt portion 54 .
  • the slit 126 defines a closed slit end 134 and the slit 130 defines a closed slit end 138 .
  • Both the closed slit end 134 and the closed slit end 138 lie within the plane P.
  • the closed slit end 134 and the closed slit end 138 do not extend into the skirt portion 54 .
  • the closed slit end 134 ′ and the closed slit end 138 ′ may have a rounded or radiused shape.
  • the process used to form the slits 126 , 130 may depend on the process used to form the closure 18 .
  • the slits 126 , 130 may be formed by a pair of contact points between first and second mold components of the injection molding machine.
  • the contact points are points of physical contact between the first and second mold components that define two regions in which molten plastic cannot infiltrate, thereby creating a pair of voids in the closure 18 corresponding to the slits 126 , 130 .
  • the slits 126 , 130 may be cut into the closure 18 after the rest of the closure 18 is formed.
  • a heated cutting instrument or a traditional cutting instrument may be used to cut the slits 126 , 130 into the closure 18 .
  • the tab 110 may include a bottom tab portion 142 which defines a tab ridge 146 .
  • the tab ridge 146 may frictionally engage a user's finger to enable the tab 110 to be easily pivoted from the relaxed position (solid lines) to the unrelaxed position (phantom lines).
  • the tab ridge 146 may extend from the slit 126 to the slit 130 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
  • the closure 18 further includes at least two detents provided as protrusions, protuberances, or vertex segments 150 , 154 configured to secure the closure 18 to the container 14 .
  • the vertex segment 150 is attached to the skirt portion 58 (see FIGS. 2 and 4 ).
  • the vertex segment 154 as shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , and 7 , is attached to the tab 110 .
  • the vertex segments 150 , 154 engage the lip 26 to secure the closure 18 to the container 14 .
  • the tab 110 is moved to the unrelaxed position (as shown in phantom in FIG. 3 ) so that the vertex segment 154 is disengaged from the lip 26 thereby permitting the closure 18 to be easily removed from the container 14 .
  • the vertex segment 150 has a length that extends for a distance at least partially around the skirt portion 58 . In particular, the vertex segment 150 extends for a distance D 1 as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the vertex segment 154 has a length that extends for a distance at least partially around the tab 110 . In particular, the vertex segment 154 extends for a distance D 2 as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the vertex segment 154 may extend from the slit 126 to the slit 130 .
  • the distance D 1 is approximately equal to the distance D 2 .
  • the vertex segments 150 , 154 secure the closure 18 to the container 14 by overlapping with the lip 26 .
  • the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 is positioned in contact with the vertex segments 150 , 154 .
  • the vertex segments 150 , 154 include an approximately flat upper surface 158 , 162 configured to extend below the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 when the closure 18 is coupled to the container 14 .
  • the flat surfaces 158 , 162 may overlap the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 between approximately 0.8 to 1.5 millimeters.
  • a greater amount of overlap between the flat surfaces 158 , 162 and the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 may result in a closure 18 that is more securely coupled to the container 14 .
  • the flat surface 158 and the flat surface 162 are configured to abut the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 . Accordingly, the flat surfaces 158 , 162 prevent the closure 18 from being removed from the container 14 when the tab 110 is in the relaxed position.
  • the tab 110 may be moved to its unrelaxed position (phantom in FIG. 3 ) in which flat surface 162 is spaced apart from the upper end 34 of the container 14 and does not overlap the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 .
  • the flat surface 162 is spaced apart from the lip 26 thereby permitting the closure 18 to be easily removed from the container 14 .
  • the position of the vertex segments 150 , 154 may be defined in relation to an internal closure space 166 .
  • the skirt portion 58 and the tab 110 lies in an annular space 170 .
  • the annular space 170 encircles the internal closure space 166 .
  • Both the vertex segment 150 and the vertex segment 154 are located in the internal closure space 166 .
  • the container and closure assembly 10 may be used to contain a food product contained therein.
  • a user prepares the food product stored within the container 14 for consumption by first removing the closure 18 from the container 14 .
  • the user grasps the tab 110 and moves it from its relaxed position to its unrelaxed position in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the user applies an upward force to the closure 18 in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 2 to lift the vertex segment 154 away from the lip 26 .
  • vertex segment 154 has been lifted away from the lip, the closure 18 may be easily removed from the container 14 . Thereafter, pressure on the tab 110 may be relaxed so that the tab 110 returns to its relaxed state.
  • a user may separate the top portion from the rest of the container 14 .
  • the top portion is separated by grasping a pull tab connected to the top portion, and pulling the pull tab away from the container 14 as is known in the art. Separation of the top portion from the container 14 creates the opening 30 through which the food product may be withdrawn from the container.
  • the user reattaches to the closure 18 to the container 14 after removing the top portion.
  • a user places the closure 18 on top of the container 14 such that the internal closure space 166 surrounds the upper portion of the container 14 .
  • the user applies a downward force to the top portion 50 in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 2 thereby causing the vertex segments 150 , 154 to engage the lip 26 of the container 14 as described above.
  • the downward force may also be applied to the circular periphery 62 until the upper surface 38 of the lip 26 is seated upon the bottom rib edges 106 .
  • the container and closure assembly 10 may be placed in a microwave oven to heat the food product contained in the container 14 .
  • the vertex segments 150 , 154 ensure that the closure 18 remains securely coupled to the closure assembly 10 during the heating process. Additionally, the top portion 50 of the closure 18 prevents the food product from boiling over or spattering as the microwave oven heats the food product. Additionally, the vent holes 66 permit steam to advance out of the container and closure assembly 10 . After the microwave oven has heated the food product to the desired temperature, the closure 18 may be removed from the container 14 as described above.

Abstract

A container and closure assembly includes a container defining an opening and having a lip positioned around the opening. The assembly also includes a closure configured to be attached to the container. The closure includes a top portion defining a circular periphery, and a first skirt portion extending downwardly from the circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space. The closure also includes a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of the cylindrical structure. The second skirt portion has a first side edge and a second side edge that form a gap. A tab extends downwardly from a second part of the cylindrical structure and is positioned in the gap. A first vertex segment is attached to the second skirt portion, and a second vertex segment is attached to the tab.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present disclosure generally relates to assemblies that include a container and a removable closure associated therewith. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a closure having a tab, which is configured to facilitate removal of the closure from an associated container.
  • BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART
  • Container assemblies are useful for storing products therein. In particular, container assemblies may be used to store prepared food products, such as soups, pastas, and other foodstuffs. Container assemblies may include a container and a removable a closure. The container includes a removable top portion that may be separated from the rest of the container to expose the contents therein. In use, the container holds a quantity of dry, liquid, or semi-liquid product, such as foodstuffs, therein. The container may have a generally cylindrical shape and a generally flat bottom. The cylindrical portion of the container defines a cavity suitable to contain the product. The flat bottom stabilizes the container when the container is placed on a flat surface, such as a table. Users may withdraw the product within the container through an opening in the top of the container. Some containers are made of materials that may be placed in a microwave oven, enabling users to heat the product within the container easily and quickly.
  • The container may further include a lip that defines the opening in the top of the container after the removable top portion is separated from the lip. The lip may be part of a separate structure that is attached to the generally cylindrical wall of the container, or alternatively may be formed integral with the cylindrical wall. The lip may cooperate with the closure to ensure the closure remains secured to the container.
  • The removable top portion closes the opening in the top of the container to prevent the product within the container from spilling and/or leaking from the container through the opening. Additionally, the removable top portion may form an air and liquid impervious seal that preserves the freshness of a food product stored within the container. When closing the opening of the container, the removable top portion is connected to the lip. The removable top portion may include a pull tab or other similar device to assist a user in detaching the removable top portion from the rest of the container. Once the removable top portion has been detached from the container, it may not be reattached thereto.
  • The closure is configured to be removably connected to the container. In particular, before use, the closure fits over the lip and the removable top portion. Additionally, after the top portion has been removed from the rest of the container, the closure may be coupled to the container to prevent some of the food product within the container from splattering out of the container while the food product is being heated in a microwave oven.
  • The closure may define a space into which the lip of the container is fitted when the closure is connected to the container to ensure the closure remains coupled to the container. Removal of the closure from the container does not require a separate tool; however, removal of the closure from the container may be relatively difficult since the closure may need to be temporarily distorted and forced over the lip.
  • In order to securely engage the container, but be readily removable therefrom, some closures incorporate movable locking portions to facilitate removal of the closure from the container. When in a first position the movable locking portions block removal of the closure from the associated container; however, when moved to a second position the locking portions allow removal of the closure from the container. Such closures, nonetheless, may still be difficult to remove from a container because the locking portions may require use of a relatively large removal force or may be inconveniently situated. Additionally, known locking portions that do not require the use of a large removal force tend to only lightly engage the container and may easily become undesirably separated from the container.
  • What is needed, therefore, is an improved container assembly. What is further needed is a closure that securely attaches to an associated container when coupled to the container, yet is readily removable therefrom.
  • SUMMARY
  • According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a container and closure assembly is provided. A container and closure assembly includes a container defining an opening and having a lip positioned around the opening. The lip defines a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer surface therebetween. The container and closure assembly also includes a closure configured to be attached to the container. The closure includes a top portion defining a circular periphery, and a first skirt portion extending downwardly from the circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space. The closure also includes a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of the cylindrical structure. The second skirt portion has a first side edge and a second side edge that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap. The closure also includes a tab extending downwardly from a second part of the cylindrical structure and positioned in the gap. The closure further includes a first vertex segment attached to the second skirt portion, a second vertex segment attached to the tab, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs. The plurality of spaced apart ribs are positioned at least partially in the first internal closure space, and are attached to both the top portion and the cylindrical structure. When the closure is secured to the container, the top surface of the lip is positioned in contact with the plurality of spaced apart ribs, the bottom surface of the lip is positioned in contact with both the first vertex segment and the second vertex segment, and the outer surface of the lip is positioned in contact with the second skirt portion.
  • According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a closure is provided. The closure includes a top portion defining a circular periphery, and a first skirt portion extending downwardly from the circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space. The closure further includes a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of the cylindrical structure. The second skirt portion includes a first side edge and a second side edge that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap. The closure further includes a tab extending downwardly from a second part of the cylindrical structure and positioned in the gap. The closure still further includes a first vertex segment attached to the second skirt portion, a second vertex segment attached to the tab, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs. The plurality of spaced apart ribs are each positioned at least partially in the first internal closure space and are attached to both the top portion and the cylindrical structure.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and closure assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross sectional view of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the closure of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the closure of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1; and
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the closure of the container and closure assembly of FIG. 1, however, showing an alternative shape of the top portions of the slits 126, 130.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • According to the present disclosure and referring now to FIG. 1, a container and closure assembly 10 is shown. The container and closure assembly 10 includes a container 14 and a closure 18. The container 14 holds a quantity of dry, liquid, and/or semi-liquid product. In particular, the container 14 may be used to contain a food product for human consumption. Accordingly, the container 14 may be made from materials that are conventionally used for the storage and after-purchase heating of food products. Specifically, the container 14 may be made from materials that enable a user to heat the food product stored within the container 14 by placing the container 14 in a microwave oven, as described below.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, the container 14 includes a body 22 and a lip 26. The body 22 may have any shape that is suitable to contain a food product. For instance, the body 22 may have an approximately cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular, or other polygonal shape. The bottom of the body 22 is closed to contain the food product therein; however, an upper end 34 of the body 22 defines an opening 30 through which a product contained within the container 14 may be withdrawn.
  • Referring now to FIG. 3, the lip 26 includes surfaces that cooperate with the closure 18 to secure the closure 18 to the container 14. The lip 26 is connected to the upper end 34 of the body 22, and is positioned completely around the opening 30. The lip 26 may be separately made and connected to the body 22. For instance, the lip 26 may be a metallic component that is coupled to a polymeric body 22 as is conventional in the art of containers of this type. Alternatively, the lip 26 may be integrally formed with the body 22 by a thermoplastic molding process so that both the lip 26 and the body 22 collectively define a single polymeric component.
  • The lip 26 defines a top surface 38 and a bottom surface 42. The lip 26 further defines an outer surface 46 positioned between the top surface 38 and the bottom surface 42. Each of the top surface 38, the bottom surface 42, and the outer surface 46 are configured to interface with a portion of the closure 18 when the closure 18 is coupled to the container 14. Depending on the shape of the lip 26 a distinct separation between the top surface 38, bottom surface 42, and outer surface 46 may not be readily discernable. For instance, the lip 26 may have a largely rounded shape without sharp corners to define the surfaces. Accordingly, the top surface 38, bottom surface 42, and outer surface 46 refer to the top, bottom, and outer portions of the lip 26 regardless of whether the surfaces are clearly defined.
  • A top portion (not illustrated) of the container 14 may be removably connected to the lip 26 of the container 14. The top portion may cover the opening 30 and provide an air-tight seal for the container 14. Accordingly, food products may be stored in the container 14 for a substantial period of time without spoiling. A circular score line (not shown) may be defined in the top of the container to facilitate separation of the top portion from the lip so as to allow easy opening and access to the contained food product without the need for an additional tool such as a can opener. Additionally, the top portion may include a pull tab (not shown) to facilitate separation of the top portion from the rest of the container 14.
  • The closure 18 of the container and closure assembly 10 may be detached from the container 14 to expose the top portion of the container. After the closure 18 is detached from the container 14, the top portion may be separated from the rest of the container 14 to create the opening 30 through which a food product may be withdrawn from the container 14. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the closure 18 may be reattached to the container 14. Then, the container and closure assembly 10 (now without its container top portion) may be placed in a microwave oven for heating of the food product contained in the container 14.
  • The closure 18 may be made from materials conventionally used for the storage and after-purchase heating of food products. Exemplary, materials for making the closure 18 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (“PP”) and other injection moldable thermoplastics. Specifically, the closure 18 may be made from nucleated PP having a density of approximately 0.800 to 1.00 grams per cubic centimeter and a melt index of approximately 50 to 170 grams per 10 minutes.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the closure 18 includes a top portion 50, a skirt portion 54, and a skirt portion 58. The top portion 50 defines a periphery of the closure 18. In particular, the top portion 50 may define a circular periphery 62; however, the top portion 50 may define a periphery of any shape as required by the shape of the opening 30. The top portion 50 may have a diameter between approximately 9.0 to 12.0 centimeters and may be formed of a material having a thickness of approximately 0.20 to 0.60 millimeters. Additionally, the top portion 50 may include a plurality of vent holes 66 to allow steam to pass through closure 18.
  • Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the skirt portion 54 extends downward from the circular periphery 62 of the top portion 50 to form a cylindrical structure 70 defining an internal closure space 74. The skirt portion 54 may extend downward from the circular periphery 62 approximately 0.30 to 0.70 centimeters. The skirt portion 54 may have a thickness of approximately 0.4 to 0.8 millimeters.
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, the skirt portion 58 extends downward from a part 78 of the cylindrical structure 70. In particular, the skirt portion 58 may extend downward from the part 78 of the cylindrical structure 70 approximately 0.7 to 1.2 centimeters. The skirt portion 58 includes a side edge 82 and a side edge 86 that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap 90. As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the skirt portion 58 may also include a bottom skirt portion 94 that defines a skirt ridge 98. The skirt ridge 98 extends from the side edge 82 to the side edge 86. Additionally, when the closure 18 is secured to the container 14 the skirt portion 58 contacts the outer surface 46 of the lip 26.
  • The closure 18 further includes a plurality of spaced apart ribs 102 that increase the rigidity of the closure 18. The ribs 102 are positioned at least partially in the first internal closure space 74 and are attached to both the top portion 50 and the cylindrical structure 70. The ribs 102 may be located completely within the first internal closure space 74 as shown in FIG. 2. The ribs 102 extend from the top portion 50 a distance approximately equal to the distance the skirt portion 54 extends from the circular periphery 62. As shown in FIG. 4, the ribs 102 have a width W that is between approximately 3.0 to 10.0 millimeters. Additionally, the ribs 102 may be approximately equally spaced apart along the cylindrical structure 70 as shown in FIG. 4.
  • When the closure 18 is coupled to the container 14, the ribs 102 are configured to become seated upon the lip 26, as shown in FIG. 5. In particular, the ribs 102 define a plurality of bottom rib edges 106 configured to contact the top surface 38 of the lip 26 when the closure 18 is secured to the container 14. Additionally, the bottom rib edges 106 define a plane P. The plane P forms a boundary between the skirt portion 54 and the skirt portion 58. In particular, the skirt portion 54 is located above the plane P, and the skirt portion 58 is located below the plane P.
  • Referring again to FIG. 1, the closure 18 includes a tab 110 that may be moved or pivoted from a default or relaxed position (see FIG. 3—solid lines) to an unrelaxed position (see FIG. 3—phantom lines). When the tab 110 is located in the unrelaxed position, the closure 18 is unlocked from the container 14 and may be easily removed therefrom. On the other hand, when the tab 110 is located in its relaxed position, the closure 18 is locked to (or positively engaged with) the container 14.
  • The tab 110 extends downward from a part 114 of the cylindrical structure 70 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the tab 110 is positioned in a gap 90 defined by a rib 118 and a rib 122. In particular, the rib 118 has a surface that defines a plane P1. Likewise, the rib 122 has a surface that defines a plane P2. The tab 110 is located completely between the plane P1 and the plane P2 to enable the tab 110 to move easily from its relaxed position (solid in FIG. 3) to its unrelaxed position (phantom in FIG. 3). Additionally, the tab 110 defines a width that extends from the side edge 82 to the side edge 86. The width of the tab 110 is approximately 1.0 to 3.0 centimeters.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the closure 18 defines a slit 126 and a slit 130 that forms the tab 110. The slits 126, 130 separate the tab 110 from the skirt portion 58. The slit 126 is defined between the side edge 82 of the skirt portion 58 and the tab 110. Likewise, the slit 130 is defined between the side edge 86 of the skirt portion 58 and the tab 110. Additionally, the position of the slits 126, 130 is also defined in relation to the plane P1 and the plane P2. In particular, the slit 126 may be located between the plane P1 and the plane P2. Likewise, the slit 130 is located between the plane P1 and the plane P2.
  • The slit 126 and the slit 130 each extends from the bottom to the top of the skirt portion 58. The slits 126, 130 do not extend into the first skirt portion 54. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the slit 126 defines a closed slit end 134 and the slit 130 defines a closed slit end 138. Both the closed slit end 134 and the closed slit end 138 lie within the plane P. Note that the closed slit end 134 and the closed slit end 138 do not extend into the skirt portion 54. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the closed slit end 134′ and the closed slit end 138′ may have a rounded or radiused shape.
  • The process used to form the slits 126, 130 may depend on the process used to form the closure 18. For instance, if the closure 18 is formed utilizing an injection molding machine, the slits 126, 130 may be formed by a pair of contact points between first and second mold components of the injection molding machine. The contact points are points of physical contact between the first and second mold components that define two regions in which molten plastic cannot infiltrate, thereby creating a pair of voids in the closure 18 corresponding to the slits 126, 130. Alternatively, the slits 126, 130 may be cut into the closure 18 after the rest of the closure 18 is formed. For example, a heated cutting instrument or a traditional cutting instrument may be used to cut the slits 126, 130 into the closure 18.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the tab 110 may include a bottom tab portion 142 which defines a tab ridge 146. The tab ridge 146 may frictionally engage a user's finger to enable the tab 110 to be easily pivoted from the relaxed position (solid lines) to the unrelaxed position (phantom lines). The tab ridge 146 may extend from the slit 126 to the slit 130 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • The closure 18 further includes at least two detents provided as protrusions, protuberances, or vertex segments 150, 154 configured to secure the closure 18 to the container 14. The vertex segment 150 is attached to the skirt portion 58 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The vertex segment 154, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, is attached to the tab 110. When the closure 18 is coupled to the container 14, the vertex segments 150, 154 engage the lip 26 to secure the closure 18 to the container 14. To remove the closure 18 from the container 14, the tab 110 is moved to the unrelaxed position (as shown in phantom in FIG. 3) so that the vertex segment 154 is disengaged from the lip 26 thereby permitting the closure 18 to be easily removed from the container 14.
  • The vertex segment 150 has a length that extends for a distance at least partially around the skirt portion 58. In particular, the vertex segment 150 extends for a distance D1 as shown in FIG. 4. Similarly, the vertex segment 154 has a length that extends for a distance at least partially around the tab 110. In particular, the vertex segment 154 extends for a distance D2 as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the vertex segment 154 may extend from the slit 126 to the slit 130. The distance D1 is approximately equal to the distance D2.
  • Referring to FIG. 2, the vertex segments 150, 154 secure the closure 18 to the container 14 by overlapping with the lip 26. In particular, when the closure 18 is secured to the container 14 the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 is positioned in contact with the vertex segments 150, 154. To this end, the vertex segments 150, 154 include an approximately flat upper surface 158, 162 configured to extend below the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 when the closure 18 is coupled to the container 14. The flat surfaces 158, 162 may overlap the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 between approximately 0.8 to 1.5 millimeters. A greater amount of overlap between the flat surfaces 158, 162 and the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26 may result in a closure 18 that is more securely coupled to the container 14. For instance, when the tab 110 is in its relaxed position (solid in FIG. 3), the flat surface 158 and the flat surface 162 are configured to abut the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26. Accordingly, the flat surfaces 158, 162 prevent the closure 18 from being removed from the container 14 when the tab 110 is in the relaxed position. As mentioned above, however, the tab 110 may be moved to its unrelaxed position (phantom in FIG. 3) in which flat surface 162 is spaced apart from the upper end 34 of the container 14 and does not overlap the bottom surface 42 of the lip 26. When the tab 110 is in its unrelaxed position, the flat surface 162 is spaced apart from the lip 26 thereby permitting the closure 18 to be easily removed from the container 14.
  • As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the position of the vertex segments 150, 154 may be defined in relation to an internal closure space 166. In particular, the skirt portion 58 and the tab 110 lies in an annular space 170. The annular space 170 encircles the internal closure space 166. Both the vertex segment 150 and the vertex segment 154 are located in the internal closure space 166.
  • In operation, the container and closure assembly 10 may be used to contain a food product contained therein. Typically, a user prepares the food product stored within the container 14 for consumption by first removing the closure 18 from the container 14. To remove the closure 18 from the container 14 the user grasps the tab 110 and moves it from its relaxed position to its unrelaxed position in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 3. While holding the tab 110 in its unrelaxed position, the user applies an upward force to the closure 18 in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 2 to lift the vertex segment 154 away from the lip 26. Once vertex segment 154 has been lifted away from the lip, the closure 18 may be easily removed from the container 14. Thereafter, pressure on the tab 110 may be relaxed so that the tab 110 returns to its relaxed state.
  • After removing the closure 18 from the container 14, a user may separate the top portion from the rest of the container 14. The top portion is separated by grasping a pull tab connected to the top portion, and pulling the pull tab away from the container 14 as is known in the art. Separation of the top portion from the container 14 creates the opening 30 through which the food product may be withdrawn from the container.
  • If the user desires to heat the food product stored in the container 14, the user reattaches to the closure 18 to the container 14 after removing the top portion. To reattach the closure 18 to the container 14, a user places the closure 18 on top of the container 14 such that the internal closure space 166 surrounds the upper portion of the container 14. Next, the user applies a downward force to the top portion 50 in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 2 thereby causing the vertex segments 150, 154 to engage the lip 26 of the container 14 as described above. The downward force may also be applied to the circular periphery 62 until the upper surface 38 of the lip 26 is seated upon the bottom rib edges 106.
  • Once the closure 18 has been reattached to the container 14, the container and closure assembly 10 may be placed in a microwave oven to heat the food product contained in the container 14. The vertex segments 150, 154 ensure that the closure 18 remains securely coupled to the closure assembly 10 during the heating process. Additionally, the top portion 50 of the closure 18 prevents the food product from boiling over or spattering as the microwave oven heats the food product. Additionally, the vent holes 66 permit steam to advance out of the container and closure assembly 10. After the microwave oven has heated the food product to the desired temperature, the closure 18 may be removed from the container 14 as described above.
  • Variations and modifications of the present invention as described above are possible; however, all variations and modifications which are obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are considered to be within the scope of the protection granted by this Letters Patent.

Claims (20)

1. A container and closure assembly, comprising:
a container defining an opening and having a lip positioned around said opening, said lip defining a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer surface therebetween; and
a closure configured to be attached to said container, said closure including:
a top portion defining a circular periphery,
a first skirt portion extending downwardly from said circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space,
a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of said cylindrical structure, said second skirt portion having a first side edge and a second side edge that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap,
a tab extending downwardly from a second part of said cylindrical structure and positioned in said gap,
a first vertex segment attached to said second skirt portion,
a second vertex segment attached to said tab, and
a plurality of spaced apart ribs each being (i) positioned at least partially in said first internal closure space, and (ii) attached to both said top portion and said cylindrical structure,
wherein, when said closure is secured to said container, (i) said top surface of said lip is positioned in contact with said plurality of spaced apart ribs, (ii) said bottom surface of said lip is positioned in contact with both said first vertex segment and said second vertex segment, and (iii) said outer surface of said lip is positioned in contact with said second skirt portion.
2. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein:
said plurality of spaced apart ribs includes a first rib and a second rib,
said first rib has a first surface that defines a first plane P1,
said second rib has a second surface that defines a second plane P2, and
said tab is located completely between said first plane P1 and said second plane P2.
3. The container and closure assembly of claim 2, wherein:
a first slit is defined between said first edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
a second slit is defined between said second edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
said first slit is located between said first plane P1 and said second plane P2, and
said second slit is located between said first plane P1 and said second plane P2.
4. The container and closure assembly of claim 3, wherein said second vertex segment extends from said first slit to said second slit.
5. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein:
said first vertex segment extends for a first distance D1,
said second vertex segment extends for a second distance D2, and
said first distance D1 is approximately equal to said second distance D2.
6. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein:
said plurality of spaced apart ribs define a plurality of bottom rib edges that contact said top surface of said lip when said closure is secured to said container,
said plurality of bottom rib edges defines a plane P,
a first slit is defined between said first edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
a second slit is defined between said second edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
said first slit defines a first closed slit end,
said second slit defines a second closed slit end, and
both said first closed slit end and said second closed slit end lie within said plane P.
7. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of spaced apart ribs are equally spaced apart along said cylindrical structure.
8. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of spaced apart ribs are located completely within said first internal closure space.
9. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein:
said second skirt portion and said tab lie within an annular space,
said annular space encircles a second internal closure space, and
both said first vertex segment and said second vertex segment are located within said second internal closure space.
10. The container and closure assembly of claim 1, wherein:
a first slit is defined between said first edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
a second slit is defined between said second edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
said tab includes a bottom tab portion that defines a first ridge extending from said first slit to said second slit, and
said second skirt portion includes a bottom skirt portion that defines a second ridge extending from said first side edge to said second side edge.
11. A closure, comprising:
a top portion defining a circular periphery;
a first skirt portion extending downwardly from said circular periphery to form a cylindrical structure defining a first internal closure space;
a second skirt portion extending downwardly from a first part of said cylindrical structure, said second skirt portion having a first side edge and a second side edge that are spaced apart from each other to form a gap;
a tab extending downwardly from a second part of said cylindrical structure and positioned in said gap;
a first vertex segment attached to said second skirt portion;
a second vertex segment attached to said tab; and
a plurality of spaced apart ribs each being (i) positioned at least partially in said first internal closure space, and (ii) attached to both said top portion and said cylindrical structure.
12. The closure of claim 11, wherein:
said plurality of spaced apart ribs includes a first rib and a second rib,
said first rib has a first surface that defines a first plane P1,
said second rib has a second surface that defines a second plane P2, and
said tab is located completely between said first plane P1 and said second plane P2.
13. The closure of claim 12, wherein:
a first slit is defined between said first edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
a second slit is defined between said second edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
said first slit is located between said first plane P1 and said second plane P2, and
said second slit is located between said first plane P1 and said second plane P2.
14. The closure of claim 13, wherein said second vertex segment extends from said first slit to said second slit.
15. The closure of claim 11, wherein:
said first vertex segment extends for a first distance D1,
said second vertex segment extends for a second distance D2, and
said first distance D1 is approximately equal to said second distance D2.
16. The closure of claim 11, wherein:
said plurality of spaced apart ribs define a plurality of bottom rib edges,
said plurality of bottom rib edges defines a plane P,
a first slit is defined between said first edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
a second slit is defined between said second edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
said first slit defines a first closed slit end,
said second slit defines a second closed slit end, and
both said first closed slit end and said second closed slit end lie within said plane P.
17. The closure of claim 11, wherein said plurality of spaced apart ribs are equally spaced apart along said cylindrical structure.
18. The closure of claim 11, wherein said plurality of spaced apart ribs are located completely within said first internal closure space.
19. The closure of claim 11, wherein:
said second skirt portion and said tab lie within an annular space,
said annular space encircles a second internal closure space, and
both said first vertex segment and said second vertex segment are located within said second internal closure space.
20. The closure of claim 11, wherein:
a first slit is defined between said first edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
a second slit is defined between said second edge of said second skirt portion and said tab,
said tab includes a bottom tab portion that defines a first ridge extending from said first slit to said second slit, and
said second skirt portion includes a bottom skirt portion that defines a second ridge extending from said first side edge to said second side edge.
US12/429,508 2009-04-24 2009-04-24 Container and closure assembly Abandoned US20100270306A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/429,508 US20100270306A1 (en) 2009-04-24 2009-04-24 Container and closure assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/429,508 US20100270306A1 (en) 2009-04-24 2009-04-24 Container and closure assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100270306A1 true US20100270306A1 (en) 2010-10-28

Family

ID=42991214

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/429,508 Abandoned US20100270306A1 (en) 2009-04-24 2009-04-24 Container and closure assembly

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20100270306A1 (en)

Cited By (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8221454B2 (en) 2004-02-20 2012-07-17 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for performing meniscus repair
US8231654B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2012-07-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US8273106B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-09-25 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair and conduit device
US8292921B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-10-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US8298262B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-10-30 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for tissue fixation
US8303604B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2012-11-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and method
US8317825B2 (en) 2004-11-09 2012-11-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue conduit device and method
US8337525B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-12-25 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US8343227B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2013-01-01 Biomet Manufacturing Corp. Knee prosthesis assembly with ligament link
US8361113B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-01-29 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8409253B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-04-02 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US8500818B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2013-08-06 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Knee prosthesis assembly with ligament link
US8506597B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2013-08-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for interosseous membrane reconstruction
US8551140B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2013-10-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US8562647B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2013-10-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone
US8562645B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2013-10-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8574235B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-11-05 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for trochanteric reattachment
US8597327B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-12-03 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Method and apparatus for sternal closure
US8608777B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-12-17 Biomet Sports Medicine Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8652171B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-02-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation
US8652172B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-02-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Flexible anchors for tissue fixation
US8672968B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2014-03-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US8672969B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2014-03-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US8771352B2 (en) 2011-05-17 2014-07-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for tibial fixation of an ACL graft
US8777956B2 (en) 2006-08-16 2014-07-15 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Chondral defect repair
US8801783B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2014-08-12 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Prosthetic ligament system for knee joint
US8840645B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2014-09-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8932331B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-01-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US8936621B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-01-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8968364B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-03-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for fixation of an ACL graft
US8998949B2 (en) 2004-11-09 2015-04-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue conduit device
US9017381B2 (en) 2007-04-10 2015-04-28 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US9078644B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2015-07-14 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US9149267B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-10-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9271713B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-03-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for tensioning a suture
US9314241B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-04-19 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9357991B2 (en) 2011-11-03 2016-06-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for stitching tendons
US9370350B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-06-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9381013B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-07-05 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9538998B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-01-10 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for fracture fixation
US9572655B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2017-02-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9615822B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2017-04-11 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Insertion tools and method for soft anchor
US9700291B2 (en) 2014-06-03 2017-07-11 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Capsule retractor
US9757119B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2017-09-12 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Visual aid for identifying suture limbs arthroscopically
US9801708B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2017-10-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9918826B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2018-03-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Scaffold for spring ligament repair
US9918827B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-03-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Scaffold for spring ligament repair
US9955980B2 (en) 2015-02-24 2018-05-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Anatomic soft tissue repair
US10039543B2 (en) 2014-08-22 2018-08-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Non-sliding soft anchor
US10136886B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2018-11-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Knotless soft tissue devices and techniques
US10407222B2 (en) * 2012-02-16 2019-09-10 David O. Allen Container and closure assembly
US10517587B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2019-12-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US10912551B2 (en) 2015-03-31 2021-02-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Suture anchor with soft anchor of electrospun fibers
US11259794B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2022-03-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US11259792B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-03-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US11311287B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-04-26 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for tissue fixation

Citations (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3532244A (en) * 1969-01-17 1970-10-06 Growth Int Ind Corp Seal for resealable bucket closure
US3550807A (en) * 1969-09-15 1970-12-29 Growth Int Ind Corp Reinforcing structure for receiving a bail
US3642161A (en) * 1970-07-29 1972-02-15 Ray D Stroud Safety lid
US3688942A (en) * 1970-11-20 1972-09-05 Continental Can Co Container and closure combination
US3703975A (en) * 1970-06-19 1972-11-28 William C Wittemer Safety closure
US3885712A (en) * 1974-06-28 1975-05-27 Sidney M Libit Childproof closures of the pull-push type
US4119239A (en) * 1976-05-24 1978-10-10 Cities Service Company Container lock device
US4387828A (en) * 1980-02-11 1983-06-14 Yates Jr George Plastic container and lid
US4467938A (en) * 1983-08-25 1984-08-28 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Closure-opening device
US4480762A (en) * 1982-06-11 1984-11-06 Ryder International Corporation Reuseable vial cap
US4511051A (en) * 1984-05-21 1985-04-16 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Child-resistant package with tamper indicating device
US4526289A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-07-02 Schiemann Dr Wolfram Screw stopper for a can
US4579257A (en) * 1983-06-25 1986-04-01 Braendlein Manfred Closure for beverage cans or the like
US4676388A (en) * 1985-06-04 1987-06-30 Florex Co., Ltd. Safety lockable container
USD291971S (en) * 1985-03-05 1987-09-22 Sealright Co., Inc. Container lid
US4697719A (en) * 1986-11-03 1987-10-06 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Foil-lid combination for containers
US4735337A (en) * 1987-05-26 1988-04-05 Holdt J W Von Plastic lid having opening means
US4949865A (en) * 1990-01-02 1990-08-21 Williams Industries, Inc. Container lid with integral stopper
USD311140S (en) * 1987-03-04 1990-10-09 Highland Plastics Tamper resistant container lid
USD320560S (en) * 1989-09-29 1991-10-08 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Combined closure and opener for a cup lid
US5062552A (en) * 1989-01-11 1991-11-05 Walter Heubel Spout for different size cans
US5292017A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-03-08 Calmar Inc. Child-resistant closure with easy opening feature
US5310981A (en) * 1993-07-23 1994-05-10 Ensar Corporation Microwave cooker
US5375730A (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-12-27 Columbian Chemicals Company Unloading valve for hopper car
US5449077A (en) * 1994-09-13 1995-09-12 Seidler; David Bottle with child resistant cap
US5720408A (en) * 1993-10-25 1998-02-24 Schmid; Dieter Sealing cap for cans of various diameters provided with an edge beading
US5769258A (en) * 1994-08-03 1998-06-23 Pewter (No. 2) Limited Pressure vessels
US5839601A (en) * 1996-12-18 1998-11-24 Amhil Enterprises Disposable dome lid for drinking cups
US5865330A (en) * 1996-10-21 1999-02-02 Van Blarcom Closures, Inc. Child resistant cap
US5881907A (en) * 1993-11-24 1999-03-16 Schutz-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg Sealing cap with metal insert for sheet metal containers for corrosive liquids
US5908125A (en) * 1997-04-16 1999-06-01 Weatherchem Corporation Child-resistant screw-on cap and bottle
US6213301B1 (en) * 1997-11-20 2001-04-10 General Mills, Inc. Plastic container for food products
US6431385B1 (en) * 1998-12-31 2002-08-13 Kenneth S. Palmer Wide-mouth reclosable container and cover device
US6439409B1 (en) * 2001-01-03 2002-08-27 Mark W. Dressel Child-resistant and elder-friendly vial closure system
US20030015542A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2003-01-23 National Can Company Pty Ltd. Resealable closure for a container
US20030085227A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-05-08 Azzarello Francis T Child proof and tamper evident container
US6575323B1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2003-06-10 Weatherchem Corporation Closure with dispensing flap stay-open construction
US6612450B1 (en) * 2001-03-07 2003-09-02 Van Blarcom Closures, Inc. Reversible cap
US20040195241A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2004-10-07 Stull Jameson P. Removable/reusable closure for containers
US20050145627A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2005-07-07 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable and reusable container closure with vent
USD527633S1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2006-09-05 Stull Technologies Container lid
US20070114236A1 (en) * 2005-11-15 2007-05-24 Tech Ii, Inc. Container lid and associated assembly
US20070164027A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-07-19 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring
US20080078763A1 (en) * 2006-10-03 2008-04-03 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable locking container cover with slotted outer skirt
US20090223967A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-10 Silgan Plastics Corporation Container with overcap
US7687004B2 (en) * 2007-05-16 2010-03-30 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Process of making a closure adapted to be used with a container
US7861881B2 (en) * 2004-10-28 2011-01-04 General Mills Cereals, Llc. Removable overcap for microwaveable packaged good article

Patent Citations (49)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3532244A (en) * 1969-01-17 1970-10-06 Growth Int Ind Corp Seal for resealable bucket closure
US3550807A (en) * 1969-09-15 1970-12-29 Growth Int Ind Corp Reinforcing structure for receiving a bail
US3703975A (en) * 1970-06-19 1972-11-28 William C Wittemer Safety closure
US3642161A (en) * 1970-07-29 1972-02-15 Ray D Stroud Safety lid
US3688942A (en) * 1970-11-20 1972-09-05 Continental Can Co Container and closure combination
US3885712A (en) * 1974-06-28 1975-05-27 Sidney M Libit Childproof closures of the pull-push type
US4119239A (en) * 1976-05-24 1978-10-10 Cities Service Company Container lock device
US4387828A (en) * 1980-02-11 1983-06-14 Yates Jr George Plastic container and lid
US4480762A (en) * 1982-06-11 1984-11-06 Ryder International Corporation Reuseable vial cap
US4579257A (en) * 1983-06-25 1986-04-01 Braendlein Manfred Closure for beverage cans or the like
US4526289A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-07-02 Schiemann Dr Wolfram Screw stopper for a can
US4467938A (en) * 1983-08-25 1984-08-28 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Closure-opening device
US4511051A (en) * 1984-05-21 1985-04-16 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Child-resistant package with tamper indicating device
USD291971S (en) * 1985-03-05 1987-09-22 Sealright Co., Inc. Container lid
US4676388A (en) * 1985-06-04 1987-06-30 Florex Co., Ltd. Safety lockable container
US4697719A (en) * 1986-11-03 1987-10-06 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Foil-lid combination for containers
USD311140S (en) * 1987-03-04 1990-10-09 Highland Plastics Tamper resistant container lid
US4735337A (en) * 1987-05-26 1988-04-05 Holdt J W Von Plastic lid having opening means
US5062552A (en) * 1989-01-11 1991-11-05 Walter Heubel Spout for different size cans
USD320560S (en) * 1989-09-29 1991-10-08 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Combined closure and opener for a cup lid
US4949865A (en) * 1990-01-02 1990-08-21 Williams Industries, Inc. Container lid with integral stopper
US5292017A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-03-08 Calmar Inc. Child-resistant closure with easy opening feature
US5375730A (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-12-27 Columbian Chemicals Company Unloading valve for hopper car
US5310981A (en) * 1993-07-23 1994-05-10 Ensar Corporation Microwave cooker
US5720408A (en) * 1993-10-25 1998-02-24 Schmid; Dieter Sealing cap for cans of various diameters provided with an edge beading
US5881907A (en) * 1993-11-24 1999-03-16 Schutz-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg Sealing cap with metal insert for sheet metal containers for corrosive liquids
US5769258A (en) * 1994-08-03 1998-06-23 Pewter (No. 2) Limited Pressure vessels
US5449077A (en) * 1994-09-13 1995-09-12 Seidler; David Bottle with child resistant cap
US5865330A (en) * 1996-10-21 1999-02-02 Van Blarcom Closures, Inc. Child resistant cap
US5839601A (en) * 1996-12-18 1998-11-24 Amhil Enterprises Disposable dome lid for drinking cups
US5908125A (en) * 1997-04-16 1999-06-01 Weatherchem Corporation Child-resistant screw-on cap and bottle
US6213301B1 (en) * 1997-11-20 2001-04-10 General Mills, Inc. Plastic container for food products
US6431385B1 (en) * 1998-12-31 2002-08-13 Kenneth S. Palmer Wide-mouth reclosable container and cover device
US20030015542A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2003-01-23 National Can Company Pty Ltd. Resealable closure for a container
US6439409B1 (en) * 2001-01-03 2002-08-27 Mark W. Dressel Child-resistant and elder-friendly vial closure system
US6612450B1 (en) * 2001-03-07 2003-09-02 Van Blarcom Closures, Inc. Reversible cap
US6575323B1 (en) * 2001-03-12 2003-06-10 Weatherchem Corporation Closure with dispensing flap stay-open construction
US20030085227A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-05-08 Azzarello Francis T Child proof and tamper evident container
US20040195241A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2004-10-07 Stull Jameson P. Removable/reusable closure for containers
US20050145627A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2005-07-07 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable and reusable container closure with vent
US7946443B2 (en) * 2003-04-03 2011-05-24 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable and reusable container closure with vent
USD527633S1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2006-09-05 Stull Technologies Container lid
US7861881B2 (en) * 2004-10-28 2011-01-04 General Mills Cereals, Llc. Removable overcap for microwaveable packaged good article
US20070164027A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-07-19 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable and reusable container closure with stiffening ring
US20070114236A1 (en) * 2005-11-15 2007-05-24 Tech Ii, Inc. Container lid and associated assembly
US20080078763A1 (en) * 2006-10-03 2008-04-03 Stull Technologies, Inc. Removable locking container cover with slotted outer skirt
US7687004B2 (en) * 2007-05-16 2010-03-30 Allen Tool Company, Inc. Process of making a closure adapted to be used with a container
US20090223967A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-10 Silgan Plastics Corporation Container with overcap
US7918360B2 (en) * 2008-03-07 2011-04-05 Silgan Plastics Corporation Container with overcap

Cited By (154)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8221454B2 (en) 2004-02-20 2012-07-17 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for performing meniscus repair
US8551140B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2013-10-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US11109857B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2021-09-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and method
US10265064B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2019-04-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and method
US9801708B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2017-10-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8303604B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2012-11-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and method
US9572655B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2017-02-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9504460B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2016-11-29 Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC. Soft tissue repair device and method
US8840645B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2014-09-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8317825B2 (en) 2004-11-09 2012-11-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue conduit device and method
US8998949B2 (en) 2004-11-09 2015-04-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue conduit device
US10729421B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-08-04 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation
US8652171B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-02-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation
US11896210B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2024-02-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US11819205B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2023-11-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US11786236B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2023-10-17 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US8574235B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-11-05 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for trochanteric reattachment
US8597327B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-12-03 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Method and apparatus for sternal closure
US11730464B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2023-08-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US8632569B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-01-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US10004489B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-06-26 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8652172B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-02-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Flexible anchors for tissue fixation
US11723648B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2023-08-15 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation
US11617572B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2023-04-04 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US8721684B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-05-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US8771316B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2014-07-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US11589859B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2023-02-28 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US11471147B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-10-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US11446019B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-09-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8409253B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-04-02 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US11317907B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-05-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8932331B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-01-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US8936621B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-01-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8968364B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-03-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for fixation of an ACL graft
US8361113B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-01-29 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9005287B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-04-14 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for bone reattachment
US11311287B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-04-26 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for tissue fixation
US11284884B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-03-29 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9149267B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-10-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9173651B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2015-11-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US11259792B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2022-03-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US9271713B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-03-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for tensioning a suture
US11116495B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2021-09-14 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US11065103B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2021-07-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for fixation of an ACL graft
US11039826B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2021-06-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US10987099B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2021-04-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for tissue fixation
US10973507B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2021-04-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9402621B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-08-02 Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC. Method for tissue fixation
US9414833B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-08-16 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US10932770B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2021-03-02 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US10729430B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-08-04 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9468433B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-10-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8273106B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-09-25 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair and conduit device
US9492158B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-11-15 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9498204B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-11-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US10716557B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-07-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US9510819B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-12-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US9510821B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2016-12-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US9532777B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-01-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10702259B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-07-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US9538998B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-01-10 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for fracture fixation
US9561025B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-02-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US8337525B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-12-25 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US9603591B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-03-28 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Flexible anchors for tissue fixation
US10695052B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-06-30 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9622736B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-04-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US9642661B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-05-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and Apparatus for Sternal Closure
US10687803B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-06-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10675073B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-06-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for sternal closure
US10603029B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-03-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US10595851B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-03-24 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9763656B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-09-19 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation
US10542967B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2020-01-28 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8298262B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-10-30 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for tissue fixation
US9801620B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2017-10-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
US10517587B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2019-12-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US10441264B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2019-10-15 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method
US10398428B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2019-09-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features
US10321906B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2019-06-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for tissue fixation
US8292921B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2012-10-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US9993241B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-06-12 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US10004588B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-06-26 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for fixation of an ACL graft
US10251637B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2019-04-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US8608777B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2013-12-17 Biomet Sports Medicine Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10022118B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-07-17 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10154837B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-12-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10092288B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-10-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10098629B2 (en) 2006-02-03 2018-10-16 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8777956B2 (en) 2006-08-16 2014-07-15 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Chondral defect repair
US10517714B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2019-12-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Ligament system for knee joint
US10695045B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2020-06-30 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for attaching soft tissue to bone
US9833230B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2017-12-05 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US10004493B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2018-06-26 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US10835232B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2020-11-17 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US11672527B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2023-06-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US10349931B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2019-07-16 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US8672969B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2014-03-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US10743925B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2020-08-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US10398430B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2019-09-03 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US9918826B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2018-03-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Scaffold for spring ligament repair
US11376115B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2022-07-05 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Prosthetic ligament system for knee joint
US8801783B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2014-08-12 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Prosthetic ligament system for knee joint
US9788876B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2017-10-17 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US8562645B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2013-10-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8672968B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2014-03-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US8500818B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2013-08-06 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Knee prosthesis assembly with ligament link
US9724090B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2017-08-08 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Method and apparatus for attaching soft tissue to bone
US10610217B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2020-04-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US9078644B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2015-07-14 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Fracture fixation device
US9681940B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2017-06-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Ligament system for knee joint
US11259794B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2022-03-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US8562647B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2013-10-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone
US9539003B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2017-01-10 Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC. Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US8231654B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2012-07-31 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US9486211B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2016-11-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for implanting soft tissue
US11096684B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2021-08-24 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable loop
US9414925B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2016-08-16 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Method of implanting a knee prosthesis assembly with a ligament link
US11612391B2 (en) 2007-01-16 2023-03-28 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
US9017381B2 (en) 2007-04-10 2015-04-28 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US9861351B2 (en) 2007-04-10 2018-01-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US10729423B2 (en) 2007-04-10 2020-08-04 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US11185320B2 (en) 2007-04-10 2021-11-30 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Adjustable knotless loops
US11534159B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2022-12-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US8343227B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2013-01-01 Biomet Manufacturing Corp. Knee prosthesis assembly with ligament link
US10149767B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2018-12-11 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Method of implanting knee prosthesis assembly with ligament link
US8900314B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2014-12-02 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly
US9216078B2 (en) 2011-05-17 2015-12-22 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for tibial fixation of an ACL graft
US8771352B2 (en) 2011-05-17 2014-07-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for tibial fixation of an ACL graft
US9445827B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2016-09-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for intraosseous membrane reconstruction
US8506597B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2013-08-13 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for interosseous membrane reconstruction
US11241305B2 (en) 2011-11-03 2022-02-08 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for stitching tendons
US10265159B2 (en) 2011-11-03 2019-04-23 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for stitching tendons
US9357991B2 (en) 2011-11-03 2016-06-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method and apparatus for stitching tendons
US10368856B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2019-08-06 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9314241B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-04-19 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10363028B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2019-07-30 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9370350B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-06-21 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9357992B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-06-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US9381013B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2016-07-05 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US11534157B2 (en) 2011-11-10 2022-12-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Method for coupling soft tissue to a bone
US10407222B2 (en) * 2012-02-16 2019-09-10 David O. Allen Container and closure assembly
US9757119B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2017-09-12 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Visual aid for identifying suture limbs arthroscopically
US9918827B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-03-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Scaffold for spring ligament repair
US10758221B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2020-09-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Scaffold for spring ligament repair
US10806443B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2020-10-20 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Knotless soft tissue devices and techniques
US10136886B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2018-11-27 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Knotless soft tissue devices and techniques
US11648004B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2023-05-16 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Knotless soft tissue devices and techniques
US9615822B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2017-04-11 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Insertion tools and method for soft anchor
US9700291B2 (en) 2014-06-03 2017-07-11 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Capsule retractor
US11219443B2 (en) 2014-08-22 2022-01-11 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Non-sliding soft anchor
US10743856B2 (en) 2014-08-22 2020-08-18 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Non-sliding soft anchor
US10039543B2 (en) 2014-08-22 2018-08-07 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Non-sliding soft anchor
US9955980B2 (en) 2015-02-24 2018-05-01 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Anatomic soft tissue repair
US10912551B2 (en) 2015-03-31 2021-02-09 Biomet Sports Medicine, Llc Suture anchor with soft anchor of electrospun fibers

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100270306A1 (en) Container and closure assembly
CA2674731C (en) Easily removable multi-paneled locking cover with mess-preventing ring
US2754866A (en) Flexible containers
US4986438A (en) Recloseable nesting tab container
US7918360B2 (en) Container with overcap
US7594588B2 (en) Removable locking container cover with slotted outer skirt
US8038026B2 (en) Removable locking container cover with slotted outer skirt
US10407222B2 (en) Container and closure assembly
US20130081364A1 (en) Container Assembly
US7594587B2 (en) Removable locking container cover
US20080116202A1 (en) Removable locking container lid with outer skirt
US10421589B1 (en) Scoop dock and assembly methods
US20080078760A1 (en) Easily removable multi-paneled locking cover
US20090184120A1 (en) Container Lid with Integrally Molded Utensil
JP2838518B2 (en) Plastic container with lid
MXPA03002602A (en) Feeding dishes for children.
CN113891840A (en) Container lid
GB2250271A (en) Unitary closure for a container
CA2925502A1 (en) Container and lid assembly
US20120043326A1 (en) Container and Closure Assembly
US4974742A (en) Container with foldable handles
JP6497802B2 (en) container
GB2541045A (en) A lid for beverage containers
JP3936416B2 (en) container
JP2002308333A (en) Packaging body storing liquid-impregnated stuff

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TECH II, INC., OHIO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHIFFER, DAVID A.;REEL/FRAME:022906/0615

Effective date: 20090528

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION