Patent Publication Number: US-8985407-B2

Title: One-piece dispensing cap for a container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENTIAL LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to a one-piece dispensing cap that facilitates dispensing of a product from a container. 
     2. Description of the Background of the Invention 
     Hand-held containers for products have been used to dispense powders, pellets, seeds, and other flowable particles. Generally, containers for dispensing products include lids that must be fully removed prior to use. Other dispensing products may include caps having lids that open in some fashion to expose openings in the container that allow the product to be dispensed therethrough. Such lids are typically not retained in the closed position after numerous opening/closing cycles due to fatigue, friction and/or strain on the lid. Further, other problems may occur during the manufacturing process of multiple component lids, whereby components of the lid may be offset from one another such that the lid does not properly close. 
     The aforementioned problems are addressed by the cap disclosed in the present application. For example, a hinged lid that is integrally attached to the cap reduces the number of parts needed during the manufacturing process. In addition, the one-piece nature of the cap reduces cost and increases the precision of the molding during the manufacturing process. For example, the projections on the lid are molded in line with the apertures on the dispensing surface and aligned such that the lid closes properly and securely. Further, various locking mechanisms, such as the snap feature disclosed herein, assist in releasably attaching the lid to the dispensing surface in a secure manner such that product is unable to escape inadvertently when the cap is not in use. Still further, the presently disclosed caps provide greater stiffness to the hinge and reduce flexing and bowing in the opening and closing process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece dispensing cap includes a sidewall and an upper surface. A lid is hingedly connected to the upper surface and the lid is moveable between open and closed positions. A plurality of dispensing apertures are disposed in the upper surface and a plurality of projections depend from an interior surface of the lid. The plurality of projections mate with the plurality of apertures to seal the cap in the closed position. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece dispensing cap includes a sidewall and an upper surface. A lid extends from a portion of the upper surface. The lid is hingedly connected to the upper surface and moveable between open and closed positions. A raised edge extends around a portion of a perimeter of the annular wall. The lid and the raised edge of the sidewall interact to seal the cap in the closed position. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece dispensing cap includes an annular wall and an upper surface comprising a dispensing area and a closed area. A lid extends from a portion of the upper surface. The lid is hingedly connected to the upper surface and moveable between open and closed positions. At least one protrusion extends from an interior surface of the lid and is adapted to interact with at least one aperture disposed in the upper surface in the closed position. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the attached drawings, in which like elements are assigned like reference numerals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a top, front, and side of a cap; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom isometric view of the cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is bottom elevational view of the cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the cap of  FIG. 1  in a dispensing position; 
         FIG. 7  is a top elevational view of the cap of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the cap of  FIG. 7  taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cap of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of the cap of  FIG. 1  with a first container; and 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the cap of  FIG. 1  on a second container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1-8  depict a one-piece dispensing cap  100  adapted for use with a container (see, for example,  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The container is adapted to hold and release product (not shown) contained therein. The cap  100  comprises a base or sidewall  102 , which in the present embodiment is cylindrical in shape. However, it is contemplated that the base or sidewall  102  may comprise any number of geometric configurations, including a square, rectangle, oval, etc. 
     The sidewall  102  terminates at a substantially flat upper surface  104 , which is adapted to be releasably sealed by a lid  106  that extends therefrom. The upper surface  104  is bifurcated into a dispensing area  108  and a closed area  110  by a hinge  112  that extends across and is integral with the upper surface  104 . The dispensing area  108  comprises approximately 50% of the total surface area of the upper surface  104 . In other embodiments the dispensing area  108  comprises more than 50% of the upper surface area  108 , e.g., from about 51% to about 80%, or less than 50% of the total surface area of the upper surface  108 , e.g., from about 20% to about 49%. The dispensing area  108  is adapted to be covered when the lid  106  is in the closed, non-dispensing position (see  FIG. 7 ). The dispensing area  108  is exposed when the lid  106  is in an open, dispensing position (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , the dispensing area  108  includes a raised edge  114  extending around a periphery thereof. The raised edge  114  extends upwardly from the dispensing area  108  and terminates at a rounded top. At first ends  116   a ,  116   b , the raised edge  114  terminates with inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b  disposed adjacent the hinge  112 . The inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b  preferably include an incline angle of about 90 to about 180 degrees. The inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b  preferably correspond to portions of the lid  106  to facilitate the lid  106  closing process. 
     The hinge  112  is preferably a living hinge that extends across the upper surface  104  and acts as an attachment point for the lid  106 . The hinge  112  is preferably extruded with the cap  100  during the manufacturing process such that the lid  106 , hinge  112 , and cap  100  all comprise an integral component. In other embodiments, other types of hinges may be used as is known in the art. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , a space is provided in the form of a trough  120  that is adjacent the hinge  112 . In the present embodiment a length dimension of the trough is parallel to the hinge  112 . The trough  120  is preferably spaced between about 0.01 cm to about 0.05 cm, more preferably spaced between about 0.02 cm to about 0.04 cm, and most preferably spaced about 0.025 cm in front of the hinge  112 . Preferably, the trough  120  is provided in the dispensing area  108 . In the embodiment shown, the trough  120  extends across the entire dispensing area  108  and includes a length dimension of about 7 cm to about 7.5 cm. In other embodiments, the trough  120  extends only partially across the dispensing area  108 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the trough  120  includes a length dimension of about 7.3 cm and a width dimension of about 0.2 cm. The trough  120  is about 0.06 cm deep. The trough  120  provides increased flexibility to the hinge  112  because of the one piece design of the dispensing cap  100  and allows the hinge  112  to sit flush with the dispensing area  108  of the cap  100 . Further, the trough  120  reduces the potential for binding of the hinge  112  during the closing process and allows for the hinge  112  to “relax” and lay flat as opposed to warping when the lid  106  is in the closed position. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b  are adapted to interact with corresponding portions on the lid  106 . The trough  120 , in conjunction with the inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b , provides the unique advantage of allowing the hinge  112  increased flexibility during the closing process. In particular, the lid  106  is able to freely rotate into the closed position substantially unimpeded because the lid  106  does not abut the raised edge  114  in an area adjacent the lid  106  attachment point at the hinge  112 . A further advantage to the present cap  100  is the creation of a substantially flat upper surface  104  when the lid  106  is in a closed position, as the trough  120  and inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b  allow the lid  106  to lay flat on the upper surface  104  within the raised edge  114 . Still further, the raised edge  114  may also include the added advantage of strengthening the dispensing cap  100 . 
     A releasable locking mechanism may be included on portions of the lid  106  adjacent the hinge  112 . In one embodiment, the releasable locking mechanism is provided in the form of a snap comprising a rounded sidewall  122  or periphery of the lid  106  (see  FIGS. 8 and 8A ). While shown as rounded in the present embodiment, it is also contemplated that other geometric shapes may be used to define the perimeter or periphery of the lid  106  to effect the same results. The rounded sidewall  122  is adapted to interact with an undercut  126  disposed on an interior surface  128  of the raised edge  114  to assist in retaining the lid  106  in the closed position. The rounded sidewall  122  and undercut  126  also assist in eliminating dusting, which occurs when product is unintentionally released through caps during non-use when lids are in the closed position. Further, the rounded sidewall  122  and undercut  126  interaction increases the opening and closure force of the lid  106 , which assists in creating a tight seal such that inadvertent opening of the lid  106  is prevented. In other embodiments, other releasable locking mechanisms may be used as is known in the art. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the raised edge  114  terminates at second ends  130   a ,  130   b . Angled projections  132   a ,  132   b  are disposed adjacent the second ends  130   a ,  130   b  and extend outwardly therefrom, respectively, to assist in releasably locking the lid  106  to the dispensing surface  104 , as will be explained in more detail hereinbelow. V-shaped notches  134   a ,  134   b  are formed by surfaces  136   a ,  136   b  of the second ends  130   a ,  130   b  and surfaces  138   a ,  138   b  of the angled projections  132   a ,  132   b . Preferably, the V-shaped notches  134   a ,  134   b  are defined by an opening having angles X, X′, shown in  FIG. 2 , which are from about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, and more preferably from about 30 degrees to about 65 degrees, and most preferably about 50 degrees. In another embodiment, the notches  134   a ,  134   b  include openings having angles X, X′ that are obtuse. In still a further example, the notches  134   a ,  134   b  include openings having rounded surfaces. In a different embodiment, the notches  134   a ,  134   b  and corresponding parts on the lid  106  may be provided in other shapes and sizes such as rectangular, square, oval, and trapezoidal that assist in retaining the lid  106  in a closed position. In yet another embodiment, the hinged lid  106  may include the notches  134   a ,  134   b  to interact with corresponding portions of the base  102  to seal the lid  106  to the dispensing surface  104 . 
     A gap  140  is provided between the projections  132   a ,  132   b , which is adapted to retain an extending portion of the lid  106  when the lid  106  is in a sealed position. As shown in the embodiments in  FIGS. 1-7 , the gap  140  is preferably between about 1 cm to about 5 cm, more preferably between about 1.5 cm to about 3 cm, and most preferably about 2 cm. In other embodiments, the gap  140  may be larger or smaller to correspond to the sizing of portions of the lid  106  that are adapted to be releaseably retained therein. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , a semi-circular cutout  142  is disposed in the sidewall  102  of the cap  100  below the gap  140 . The cutout  142  preferably corresponds to the shape of a portion of a user&#39;s finger to assist the user in closing and opening the lid  106  as will be explained in more detail below. In other embodiments, the cutout  142  may be provided in other shapes and sizes to accommodate different finger sizes or may be omitted all together. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , a plurality of apertures  150  are shown disposed within the dispensing surface  104  that are spaced interiorly from the raised edge  114 . In the present embodiment, the apertures  150  are equidistantly spaced from one another in a radial pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, five apertures  150   a - 150   e  are provided. Each aperture  150  is substantially teardrop shaped and includes a narrowed end portion  152   a - 152   e  and a widened head portion  154   a - 154   e . As shown in  FIG. 5 , each aperture  150   a - 150   e  is defined by two side portions  156   a - 156   e ,  156   a ′- 156   e ′ having a length of about 2.0 cm to about 2.1 cm that connect the end portions  152   a - 152   e  to the head portions  154   a - 154   e . The lengths of the side portions  156   a - 156   e ,  156   a ′- 156   e ′ are defined by the distance of the straight line portion of the apertures  150   a - 150   e  (see, e.g., length L in  FIG. 5 ). The narrowed end portions  152   a - 152   e  have a radius of curvature of about 0.2 cm to about 0.3 cm and the widened head portions  154   a - 154   e  have a radius of curvature of about 0.4 cm to about 0.5 cm. In the embodiment depicted, the two side portions  156   a - 156   e ,  156   a ′- 156   e ′ each have a length of about 1.4 cm. In another embodiment, the apertures  150   a - 150   e  include other straight edges that define a square, rectangle, and the like. In a different embodiment, the apertures  150   a - 150   e  include shapes having a non-straight edge, such as, for example, a circle, an oval, and the like. In still other embodiments, the apertures may be other shapes and sizes as known in the art. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the apertures  150   a - 150   e  are sized to correspond to a plurality of projections  160  that extend from an interior surface  162  of the lid  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, five projections  160   a - 160   e  are provided. Each projection  160   a - 160   e  is defined by a raised surface with a rounded edge  164   a - 164   e  around the periphery thereof that is sized to fit within the apertures  150   a - 150   e , respectively (see  FIG. 8 ). In one particular embodiment, the sizing of the projections  160   a - 160   e  and apertures  150   a - 150   e  may be modified to provide a snap-fit connection to retain the lid  106  onto the dispensing surface  104 . In other embodiments, the projections may be other shapes and sizes as known in the art. Providing the projections  160   a - 160   e  with rounded edges allows the lid  106  to be mated with the dispensing surface  104  in a manner that utilizes less closing force than would otherwise be the case. The rounded edges further assist in preventing misalignment during the closure process. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , at least one of the projections  160   c  includes a rounded knot member  166  projecting outwardly therefrom that is adapted to assist in the manufacturing process. In particular, the knot member  166  assists with an extrusion tool being pulled away from the hinge  112  during the molding process. This, in turn, allows for the lid  106  to be closed in line. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the lid  106  is defined by an exterior surface  170  disposed opposite the interior surface  162  by the rounded sidewall  122 . The rounded sidewall  122  is adapted to contact the interior surface  128  of the raised edge  114  of the cap  100  to assist in securing the lid  106  thereto (see  FIG. 8 ). Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the rounded sidewall  122  includes thinned areas  176   a ,  176   b  on opposing ends disposed adjacent the inclined surfaces  118   a ,  118   b  of the raised edge  114 . The rounded sidewall  122  further includes a rectilinear protrusion  178 . In the present embodiment, the rectilinear protrusion  178  is disposed equidistantly between the thinned areas  176   a ,  176   b . The rectilinear protrusion  178  includes angled surfaces  180   a ,  180   b  at opposing ends  182   a ,  182   b  thereof that are adapted to interact with the angled projections  132   a ,  132   b  that extend from the raised edge  114 . The protrusion  178  projects outwardly from the rounded sidewall  122  and is adapted to be grasped by a user during the opening and closing process of the lid  106 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 6 , the lid  106  is rotatably attached to the cap  100  via the hinge  112 . The lid  106  is adapted to rotate in a manner depicted by arrow A. When the lid  106  is in a closed position, the lid  106  is disposed adjacent the dispensing surface  104  such that the rounded edges  164   a - 164   e  of the projections  160   a - 160   e  are frictionally disposed within the apertures  150   a - 150   e  to create a substantially tight fit such that product (not shown) disposed within the container is unable to escape from the apertures  150   a - 150   e . At the same time, the rounded sidewall  122  of the lid  106  contacts and rides over the undercut  126  disposed on the interior surface  128  of the raised edge  114 . 
     In use, a user places a finger into the cutout  142  and grasps an underside of the rectilinear protrusion  178  that extends outwardly from the lid  106 . As upward force is applied to the rectilinear protrusion  178 , the rounded sidewall  122  slides away from the raised edge  114  and rides over the undercut  126  of the raised edge  114 . At the same time, the projections  160   a - 160   e  disengage from the apertures  150   a - 150   e . Further, the slightly angled surfaces  180   a ,  180   b  at opposing ends  182   a ,  182   b  of the rectilinear protrusion  178  ride over and disengage from the angled projections  132   a ,  132   b  that extend from the raised edge  114 . 
     As the user opens the cap  100 , the lid  106  rotates about the hinge  112  into a substantially open position (see  FIG. 6 ), which allows product to escape through the apertures  150   a - 150   e  (see  FIG. 1 ). Preferably, the lid  106  is rotatable at an angle of at least about 90 degrees. In a different embodiment, the lid  106  is rotatable from about 1 degree to about 180 degrees. In a still further embodiment, the lid is rotatable more than about 90 degrees and may be releasably secured to the closed area  110  of the cap  100  during a dispensing operation in a manner known in the art to prevent any disruption of product flow. 
     The cap  100  is used in combination with a container (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). Any shaped container may be used so long as the container is able to hold a product. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the container may include a box-shaped body and a neck portion adapted to receive the cap  100 . Prior to use, the cap  100  is attached to a top end of a container. To attach the cap  100  to a container, the cap  100  is positioned above a top end of the container and is pressed downwardly thereover. Many containers known in the art include a crimped portion with an undercut that circumscribes the top end. Preferably, as the cap  100  contacts the crimped portion, the sidewall  102  of the cap  100  flexes outwardly to accommodate the top end of the container. The container and cap  100  are pressed together until the crimped portion of the container is locked between an angled end wall  200  of flanges  202  and a lip  204  of the cap  100  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , The flanges  202  are disposed on an interior surface  206  of the sidewall  102  of the cap  100 . Each flange  202  includes an elongate body  208  that terminates at and abuts an interior surface  210  of the upper surface  104  of the cap  100 . The flanges  202  extend downwardly until terminating at the angled end wall  200 . The flanges  202  may prevent or limit rotational movement of the cap  100  when it is disposed on a container. The flanges  202  may also guide the user during the cap attachment process and limit the distance the cap  100  can be pressed downwardly onto a container. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , the lip  204  extends outwardly from the interior surface  206  adjacent a lower edge  222  of the cap  100 . The lip  204  circumscribes the interior surface  206  and is adapted to flex to accommodate portions of the container when the cap  100  is being attached to the container. The lip  204  is preferably spaced about 1 cm to about 3 cm above the lower edge  222  of the cap  100 , and most preferably about 2 cm. In one embodiment, cutouts (not shown) may be provided on various parts of the cap  100  (for example, the lip  204 ) to allow flexibility in the cap  100 . Other attachment mechanisms as known in the art may be used to attach the cap  100  to a container. 
     The cap  100  may be constructed from any materials known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the cap  100  is constructed from a polymer such as polypropylene. In another embodiment, the cap  100  is constructed of a co-polymer and/or of a polymer mixture. One such polymer that may be useful in the present invention is high density polyethylene and the like. The cap  100  and hinge  112  are preferably constructed of materials that allow sufficient flexing to attach and remove the cap  100  from a container. Alternatively, a cap  100  may be provided that is either integral with or fixed to the top end of the container. Still further, other attachment mechanisms may be used to secure the cap  100  to the container. 
     The cap  100  optionally may include a cover such as a peel seal in the form of a label disposed over either the apertures  150   a - 150   e  and/or the container under the cap  100 . The peel seal may be of the type manufactured by Green Bay Packaging, Inc., 3250 South Ridge Road, P.O. Box 19017, Green Bay, Wis. 54307-9017, under the product name Adhesive  275 . The presence of the label provides an indication to the user that the container and the contents therein have not been used or tampered with. Prior to initial use, a user removes the label by removing the cap  100  from the container and peeling the label from the container. The user thereafter replaces the cap  100  onto the container. Alternatively, the user opens the lid  106  and removes the label from the apertures  150   a - 150   e . In a different embodiment, a seal may not be provided, which lowers the manufacturing cost of the cap  100 . Additionally, the seal may be omitted for environmental reasons and ease of use for the consumer. 
     The product disposed within an interior of the container is preferably a flowable substance such as any of those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,407,922 and 7,438,204. However, the product may comprise any type of material that can be disposed within a container. In one embodiment, the flowable solid substance contains an effective amount of one or more odor-counteracting materials. The effective amount of the odor-counteracting material typically includes an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of an undesirable odor from a textile or other material such that the level of the undesirable odor is reduced in the surrounding environment. In other embodiments, a solid product or powder is provided that may have odor-counteracting properties, deodorizing properties, fragrancing properties, or any other type of property found in a typical household product. In still other embodiments, the product is a solid, liquid, or any other product capable of being dispensed out of a container. It is also envisioned that the present container may include other products not typically found in a household but that have similar flow characteristics as the products discussed herein. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use what is herein disclosed and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. All patents, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference as if they appear in this document in their entirety. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of this disclosure are reserved.