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(11) | EP 0 734 954 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Dispensing closure |
| (57) A dispensing closure 1 has a cap part 3 and a spout part 5. The spout part 5 has
an inlet 31 and an outlet 29. An angled passage 27 leads from the inlet to the outlet.
The spout part 5 comprises a pivot member 33 having a surface 32 of convex curvature
at which the inlet 31 terminates. First and second pivots 43, 45 are located at respective
ends 47, 49 of the pivot member 33, on the axis of curvature. The cap part 3 has an
internal surface of concave curvature complementary with the surface 32 of convex
curvature of the first member. The concave surface 17 has an opening 19. At least
one leg 37 of the angled passage 27 extends through the pivot member 33 from the inlet
31. The convex surface 32 of the pivot member 33 is rotatable in cooperation with
the concave surface 17 of the cap part 3. When the spout part 5 is in a raised open
position, the inlet 31 is aligned with the opening 19 of the cap part. |
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing closure of the kind in which a spout part is pivoted relative to a cap part, between an open position and a closed position such that there is only a free exit path for liquid through the closure when the spout part is in the open position.
[0002] Dispensing closures of this kind are normally used for dispensing household cleaning products or else personal products such as shampoos and shower gels. With such a closure, obviously, when the spout part is in the closed position, it needs to effect an adequate seal to avoid inadvertent escape of liquid products. One such closure is described in UK Patent No. GB 2 074 992. In this known closure, an opening in the cap part communicates with a straight passage leading through an elongate spout, when the spout is in the open position. When the spout is in the closed position, a part-cylindrical surface at the base of the spout travels across the opening in the cap part to effect a seal. The external surface of the cap part in the region of the opening is bowed in cross-section, at and adjacent the opening, uniform along an axis transverse to the axis of the cylinder corresponding to the part-cylindrical surface at the base of the spout. Although the quality of seal in this known dispensing closure is good, there is a need to provide such a closure with an improved seal.
[0003] Another form of known closure of the aforementioned kind is described in UK Patent Specification GB 1 122 474. In the latter closure, a part-cylindrical part of the base of the spout part is rotatably located in a cylindrically concave recess in the cap part, at the bottom of which recess is located an opening. In the raised open position, a straight passage through the spout part is aligned with the opening. In the closed position, the part-cylindrical surface seals the opening. The rim of the opening is raised to improve the quality of seal.
[0004] Not all dispensing closures of this type have an exit passage in the spout which communicates directly with an opening in the cap part. As described in the specification of European Patent EP 176 108, there is described a dispensing closure having an exit channel formed in a spout part formed in the shape of a disc. The disc is flipped between an angled open position and a flat closed position, by means of a finger or thumb. A spigot on the undersigned of the spout part opens or closes an exit spout upstanding in an internal cavity in the cap part. In the open position, a liquid product can flow from the spout into the cavity and thereafter, into the exit channel. Since after use, some product remains in the cavity, it is essential that the rim of the disc-shaped spout part seals against the cap. For this reason, the rim of the disc is convex and seals against a corresponding concave annular recess at the top of the cap part, in resilient manner. Not only is this difficult to produce to sufficient tolerance, in order to consistently effect the seal in the closed position, it can also have a tendency to dribbling.
[0005] The specification of UK Patent Application GB 2 090 820 describes a dispensing closure with an elbow-shaped combined actuator and dispensing nozzle. The actuator is movable between a horizontal position in which the nozzle is closed and an upright position in which the nozzle is open. The actuator pivots at its base, about the axis of symmetry of the nozzle. If the user raises the actuator in the normal manner, i.e. by pushing it upwardly and away from the user, the nozzle is directed to dispense product sideways to the user. Thus, the container needs to be twisted through 90°C before dispensing. Obviously, this is an inconvenient and cumbersome mode of operation.
[0006] European Patent Application EP 386 475 describes another dispensing closure in which an angled spout is located under a disc. The disc and upper part of the spout are moveable between a horizontal and an upwardly angled position so that this causes the lower part of the spout to execute rotational motion. The lower part of the spout terminates in a so-called socle (foot) which has a partly cylindrical base. During rotational motion, the socle travels over a spherically concave surface inside the closure so that the lower opening of the spout is aligned with an exit hole in the spherically concave surface, when in the open position, or else is covered by part of the concave surface, in the closed position.
[0007] The closure of EP 386 475 is pivoted on two pivots respectively extending from diametrically opposite positions on the edge of the disc. Close manufacturing tolerances are required for several reasons. The first is that the pivot point is relatively distant from the lower opening of the spout. The second is due to the contact area between the base of the socle and spherically concave surface being relatively small. Third, the shapes of the base of the socle (part-cylindrical) and the surface which it contacts (spherically concave) are different.
[0008] There is a further disadvantage in the closure of EP 386 475. In order for the exit hole not to become inadvertently uncovered because of the small area of the socle base, two extra measures are required. First, a pair of stop members need to be moulded upstanding from the spherically concave surface, to limit the travel of the socle. Second, a projection needs to be moulded into the base of the socle, in order to improve the seal over the exit hole in the closed position.
[0009] A new form of dispensing closure has now been devised which in its various embodiments, overcomes one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the various known designs.
[0010] Thus, a first aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing closure comprising a cap part and a spout part, the spout part having an inlet, an outlet and an angled passage leading from the inlet to the outlet, the spout part comprising a pivot member, which pivot member has a surface of convex curvature, at which surface said inlet terminates, and first and second pivots on the axis of curvature at respective ends of the pivot member, the cap part having an internal surface concave curvature complementary with the surface of convex curvature of the pivot member, the concave surface of the cap part having an opening therein and at least one leg of the angled passage extending through the pivot member from the inlet, whereby the convex surface of the pivot member is rotatable in cooperation with the concave surface of the cap part so that when the spout part is in a raised open position, the inlet of the spout part is aligned with the opening of the cap part.
[0011] The angled passage in the spout part can follow any path other than a straight path. In a preferred embodiment, the passage is generally angled at 90o, i.e. it has a bend of approximately 90o part-way along the length thereof. In the preferred embodiment, when the cap part is in the raised open position, the opening is directed generally upwardly at the top of the cap part. Then, when the spout part is lifted to an angled open position, i.e. part-way between the horizontal and the vertical, a first part of the passage communicates with the opening and leads generally upwardly therefrom. The remainder of the passage is then angled generally parallel to the top of the spout part. However, it should be appreciated that the passage may be provided with one or more straight or curved angular sections or even a generally tortuous path. However, it is not straight.
[0012] The spout part could be elongate. However, in a preferred embodiment it is generally disc-shaped. By generally disc-shaped is meant, in a generally flat shape having a curved periphery, e.g. circular, oval or ellipse shaped, etc. It may have surface features, e.g. a depression and underneath, be provided with functional features.
[0013] At least one of the pivots is preferably in the form of a trunion and a corresponding seat, e.g. recess, is provided in the cap part and receives the trunion. The converse arrangement is also possible, i.e. at least one of the pivots is an indent in an end of the pivot member and a protrusion provided in the cap part is received within the indent. Of course, the pivots may be different, e.g. respectively of either of the two aforementioned configurations but in practice, it will usually be convenient for them to be the same.
[0014] Thus, in general, it can be appreciated that the means of pivoting, in the broadest sense, comprises a protrusion rotatably received within a seat, one of the protrusion and seat being integral with the cap part and the other being integral with the spout part. The protrusion and seat may be formed respectively so as to comprise mutually co-operating formations defining detent means for providing a positive indication of the spout part being oriented in at least one predetermined position. The detent means may comprise a lug on the protrusion and a corresponding recess within a cam surface of the seat, whereby the lug moves in and out of the recess according to the orientation of the spout part. In the alternative, a lug may extend from a cam surface of the seat and cooperate with a corresponding recess within the protrusion, again moving in and out of that protrusion according to orientation of the spout part. These two alternatives apply whether or not the protrusion is integral with the spout part and the seat integral with the cap part or vice versa.
[0015] In the case where there are two protrusions and two corresponding seats, e.g. as trunions on the spout part with a seat in the cap part or as a protrusion from the cap part being received within an indent on the spout part, it is not necessary to provide such a detent means for each respective pair of protrusion and seat. However, in a preferred embodiment, two such detent means are provided. In particular, these comprise a respective lug on each of two trunions extending from the spout part and complementary recesses on respective cam surfaces of each of two seats integral with the cap part.
[0016] The reference to provision of a positive indication of spout part orientation means that the user may experience a positive feel of the spout part being in a meta-stable position to the rotation of the spout part, e.g. in an open or closed position. Of course, more than one such positive indication may be provided, e.g. in both an open position and a closed position of the spout part. In the alternative or in addition to the positive indication being a tactile appreciation of a meta-stable position, it may for example be apparent to the user by virtue of an audible click being emitted.
[0017] Thus, a second aspect of the present invention provides a dispensing closure comprising a cap part and a spout part, the spout part being pivotally mounted within the cap part by pivot means comprising a protrusion rotatably received within a seat, one of the protrusion and seat being integral with the cap part and the other being integral with the spout part, wherein the protrusion and seat respectfully comprise mutually co-operating formations defining detent means for providing a positive indication of the spout part being oriented in at least one predetermined position.
[0018] A closure according to the second aspect of the invention may include one or more essential and/or optional features of a closure according to the first aspect of the invention. The following description prior to the description of preferred embodiments hereinbelow, in general refers to closures according to either the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the second aspect of the present invention can be utilised in any closure which has a cap part and a spout part, regardless of whether or not it has any of the features of the first aspect of the present invention and whether or not, it includes any features such as a disk formation. For example, it could be applied to the general form of construction of closures described in GB 2 074 992, GB 1 122 474, GB 2 090 820 or EP 386 475.
[0019] The convex curvature on the pivot part will correspond in form to the concave curvature of the internal surface of the cap part so that when the spout part is raised or lowered the convex and concave surfaces ride over one another, although there may be some separation due to the optional provision of a raised rim around the opening in the concave surface. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be explained that not the whole exterior surface of the pivot member, nor the whole internal surface of the cap part need have the relevant convex and concave curvature. Rather, only mutually facing regions of these external surfaces constitute the aforesaid surfaces of convex and concave curvature.
[0020] When the convex region of the pivot member is seated in the concave region of the cap part, a seal is thereby effected when the spout part is in the closed (lowered) position. To enhance the seal, the rim of the opening which contacts the pivot member may be slightly raised, as mentioned above.
[0021] To avoid the "sideways directed" ejection of products found with the closure of GB 2 090 820, preferably the angled passage is oriented to dispense products in a direction along a line extending from the lowest point to the higher point of the spout part when in the raised position. In other words, a user depresses the rear of the spout part to raise the exit orifice of the closure and in this position, product is then ejectable in a direction directly away from the user.
[0022] The spout part and cap part are conveniently manufactured by injection moulding, prior to assembly. For example, they could be made of polypropylene or low-density/linear low-density, medium, or high density polyethylene or any other suitable material.
[0023] The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of the following non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Figure 1 shows an axial cross-section through a dispensing closure according to the present invention, with the spout part thereof in an open position;
Figure 2 shows an axial cross-section corresponding to the view in Figure 1, but with the spout part in the closed position;
Figure 3 shows an axial cross-section corresponding to the view in Figure 2, but at right angles thereto;
Figure 4 shows a plan view of the cap part of the dispensing closure shown in Figures 1-3, with the spout part removed;
Figure 5A shows a section along V-V of the view shown in Figure 2;
Figure 5B shows a section analogous to that of Figure 5A but showing a first alternative convex profile of the pivot member;
Figure 5C shows a section analogous to that of Figure 5A but showing a second alternative convex profile of the pivot member;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a detent mechanism for providing a positive indication of cap/spout orientation for the closure shown in Figures 1-5; and
Figure 7 shows a detail of a recess of the detent mechanism shown in Figure 6.
[0024] Referring to Figures 1-3, a dispensing closure 1 according to the present invention comprises a generally cylindrical cap part 3 on top of which is located a spout part 5 having a disc-shaped top 7. The top 7 is provided with a recessed portion 9 having a concave internal rim 11.
[0025] The recess 11 has a floor 13, upstanding from which is a raised portion 15, including a depression or recess 16 presenting a cylindrically concave surface 17. Towards the bottom of the cylindrically concave surface 17 is located an opening 19.
[0026] As mentioned above, the top 7 of the spout part 5 is generally disc shaped and has a rim provided with a convex profile which fits inside the concave profile of the internal rim 11 of the recess 9. However, there is no need for the convex rim 21 of the spout part and the concave internal rim 11 of the cap part to make sealable contact, for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow.
[0027] Moulded on the underside 23 of the spout part 5, is a spout member 25 defining a channel 27 communicating between an outlet 29 at the rim 21 of the disc-shaped top 7 of the spout part 5 and an inlet 31 on a partly-cylindrical formation 33 of the spout member 25. The partly cylindrical formation 33 functions as a pivot member as will be explained in more detail hereinbelow. The cylindrical part of the profile of formation 33 is rotatably seated within the recess 16 having the cylindrically concave surface 17 in the raised portion 15 at the top of the cap part. When the spout part 5 is upwardly angled in an open position as shown in Figure 1, the opening 19 of the cap part is aligned with the inlet 31 of the spout member 25.
[0028] As shown in Figure 2, when the disc-shaped cap portion 5 is horizontal, in the closed position (Figure 2), the inlet 31 is displaced from the opening 19. The opening 19 is sealed by part of the convex cylindrical surface region 32 of the cylindrical formation 33. Sealing is aided by a raised rim 35 at the top of the opening 19. A cut-away portion 34 of the cap part 3 exposes a rear edge portion 36 of the disc-shaped top 7 of the spout part 5, when in the closed position. This rear edge portion 36 is diametrically opposite to the outlet 29. This facilitates raising of the cap by pushing downwardly above the rear edge portion 36.
[0029] Relative to the horizontal plane defined by the disc-shaped top 7 of the cap part 5 in the closed position (Figure 2), the channel 27 has an upwardly extending leg 37. This leg extends from the inlet 31, through the part-cylindrical pivot member 33 to an angle 39 in the channel 27 so that the channel is diverted to a horizontal leg 41 running beneath the disc-shaped top 7 of the spout part 5, to terminate in the outlet 29.
[0030] Pivoting of the disc-shaped cap part is permitted by trunions 43, 45 respectively at either end 47, 49 of the partly-cylindrical formation 33. These trunions are respectively located in recessed formations 51, 53 in the top of the cap part 3.
[0031] Thus, in summary the dispensing closure 1 has a cap part 3 and a spout part 5. The spout part 5 has an inlet 31 and an outlet 29. An angled passage 27 leads from the inlet to the outlet. The spout part 5 comprises a pivot member 33 having a surface 32 of convex curvature at which the inlet 31 terminates. First and second pivots 43, 45 are located at respective ends 47, 49 of the pivot member 33, on the axis of curvature. The cap part 3 has an internal surface of concave curvature complementary with the surface 32 of convex curvature of the first member. The concave surface 17 has an opening 19. At least one leg 37 of the angled passage 27 extends through the pivot member 33 from the inlet 31. The convex surface 32 of the pivot member 33 is rotatable in cooperation with the concave surface 17 of the cap part 3. When the spout part 5 is in a raised open position, the inlet 31 is aligned with the opening 19 of the cap part.
[0032] The arrangement shown in Figures 1-4 has a part-cylindrical formation 33 as a pivot member. It can be seen from Figure 5A that when viewed from the direction of the outlet 29, the convexly curved surface 17 of the pivot member 33 has a straight side. That is to say, it corresponds to a part-cylinder. Similarly, the concave base surface 17 of the recess 16 is also straight from left-to-right in this view. However, alternative configurations within the scope of the present invention are also possible.
[0033] For example, the Figure 5B shows a cross-section exactly the same as that shown in Figure 5A, except that the convex surface 17 of the pivot member is replaced by a surface 55 which is convex instead of straight, viewed perpendicularly to the axis of the horizontal leg 41. Thus, in this case, instead of having a part-cylindrical surface, the pivot member has a barrel-shaped configuration, i.e. it has the shape of part of a barrel. The concave base surface of the recess is surface 57 which is also concave viewed in this direction, i.e. corresponding to the part-barrel convex profile 55 of the pivot member.
[0034] Amongst other possible alternatives is the view shown in Figure 5C which is the same as the cross-section shown in Figures 5A and 5B. However, the convex profile 59 of the pivot member is not totally straight but has a straight central region 61 and respectively upwardly tapering sections 63, 65 either side of the central region 61 (these could have straight or curved tapers as viewed in this direction). Similarly, the base surface of the recess has a corresponding concave profile 67 comprising a central straight section 69 and respective upwardly tapering sections 71, 73, either side of the straight section 69.
[0035] Figures 6 and 7 show features whereby a positive "click" or "feel" or other indication may be made apparent for orientation of the spout part 5 being in a predetermined orientation of its path of rotation. In this embodiment, the positive indication is given when the spout part 5 is in the closed position but it may equally be effected, by means which will now be apparent to persons skilled in the art, to give such an indication when the spout part 5 is in any other orientation or combination of orientations.
[0036] The trunions 43, 45 are provided with downwardly depending lugs 81 etc. which extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the disk-shaped top 7 of the cap part 5.
[0037] The recessed formations 51, 53 are provided with a substantially circular cam surface 83 etc. into which the trunions 43, 45 are inserted via a respective outwardly openly tapering insert gap 85 etc.
[0038] The lowermost part 87 etc of each cam surface 83 etc is provided with a respective recess 89 etc which engages or disengages with each lug 81 etc as the spout part 5 is rotated. In the described embodiment, each lug 81 etc "clicks" into and out of each recess 89 etc. Figures 6 and 7 together show how the recessed formations 51, 53 are moulded integrally in the raised portion 15, together with their respective recesses 89 etc for cooperation with the lugs 81 etc.
1. A dispensing closure comprising a cap part and a spout part, the spout part having
an inlet, an outlet and an angled passage leading from the inlet to the outlet, the
spout part comprising a pivot member, which pivot member has a surface of convex curvature,
at which surface said inlet terminates, and first and second pivots on the axis of
curvature at respective ends of the pivot member, the cap part having an internal
surface concave curvature complementary with the surface of convex curvature of the
pivot member, the concave surface of the cap part having an opening therein and at
least one leg of the angled passage extending through the pivot member from the inlet,
whereby the convex surface of the pivot member is rotatable in cooperation with the
concave surface of the cap part so that when the spout part is in a raised open position,
the inlet of the spout part is aligned with the opening of the cap part.
2. A dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pivots is a
trunion and a corresponding seat is provided in the cap part for receiving the trunion.
3. A dispensing closure according to claim 2, wherein the seat and trunion respectively
comprise, mutually co-operating formations defining detent means for providing a positive
indication of orientation of the spout part being oriented in at least one predetermined
position.
4. A dispensing closure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pivots is an
indent and a corresponding protrusion is provided in the cap part so that the protrusion
is received within the indent.
5. A dispensing closure according to any preceding claim, in which the convex curvature
of the said surface of the pivot member is substantially cylindrical.
6. A dispensing closure according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the convex curvature
of the said surface of the pivot member is a barrel-shaped curvature.
7. A dispensing closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the angled passage
comprises two legs oriented at generally 90°C to each other.
8. A dispensing closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout part has
a top part which is disc-shaped.
9. A dispensing closure according to any preceding claim, wherein the angled passage
is oriented to dispense a product in a direction along a line from the lowest point
to the highest point of the upper surface of the spout part when in the raised position.
10. A dispensing closure comprising a cap part and a spout part, the spout part being
pivotally mounted within the cap part by pivot means comprising a protrusion rotatably
received within a seat, one of the protrusion and seat being integral with the cap
part and the other being integral with the spout part, wherein the protrusion and
seat respectfully comprise mutually co-operating formations defining detent means
for providing a positive indication of the spout part being oriented in at least one
predetermined position.