阅读说明：本技术 翻盖式封闭件和容器 (Flip-top closure and container ) 是由 G·拉里尔 于 2019-09-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：翻盖式类型的封闭件(10)以及与瓶子或其它容器组合的封闭件。所述封闭件包括可以可释放地被紧固至包装(74)的帽基部(12),所述帽基部包括开口。封闭折板(16)可移动地连接至所述帽基部,并且当其处于关闭位置时,适于防止液体经过帽基部开口从包装流出。所述封闭折板具有从其延伸且可移动地连接至所述封闭折板的锁定折板。提供了锁定折板紧固件(70),用于将所述锁定折板可释放地固定至所述帽基部或包装,以防止在运输和用户使用期间无意打开所述封闭件。所述锁定折板(38)可在正常使用期间塞进所述封闭折板内,并且用于在运输期间锁定所述封闭折板。所述锁定折板可设置在帽基部中的凹槽(20)中。(A closure (10) of the flip-top type and in combination with a bottle or other container. The closure includes a cap base (12) that may be releasably secured to a package (74), the cap base including an opening. A closure flap (16) is movably connected to the cap base and is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing out of the package through the cap base opening when it is in a closed position. The closure flap has a locking flap extending therefrom and movably connected to the closure flap. A locking flap fastener (70) is provided for releasably securing the locking flap to the cap base or package to prevent inadvertent opening of the closure during shipping and user use. The locking flap (38) is tuckable into the closure flap during normal use and serves to lock the closure flap during transport. The locking flap may be disposed in a recess (20) in the cap base.)

1. A closure (10) comprising:

a) a cap base (12) comprising a barrier to egress of liquid from the package (74) and comprising:

i) an opening (24), and

ii) a fastener for fastening the cap base (12) to the package (74),

b) a closure flap (16) movably connected to the cap base and adapted to prevent liquid in the package (74) from flowing out through the opening (24) when in a closed position, and adapted to prevent the liquid from flowing out of the package with the cap base,

c) the closure flap (16) having a locking flap (38) extending from an end thereof and being movably connected thereto,

d) the closure flap comprising a closure flap fastener for releasably securing the closure flap to the cap base, the closure flap comprising a platform (22), a side wall (28) depending from the platform (22) on each side of the platform (22);

e) the closure flap (16) having a bottom surface that contacts the cap base (12) when the closure flap is in a closed position,

f) the locking flap (38) having a locking flap fastener (70) for releasably securing the locking flap to one or both of the package (74) or the cap base (12),

g) the locking flap (38) has at least first (a) and second (B) selectable positions when the closure flap (16) is in the closed position, position (a) being below the closure flap bottom surface (22) and within the closure flap, the locking flap being tucked into the closure flap sidewall in position a, and position (B) being outside the closure flap (16), whereby the locking flap (38) may be secured to the package or the cap base.

2. The closure (10) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the closure flap (16) is pivotably connected to the cap base (12) at one end thereof, and wherein the locking flap (38) extends from a second end of the closure flap opposite the first end.

3. The closure (10) in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking flap fastener comprises an extension member (70) that can be snap-fit into an aperture (44) on the cap base to releasably secure the locking flap (38) on the cap base (12).

4. The closure of any preceding claim, wherein a locking flap (38) is connected to the closure flap (16) by one or more hinges (34).

5. The closure of claim 4, wherein at least one of the hinges (34) is received in a recess in the closure flap.

6. The closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, being releasably fastened to a package (74).

7. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a groove (20) in a top surface of the cap base, wherein the closure flap (16) is received within the groove (20) of the cap base when the closure flap is in the closed position.

8. The closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure flap (16) is pivotably connected to the cap base at one end thereof, and wherein the locking flap (38) extends from a second end of the closure flap opposite the first end.

9. The closure of any preceding claim, wherein the locking flap comprises an extension member (70) which can be snap-fitted into an aperture (44) on the cap base to releasably lock the locking flap (38) on the cap base (12).

10. The closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking flap (38) is connected to the closure flap (16) by one or more hinges (34).

11. The closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the hinges (34) is received in a recess on the closure flap.

12. The closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, being releasably fastened to a package (74).

13. The closure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking flap (38) is usable for locking the closure flap (16) if it is desired to reuse the locking flap.

14. The closure of any preceding claim, wherein in position (a), the locking flap (38) is held in the stowed position by a tab (64) connected to the platform (22).

Background

The integrity of closures on bottles and other containers has been a concern for consumer product manufacturers. Leakage of product during shipping can be a costly problem. Also, leakage of product in the hands of the consumer is detrimental to repeat purchases.

In the current e-commerce world, leakage concerns are magnified. It is somewhat easier to ensure that a large number of bottles are shipped together in their entirety than to protect the product from leakage during shipment of individual bottles from an e-commerce retailer or even e-commerce shipping from a manufacturer. Also, transporting the container through the user after the container has been opened can be problematic and result in product leakage, such as in a suitcase used in holidays.

A popular type of closure for consumer products such as shampoos, body washes, skin creams and the like is a flip-top closure in which a hinged flap is rotated between an open position and a closed position. For these and other types of closures, care is taken to ensure that the flaps do not open unexpectedly during shipping.

Various types of flip-top and other types of closures are described in the literature.

USD748949 to Long et al, USD749363 to Tacker et al, USD690559 to Lane, USD624357 to George, and 587969 to Gilbert USD disclose designs for containers and/or closures.

U.S. patent No. 4,533,058 to Uhlig discloses a one-piece molded thermoplastic child-resistant dispensing closure. The lid of the closure includes a recess for receiving the sealing flap.

U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0034644 to Wahl discloses a beverage container or bottle that includes a lower body portion and a selectively openable upper body portion. The upper body portion is configured to include a fastener that allows a user to selectively lock the panel in place by rotating the upper body portion relative to the remainder of the bottle.

EP 255632 to Laburu discloses a sealing cap.

US2014048549 to Wille relates to a container having a lid with a closure having at least three positions.

EP1460000 to Habermann discloses a lockable articulated seal and US2004/0026465 to Klopfer discloses an articulated seal.

FR2771386 relates to a closure connected to a product container and having a lid which is movable between a first open position in which it allows dispensing of product and a second closed position in which it prevents product flow. The lid has a tab (tab) permanently connected thereto and in the closed position, the tab is located in a horizontal region of the closure without protruding so as to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid in the event of an impact applied thereto.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to closures of the flip-top type and in combination with bottles or other containers.

The closure includes a cap base that can be releasably secured to a package, the cap base including an opening. A closure flap is movably connected to the cap base and is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing out of the package through the cap base opening when in a closed position. Part of the cap base constitutes a barrier which, together with the closure flap, is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing out of the package.

The closure flap has a locking flap extending therefrom, preferably from one end, and is movably connected thereto. Locking flap fasteners are provided for releasably securing the locking flap to the lid base or package to prevent inadvertent opening of the closure during shipping and user use.

In a first embodiment, the closure flap has a bottom surface that contacts the cap base when the closure flap is in the closed position, and the locking flap has at least first (a) and second (B) selectable positions when the closure flap is in the closed position. Position (a) is below the bottom surface of the closure flap and within the closure flap and position (B) is outside the closure flap, whereby the locking flap can be secured to the package or cap base. The locking flap is tucked under the closure flap in position a and in this position the closure can be more convenient for the user to use in everyday operations when there is no or reduced concern of inadvertent opening during transport.

In a second embodiment, which may be combined with the first embodiment, the cap base includes a groove in a top surface thereof. A closure flap is movably connected to the cap base and is received within the groove of the cap base when in a closed position and is adapted to prevent liquid from flowing out of the package through the opening when in the closed position. A locking flap extends from the closure flap for releasably securing the closure flap in the closed position. If desired, the locking flap may instead tuck under the closure flap when the closure flap is in the closed position, as in the first embodiment. In a second embodiment, the closure flap is received within the recess of the cap base when the closure flap is in the closed position, and the locking flap can be tucked under the closure flap.

The closure flap is preferably connected to the cap base using a living hinge. Also, the locking flap is preferably connected to the closure flap using a living hinge.

For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of a closure according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top right perspective view of the closure according to the present invention with the closure flap in the closed position.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the closure of fig. 2 with the closure flap partially opened.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the closure of fig. 2 with the closure flap open and the locking flap tucked into the closure flap.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the closure of fig. 1 with the closure flap in the closed position but with the locking flap tucked into the closure flap.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of line 6-6 of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a combined bottle and closure according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The closure 10 includes a cap base 12. The cap base 12 includes a top surface 14 and a cylindrical skirt 13 depending therefrom. The skirt 13 includes a semi-circular groove 40 shaped to receive a locking flap, as will be explained below. The recess 40 includes an aperture 44. Below the recess 40 and aperture 44 is a finger access recess 42 that allows a user to easily unlock the locking flap 38.

A closure flap 16 is formed in the surface 14, is movable, and is pivotally connected to the cap base 12 by a living hinge 18. Placing the closure flap 16 in the open position exposes the recess 20 in the top surface 14 of the cap base 12. The groove 20 is defined by a sidewall 56 depending from the surface 14 and a groove land 60 having the opening 24 disposed therein. It will be apparent that the platform 60 and surface 14 will constitute a barrier to the egress of liquid from the package to which the closure 12 is secured. The closure flap 16 includes a platform 22 that is a continuation of the top surface 14. The platform 22 includes a depending cylindrical plug 26. Closure flap sidewalls 28 depend from the platform 22 on each side of the platform 22.

At the end opposite the end to which the closure flap 16 is connected by the living hinge 18, the closure flap 16 includes recesses 30, 32 that receive living hinges 34, 36 by which a locking flap 38 is connected. The locking flap 38 pivots on the hinges 34, 36 at least between position (a) where it is tucked into the closure flap sidewall 28 and adjacent the platform 16 and position (B) where it is positioned to releasably secure the closure flap. In position (a), the locking flap 38 contacts the rib 50 on the underside of the platform 22 and is held in the stowed position by the tab 64 attached to the platform 22. The locking flap 38 may be snapped (snap) under the tab 64 or held by other locking structures.

The locking flap 38 includes a notch 48 that provides clearance for the locking flap to pivot without interfering with the proximal end of the closure flap. The locking flap 38 includes an arm or other extension member 70 that is snap fit (snap fit) within the aperture 44 when the locking flap is in the locked position shown in fig. 2. Generally, the closure 10 of the present invention will be secured to a bottle 74 or other package, as is apparent from fig. 7. Fasteners (not shown) will typically be present on the underside of the closure and may comprise screw or snap-fit mechanisms such as dimples (indentations), blisters (elements) and the like. A mating screw or other fastening structure may be present on the bottle neck.

In operation, during shipping of the package with the closure secured thereto, the closure flap 16 and locking flap 38 are in their closed, locked position, such as can be seen in fig. 1. In its closed position, the closure flap 16 is received within the recess 20 and the cylindrical plug 26 is tightly and lockingly releasably received within the opening 24. The diameter of the plug 26 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the opening 24 to provide a snap fit. The plug 26, together with the cap base 12, prevents liquid from flowing out of the bottle 74 or other packaging.

For shipping, it is preferred that the locking flap 38 be in its locking position (designated "B" in fig. 1) as seen in fig. 1 and 2, and that the extension member 70 of the locking flap be engaged with and received within the aperture 44 to help retain the closure flap 16 in its closed position. The closure can be easily opened by inserting a finger under the locking flap using the extra space provided by the groove 44.

Shipping via e-commerce typically requires shipping the products in individual packages, which may not be as secure as product pallets that manufacturers often use when shipping large quantities of products. The present closure provides an additional measure of protection against inadvertent opening of the closure flaps in response to the additional stresses to which the package is subjected during e-commerce shipping.

The extra protection against unintentional opening provided by the present invention requires an extra step of locking the locking flap, which may not be necessary or desirable in everyday household use of the product. On the other hand, the user may wish to take advantage of this additional protection possibility while traveling on business, vacation, or otherwise. The closure of the present invention thus provides the option of temporarily stowing the locking flap so that it does not interfere with normal use, while remaining usable if the user wishes to enjoy the additional protection that it provides when necessary to transport the package or for other situations where rough handling is anticipated. Stowing the locking flap 38 may be accomplished by rotating it so that it rests against the rib 50 and is retained by the tab 64 (e.g., position "a" in fig. 4).

When the locking flap is in the stowed position, a user can open and close the closure flap without interference or involvement from the locking flap. In particular, the additional step of snapping (snapping shut) the locking flap each time the closure is closed is avoided. The releasable engagement of the closure flap with the cap base, for example by snap-fitting a cylindrical plug 26 into the opening 24, is expected to be sufficient to prevent the closure from opening in normal use. If it is desired to reuse the locking flap, such as when shipping the package during travel, the locking flap 38 may simply be pulled away from the tab 64, allowing it to rotate freely about the hinges 34, 36, and may be used to lock the closure flap by inserting an arm or other extension member 70 into the aperture 44 (or using other locking mechanisms) as desired.

Typically, the connection of the closure flap to the cap base and the connection of the locking flap to the closure flap are not releasable connections, i.e., connections that can be easily severed by a user with moderate force without the use of tools such as a pair of scissors.

The adapter (adaptor) and living hinge are typically made of polypropylene or polyethylene. Post-consumer polypropylene may also be included. The coupling and/or living hinge may also be made from the hinge material described in U.S. patent 9,637,626 to Domoy et al, i.e., a molded piece with a hinge that is a polymer comprising a blend of a first High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin and a second HDPE resin different from the first HDPE,

wherein, when mixed: the first High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin has

a. A melt index (I) of about 0.5dg/min to 10dg/min_2,16)，

b. About 0.940g/cm³To 0.968g/cm³A density of (A), and

c. a Melt Flow ratio (Melt Flow) greater than about 25 Ratio)(I_21.6:I_2.16)；

And

melt flow ratio (I) of the second HDPE resin_21.6:I_2.16) Less than about 30. The disclosure of U.S. patent No. 9,637,626 to Domoy et al is incorporated herein by reference. The closure is typically manufactured using injection molding.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.