FR2768130A1 - CLOSURE FOR DISPENSING CONTAINERS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a time zone closure. It comprises: a) a peripheral side wall (131) for closure comprising an upper side wall (92) for closure, comprising a top surface (93) having a circumference or a perimeter, and a lower side wall for closure, comprising a base surface (111) having a circumference or perimeter; and b) a bearing (91) integral with the peripheral side wall and concentric with it, and having an upper surface recessed with respect to the surface (93) of the top. Preferably, the circumference of the top surface is greater than that of the base surface. It may include an intermediate channel, arranged between bearing and peripheral side wall and concentric with them, and / or a cover (84) attached to the peripheral side wall. The invention also relates to a process for producing, by molding, this closure.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of closures for containers.

and more particularly,

taper closures.

  The vast majority of dispensing containers currently used are sized

  to be used by adults. The hands of young children are much smaller, making it difficult for them to handle containers that have been designed10 for use by adults, and to effectively dispense a product therefrom.

  Conversely, it would be difficult for an adult to use a dispensing container which has been specially designed for use by small children.

  Another problem associated with conventional containers is that they are designed for distribution of products by adults, that is to say that the magnitude of the force necessary to remove a product from the container is commensurate with the strength of an adult hand. Children and the elderly, who are less robust than most adults, have less force to distribute products. It would therefore be desirable that the force required to dispense from a container is low so that the container is preferred by those who do not have

of significant manual force.

  In conventional packaging for toiletries, the products are often packaged to be stored in an upright orientation, that is to say in which the closed end of the container is oriented below its open end, in the manner the container of which is positioned when it is filled with the product which must be contained therein. While these products are frequently stored in an upright configuration, the product is often dispensed from the container in an inverted orientation. There is typically in the containers a certain residual charge, i.e. a volume of product which is not conveniently dispensed due to contact with the walls of the container. The amount of residual charge is accentuated in containers in which the product is stored in a first orientation and used in an opposite orientation. This problem is particularly accentuated in the case of viscous products such as

shampoos.

  Another problem with conventional containers is that they can slip out of the hands, especially when the hands are wet. This is especially a problem for containers of toiletries which are typically used by small children in a bath, for example

  shampoo or body wash.

  A structure which is particularly suitable for making inverted packages with a stable platform is the taper closure. However, due to the geometry of these closures, their manufacture is inherently difficult. More specifically, these closures must remain in their mold for a long period of time in order to completely cool their thickest areas, since they often form irregular "wells" or depressions in their outer surfaces if they

  are ejected prematurely from the mold.

  It is therefore a first object of the invention to provide a dispensing container which is capable of fitting comfortably in the hands of both

small children than adults.

  It is a second object of the present invention to provide a container which requires minimal force to dispense products therefrom, so that it is preferred, for its ease of use, by those who do not don't have

of great manual strength.

  It is a third object of the invention to produce containers which have structural features which prevent the container from slipping from the hands of users, in particular

when the hands are wet.

  It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a container which is stable when stored in an inverted configuration, in order to minimize the residual charge of contents of the container, in particular when it is used for

  storage of viscous liquid products.

  It is a fifth object of the invention to produce a container whose use is ergonomically effective, by children and adults, while comprising surfaces which

  facilitate labeling of the container.

  It is a sixth object of the invention to provide a spindle closure with minimal surface defects which allows the container provided with such a closure to be stored in an inverted position. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall for closure comprising an upper side wall for closure and a lower side wall for closure, the side wall a top closure further comprising a crown surface having a circumference and the bottom side wall further comprising a base surface having a circumference; and b) a bearing formed integrally with the peripheral lateral wall of the closure and concentric with it, and having an upper bearing surface which is set back relative to the surface of the crown. Preferably, the circumference of the apex surface is greater than the circumference of the surface

from the base.

  The closure preferably further comprises an intermediate channel arranged between the bearing and the peripheral lateral wall of the closure, and

concentric with them.

  The closure may further include a cover attached to the peripheral side wall of the closure using an attachment means. It may then further comprise an extension member attached to the peripheral side wall of the closure and to the cover, said extension member comprising a lower surface, and provision may then be made in particular for the closure to further comprise a second hinge which connects the extension member and the cover, a plug integral with the lower surface of the extension member, and an opening in the surface of the upper bearing, and that the plug and the opening are positioned on the closure in a location that allows

  match the cap and the opening.

  In the latter case, the closure preferably further comprises a dispensing orifice which passes through the upper surface of the bearing, this dispensing orifice comprising a groove, and it can then advantageously further comprise

  a valve fixedly adjusted in the groove.

  According to a second aspect, the invention realizes a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall for closure comprising an upper side wall for closure and a lower side wall for closure, the upper side wall for closure further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the lower side wall of closure further comprising a base surface having a perimeter; and b) a bearing formed integrally with the peripheral lateral wall of the closure and concentric with it, and having an upper bearing surface which is set back relative to the surface of the crown. According to a third aspect, the invention achieves a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall for closure comprising an upper side wall for closure and a lower side wall for closure, the upper side wall for closure further comprising a crown surface having a circumference and the lower side wall of closure further comprising a base surface having a circumference; and b) a bearing formed integrally with the peripheral lateral wall of the closure and concentric with it, and c) an intermediate channel between the bearing and the peripheral lateral wall of the closure and

concentric with them.

  The closure can be associated with a container, on

  which said closure is able to adjust.

  According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: molding under sufficient conditions the closure in a mold capable of forming a closure containing: a ) a peripheral closing side wall comprising an upper closing side wall and a lower closing side wall, the upper closing side wall further comprising a crown surface having a circumference and the lower closing side wall further comprising a surface basic with a circumference; and b) a bearing formed integrally with the peripheral lateral wall of the closure and concentric with it, and having an upper bearing surface which is set back relative to the surface of the crown. According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: molding under sufficient conditions the closure in a mold capable of forming a closure containing: ) a peripheral closing side wall comprising an upper closing side wall and a lower closing side wall, the upper closing side wall further comprising a crown surface having a perimeter and the lower closing side wall further comprising a surface basic with a perimeter; and b) a bearing formed integrally with the peripheral lateral wall of the closure and concentric with it, and having an upper bearing surface which is set back relative to the surface of the crown. According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: molding under sufficient conditions the closure in a mold capable of forming a closure containing: a ) a peripheral closing side wall comprising an upper closing side wall and a lower closing side wall, the upper closing side wall further comprising a crown surface having a perimeter and the lower closing side wall further comprising a surface basic with a perimeter; and b) a bearing formed integrally with the peripheral side wall of the closure and concentric with it, and having an upper bearing surface, and c) an intermediate channel between the bearing and the peripheral side wall of the closure and

concentric with them.

  Thanks to the special characteristics offered by the spindle closure of the present invention, both the percentage of containers suffering from surface "wells" or other surface defects as well as the production cycle time of the closure are

significantly reduced.

  The objects, features and advantages of the present invention set out above as well as others will become more apparent from reading the

  following description of a preferred embodiment

  in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a preferred structure of the container of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 1A, which represents cross-section lines A-A to F-F; FIGS. 2A to 2F are horizontal cross-sectional views of the container of FIG. 1C taken along lines A-A to F-F, respectively, looking in the direction of the arrows; FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are front elevational views of containers of the present invention having gripping means for the fingers; FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the container of FIG. 1A; FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are front, side and rear elevation views, respectively, of the container of FIG. 1A provided with a liquid distribution closure; FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of the container of FIG. lA, provided with an inverted spindle closure variant for liquid; FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of the container of FIG. 6A in an inverted orientation; FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 1A provided with a closure containing a pump dispenser for aerosol; FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of another example of the container of the invention, provided with a neck end capable of dispensing powders; FIG. 9 is the container of FIG. 8 provided with a closure; FIG. 10A is a top plan view of the neck end of the container of FIG. 8; FIG. lOB and FIG. 1OC are top plan views of the closure of the container of FIG. 9, which show the closure in the open position and the closed position, respectively; FIG. 11 is a graph which represents, as a function of the volume in ml of liquid dispensed, the force expressed in pounds necessary to dispense a liquid from a container provided with a valve of the present invention; FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are front and side views, respectively, of a container used to package marketed toiletries for children; FIG. 13 shows a side view of the container of the invention in an inverted position, supported by supports positioned in the recesses of the container but without contact with the panels of the container; FIG. 14 shows a container of the present invention held in hand in a position suitable for dispensing product from the container; FIG. 15A shows another embodiment of the container of the invention provided with an inverted spindle closure, provided with a valve and a cover in its open position; FIG. 15B shows the container of FIG. A while the cover is in the closed position; FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B show the closure of the container of FIG. 15 and 15B in cross section, the cover being in the open and closed positions, respectively; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the spindle closure of the present invention while the cover is in the closed position; FIG. 18 is a left elevational view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a right elevation view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the closure of FIG. 17; elevation from behind by being a mirror image; FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 17; FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 17, shown while the cover and the extension member are in the fully open position; FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 23; FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 23, the cover being shown in the open position; FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 23; FIG. 27 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the closure taken along the line A'-A 'of FIG. 24, looking in the direction of the arrows; FIG. 28 is a vertical cross-sectional view on a larger scale of the closure taken along the line A'-A 'of FIG. 24, looking in the direction of the arrows, but in the absence of a channel; FIG. 29A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the closure shown according to an alternative embodiment, with a bearing without recess; FIG. 29B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the closure shown in the alternative embodiment with recessed bearing, without channel; FIGS. 29C and 29D are alternative embodiments comprising both a recessed bearing and a channel, for various widths; FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B are top views of alternative embodiments of the closure, with triangular and square configurations respectively; FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a variant of the embodiment of the closure comprising a bar locking mechanism and fastening clip; FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the closure having a snap connection portion which connects the closure to a neck of a container; FIG. 33 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a channelless reverse closure, where the circumference of the crown surface is smaller than the circumference of the base surface; and FIG. 34 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inverted closure comprising a channel, and where the circumference of the crown surface is smaller

  than the circumference of the base surface.

  We will now describe preferred embodiments of the invention, it being understood that the term "upright orientation" means that the closed end of the container is below the open end of the container, in the manner in which the container is positioned while it is filled with the product which must be contained therein. Conversely, the term "reverse orientation" means that the closed end of the container is positioned above the open end. Likewise, the term "tilted orientation" means that the container is in an orientation which is intermediate between the erected orientations and

  reversed. This description of the guidelines is

  simply used for the convenience of the

  description of the orientation of the container and it

  does not imply the orientation of the container while

  that it is stored or that products are distributed.

  As described in the following, various embodiments of the containers of the invention can be used either in an upright orientation or in

reverse orientation.

  The fundamental form of the invention is represented by the upright container of the

  FIG. 1A, lB and lC, which is generally designated by 6.

  The container 6 contains an open end 1 and a closed end 2. The closed end 2 of the container 6 preferably has a surface 21 which allows the container 6 to remain upright when placed on

  a flat surface in an upright orientation.

  The open end 1 of the container 6 contains a neck 3 which defines an opening 20 in the container. The neck has a neck end 4 able to match with

  a closure (not shown) of the container.

  The neck end shown in FIG. 1A and 1B is a threaded end, although any of the other ends known in the art can be used with the containers of the invention. As an example, other suitable ends include, but are not limited to, a press mount end, a snap end, a snap and rotate end, or a threaded end, as described, for example. , in The

  Wiley Encyclopaedia of Packaging Technology, that is

  say the Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, 172-85 (1986), called in what

follows "Wiley".

  The open end 1 of the container 6 further comprises a shoulder 5 which connects the neck 3 to the body 22 of the container. The body 22 of the container contains an upper body part 7, adjacent to the open end 1, which is preferably cylindrical in cross section. The upper part 7 of the body of the container 6 preferably has a circumference, normally measured at the longitudinal axis 23 of the container 6, the dimension of which is in a range from about 4.7 inches to about 6.0 inches, ie d '' about 119 to about 152 mm, preferably from about 5.0 to about 5.7 inches, i.e. from about 127 to about 145 mm, and particularly preferably, from about 5.2 inches to about 5, 7 inches, or approximately 132 to approximately 145 mm. The circumference of the upper body part 7 is preferably substantially constant over a length which descends along the longitudinal axis of the container 6 over approximately

  0.2 inch, or at least about 5.08 mm.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the upper body part 7 forms a transition to a central body part 8 which is situated near the upper body part 7, below the latter, along the longitudinal axis 23. In the transition between the upper part 7 of the body and the central part 8 of the body, the circumference of the container 6 increases continuously and begins to take a generally oval or elliptical configuration in cross section. By continuing to descend along the longitudinal axis of the container 6, the circumference of the container continues to increase up to the region of the maximum circumference 9 and, preferably, the circumference of the container 6 then decreases continuously. The region of the maximum circumference marks the transition between the central body part 8 and the lower body part 10 of the container.

  6 near its closed end 2.

  While the longitudinal lengths of the upper part 7 of the body, the central part 8 of the body and the lower part 10 of the body can vary depending on the desired use for the container 6, the ratio between the lengths of the part body center and upper body part is preferably between about 1.2: 1 and about 6: 1 and is preferably between about 1.75: 1 and about 5: 1. The ratio between the lengths of the lower body and the upper body is preferably in a range which extends from about 1: 1 to about 3: 1 and, from

  preferably from about 1.2: 1 to about 2.5: 1.

  The variation in the cross-sectional configuration of the container 6 and its circumference, along its longitudinal dimension, is shown in FIGS. 2A to 2F. Each of these figures shows an approximate cross-sectional configuration of the container 6 along one of the cross-section lines A-A to F-F, respectively, illustrated in FIG. 1 C. Unexpectedly, the inventors have found that varying the circumference of the container along its longitudinal axis allows the same container which is ergonomically advantageous for use by small children to be held and used comfortably by larger children and adults. As shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, the body part 22 of the container 6 comprises a front part 11, a rear part 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14. The front part of the container contains a first recess 15 and the rear of the container contains a second recess 16. The recesses are adjacent to the closed end 2, at the

  first side 13 and second side 14 of container 6.

  The first recess 15 and the second recess 16 define a first panel 17 and a second panel 18 on the front part and the rear part of the container, respectively. Each of the recesses is of a certain depth 19, shown in FIG. 1B. The depth of the recess 15, for example, is the distance, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between a projection line, projected from the closed end 2 of the container 6, and the panel 17 of the container. As shown in FIG. 13, the depth of the recesses is sufficient to allow the container 6 to be held, when the container is in reverse orientation, by a first support 71 positioned tangentially in the recess 15 on the front part 11 of the container 6 and by a second support 72 positioned in the recess 16 on the rear part 12 of the container 6. The supports are not, in fact, in contact with the panels of the container. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that the depth of these recesses intervenes to achieve a non-slip characteristic of the container, when the container is held in reverse orientation or in tilted orientation, in particular when the container is wet, as it might be. '' when used to contain and dispense toilet cleansing fluids, especially body wash fluids and shampoos that are used in the shower or

in the bath.

  The depth of the recess may be any desired thickness and may depend, for example, on the desired end use for the container and the contents stored therein. The depth of the recess is preferably variable according to the different locations of the container and in a particularly preferred manner, its depth is maximum near the closed end 2 of the container and gradually decreases in the longitudinal direction towards the open end 1 and approaching the first side 13 and the second side 14. Preferably, the depth of the recesses is in a range from about 2.0 mm to about 3.4 mm and, preferably about 2.5 mm about 2.9 mm. While such depths are preferred because they provide a container with an effective anti-slip property, it should be understood that other recess depths can be produced to meet a particular need and yet are included within the frame of the

present invention.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the recesses are not adjacent to the open end of the container and therefore give the panels a form of external frame "configured as a U". A lack of recess near the open end 1 allows users of the container to freely slide their hands substantially along the entire length of the first and second panels from the base of the panels, the part closest to the closed end 2 of the container, up to the open end 1 of the panel to determine the part of the container whose circumference is best suited to the dimensions

from the user's hand.

  The inventors believe that the dimensions, and the structural features, listed above of the containers of the invention allow the containers of the invention to be easily grasped and handled both by adults and by young children in an ergonomic manner. preferable. As described below, the inventors believe that these dimensions and features are reasons for the perceived preference of consumers for the containers of the invention, in terms of ease of handling,

  compared to containers of the prior art.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B, the panels 17 and 18 are set back from the sides 13, 14 at the closed end of the container. Although the dimensions, configuration and geometry of the panels may vary depending on the desired end use of the container, it is preferable that the first panel 17 and the second panel 18 are

  identical in dimensions, configuration and geometry.

  The large dimension of the panels is oriented in the direction which goes from the open end 1 to the closed end 2 of the container, that is to say a direction which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container, and their small dimension is oriented in the direction from the first side to the second side of the container, that is to say generally normal to the longitudinal axis 23. The length of the panel is defined as the distance between the point where the recess 15 is closest to the base of the container 24, that is to say point 30, and the top 29 of the upper part 7 of

container body.

  Surfaces 27 and 28 of panels 17 and 18

  can be either substantially flat or curved.

  If the surfaces of the panels are curved, it is preferable that their curvature extends only in one dimension and that they are substantially straight in the other dimension. For example, the container of the invention shown in FIGS. 1A and IB has panels 17, 18 which are curved in their small dimension but are substantially straight in their large dimension. Preferably, the panels are substantially straight, in their large dimension, on

  a certain distance which reaches at least 50 percent

  hundred of their longitudinal dimension, and so

  still preferable over a distance of at least 65 pour-

  hundred of their longitudinal dimension. The inventors have found that this geometry of panels is especially favorable for making it possible to label or decorate the panel in its panel sections, either by printing or by adhesion of a label with adhesive backing to the container. In the case of printing, the absence of curvature in two dimensions on a large part of the panel allows firm contact of a printing roller on this part of the panel. Similarly, in the case of the adhesion of a label, the absence of curvature in two dimensions over a large part of the panel makes it possible to adhere an adhesive label.

  on the panel without creasing the label.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B show alternative embodiments of the containers of the invention in which the containers have raised lateral projections 25 or depressions 26, both optional, in their sides in order to constitute a means of improving the capture,

  around the container, by the user's fingers.

  Alternatively, the containers of the invention can

19 2768 130

  contain a combination of both projections and depressions. Although FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate only lateral projections and circular depressions, those skilled in the art understand that the container of the present invention may have protrusions, depressions, and other means which facilitate gripping as sections of rubber or of polymeric material, molded on or glued to the container, of any configuration, size and quantity to facilitate entry of

the user of the container.

  FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the container of FIG. 1A and FIG. lB, in which the volume contained in the container of FIG. 4 is about half the volume contained

  in the container of FIG. 1A and lB.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the container 6 of the present invention is provided with a closure 39 to contain and distribute the products contained therein. Those skilled in the art will understand directly that the type of closure suitable for use in the present invention would depend on many factors, for example the shape of the product in the container, the desired shape in which the product can be dispensed, and the degree

  convenience for the consumer.

  Any of the closures known in the art can be used for the containers of the present invention, including those described

  in Wiley, without this being limiting.

  In the case of containers used for the storage and distribution of liquids, the simplest form of closure would be a conventional cap with a one-piece structure which must be removed from the container to dispense the product therein; however, it is best to use a closure that does not need to be removed

  container for dispensing the product contained.

  An example of a container 6 provided with a closure 39 for dispensing liquid products is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C which represent the container of FIG. 1A and lB on which is mounted a hinged market closure. Other suitable closures include those which are well known in the art, including, but not limited to: 1) those which contain a cover and a body, where the cover is completely removable from the body of the closure; 2) those for which a cover is slidably connected to the top of the closure; 3) those which do not have a cover, such as the push-pull type, that is to say push and pull, or the type with tilting closure spout,

described for example in Wiley.

  The closure 39 has a body portion 31 and a cover portion 32 hinged to the body portion by means of a hinge 33. The body portion 31 has an orifice not shown through which the product can be dispensed. The cover part 32 contains on its lower side a pin, not shown, which is dimensioned to fit tightly in the orifice of the body part 31. When the lid part 32 is in its closed position, the pin is in contact with the body part 31 so as to seal the container and thus prevent distribution of its contents. The body portion 31 may include an optional recess 34 to allow easy opening of the closure by positioning a finger in the recess 34 located under a portion of the cover 35 and then exerting a

  force on the bottom side of the cover.

  The closure 39 comprises a base 36 adjacent to the upper part of the body of the container and an apex 37 at a distance from the base 36. The circumference of the closure 39 is substantially circular and uniform from its base 36 to its apex 37, and is substantially equal to the circumference of the part

upper container body.

  Another new feature of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C. The closure 39 preferably comprises a top surface 38 which allows storage of the container in an inverted orientation. As the contents of the container run out, storing the container in the reverse orientation allows the content remaining in the container to collect at the open end of the container rather than at its closed end, which makes it possible to distribute substantially the entire contents of the container and virtually eliminate the problem of "residual charge" for viscous contents. Preferably, both the surface of the closed end of the container and that of the end of the top of the closure allow the container to be stored either in the upright position or in the inverted position. Another embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in an upright orientation and an inverted orientation in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. The closure 40 comprises a base 41 adjacent to the upper part of the container body and a top 42 at a distance from the base 41. The circumference of the base 41 is substantially circular and substantially equal to the circumference of the upper part 7 of the body of the container. container. The closure 40 is tapered, in such a way that the circumference of the closure increases from the base 41 of the closure to its apex 42. Such closures are called here "inverted taper" closings. The obliquity, or degree of the spindle configuration, can vary depending on the desired end use of the container and the desired aesthetic effect. The top surface 43 of the closure 40 allows the container to be stored in an inverted orientation. The larger circumference at the top of the spindle closure gives the container increased stability when stored in a container.

reverse orientation.

  According to another preferred embodiment, the closure used in the containers of the present invention may contain a valve, as illustrated in FIG. 15A. Illustrative examples of suitable valves for use in the container of the invention include, but are not limited to, those described in US 5,439,143, US 4,749,108 and US 4,846,810, which are all incorporated herein in all of them by reference. Such valves are generally designed to open at pressures which exceed a certain threshold pressure, which allows the product to leave the container, and are designed to close at pressures below the threshold pressure, which stops the product from coming out of the container. The minimum value of the valve threshold pressure is dictated by the need for the valve to contain the contents of the container when the static pressure of the container is

  maximum, i.e. when the container is full.

  The static pressure of the contents of the container itself depends on the density of the contents and the geometry of the container. In practice, the practical minimum pressure of threshold is a little higher than the static pressure in order to take account of slight variations in pressure which can occur in the container while it is being handled while discharging the contents n is not desired. The maximum value of the threshold pressure is dictated by the need for the valve to open when the container is tightened by the intended users. In the containers of the present invention, the valves must be able to be activated not only by adults but also by children and / or elderly people whose

  manual force is relatively lower.

  For containers made of elastic materials, the application of a clamping force on the outside of the container exerts inside the container a pressure which exceeds the threshold pressure, which allows the product to leave the container. Interrupting the clamping force, or reducing it sufficiently, reduces the internal pressure of the container, which drops to a value below the threshold pressure, which allows the valve to close and also blocks the product from leaving the container. This feature is of particular importance for applications in which the container is

  frequently used in reverse orientation.

  FIGS. 15A and 15B and FIGS. 16A and 16B show a container of the invention provided with an inverted spindle closure 86 which contains a cover 84 and a valve 80. The cover 84 is hinged to the extension member 86 by means of the hinge 83 The cover 84 contains on its lower side a stop 82 which agrees with a projecting orifice ring 81 of the closure 85. In use, in a position ready for dispensing a product, the cover 84 is in the retracted condition, shown in FIG. 15A. During storage and shipping, cover 84 is

  in the closed position shown in FIG. 15B.

  In the closed position, the stop 82 on the lower side of the cover 84 agrees with the ring 81 of the projecting orifice, which prevents an inversion of the valve 80 and an outlet of the product from it. . The closure 85 has, at its lower part adjacent to the upper part of the container body, a circumference which is substantially equal to the circumference of the upper part of the container body. The closure 85 is tapered, the circumference of its apex 87 being larger than that of its base 88. The larger circumference of the apex 87 of the closure 85 gives increased stability to the container when it is stored in

reverse orientation.

  According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 17 to 27, the upper part of the spindle closure 85 has a bearing 91, a channel 90 which is concentric with it and extends around the outer circumference of the bearing 91, and of the upper peripheral closing side walls 92, concentric both with the bearing 91 than with the channel 90. The upper side walls 92 for closure extend around the outer circumference of the channel 90. As shown in more detail in FIG. 27, the bearing 91 comprises an upper bearing surface 113, peripheral side walls 114 of the bearing which are concentric with the upper bearing surface 113 and are formed integrally with both the upper bearing surface 113 and the lower side walls 108 for closing; and a surface

lower 97 of bearing.

  The upper side walls 92 of closure extend from the surface 93 of the top of the closure to the base of the channel 90, or up to the upper surface 113 of the bearing in embodiments without a channel. Typically, the height of the upper side walls 92 of closure, determined along the longitudinal axis A of the closure as shown in FIG. 18, is in a range which extends from about 0 percent to less than about percent of the total height of the closure H shown in FIG. 21, preferably more than about 20 percent to less than about 90 percent and, most preferably, more

  from about 50 percent to less than about 70 percent.

  Although the thickness of the upper side walls 92 of closure may vary depending on the dimensions of the closure desired, the desired impact force of closure and the time available for the closure to cool appropriately for molding, thicknesses can typically vary from about 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) to about 2.03 mm (0.08 inch), preferably from about 0.76 mm (0.03 inch) to about 1.52 mm (0.06 inch) and particularly preferably about 1.02 mm

  (0.04 inch) to about 1.27 mm (0.05 inch).

  Although the width of the channel 90 may vary depending on the dimensions of the desired closure, the desired closure impact force, the time available for the closure to cool appropriately during molding and desired bearing width, the width of the channel 90 is typically inversely proportional to the width of the bearing 97 and preferably smaller. Particularly preferably, the width of the channel 90, determined along the plane of the upper bearing surface 113, is at least about 1.65 mm (0.065 inch). FIGS. 29C and 29D illustrate two embodiments of the closure 85 with channels 90 of various

widths.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the channel 90 has at least one opening 94 which allows water and / or a residual product to be drained from the channel 90 and, when the closure is fixed on a container, towards the 'shoulder 5 of the container. This feature prevents residual products from collecting on the bearing surface 91 and / or contaminating residues from being drained back to

inside the container.

  According to a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 23, the bearing 91 is set back with respect to the top surface 93 of the upper closure walls 92. The depth of the bearing withdrawal 200 is the distance, along the longitudinal axis A of the closure as shown in FIG. 18, which extends from the upper bearing surface 113 to the apex surface 93 of the upper side walls 92 of closure. Although the depth of the withdrawal 200 from the bearing may vary depending on the dimensions of the desired closure, the desired impact force of closure, the distance necessary for the operation of the desired dispensing mechanism, and the time available for the closure cools appropriately during molding, the depth can typically be in the range of more than 0 percent to about less than 100 percent, preferably about 20 percent hundred to about 80 percent and, most preferably from about 30 percent to about 50 percent of the total height H of the closure, as shown in FIG. 21. According to a particularly preferred embodiment in which the spindle closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the depth is such that it allows the desired mechanism, intended to close the dispenser, to operate while remaining set back below from the surface 93 of the summit. See

FIG. 17.

  The obliqueness of the spindle, designated by "e" in FIG. 18, of the zipper 85 may be in a range which extends from less than about 90 to more than about 25, preferably from about to about 45 and, most preferably from about 800 to about 550 from normal, designated by "B", at the longitudinal axis "A" of

closing 85.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the lower part of the spindle closure 85 comprises lower peripheral side walls 108 of closure which extend from the base of the channel 90, or from the upper bearing surface 113 in embodiments without channel, up to the surface of the base 111 of the lower side walls of closure. The lower side walls 108 of closure are integral with the upper side walls 92 of closure so that the appearance of the side walls 92 and 108 is that of a single uniform peripheral wall 131, when the closure 85 is seen from the outside. According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the thickness of the inner side walls 108 is such that the lower bearing surface 97 is visible in plan view from below of the closure. Although the thickness and height of the lower side walls 108 of closure may vary depending on the dimensions of the desired closure, the desired impact force of closure, and the time available for the closure to cool suitable for molding, the thickness is typically between 1.91 mm (0.075 inch) and about 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) and, preferably from about 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) to about 0 , 89 mm (0.035 inch), and the height,

28 2768130

  determined along the longitudinal axis A of the closure shown in FIG. 18 is greater than

  about 0 percent and less than about 100 percent

  percent, preferably greater than about 10 percent and less than about 80 percent and particularly preferably greater than about 30 percent and less than about 50 percent of the

total height H of the closure.

  A connection part 107 of the closure which is capable of receiving the neck of a container is formed integrally with the lower bearing surface 97. Any means of securing the closure to a container may be employed. Such means are well known to those skilled in the art and include, without this being limiting, a threaded means which allows the closure to be screwed onto the threaded neck of a container, as shown in FIG. 27, a snap-on bead as shown in FIG. 32, and the means which have been mentioned previously here. According to a preferred embodiment in which the closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the closure may contain any of the dispensing mechanisms mentioned above. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a preferred dispensing mechanism which includes a stop 82 and a dispensing orifice 122 located in the upper surface 113 of the bearing, the stop 82 being located on a cover 84 attached to the closure 85 by means of an assembly Doubled

active hinge.

  More specifically, a plug 99 is located on the lower surface of the extension member 86, which is hinged with the thin upper walls 92 for closure by means of the first active hinge 101. The cover 84 contains on its lower surface a stop 82 which surely matches a ring 81 of projecting orifice. For the implementation of the second active hinge 83, the plug 99 matches securely with an opening 102 on the bearing surface 113. The hinge 83 is an active hinge which allows the cover 84 to be in the open position (see FIG. 25 and 26) or in the closed position (see FIG. 17). Although the configuration of both the plug 99 and the opening 102 is not critical, it is preferable to use a plug whose end 120 consists of a cord or a flange with a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the opening 102. These dimensions allow the plug 99 to "lock" or "snap" securely into the groove 121 of the opening 102. Other suitable fixing mechanisms include the bar 140 and the clamp means

  attachment 141 as shown in FIG. 31.

  Although the means for attaching the cover 84 to the closure 85 is not critical, the active double hinge assembly advantageously prevents

  remove the cover 84 from the rest of the closure 85.

  Other means for connecting the cover 84 to the closure 85 are known in the art and include, without being limiting, ball assemblies and

  socket and the like as described in Wiley.

  The cover 84 must be able to close the dispensing orifice 122 when the cover 84 is in the closed position. For this purpose, the stop 82 must be received inside the groove 123, preferably according to a compression adjustment to make a tight seal. While the actual configuration and structure of the stop 82 and the dispensing orifice 122 is not critical, stops 82 of cylindrical configuration and rounded orifices 122 of dispensing with cylindrical grooves 123 are preferred. Preferably, the orifice ring 81 is of a substantial height to allow a cleaner distribution, which is less prone to the formation of drops. Positioners 103 integral with the outer edges of the cover 84 allow the cover 84 to be locked in the open position under the effect of the friction fit of the positioners 103 against the upper side walls 92 of closure as shown to FIG. 18, 25 and 26. The configuration of the positioners 103 is not critical; however, the width W of the cover 84 at the area of the positioners is preferably sufficiently greater than the width of the opening 130 of the upper side walls closing at the area of the hinge 101 to allow the positioners 103 to lock securely the cover 84 in a retracted position,

shown in FIG. 25 and 26.

  According to a particularly preferred embodiment, in which a valve is fixed inside the groove 123 of the dispensing orifice 122, the container can be stored in the inverted position, the cover 84 being in the retracted position shown in FIG. 15A. Therefore, the container can be stored and used in this inverted position without requiring the lid 84 to be, as in the case of FIG. 15D, closed between uses. Although any valve, known in the art for controlling the flow of materials which can be distributed through the closure, can be used, the valve described in U.S. Patent No. 5,377,877 which is incorporated herein by

  reference in its entirety is preferred.

  As also shown in FIG. 24, valves 98 may be incorporated into the closures by methods known in the art including, but not limited to, retaining the valve in the closure by mechanical means, for example using a retaining ring which snaps into place against the body of the closure. See US 5,377,877. Alternatively, the valve and the closure may be formed in one piece, for example by multi-injection molding or by co-injection of disparate materials constituting the closure and the valve. Co-injection molding processes are described, for example, in US 5,523,045 and in the Modern Plastics Encyclopaedia, i.e., the Encyclopedia of Modern Plastics, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1990, which are incorporated here

  in their entirety by reference.

  As shown in FIG. 28 and in FIG. 29B, another embodiment of the spindle closure of the present invention includes a bearing 91 and upper side walls 92 of closure concentric with the bearing 91, but it does not include any channel 90. In this embodiment, the upper side walls 92 of closure extend integrally upward around the outer circumference of the upper surface 113

landing.

  As shown in FIG. 29A, yet another embodiment of the taper closure 85 of the present invention includes a bearing 91 which is not recessed, a channel 90 concentric therewith which extends around the outer circumference of the bearing 91 , and thin upper side walls 92 of closure, concentric both with the bearing 91

than with channel 90.

  The closures described herein can be of any desired configuration, such as the closures with a square horizontal cross section or a triangular horizontal cross section shown in FIG. 30A and in FIG. 30B, respectively, but closures with a more rounded cross section, circular configuration or oval configuration, are preferred. More specifically, FIG. 33 illustrates a closure 160 with rounded upper surface 161 of bearing and with upper side walls of closure not shown, the crown surface 162 of which is of triangular configuration while FIG. 30B illustrates a closure 170 with a rounded upper surface 171 of the bearing and with upper side walls of closure, not shown, the crown surface 172 of which is of square configuration. Likewise, while the configuration of the bearing surface, in plan view of the closure, is not critical, the configurations with more rounded circumference, circular configuration or

  oval configuration, are preferred.

  Although it is preferred that the circumference of the top surface 93 of the upper side walls 92 of closure be larger than the circumference of the surface 111 of the base of the bottom side walls 108 of closure, i.e. that the closure is in an "inverted" zone, an alternative embodiment of the closure shown in FIG. 33 is an inverted closure 155 without channel where the circumference of the closure top surface 151 is smaller than the circumference of the base surface 152. FIG. 34 shows a similar reverse closure 155, but provided with a channel 153. Unlike the embodiment shown for example in FIG. 24 in which the channel 90 is visible in plan view from above, the channel 153 of the closure 155 of FIG. 34 is not visible in top plan view but on the contrary in bottom plan view, not shown, of the closure 155. The upper bearing surface 154 of the closure 155 of the two FIGs. 33 and 34 remains visible

  in top plan view, not shown.

  FIG. 6B illustrates the container of FIG. 6A in reverse orientation. It should be noted that the container has a general configuration of "exclamation mark" in the reverse orientation. The dimensions of the container are such that young children can comfortably and comfortably grip the container near its upper body part 7, while larger children and adults can comfortably grip the container at its central body part 8 or at his lower body. The dimensions and configuration of the container 6 preferably allow an adult whose size of hands is average to grasp the container at its widest point 9 by holding the back of the container in the palm of the hand so that the thumb and the fingers can come into contact with the sides of the container and at least in part

  in contact with the front of the container.

  The containers and closures of the invention can be of any material which can be formed in the desired configuration and which is

  inert with regard to the materials contained therein.

  Preferred materials include all of the elastic polymeric materials conventionally used in the art of container manufacturing, including, without limitation, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride resins, polyethylene terephthalate or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The term "copolymers" as used herein means any polymer with two monomeric components or

more.

  Various grades of polyethylene, including low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or copolymers or mixtures thereof are frequently compatible with toiletries, and are preferred materials for use in toiletries. container of the invention. Low density polyethylene makes a bottle that is relatively easy to squeeze, while high density polyethylene bottles are relatively rigid. In the case of liquid products which are dispensed by squeezing the container, a 50:50 mixture of low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene is preferred. In the case of powders where the desired method of distribution consists of shaking the container, a more rigid container of high-density polyethylene

density is preferred.

  The thicknesses of the outer walls, i.e.

  say panels, first side, second side and the like, can be any, can vary inside a container, and can depend on the desired end use for the container and the contents stored therein. Preferably, the wall thickness is within a range

  which extends from about 0.254 to about 1.270 mm that is

  i.e. from about 10 mils to about 50 mils and, preferably between about 0.762 and about 1.016 mm,

  that is, from about 30 mils to about 40 mils.

  While such thicknesses are preferred because they provide a directly elastic container, it should be understood that other wall thicknesses can be produced, to meet a particular need, and yet be included therein

of the scope of the present invention.

  The containers of the present invention can be formed by any conventional technique known in the art of producing the containers, including

  understood, without this being limiting, by extrusion-

  blow molding, injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, and the like. The details of these processes are described, for example, in Wiley at 54-65. A blow molding process

is the preferred process.

  A remarkable feature of the container of the present invention is that it fits comfortably in the hands of both adults and small children. Another remarkable feature is that the containers of the present invention dispense a product using relatively low manual force and are therefore preferred by small children and adults with low manual force. Yet another remarkable feature is that the containers of the present invention incorporate structural features which prevent the container from slipping from the user's hands, particularly when the hands are wet. Yet another remarkable feature of the container of the invention is that it has surfaces which are directly

  available for printing or labeling.

  The inventors have also unexpectedly found that the presence of the upper side walls 92 for closing and / or a channel 90 allows a faster uniform cooling period, in the mold, and therefore fewer surface defects for the closing in time zone 85 since the resulting closure has no mass of massive thick material, but rather includes thin walls

  relatively constant thickness.

  The invention described by way of illustration here can be practiced suitably in the absence of any component, ingredient, or step which is not specifically described here. The example set out below further illustrates the nature of the invention and the manner of implementing it. However, the invention should not be considered as being limited to its details.

Examples

  Test procedures used in the Examples: 1) Dispensing force test: the force required to dispense the contents from a container or "dispensing force" is measured using a Uniforce Experimenters Kit, ie literally say an experiment set "IUniforce", in its version with input / output with parallel ports, manufactured by Force Imaging Technologies, with thin strips (0.003 mm), flexible of sensors which can be mounted on various surfaces without exerting any effect or by having little or no effect on the test sample, and also by using software, which is the Uniform Sensor System version 5, and hardware which interfaces, for data acquisition, the sensor and a personal computer. A sensor strip with an appropriate force range, usually 0 to 10 pounds, or 0 to 4,536 kg, is mounted on one of the panels of the sample container, the sensor being mounted in the location where the thumb is a user would typically be in contact with a container during normal dispensing of product from the container as shown in FIG. 14. For an adult-sized hand, the thumb is normally in contact with the panel at a point about 70 percent to about 80 percent of the length of the panel, on the side closest to the end. closed container. The software is set in the acquisition data mode for a time between 1.25 and 1.75 sec. The container is held in the hand of a user, the thumb on one side of the container and the other fingers on the opposite side of the container. When the thumb is on the sensor, the container is held in an upright position,

  the dispensing orifice being directed downwards

  above a bucket positioned on an electronic scale of the PE 600 Metler model. The containers are then tightened manually, exerting sufficient force to open the valve and dispense a standardized quantity of product, 3 to 6 g, which is contained therein. The maximum force that is required to open the valve and to dispense each amount of

  product is output by the computer program.

  This force value, as well as the weight of the product dispensed, is tabulated manually by the operator. After restoring the balance to zero, the above sequence is repeated until the container is empty of any product. The data collected by the operator is then used to generate a graph which represents the force necessary to open the valve according to the quantity

  cumulative product dispensed from the container.

  Example 1: Distribution Force Measurement The force required to dispense a product from containers of the present invention and also from various marketed containers designated in Table 1 below, is measured according to the Distribution Force Test which has been described below. -above. A closure is mounted on each of the containers in Table 1 which contains a silicone distribution valve sold by Seaquist Closures, Mukwonago, Wisconsin

TABLE 1

TYPES OF CONTAINERS

  volume Source of Product Number I (ml) ____ (ml) product

  1 Lever 2000 Body Wash 354 Lever Bros.

Vaseline Intensive

Cheeseborough-

  2 Care Moisturizing 177 Ponds Body Wash Baby Magic 3 200 Mennen Moisturizing Baby Wash

Soft Soap Gentle 354 Colgate-

4,354

  Antibacterial Body Wash Palmolive Container of invention 1 shown in Figure 4 Container of invention 6 shown in Figure 1,200 and Figures 6A, 6B To eliminate any inconsistencies that result from dispensing products of different viscosities, the contents packaged in all containers and purchased are replaced by water. The results of these force measurements are shown in the

FIG. 11.

  It is evident from FIG. 11 that the containers of the present invention require, for dispensing a product, a magnitude of force less than

  the other containers tested. Therefore, it is expected that the containers of the invention will be the most convenient for dispensing products, for people with low manual strength such as small children and the elderly.

Claims (14)

  1. Zipper closure (85) characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall (131; 92, 108) of closure comprising an upper side wall (92) of closure and a lower side wall (108) of closure, the upper side wall (92) of closure further comprising a top surface (93) having a circumference and the lower side wall (108) of closure further comprising a base surface (111) having a circumference; and b) a bearing (91) formed integrally with the concentric peripheral peripheral wall (92, 108) of the closure and having an upper bearing surface (113) which is recessed by   relative to the surface (93) of the vertex.   2. Closure (89) according to claim 1 characterized in that the circumference of the surface (93) of the apex is greater than the circumference of the surface (111) of the base.   3. Closure (89) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate channel (90) arranged between the bearing (91) and the peripheral side wall (92,   108) of the closure, and concentric with them.   4. Closure (89) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a cover (84) attached to the peripheral side wall (92, 108) of the closure using a attachment means (83, 101).   5. Closure (89) according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises an extension member (86) attached to the peripheral side wall (92, 108) of the closure and to the cover (84), said extension member comprising a lower surface.   6. Closure (89) according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a second hinge (83) which connects the extension member (86) and the cover (84), a plug (99) d '' integral with the lower surface of the extension member (86), and an opening (102) in the upper surface (113) of the bearing, and in that the plug (99) and the opening (102 ) are positioned on the closure at a location which allows the plug (99) to be matched and the opening (102).   7. Closure (89) according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a dispensing orifice (122) which passes through the upper surface (113) of the bearing, the dispensing orifice (122) comprising a throat (123).   8. Closure (89) according to claim 7 characterized in that it further comprises a valve (98) fixedly adjusted in the throat (123).   9. Zipper closure (89) characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall (131; 92, 108) of closure comprising an upper side wall (92) of closure and a lower side wall (108) of closure, the upper side wall (92) of closure further comprising a surface (93) at the top of a certain perimeter and the lower side wall (108) of closure further comprising a base surface (111) of a certain perimeter; and b) a bearing (91) formed integrally with the concentric peripheral side wall (92, 108) of the closure and having an upper bearing surface (113) which is set back from the surface (93) of the vertex. 10. Closure (89) in spindle characterized in that it comprises: a) a peripheral side wall (131; 92, 108) of closure comprising an upper side wall (92) of closure and a lower side wall (108) of closure, the upper side wall (92) of closure further comprising a top surface (93) having a circumference and the lower side wall (108) of closure further comprising a base surface (111) having a circumference; and b) a bearing (91) formed integrally with the peripheral lateral wall (92, 108) of the closure and concentric with it, and c) an intermediate channel (90) between the bearing (91) and the wall peripheral side (92, 108) of the closing and concentric with them.   11. Closure (89) according to claim 1, further characterized in that it is associated with container (6), on which   said closure is able to adjust.   12. A method of manufacturing a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: molding under sufficient conditions the closure in a mold capable of forming a closure containing: a) a peripheral side wall (131; 92, 108) of closure comprising an upper side wall (92) of closure and a lower side wall (108) of closure, the upper side wall (92) of closure further comprising a top surface (93) having a circumference and the lower side wall (108) of closure further comprising a base surface (111) having a circumference; and b) a bearing (91) formed integrally with the concentric peripheral peripheral wall (92, 108) of the closure and having an upper bearing surface (113) which is recessed by   relative to the surface (93) of the vertex.   13. A method of manufacturing a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: molding under sufficient conditions the closure in a mold capable of forming a closure containing: a) a peripheral side wall (131; 92, 108) of closure comprising an upper side wall (92) of closure and a lower side wall (108) of closure, the upper side wall (92) of closure further comprising a top surface (93) having a perimeter and the lower side wall (108) of closure further comprising a base surface (111) having a perimeter; and b) a bearing (91) formed integrally with the concentric peripheral peripheral wall (92, 108) of the closure and having an upper bearing surface (113) which is recessed by   relative to the surface (93) of the vertex.   14. A method of manufacturing a spindle closure characterized in that it comprises the step of: molding under sufficient conditions the closure in a mold capable of forming a closure containing: a) a peripheral side wall (131; 92, 108) of closure comprising an upper side wall (92) of closure and a lower side wall (108) of closure, the upper side wall (92) of closure further comprising a top surface (93) having a perimeter and the lower side wall (108) of closure further comprising a base surface (111) having a perimeter; b) a bearing (91) formed integrally with the peripheral side wall (92, 108) of the closure and concentric with it, and having an upper bearing surface (113); and c) an intermediate channel (90) between the bearing (91) and the peripheral side wall (92, 108) of the closing and concentric with them.