Patent Publication Number: US-10329077-B2

Title: Closure assembly and method for opening

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a closure assembly with a lid arranged such that the lid is able to occlude an opening on the closure assembly, and more particularly to a closure assembly with a lid that opens more easily. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Containers with closable lids are well known in the art and have been used for numerous purposes. Some containers are designed for maintaining disposable items while other containers are meant to be reused multiple times to hold many different types of items. The containers can come in various shapes and sizes, and are able to hold items including baby wipes, cleaning towels, and the like. For these types of items, dispensing versions of the containers are quite popular due to their ease of use. They allow a user to quickly obtain a single wipe or towel when needed. For instance, a user may require a single or multiple baby wipes while changing a baby&#39;s diaper. 
     In most instances, containers have a very simplistic design in order to allow users to quickly obtain the items dispensed. However there is a need for a container that allows for easier access to its contents. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and closure assembly for an opening. 
     A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a closure assembly for opening. The closure assembly includes a body, the body defining an opening and a body locking portion, and a lid, the lid moveably affixed to the body and comprising a lid locking portion, the lid locking portion configured to engage the body locking portion to releasably lock the lid in the closed position. The closure assembly further includes a hinge, the hinge being affixed to the lid and the body, the hinge configured to be able to move the lid from a closed position occluding the opening of the body to an open position permitting passage through the opening, the hinge further configured to urge the lid into the open position. The closure assembly still further includes at least one spring member, the at least one spring member located such that the at least one spring member is in a compressed state between the lid and the body when the lid is in the closed position and is in less compressed state when the lid is in the open position, the compressed state of the at least one spring member urging the lid into the open position. 
     A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of opening. The method includes providing a closure assembly, the closure assembly having a body, the body defining an opening and a body locking portion, and a lid, the lid moveably affixed to the body and comprising a lid locking portion, the lid locking portion configured to engage the body locking portion to releasably lock the lid in the closed position. The closure assembly also has a hinge, the hinge being affixed to the lid and the body, the hinge configured to be able to move the lid from a closed position occluding the opening of the body to an open position permitting passage through the opening, the hinge further configured to urge the lid into the open position, and at least one spring member, the at least one spring member located such that the at least one spring member is in a compressed state between the lid and the body when the lid is in the closed position and is in less compressed state when the lid is in the open position, the compressed state of the at least one spring member urging the lid into the open position. The method further includes opening the lid of the closure assembly, wherein the lid is urged to the open position by the hinge and the at least one spring member. 
     The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and various modifications of the invention are possible without departing from the basic principles. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore to be determined solely by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a closed position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a closed position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a closed position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an exemplary force diagram of a closure assembly suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a half open position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a half open position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a complete open position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of a configuration of a closure assembly in a complete open position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a configuration of a container and closure assembly in a half open position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Many different types of containers include many different types of lids for opening and closing the container. Many of these lids require the use of one or both of the user&#39;s hands to open the lid. Often times a lid also requires that the user physically move the lid to the complete open position and to also hold the lid in the open position. Accordingly, there is a need for a lid that aids in the opening process and also remains in the open position without the user assisting in this process. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lid for a closure assembly that aids the user in the opening process by urging the lid to the open position and then to the completely open position. Exemplary embodiments further include a lid that remains in the open position without the user physically maintaining the lid in the open position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , provided is a top perspective view of a closure assembly  100  in a closed position suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 1  is closure assembly  100 , which includes a frame  102 , a lid  104 , a lock  106  and a push button  108 . It should be appreciated that  FIG. 1 - FIG. 8  depict closure assembly  100 , which can be integral with a container  101  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) or can be a separate element that engages, is affixed to, or is attached to container  101 .  FIG. 9  depicts the body of the container  101  to which closure assembly  100  is affixed. As shown in  FIG. 9 , closure assembly  100  is affixed to container  101  at the top surface  101 A such that closure assembly  100  is operable to occlude opening  103  on container  101  in the closed position. Embodiments of opening  103  provide a passage to an interior of container  101  or to a product maintained within the interior of container  101 . Exemplary embodiments of the container  101  can include any type of size and configuration known in the art including flexible plastic disposable containers. 
     Exemplary embodiments of frame  102  are typically sized to define an opening which is coextensive with an opening  103  of an exemplary container  101 . Exemplary embodiments of frame  102  include a solid outside ring which defines the opening. Exemplary embodiments of frame  102  are rigid and flexible to allow minor bending of frame  102  when placed under pressure. Exemplary embodiments of frame  102  can be made out of any type of plastic, resin, or a composite material. Exemplary embodiments of lid  104  are moveably affixed to frame  102  such that it can move from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1  occluding the opening in the frame  102 , to an open position leaving the frame  102  uncovered. Lid  104  is sized such that it completely occludes the opening of frame  102  when it is in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of lid  104  are releasably maintained in the closed position by lock  106 . Exemplary embodiments of lock  106  provide a mechanism that allows lid  104  to remain in the closed position when a portion of lid  104  interacts with lock  106  and also provides a means for lid  104  to be released from lock  106  so that lid  104  can be moved to the open position. Push button  108 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , provides a means to selectively release lid  104  from lock  106  to allow lid  104  to move to the open position. Exemplary embodiments of push button  108  provide that lock  106  is moved from the locked to the unlocked position when push button  108  is compressed by a user or other object. Exemplary embodiments of push button  108  provide that its normal static position is in the uncompressed state such that it is able to maintain lid  104  in the locked closed position. It should be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of push button  108  include any type of lock release mechanism including levers, lifting mechanisms, twisting mechanisms and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , shown is a bottom perspective view of a configuration of closure assembly  100  in a closed position. Shown in  FIG. 2  is the underside of frame  102 , the underside of lid  104 , lock  106 , and the underside of push button  108 . As can be seen, frame  102  defines the opening that is occluded by lid  104  in the closed position. Lock  106 , as depicted, includes a slot  110  and catch  112 . Exemplary embodiments of slot  110  provide a space or opening in frame  102  that can interact with catch  112 . Exemplary embodiments of catch  112  are fixedly attached to lid  104  and are sized to fit within slot  110 . Exemplary embodiments of catch  112  include a flat top surface that engages a top portion of slot  110  preventing catch  112  from being released from slot  110 , which would allow lid  104  to move from the closed position to the open position. 
     Exemplary embodiments of closure assembly  100  include a push button  108  that when compressed by a user or an object substantially moves catch  112  such that it no longer engages slot  110 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , compression of push button  108  will move catch  112  towards the rear of closure assembly  100  such that catch  112  no longer engages slot  110  and lid  104  may freely move to the open position. In this exemplary embodiment of closure assembly  100 , lid  104  with catch  112  will be somewhat flexible such that catch  112  can be moved so that it does not engage slot  110 , yet also resilient enough to maintain its position and integrity when catch  112  is located within slot  110  and lid  104  is in the closed locked position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , shown is a rear perspective view of a configuration of closure assembly  100  in the closed position. Shown in  FIG. 3  are frame  102 , lid  104 , push button  108 , and hinge  114 . Hinge  114  is coupled to frame  102  and lid  104 . Hinge  114  shown in  FIG. 3  includes two opposing rigid lateral members  116 , two opposing rigid vertical members  118 , and a less rigid connector region  120 . Exemplary embodiments of less rigid connector region  120  (or living hinges) are able to flex, bow, or stretch such that lid  104  can move between the open and closed position. Hinge  114  as shown in  FIG. 3  is located at the rear of device  100 . However, it should be appreciated that hinge  114  may be located in any number of locations provided that it allows frame  102  to be coupled to lid  104 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of hinge  114  urge lid  104  to the open position when lid  104  is not in a closed locked position. For example, a butterfly hinge captures potential energy in the form of a compressed or deformed component that biases to its uncompressed state. In another exemplary embodiment, hinge  114  urges lid  104  to the open position more forcefully when lid  104  is located between 60° to 120° relative to frame  102  and less forcefully when lid  104  is located between 0° to 60° relative to frame  102 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a force curve that represents the increase and decrease of force applied by an exemplary hinge  114  as lid  104  moves between the closed position (0° relative to frame  102 ) to the open position (120° relative to frame  102 ). In  FIG. 4 , hinge  114  is represented by the curve titled “Butterfly Hinge”. As is evident, the force applied by the Butterfly Hinge curve increases as the displacement of lid  104  moves from 0° to 120° relative to frame  102 . It should be appreciated that a Butterfly Hinge is merely an exemplary embodiment of hinge  114 . Hinge  114  can include any type of hinge that is able to provide an increase in the force applied to lid  104  as lid  104  moves from 0° to an open position, such as 120° relative to frame  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , shown is a top perspective view of an exemplary device  100  in a half open position. Shown in  FIG. 5  is device  100  with frame  102 , lid  104 , push button  108 , catch  112 , hinge  114 , and flexible beams  122 . As is evident from  FIG. 5 , when lid  104  is in the open position, the opening in the frame  102  is revealed as it is no longer occluded by lid  104 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , flexible beams  122  extend from lid  102  and are located on opposing sides of hinge  114 . Flexible beams  122  as shown are substantially perpendicular to the surface of lid  104 . However, exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  need not be substantially perpendicular to the surface of lid  104  provided that they operate as described below. 
     Exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  are sized such that they engage frame  102  and are placed in a compressed state between frame  102  and lid  104  when lid  104  is in the closed position. Flexible beams  122  operate by urging lid  104  into the open position when push button  108  is compressed and lock  106  is released allowing lid  104  to move freely. Exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  are able to flex, bow, or stretch in response to being compressed between lid  104  and frame  102 , yet are also able to maintain their shape and structure when allowed to freely move.  FIG. 5  depicts flexible beams  122  as being integral with lid  104 , however, alternative exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  may be affixed to frame  102 , integral with frame  102 , or affixed to lid  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  again, also shown is a force curve for a spring mechanism versus lid displacement. The spring mechanism in this case refers to exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122 . As is evident, the force applied by exemplary flexible beams  122  between frame  102  and lid  104  is highest when the lid is at the closed position (0° relative to the frame  102 ) and gradually decreases as the lid is opened and moves to the open position (120° relative to frame  102 ). Thus, flexible beams  122  urge lid  104  into the open position with a force greatest when lid  104  is in the closed position (0° relative to frame  102 ) and with the least amount of force with lid  104  is in the open position (120° relative to frame  102 ). 
     Also shown in  FIG. 5  is frame lip  113  and lid lip  115 . Frame lip  113  protrudes upwards toward lid  104  from the inside surface of frame  102 . Likewise, lid lip  115  protrudes downwards toward frame  102  from the surface of lid  104 . Frame lip  113  and lid lip  115  together create a sealed interface when lid  104  is in the closed position. The interaction between frame lip  113  and lid lip  115  provide a barrier that more securely separates items within the container from the outside world when lid  104  is in the closed position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , shown is a rear perspective view of closure assembly  100  in a half open position. Shown in  FIG. 6  is closure assembly  100  with frame  102 , lid  104 , hinge  114 , and flexible beams  122 . It will be appreciated that from this perspective it can be seen that flexible beams  122  do not touch or engage frame  102  and thus does not provide a force urging lid  104  into the open position. In  FIG. 6 , both hinge  114  and flexible beams  122  provide the force urging and moving lid  104  into the open position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , shown is a perspective view of closure assembly  100  in a complete open position. Shown in  FIG. 7  is closure assembly  100  with frame  102 , lid  104 , push button  108 , hinge  114 , and flexible beams  122 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 7 , lid  104  is located at roughly 180° relative to the surface of frame  102 . In this configuration, exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  and hinge  114  do not urge lid  104  to a more open position. That is, flexible beams  122  and hinge  114  do not urge lid  104  to move to a position of degree greater than 180° relative to frame  102 . However, exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  and hinge  114  include embodiments wherein flexible beams  122  and hinge  114  only urge lid  104  to the open position until lid  104  reaches 120° relative to frame  102 . Other exemplary embodiments of flexible beams  122  and hinge  114  continue to urge lid  104  to the open position when lid  104  is between 120° to 180° relative to frame  102  or less than 120° such as to between 90° and 120°. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , shown is a bottom view of closure assembly  100  in a complete open position. Shown in  FIG. 8  is closure assembly  100  with frame  102 , lid  104 , push button  108 , catch  112 , and hinge  114 . 
     In practice, when lid  104  is in the closed lock position, a user may compress push button  108  thereby unlocking lid  104 . At this point, lid  104  will move toward the open position (e.g., 120° relative to the surface of frame  102 ) without user assistance. When lid  104  is between 0° to 60°, flexible beams  122  will provide a majority of the force that urges lid  104  into the open position. As shown in  FIG. 4 , hinge&#39;s  114  force will increase as lid  104  moves from 0° to 60° and will provide a majority of the force that urges lid  104  to a more open position (i.e., 120° relative to frame  102 ). As lid  104  moves beyond 60° relative to frame  102 , the force applied by flexible beams  122  decreases as shown in  FIG. 4 . Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a closure assembly with a lid that opens without user assistance. A spring member generates a majority of the opening force on the lid when the lid is in a first range of an open position, and a hinge generates a majority of the opening force on the lid when the lid is within a second range of an open position. In other words, in the closed position, the lid is exposed to an opening force when unrestrained by the locking mechanism. The opening force is a combination of forces from a hinge and a bias member, wherein the relative contributions of the hinge and bias member change corresponding to the position of the lid in its range of opening. That is as the lid moves through a first range of opening, the hinge contribution dominates the bias member contribution and through a second range of opening, the bias member contributions dominate the hinge contribution. 
     Although the opening forces are shown (e.g., in  FIG. 4 ), as operating between 0° and 120° and the magnitude of the forces being substantially equal at 60°, it is understood the operating range of the forces can be between 0° to 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, or 180° or any other chosen range, with the respective contribution of the opening forces being varied between 0% and 99%, depending on the specific construction of the hinge  114  and the flexible beams  122 .