DISPENSING CLOSURE WITH HINGED LID

- PORTOLA PACKAGING, INC.

In an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a closure for attachment to a container. The closure includes a base having an orifice and a skirt depending from the base. A lid is provided and is joined to the base through an integral hinge. The lid has a plug depending from an underside section of the lid. The plug is preferably sized to fit within the orifice when the lid is closed. The closure further includes rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base and rails projecting downwardly from the underside section of the lid. The rails further include at least one bead projecting (radially inwardly from each of the first rails) and (radially outwardly from each of the second rails). The beads are positioned to interfere with each other to form a snap fit when the lid is closed.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/916,942 filed May 9, 2007 and to U.S. Provisional Application 61/021,185 filed Jan. 15, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments contained within this invention relate to closures having a hinged lid used with containers to dispense liquids contained therein.

BACKGROUND ART

Closures having a hinged lid for opening and resealing a dispensing orifice in a top of a base closure are ubiquitous in the packaging industry. These closures normally comprise a lid joined to a base cap through a hinge. The lid portion may be initially separate from the base closure and then joined to the closure employing complimentary hinge forming structures on the lid and base cap. Often, however, the lid and base closure are monolithic and are joined through a hinge in a single shot of an injection molding operation. In this latter case the hinge is normally referred to as a “living hinge”. The hinging motion may be optionally altered by the presence of bi-stable structure imparting a spring like action to the lid.

The base closure is most often characterized as having a top portion and an annular skirt depending from the top portion. “Container engaging” structure is normally positioned on the skirt portion functioning to interact with complimentary “closure engaging” structure on the container to secure the base closure to the container. For example, the “container engaging” and “closure engaging” structures may comprise complimentary screw threads. The top portion of the base closure may be substantially flat and have dimensions sufficient to span the region defined by the annular skirt. The top may have structure depending from its underside intended to promote sealing with a feature on the container neck such as its internal bore or uppermost surface.

Characteristically, the top of the base closure portion of the hinged dispensing closure has an orifice which, when open, allows product dispensing from the container. This orifice may be sealed closed by a plug member depending from the lid portion. When the lid is positioned in the closed position, the lid's plug member is inserted in the orifice in the top of the base closure. In addition, interference or frictional engagement between the plug diameter and orifice diameter is often the primary mechanism to retain the lid in closed position. Communication between the container interior and the outside is achieved by removing the lid plug from the orifice. This is conveniently achieved by rotating the lid about the joining hinge through an upward extending arc. The hinge allows this rotation while maintaining the attachment of the lid portion to the base closure.

Most dispensing closures are intended to significantly restrict flow of contents from the container. This is achieved by having a relatively small orifice and lid plug. The small orifice and consequent flow restriction allows the container to be squeezed to build up interior container pressure while simultaneously achieving a controlled and directional flow of a relatively viscous fluid product. The familiar squeeze bottle packages for ketchup and shampoos are quintessential examples of this technique. In this case the orifice and container are relatively small and the dimensions of these features may be very precisely controlled. Thus, the relative interference between the plug and orifice may be precisely controlled to achieve proper sealing yet allow facile plug removal for dispensing. In addition, the normally viscous nature of the product reduces sealing demands.

It is now desired that larger packages such as gallons or half gallons, such as those typically packaging products such as juice or milk, be equipped with the convenience of a dispensing closure. In this case a number of factors are different than the conventional squeeze bottle packaging. First, relatively large volumes of product must be quickly dispensed. The package size, expected volumes and product viscosity are unsuitable for squeeze type dispensing. Thus, the closure orifice and complimentary lid plug must be relatively large to allow free gravity flow of product and also allow natural venting of the container. This larger size significantly reduces the ability to consistently produce accurate mating dimensions for the plug and orifice. Moreover, in order to achieve opening ease and conserve material consumption, the lid plug length should be minimized. Thus, a combination of enlarged orifice, low viscosity product and reduced dimensional control work against achieving the desired closure performance.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispensing closure for attachment to a container having an opening for dispensing fluids contained within the container. The closure includes a base having an orifice aligned with at least a portion of the opening defined in the container such that the contents may be dispensed through the orifice. The base further includes a skirt depending therefrom and a lid member having a first section joined to a first section of the base through an integral hinge. The lid member further includes a plug depending from an underside section of the lid member. The plug is preferably sized to frictionally fit against the internal perimeter of the orifice such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the plug engages the orifice to substantially seal the orifice. The closure further includes a pair of first rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base and are oppositely positioned about the orifice. A pair of second rails project from the underside section of the lid member and are oppositely positioned about the plug such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the pair of second rails are positioned within pair of first rails. The rails further include at least one bead projecting (radially inwardly from each of the first rails) and (radially outwardly from each of the second rails). The beads are positioned to interfere with each other when the lid member is moved towards the base, such that the beads form a snap fit to more securely hold the lid member in a closed position.

In addition, other embodiments include providing a single bead projecting radially inwardly from the first rail and a single bead projecting radially outwardly from the second rail and positioned to interfere with the single bead projecting from the first rail. In another embodiment the single beads are positioned towards a front portion of the orifice, where the front portion of the orifice is defined as being diametrically opposed from the integral hinge.

In yet another embodiment, the first rails each include a pair of first beads projecting radially inwardly and the second rails each include a pair of second beads projecting radially inwardly and positioned to interfere with the pair of first beads.

The closure may also include a pour lip extending outward and overhanging from an outside perimeter of the skirt and is may be positioned along the front portion of the orifice. The pour lip may further include a slanted downwardly and inwardly profile. In embodiments that include the pour lip, the first rails may extend along an outer edge of the pour lip to define a channel therebetween on the pour lip.

To coact with the pour lip, the closure may also include a latch extending from the underside of the lid member and positioned about the periphery of the lid member. The latch could include an internal surface for engagement with an external surface of the pour lip when the lid member is moved towards the base.

Other embodiments include providing a base that has a diameter selected from at least one of the following sizes: 33 mm, 38 mm, 48 mm, 55 mm, or 63 mm.

Still in other forms, the first and second rails are defined to form truncated parallelograms.

Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dispensing closure having an opened lid member made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1 showing the lid member in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of FIG. 1 illustrating the lid member in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a dispensing closure having an opened lid member with reinforcement ribbing at an orifice facing surface within the boundary of the top plug thereof made in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dispensing closure having an opened lid member made in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 11 taken across line 14-14;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of FIG. 11 illustrating the lid member in a closed position;

FIG. 16 is a top view of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 15 taken across line 17-17.

 MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, a preferred embodiment of the instant invention is directed to a dispensing closure 10 for achieving free flowing, high volume dispensing of fluids of relatively low viscosity. The closure 10 comprises a base 12 joined to a lid member 14 through an integral hinge 16. The closure 10 is characterized as being of a relatively large diameter D (such as but not limited to 33 mm, 38 mm, 48 mm, 55 mm, 63 mm). This permits the presence of a relatively large orifice 18 for the base 12 to allow free gravity pouring of contents while at the same time allowing venting for smooth flow.

In a preferred embodiment the orifice 18a is oval, with the closure 10a oriented relative to a container (not shown) such that the large dimension of the oval orifice 18a has a substantially vertical orientation during the pouring of contents. Such a condition promotes proper venting and smooth “glug free” pouring. The base 12a includes a depending skirt 20a comprising “container engaging” structure 22a to mate with “closure engaging” structure on a container in a conventional way. In a preferred embodiment the container engaging structure 22a may comprise screw threads. Alternatively, the same may comprise snap fit structures.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a top plug 26a depends from the underside 28a of the lid member 14a. The top plug 26a has minimal height in order to conserve material use and facilitate ease of opening and reclosure. However, the relatively large size of orifice 18a and top plug 26a works against maintaining a tight dimensional relationship between the top plug 26a and the orifice 18a. The tight dimensional relationship between a top plug and an orifice, with conventional dispensing closures having a small orifice, becomes very difficult to maintain with the relatively large orifice of the closure of the instant embodiment. In addition, the shortened top plug 26a of the instant embodiment presents a significantly reduced surface to achieve adequate sealing against the internal perimeter 30a of the orifice 18a.

Thus, the closure 10a of the instant embodiment is equipped with structure supplying a unique and novel hold down effect when the lid member 14a is in the closed or sealed position. In a preferred embodiment, multiple first “rails” 32a project upward from a top portion 34a defined by the base 12a. The first rails 32a are positioned to be just outside an edge portion 36a of the lid member 14a when the lid member 14a is in its closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the first rails 32a are in the form of a parallelogram truncated on two opposing ends, yet the first rails may be of an alternate form such as a pair of arcuate members or a plurality of segmented sections. One will understand that forms other than the truncated parallelogram of the embodiment are possible depending in large measure on the shape of the lid and complimentary rails present on the bottom portion of the lid as will become clear hereinafter.

Projecting radially inwardly from the first rails 32a of the base 12a are one or more first rail beads 38a. The first rail bead(s) 38a either do not extend the full height of the first rails 32a and therefore form undercut projection(s) 40a along the length of the first rails 32a or have an undercut section defined therein. Those familiar with the terminology of the art will recognize the beads used herein as snap beads. In the preferred embodiment, four first rail beads 38a are shown.

Depending from the underside 28a of the lid member 14a are multiple second rails 42a. These second rails 42a are disposed along edges 36a of the lid member 14a such that they will fit snugly with the confines of a region 44a generally defined by the first rails 32a. Such a snug fit between the first and second rails may also be a frictional engagement. One or more complementary second rail beads 44a are positioned on the second rails 42a and project outwardly and positioned to interfere with the inwardly projecting first rail beads 38a as the lid member 14a is moved to its closed position. The interaction of the first and second beads thus achieve a snap fit and hold down the lid member when fully closed. The lid member 14a is securely held down with the top plug 26a in sealing contact with the internal perimeter 30a of the orifice 18a by virtue of the snap interaction of the complimentary first and second rail beads. As a result, one does not have to achieve close dimensional relationship between the top plug 26a and the orifice 18a to promote adequate sealing or to hold the lid member 14a in its closed position to prevent unintentional opening. In addition, the use of the first and second rail beads as taught by the instant invention allows greater dimensional tolerance for the complimentary beads themselves since they allow for a greater dimensional interference between complimentary beads without imparting excessive opening or reclosure forces.

An additional feature of the preferred embodiment is the presence of a pour lip 48a extending outward and overhanging the outside perimeter 50a of the depending base skirt 20a. The upper side 52a of the pour lip 48a has a slanted downwardly-inwardly profile 54a so that there is a natural flow back of material as the container is moved from its tilted pour position back to an upright position. In addition, the preferred embodiment has the first rails 32a extend along the outer edge 56a of the pour lip 48a such that the first rails 32a create or define a channel 58a therebetween on the pour lip 48a. The channel 58a aids in maintaining liquid pouring out or back into the container within a confined location and helps prevents spilling over the edge of the pour lip.

A further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is illustrated at FIG. 10 wherein dispensing closure 60 incorporates the numerical indicated structure previously discussed and further includes optional reinforcement ribbing 62 at an orifice facing surface 64 defined as a portion of the underside 28a of the lid member 14a within the boundary of the top plug 26a. The option reinforcement ribbing may be comprised of a plurality of rib segments 66 disposed upon the orifice facing surface 64 to form a grid pattern 68. The configuration formed by grid pattern 68 is arbitrary and may take the form of a fish bone as depicted in FIG. 10 or some other configuration as is selectively chosen. The reinforcement ribbing 62 may serve to provide a strengthened resistance to deformation of the lid member 14 when a thumb of a user presses against the external facing surface of lid member 14 when closing a previously opened lid member.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 17, another embodiment will herein be discussed with similar references numbers being used as with the previous embodiments. The embodiment in FIGS. 11 through 17 will use a subscript reference of “b” to denote this embodiment.

A closure 10b is illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 17, and comprises a base 12b joined to a lid member 14b through an integral hinge 16b. The closure 10b is characterized as being of a relatively large diameter (as similarly illustrated in FIG. 6 with the first embodiment), such as but not limited to 33 mm, 38 mm, 48 mm, 55 mm, 63 mm. This permits the presence of a relatively large orifice 18b for the base 12b to allow free gravity pouring of contents while at the same time allowing venting for smooth flow.

The orifice 18b is illustrated as having an oval shape, with the closure 10b oriented relative to a container (not shown) such that the large dimension of the oval orifice 18b has a substantially vertical orientation during the pouring of contents. Such a condition promotes proper venting and smooth “glug free” pouring. The base 12b includes a depending skirt 20b comprising “container engaging” structure 22b to mate with “closure engaging” structure on a container in a conventional way. The container engaging structure 22b may comprise screw threads or snap fit structures.

A top plug 26b depends from the underside 28b of the lid member 14b. The top plug 26b has minimal height in order to conserve material use and facilitate ease of opening and reclosure. However, the relatively large size of orifice 18b and top plug 26b works against maintaining a tight dimensional relationship between the top plug 26b and the orifice 18b. The tight dimensional relationship between a top plug and an orifice, with conventional dispensing closures having a small orifice, becomes very difficult to maintain with the relatively large orifice of the closure of the instant embodiment. In addition, the shortened top plug 26b of the instant embodiment presents a significantly reduced surface to achieve adequate sealing against the internal perimeter 30b of the orifice 18b.

The closure 10b is also equipped with structure supplying a unique and novel hold down effect when the lid member 14b is in the closed or sealed position. Multiple first “rails” 32b project upward from a top portion 34b defined by the base 12b. The first rails 32b are positioned to be just outside an edge portion 36b of the lid member 14b when the lid member 14b is in its closed position. The first rails 32b are in the form of a parallelogram truncated on two opposing ends, yet the first rails may be of an alternate form such as a pair of arcuate members or a plurality of segmented sections. One will understand that forms other than the truncated parallelogram of the embodiment are possible depending in large measure on the shape of the lid and complimentary rails present on the bottom portion of the lid as will become clear hereinafter.

Projecting radially inwardly from the first rails 32b of the base 12b are one or more first rail beads 38b. The first rail bead(s) 38b either do not extend the full height of the first rails 32b and therefore form undercut projection(s) 40b along the length of the first rails 32b or have an undercut section defined therein. Those familiar with the terminology of the art will recognize the beads used herein as snap beads. In this embodiment two first rail beads 38b are shown and positioned distally from the integral hinge 16b.

Depending from the underside 28b of the lid member 14b are multiple second rails 42b. These second rails 42b are disposed along edges 36b of the lid member 14b such that they will fit snugly with the confines of a region 44b generally defined by the first rails 32b. Such a snug fit between the first and second rails may also be a frictional engagement. One or more complementary second rail beads 44b are positioned on the second rails 42b and project outwardly and positioned to interfere with the inwardly projecting first rail beads 38b as the lid member 14b is moved to its closed position. The interaction of the first and second beads thus achieve a snap fit and hold down the lid member when fully closed. The lid member 14b is securely held down with the top plug 26b in sealing contact with the internal perimeter 30b of the orifice 18b by virtue of the snap interaction of the complimentary first and second rail beads. As a result, one does not have to achieve close dimensional relationship between the top plug 26b and the orifice 18b to promote adequate sealing or to hold the lid member 14b in its closed position to prevent unintentional opening. In addition, the use of the first and second rail beads as taught by the instant invention allows greater dimensional tolerance for the complimentary beads themselves since they allow for a greater dimensional interference between complimentary beads without imparting excessive opening or reclosure forces.

An additional feature of the preferred embodiment is the presence of a pour lip 48b extending outward and overhanging the outside perimeter 50b of the depending base skirt 20b. The upper side 52b of the pour lip 48b has a slanted downwardly-inwardly profile 54b so that there is a natural flow back of material as the container is moved from its tilted pour position back to an upright position. In addition, this embodiment has the first rails 32b extend along the outer edge 56b of the pour lip 48b such that the first rails 32b create or define a channel 58b therebetween on the pour lip 48b. The channel 58b aids in maintaining liquid pouring out or back into the container within a confined location and helps prevents spilling over the edge of the pour lip.

The lid member 14b may further include a latch 70 that extends from the underside 28b of the lid member 14b. The latch 70 is positioned about the periphery of the lid member 14b that is distal from the integral hinge 16b. The latch 70 has an internal surface 72 that faces towards the pour lip 48b and includes an indentation 74 providing an indentation region 76 to accommodate the edge 76 of the pout lip 48b when the lid member 14b is in the closed position.

It should be further known that while, FIGS. 11 and 12 depict reinforcement ribbing 62b on the underside 28b of the lid member 14b within the boundary of the top plug 26b. The reinforcement ribbing may be removed without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiment.

Operation

The closure is applied to the container after filling the container. Upon application, the closure is in its closed position. A suitable tamper evident system (not shown) may be included in the assembly. Suitable tamper evidencing may be achieved using conventional techniques such as inner sealing foils as is known in the art.

Upon initial opening of the closure it may first be removed to allow removal of an optional inner foil, the closure is then reapplied to the container and then the lid is lifted to dispense container contents. (It is important to note that an inner foil does not have to be employed.) After dispensing, the lid is moved to its closed position, whereby the complimentary snap beads on the closure and lid rails interact to firmly secure the lid and its sealing plug in closed and sealed position.

From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The subject inventions herein advantageously provide a closure for attachment to a container. The closure includes a base having an orifice and a skirt depending from the base. A lid is provided and is joined to the base through an integral hinge. The lid has a plug depending from an underside section of the lid. The plug is preferably sized to fit within the orifice when the lid is closed. The closure further includes rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base and rails projecting downwardly from the underside section of the lid. The rails further include at least one bead projecting (radially inwardly from each of the first rails) and (radially outwardly from each of the second rails). The beads are positioned to interfere with each other to form a snap fit when the lid is closed.

Claims

1. A dispensing closure for attachment to a container having an opening for dispensing fluids contained within the container, the closure comprising:

a base having a substantially circular skirt depending therefrom and said base having an oval orifice aligned with at least a portion of the opening defined in the container and positioned such that a semimajor axis of the oval has a substantially vertical orientation during pouring;
a lid member having a first section joined to a first section of the base through an integral hinge;
the lid member further having a plug depending from an underside section of the lid member, the plug being sized to frictionally fit against the internal perimeter of the orifice such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the plug engages the orifice to substantially seal the orifice;
a pair of first rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base, the first rails being oppositely positioned about the orifice;
a pair of second rails projecting from the underside section of the lid member, the second rails being oppositely positioned about the plug such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the pair of second rails are positioned within the pair of first rails, wherein the pair of first and second rails are further defined as each having one end nearly adjacent to the integral hinge and being linearly divergent to a mid point and having another end terminating at a section opposite said integral hinge and being linearly divergent to said mid point to define pairs of first and second linear divergent rails, whereby the pair of first linear divergent rails forms a boarder about the substantially vertical orientated oval orifice and the pair of second linear divergent rails forms a boarder about the plug; and
at least one first bead projecting radially inwardly from each of the first rails, and at least one second bead projecting radially outwardly from each of the second rails, the at least one second bead being positioned to interfere with the at least one first bead defined on the first rails such that when the lid member is moved towards the base, the at least one first bead and the interfering at least one second bead form a snap fit to more securely hold the lid member in a closed position.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first rails each include a single first bead projecting radially inwardly and wherein the second rails each include a single second bead projecting radially inwardly and positioned to interfere with the single first beads.

3. The closure of claim 2, wherein the single first beads and interfering single second beads are positioned towards a front portion of the orifice, said front portion of the orifice defined as being diametrically opposed from the integral hinge.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first rails each include a pair of first beads projecting radially inwardly and wherein the second rails each include a pair of second beads projecting radially inwardly and positioned to interfere with the pair of first beads.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the base has a diameter selected from at least one of the following sizes: 33 mm, 38 mm, 48 mm, 55 mm, or 63 mm.

6. The closure of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes container engaging structure such that the closure may be secured to the container.

7. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first and second rails are positioned to form truncated parallelograms.

8. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a pour lip extending outward and overhanging from an outside perimeter of the skirt and being positioned along a front portion of the orifice, the front portion of the orifice defined as being diametrically opposed from the integral hinge.

9. The closure of claim 8, wherein an upper side of the pour lip has a slanted downwardly and inwardly profile.

10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the first rails extend along an outer edge of the pour lip to define a channel therebetween on the pour lip.

11. The closure of claim 8, wherein the lid member includes a latch extending from the underside of the lid member and positioned about the periphery of the lid member, the latch has an internal surface for engagement with an external surface of the pour lip when the lid member is moved towards the base.

12. The closure of claim 1 further comprising reinforcement ribbing on the underside of the lid member positioned within the plug.

13. The closure of claim 12, wherein the reinforcement ribbing includes a plurality of rib segments forming a grid pattern.

14. A dispensing closure for attachment to a container having an opening for dispensing fluids contained within the container, the closure comprising:

a base having a substantially circular skirt depending therefrom and said base having an oval orifice aligned with at least a portion of the opening defined in the container and positioned such that a semimajor axis of the oval has a substantially vertical orientation during pouring;
a lid member having a first section joined to a first section of the base through an integral hinge;
the lid member further having a plug depending from an underside section of the lid member, the plug being sized to frictionally fit against the internal perimeter of the orifice such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the plug engages the orifice to substantially seal the orifice;
a pair of first rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base, the first rails being oppositely positioned about the orifice;
a pair of second rails projecting from the underside section of the lid member, the second rails being oppositely positioned about the plug such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the pair of second rails are positioned within the pair of first rails, wherein the pair of first and second rails are further defined as each having one end nearly adjacent to the integral hinge and being linearly divergent to a mid point and having another end terminating at a section opposite said integral hinge and being linearly divergent to said mid point to define pairs of first and second linear divergent rails, whereby the pair of first linear divergent rails forms a boarder about the substantially vertical orientated oval orifice and the pair of second linear divergent rails forms a boarder about the plug;
at least one first bead projecting radially inwardly from each of the first rails, and at least one second bead projecting radially outwardly from each of the second rails, the at least one second bead being positioned to interfere with the at least one first bead defined on the first rails such that when the lid member is moved towards the base, the at least one first bead and the interfering at least one second bead form a snap fit to more securely hold the lid member in a closed position;
a pour lip extending outward and overhanging from an outside perimeter of the skirt and being positioned along a front portion of the orifice, the front portion of the orifice defined as being diametrically opposed from the integral hinge, and
wherein the lid member includes a latch extending from the underside of the lid member and positioned about the periphery of the lid member, the latch has an internal surface for engagement with an external surface of the pour lip when the lid member is moved towards the base.

15. The closure of claim 14, wherein the first rails extend along an outer edge of the pour lip to define a channel therebetween on the pour lip.

16. The closure of claim 15, wherein an upper side of the pour lip has a slanted downwardly and inwardly profile.

17. The closure of claim 15, wherein the first rails each include a single first bead projecting radially inwardly and wherein the second rails each include a single second bead projecting radially inwardly and positioned to interfere with the single first beads and wherein the single first beads and interfering single second beads are positioned towards the front portion of the orifice.

18. The closure of claim 17, wherein the first and second rails are positioned to form truncated parallelograms.

19. A dispensing closure for attachment to a container having an opening for dispensing fluids contained within the container, the closure comprising:

a base having a substantially circular skirt depending therefrom and said base having an oval orifice aligned with at least a portion of the opening defined in the container and positioned such that a semimajor axis of the oval has a substantially vertical orientation during pouring;
a lid member having a first section joined to a first section of the base through an integral hinge;
the lid member further having a plug depending from an underside section of the lid member, the plug being sized to frictionally fit against the internal perimeter of the orifice such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the plug engages the orifice to substantially seal the orifice;
a pair of first rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base, the first rails being oppositely positioned about the orifice;
a pair of second rails projecting from the underside section of the lid member, the second rails being oppositely positioned about the plug such that when the lid member is moved against the base, the pair of second rails are positioned within the pair of first rails, wherein the pair of first and second rails are further defined as each having one end nearly adjacent to the integral hinge and being linearly divergent to a mid point and having another end terminating at a section opposite said integral hinge and being linearly divergent to said mid point to define pairs of first and second linear divergent rails, whereby the pair of first linear divergent rails forms a boarder about the substantially vertical orientated oval orifice and the pair of second linear divergent rails forms a boarder about the plug;
at least one first bead projecting radially inwardly from each of the first rails, and at least one second bead projecting radially outwardly from each of the second rails, the at least one second bead being positioned to interfere with the at least one first bead defined on the first rails such that when the lid member is moved towards the base, the at least one first bead and the interfering at least one second bead form a snap fit to more securely hold the lid member in a closed position;
a pour lip extending outward and overhanging from an outside perimeter of the skirt and being positioned along a front portion of the orifice, the front portion of the orifice defined as being diametrically opposed from the integral hinge, and wherein an upper side of the pour lip has a slanted downwardly and inwardly profile, and
wherein the lid member includes a latch extending from the underside of the lid member and positioned about the periphery of the lid member, the latch has an internal surface for engagement with an external surface of the pour lip when the lid member is moved towards the base.

20. The closure of claim 14, wherein the first rails extend along an outer edge of the pour lip to define a channel therebetween on the pour lip.

21. The closure of claim 1, wherein the semimajor axis of the oval orifice is at least 50% of the diameter of the substantially circular skirt.

22. The closure of claim 14, wherein the semimajor axis of the oval orifice is at least 50% of the diameter of the substantially circular skirt.

23. The closure of claim 19, wherein the semimajor axis of the oval orifice is at least 50% of the diameter of the substantially circular skirt.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100140266
Type: Application
Filed: May 9, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 10, 2010
Applicant: PORTOLA PACKAGING, INC. (Batavia, IL)
Inventors: Richard Lohrman (Aurora, IL), Mike Xiaoli Ma (San Jose, CA)
Application Number: 12/599,002
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Pivotable Secondary Closure (220/254.3)
International Classification: B65D 51/18 (20060101);