Shock resistant break-off top

The present invention is a top for a dispensing container. The top includes a base, a nozzle portion extending from a first end of the base, and a tab integrally formed with the nozzle portion at a neck down portion. The nozzle portion has an outer wall defining an internal conduit for passage of a liquid, powder and/or gel. The tab includes a tip end sealing the internal conduit and at least one shock absorbing portion. When the tab is twisted, the tip end is removed from the nozzle portion at the neck down portion, thereby opening the internal conduit. The shock absorbing portion can include a slot, an area with reduced thickness, a flex area, or a combination thereof. The top can be included on a container for storing liquids, powders and/or gels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of liquid, powder and/or gel dispensers. Particularly, the invention relates to break-off tops for liquid, powder and/or gel dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shock-resistant break-off top for use in dispensing products from a container, such as hair-care products. Conventional containers include a top with a dispensing nozzle tip. To prevent accidental discharge during shipment, the top includes a break-off tab which is molded as part of the top and covers the nozzle at the tip. Twisting of the tab fractures the plastic material at the location of the nozzle tip, thus opening the nozzle and permitting dispensing the product to be dispensed.

The primary problem with conventional tops is that they are subject to breakage in the event they are accidentally dropped. The force of impact on conventional tabs results in the tabs fracturing at the nozzle tip location (which is the weakest point on the tab), causing the top to open.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a top for a dispensing container includes a base, a nozzle portion extending from a first end of the base, and a tab integrally formed with the nozzle portion at a neck down portion. The nozzle portion has an outer wall defining an internal conduit for passage of a liquid, powder and/or gel. The tab includes a tip end sealing the internal conduit and at least one shock absorbing portion. When the tab is twisted, the tip end is removed from the nozzle portion at the neck down portion, thereby opening the internal conduit. The at least one shock absorbing portion can include a slot, an area with reduced thickness, a flex area, or a combination thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a container for a dispenser having a break-off top with a shock absorbing portion. The container can include a hinged bottom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses problems of the prior art by incorporating a fracture or absorption point in the tab at a location spaced apart from the nozzle tip location.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of the invention is shown. A top10includes a nozzle portion12that is formed integral with a base14. The base14includes a depending skirt16that is designed to engage with the top of a container through any conventional attachment mechanism, such as threads, snap-on engagement, or hinged attachment. To ensure an adequate seal at the engagement of the depending skirt and the top of the container, a seal, such as a plug seal can be included at the engagement area.

The nozzle portion12includes an outer wall18(FIG. 3) defining an internal conduit20for passage of a liquid, powder and/or gel. The conduit20extends to a tip end22of the nozzle portion. The tip end22of the conduit20is sealed by an integrally formed plastic tab24. The tab24includes a neck-down portion26and a finger flange28. The finger flange28is preferably wide enough to accommodate the thumb and forefinger of a user, and permit the user to twist the tab24. Twisting of the tab24causes the thin wall material in the neck-down portion26to shear or fracture, thus breaking off the tab24from the nozzle portion12.

The tab24also includes a shock absorbing portion30. As used herein, the shock absorbing portion can include a thinned portion of the tab, a flex area in the tab, a slot in the tab, and combinations thereof. Also as used herein, the shock absorbing portion is designed to absorb and/or dampen loads applied to the tab24in the event that the container is dropped and the tab24contacts a hard surface. In such cases, a side (lateral) load would be applied to the tab24. Conventional break-off tops would simple transfer the load directly to the neck-down portion26, resulting in shearing off of the top. The present invention includes the shock absorbing portion30to absorb some of the side impact loads and/or redirect the loads away from the neck-down portion.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the tab24includes a thinned (reduced thickness) portion32and a finger flange28. The thinned portion32extends at least partially across the tab24. The thinned portion32is spaced apart from the neck-down portion26. In the illustrated embodiment, the thinned portion32extends completely across the tab and is formed as a molded indentation of reduced thickness on both sides of the tab24. The thinned portion is also shown as a substantially straight line. However, it is contemplated that the thinned portion could be formed as an indentation in the tab in any desired shape, such as a curved indentation, or an inverted V-shaped indentation.

In one preferred embodiment, the thinned portion32is formed by a V-shaped notch on both sides of the tab24(seeFIG. 2A). The V-shaped notch preferably has an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the tab has a thickness of about 0.045 inches and the thinned portion results in a thickness that is preferably less than 50% of the tab thickness, and more preferably is about 0.010 inches thick.

In the event that a container with the top shown in these figures is dropped, the side impact loads will be absorbed by the tab as it bends and/or breaks along the thinned portion. The applied loads will naturally concentrate on the weakest point. Since the thinned portion32is spaced apart from the neck-down portion26, the loads are reduced to a degree as the impact energy is dissipated through the breaking of the thinned portion. As such, the container top will remain sealed and still usable since the remaining portion of the finger flange28is wide enough to permit the user to break off the tab. In essence, the thinned portion32acts as a first line of weakness, absorbing the impact loads before the loads are able to be transferred to the neck-down portion26(i.e., a second line of weakness), thereby preventing unintentional breaking of the seal.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, many of the basic components of the top100are the same as the prior embodiment and, thus, are identified with similar reference numerals. In addition,FIG. 4shows the top100engaged with a container11.

In this embodiment, the shock-absorbing portion102includes a through slot104formed in the tab24. The slot104is spaced apart from the neck-down portion26, as well as from the upper edge of the tab. The result is a portion of the tab being separated from the remainder of the finger flange28. The slot104extends completely through the thickness of the tab24(forming an opening), but does not extend to the lateral edges of the tab24. Accordingly, the portion of the tab that is separated by the slot becomes a resilient section.

The slot104is shown as semi-circular or crescent in shape. However, it is contemplated that the slot104could be formed in the tab in any desired shape such as a straight line, or an inverted V-shaped slot.

In the event that a container with the top shown in these figures is dropped, the side impact loads will be absorbed by the section of the tab located above the slot as it bends about the slot. As with the prior embodiment, this embodiment will help prevent the container top from prematurely opening when dropped.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, a third embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the slot104is coupled with a thinned portion32to form the shock absorbing portion30of the tab24. InFIG. 6, the thinned portion32extends from the sides of the tab24. The thinned portions32from either side of the tab24are in communication via the slot104that is present in the center of the tab24. As shown, the slot104has a radius that mirrors the radius of the top of the tab24. A similar orientation of the absorbing portion30is shown inFIG. 7, except that the slot104is configured to accept wire bars of standard hanging displays. As shown, the slot104can accept a display having two supports (not shown) through circular protuberances105. Alternatively, the slot104can accept a display having just a single support (not shown) along the centerline of the slot104.

As with the tops shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, in the event that a container with the top shown in eitherFIGS. 6 and 7is dropped, the side impact loads will be absorbed by the section of the tab located above the slot as it bends about the slot. The addition of the thinned portion adjacent the slot provides for greater bending of the tab about the slot as it provides a path of lesser resistance. Consequently, there is a greater transfer of energy away from the neck-down portion, which helps to prevent the container top from prematurely opening when dropped.

Referring toFIGS. 9 through 14, various embodiments of the invention are shown. In these embodiments, many of the basic components of the top10are the same as the prior embodiments and, thus, are identified with similar reference numerals. In these embodiments, the shock-absorbing portion202is a flex area204formed from the configuration of the tab24.

Each of the tops shown inFIGS. 9 through 14can be injection molded as a one piece construction. When the tops are dropped, a flex area204on each of the tops bends, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the impact load. As used herein, a flex area is an area of the tab that flexes or bends, but does not break when subjected to a moderate impact load from, for example, being dropped onto an uncarpeted floor from a table top about 3 to 5 feet above the floor.

As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the flex area may be created by an arrangement of the tab24that in profile includes a series of alternating projections and recesses. The arrangement allows the tab24to act as a spring that absorbs impact loads prior to the load reaching the tip end22. Upon impact, preferably most or all of the loads are transferred from the top of the tab to the flex area204that is spaced apart from the tip end22. The flex area204absorbs at least a portion of the load by flexing or bending, thereby limiting the impact load on the tip end22.

As shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, in one embodiment, the tab includes a series of elongated rods206. The rods are molded together in curved orientation in order of decreasing diameter, with the largest diameter rod attached to the tip end22and the smallest diameter rod farthest from the tip end22. Because of the curved orientation and because of the decreasing diameter of the rods, the tab will bend or flex at a flex area204under impact loads. As a result, transfer of impact loads to the tip end22is limited.

As shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, the flex area is created by a profile arrangement of the tab that begins with the tab being at about a 45 degree angle from the neck-down portion26. From the neck-down portion, the tab extends at 90-degree angles at alternating directions. The arrangement allows the tab24to act as a spring that absorbs impact loads prior to the load reaching the tip end22. Upon impact, the loads are transferred from the top of the tab to a flex area204that is apart from the tip end22. The flex area204absorbs the load by flexing or bending, thereby limiting the impact load on the tip end22.

As shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B, the flex area is created by a series of projections extending from the tip end22. Each of the projections includes a flex area204apart from the tip end22that flexes or bend when the projections are subject to an impact load. The flexing or bending of the projections at the flex area204absorbs the load, thereby limiting the load on the tip end. The projections also serve to distribute the impact load over a greater area, thereby limiting the amount of load on any particular point (e.g., the tip end).

As shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the flex area is created by a ring-like structure that is thinner at the top of the ring than it is at the bottom of the ring where in engages the tip end. The thickness of the ring gradually increases from the top of the ring to the bottom of the ring. Upon impact on the thinner area, loads are transferred from the thinner area to the area of the ring with the gradually increasing thickness. The load transfer causes the area of gradually increasing thickness to flex or bend at a flex area204, thereby absorbing a substantial portion of the load. As a result, transfer of impact loads to the tip end22is limited.

As shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B, the flex area is created by an S-shaped orientation of tab24. The S-shaped orientation allows the tab24to act as a spring that absorbs impact loads prior to the load reaching the tip end22. Upon impact, the loads are transferred from the top of the tab to a flex area204that is apart from the tip end22. The flex area204absorbs the load by flexing or bending, thereby limiting the impact load on the tip end22.

In the event that the container with the top shown in theFIGS. 9 through 14is dropped, the side impact loads will be absorbed by the flex area, causing the tab to flex. Under moderate impact loads, the tab will simply flex or bend about the flex area. Under heavier impact loads, the tab may break at the flex area. Whether or not the tab flexes or breaks under the load of impact, there is a greater transfer of energy away from the neck-down portion, which helps to prevent the container top from prematurely opening when dropped.

While each of the tops shown inFIGS. 9 through 14have different configurations for the flex area, they all have a finger flange28. The finger flange provides a substantially stiff (i.e., relatively inflexible) area for a user to twist the tab24, allowing the user to disengage the tab from the nozzle portion12at the neck-down portion26. With the tab removed, liquid, powder and/or gel can be dispensed through the nozzle portion12.

Referring toFIGS. 15A through 15M, alternative embodiments of the tab24of the invention are shown. As shown, each of these embodiments include a finger flange28. The finger flange28serves the same function as the finger flange described in the previous embodiments (i.e., providing a structure to allow a user to twist the tab).

FIG. 15Ashows the tab24in a shape that roughly resembles the number “8”. The tab24has two substantially oval pieces106each having a slot104in the center. The two substantially oval pieces106are connected via a connector108. The slots104in the substantially oval pieces106create the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of each of the slots104. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Bshows the tab24in a shape that roughly resembles the letter “W”. The tab24has two outer legs110and an inner leg112that together form the “W”. As shown the inner leg112has an arrow head configuration and the outer legs have horizontal extensions extending from the top of the legs. This embodiment is not so limited. In this embodiment, the tab24can be any configuration that substantially forms a “W” shape. Under impact, the outer legs110flex about flex areas204, thereby absorbing the impact load. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

In addition to its functional benefits, the tab shown inFIG. 15Balso has aesthetic benefits. For example, the tab can be used to sell a product whose name begins with “W” or to sell a product from a manufacturer whose name begins with “W”.

FIG. 15Cshows the tab24in a shape that roughly resembles a comb. The tab has protrusions114that extend from the finger flange28. Under impact, the protrusions114flex about flex areas204, thereby absorbing the impact load. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Dshows the tab24having a first slot116and a second slot118. The first slot116is a semi-circle. The second slot118parallels the perimeter of the first slot116. The two slots are separated by a portion of the tab that is connected with the finger flange28. Under impact, the load will be absorbed by the section of the tab located around the slots116,118.

FIG. 15Eshows the tab24that, in plan view, includes a series of alternating projections and recesses. The tab24absorbs impact loads in a spring-like manner. Upon impact, the loads are transferred from the top of the tab to a flex area204. The flex area204absorbs the load by flexing or bending, thereby limiting the impact load on the tip end22.

FIG. 15Fshows the tab24in a configuration similar to the configuration shown inFIG. 15A. There are several differences between these two embodiments. First, the embodiment shown inFIG. 15Fhas rounded edges around the slots104as opposed to the more squared off edges shown inFIG. 15A. Second, the tip end22inFIG. 15Fdoes not extend into a slot104as it does inFIG. 15A, resulting in a larger finger flange28with which a user can twist the tab24.

FIG. 15Gshows the tab24having seven different slots104in three different sizes. The slots104create the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of each of the slots104. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Hshows the tab24having an oval slot104and three thinned portions32, the three thinned portions are oriented such that they are approximately 60 degrees from one another. The combination of the slot104and the thinned portions32creates the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of the slot104, with the majority of the load being absorbed by at least one of the thinned portions32. Under moderate loads, the tab may bend at the thinned portions. Under higher loads, the thinned portions may break at the thinned portions. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Ishows the tab24having a substantially circular slot104and four horizontal thinned portions32. The combination of the slot104and the thinned portions32forms the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of the slot104, with the majority of the load being absorbed by at least one of the thinned portions32. Under moderate loads, the tab may bend at the thinned portions. Under higher loads, the thinned portions may break at the thinned portions. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Jshows the tab24having a single slot104connecting two smaller circular slots105. The slots are configured such that a container having the tab to be hung on a display rack with a single rod or a double rod. The slots104,105form the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of each of the slots104,105. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Kshows the tab24having three substantially circular spaced apart slots104and four horizontal thinned portions32. The combination of the slots104and the thinned portions32creates the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of the slots104, with the majority of the load being absorbed by at least one of the thinned portions32. Under moderate loads, the tab may bend at the thinned portions. Under higher loads, the thinned portions may break at the thinned portions. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

FIG. 15Lshows the tab24having an oval slot104. The slot104forms the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of the slot104. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited. As shown, the tab24also includes a finger flange28.

FIG. 15Mshows the tab24having a substantially circular slot104and three horizontal thinned portions32. The combination of the slot104and the thinned portions32forms the shock absorbing portion of the tab. Under impact, the load is absorbed around the perimeter of the slot104, with the majority of the load being absorbed by at least one of the thinned portions32. Under moderate loads, the tab may bend at the thinned portions. Under higher loads, the thinned portions may break at the thinned portions. As a result, transfer of loads to the tip end22is limited.

Preferably, the tabs24of the present invention have a width from about 0.25 inch to about 1 inch; more preferably, from about 0.4 inch to about 0.8 inch; and most preferably, from about 0.5 inch to about 0.625 inch. Preferably, the finger flange has a width that is greater than half of the width of the overall tab.

Preferably, the tabs24of the present invention have a height from about 0.15 inch to about 0.75 inch; more preferably, from about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch; and most preferably, from about 0.3 inch to about 0.4 inch. Preferably, the finger flange has a width that is greater than one quarter of the height of the overall tab.

The noted height and widths are the preferred dimensions. Dimensions larger and smaller dimensions than the preferred dimensions are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the tabs24of the present invention are made from a molded plastic. Molded plastics are known by those skilled in the art. Therefore, for reasons of conciseness, they will not be enumerated herein. An example of a suitable material for the tabs24of the present invention is an impact resistant, soft thermoplastic elastomer.

In addition to the various embodiments of the tab of the present invention discussed above, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, other embodiments of the container body are also contemplated.FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow a disposable one piece container300. The container300is injection molded, in its entirety, from one mold.

The container300includes a tab24, a container body302, and a cap304. The tab24includes a finger flange28, a tip end22, and two shock absorbing portions30. Each of the tab elements serves substantially the same purpose as described previously. As shown, the shock absorbing portions30include slots104. Alternatively, the shock absorbing portions30can be thinned portions of the tab, flex areas in the tab, or combinations thereof.

The cap304is attached to the container body302by a molded hinge306. The cap304can be opened to allow for filling of the container body302. Once filled with a powder, liquid or other material, the cap304can be closed by engaging a female portion308of the cap304with a male portion310of the container body300. An optional seal can be included at the engagement of the female portion with the male portion to provide for a more secure seal.

In operation, a user engages the finger flange28and twists the tab24in direction A and/or direction B. The twisting severs the tip end22from the container body300at a location312, opening a conduit to allow the material stored in the container body to be removed.

It should be readily apparent that the cap can be molded from a single or multiple materials. For example, it is contemplated that the tab could be formed from a different material from the tip end, such as with a multi-material or co-injection molding process. The tab could be made from a material that is softer or more compressible than the tip end, thus providing the shock absorbing capability of the tab.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced in various alternate forms and configurations. The previously detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is presented for purposes of clarity of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be implied there from.