Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to a closure for a dispensing container and in particular
a collapsible tube. More particularly, this invention is directed to a closure for
mating with a dispensing nozzle on a container for the delivery of a product. The
invention further relates to a closure having a product exit aperture offset from
the centerline of the nozzle of the tube and closure.
Background of the Invention
[0002] It is generally preferred that conventional containers such as squeeze tubes include
a snap hinge closure to allow easy opening and closing of the container by the consumer.
In this way the cap which closes the container after each use is not separated from
the container. When a cap is separated from a container there is the likelihood that
the cap can become misplaced. Thus, it is desirable that the cap remain attached to
the container when the product is being dispensed from the tube. This form of closure
is sometimes referred to as a captive cap.
[0003] The dispensing containers and closures are often used with viscous materials such
as a dentifrice. Dentifrice compositions experience unique problems which are not
found in other materials. One such difficulty in storing dentifrices is the container
material must include a suitable barrier layer to prevent absorption of the flavor
components and oils. Since the closure remains in contact with the dentifrice for
extended periods of time, it is important to minimize the surface area of the cap
contacting the dentifrice.
[0004] The type of closure that is usually preferred by the consumer is one where the closure
is connected to a base by a snap hinge. This form of closure typically includes a
hinge where the closure will be biased to an open position during dispensing and biased
to a closed position during other times. Although biased to a closed position when
product is not being dispensed, a manual force is usually required to snap the cap
onto the base to fully close the tube and to seal the exit orifice.
[0005] Closures for a tube with a snap hinge have been used in the art for several years.
One of the earliest closures of this type is shown in U.S. Patent 1,928,445 which
discloses a rubber hinge connecting a cap to a base portion. The base is a threaded
annular shaped member attached to a threaded dispensing outlet of a tube. The cap
portion is hinged to the base and can be manipulated from a closed position to seal
off the outlet of the tube to a fully open position. This closure has a rubber film
hinge attached to a base and cap that will bias the cap either in an open position
or in a closed position.
[0006] Another form of a captive cap for a tube is shown in U.S. Patent 3,933,271. This
cap has a base portion attached to the tube and a cap portion connected to the base
by a snap hinge. When the cap is opened to a point less than the intermediate position,
the cap is biased closed. When the cap is pivoted open to a position past the intermediate
position, the cap is biased open. The hinge design provides for this unique action
of the cap.
[0007] Another type of film hinge for use in connection with a closure is shown in U.S.
Patent 4,403,712. This closure has the feature of the cap portion either being biased
open or closed. This cap has the added feature that the cap portion is in a closed
position, the film hinge is within the profile of the cap. A different type of closure
with a snap hinge is shown in U.S. Patent 4,503,991. This is a two part snap hinge
to connect the cap to the base. The portion of the closure which seals the dispensing
opening of the container has a projection that will fit down into the dispensing opening.
The use of a double hinge provides this snap hinge closure with added versatility.
[0008] U.S. Patent 4,615,462 discloses an addition example of snap hinge. This hinge is
comprised of a main joint and two secondary joints. The main joint stabilizes the
cap and base portion while the secondary joints provide the snap action. This is not
a film hinge and the hinge parts will not be within the profile of the cap closure
when in a closed position. U.S. Patent 4,854,473 discloses a related closure where
the hinge is also of a three piece structure. In this closure, the hinge is also of
a three piece structure. In this closure, the hinge of the closure will be within
the profile of the base cap when the cap lid is in a closed position.
[0009] These patents evidence the present state of the art of snap hinge closures for tubes.
However, there is not shown a closure that is adapted for use with a tube having a
nozzle nor one which has the exit for the delivery of product offset from the centerline
of the tube. Further, there is not shown a snap hinge cap that is sufficiently large
that the tube can stand on the cap and where the surface of the dispensing part of
the cap is angled in order to provide for easier delivery of product. This latter
feature is important with regard to toothpastes where the toothpaste is delivered
onto a brush. This provides for easier deliver onto a brush. A further advantage is
that the cap can be used as a captive cap or as a removable cap, thus satisfying more
users.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] The present invention is directed to a closure that is adapted to accept the nozzle
of a container such as a squeeze tube. The closure includes a base cap and a cap lid
hinged to the base cap by a snap hinge. In one preferred embodiment, the base cap
includes internal threads which mate with threads on the tube to attach the base cap
to the tube. A central opening is included in the base cap to define an axial passage
for the contents of the tube. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the base cap
includes an annular rib which mates with a complementary annular groove in the nozzle
to attach the base cap to the tube.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle of the container extends axially through
the base cap and projects above the upper surface of the base cap. A lip on the central
opening in the base cap snaps into an annular groove in the nozzle. The cap lid includes
an axial collar extending inwardly to engage the end of the nozzle and seal the nozzle
when the cap lid is in the closed position.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the closure includes a dispensing nozzle and the container
includes a spout which seals against the inner face of the cap lid.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the base cap includes an inner annular wall to define a
central outlet channel, a horizontal conduit extending from the inner annular wall
to an axial discharge nozzle which is spaced from the central axis of the base cap.
The inner annular wall includes a lip which snaps into engagement with a groove in
the nozzle.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] Referring to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the closure and a tube having a dispensing nozzle.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the closure of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the closure of Figure 1 in the open position.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a closure in accordance with a second embodiment
showing the delivery channel offset from the centerline of the tube.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the closure of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing
the hinge assembly.
Figure 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the cap lid of Figure 1 in the
closed position.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention
showing the camming arrangement.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment showing an
annular rib in the base cap for mating with an annular groove in the nozzle.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0015] The disadvantages and limitation of the previous closures are obviated by the present
invention while providing an efficient and simple closure for a dispensing outlet
of a container. In a preferred form of the invention, the closure is used in conjunction
with a dispensing container such as a collapsible, squeeze tube, flexible squeeze
bottle or other container which may have an optional pump or valving arrangement.
The container preferably has a dispensing outlet spout or nozzle with external threads
for coupling with a closure.
[0016] The present invention is particularly directed to a closure for use with a squeeze
container such as tube 10 comprising a base cap 32 and a cap lid portion 34.
[0017] Referring to Figure 1, the tube 10 includes a side wall 12 to define a body of the
tube. The overall shape of the tube resembles a conventional squeeze tube which collapses
as the contents of the tube are dispensed. The tube has a generally circular cross-section
and is closed at the bottom by a straight seam 14. Typically, the tube is formed from
a flexible plastic film material, although other materials such as metal foils may
be used. When the tube is formed of a plastic material, the bottom seam 14 is formed
by welding.
[0018] The container and closure assembly of the invention is particularly suitable for
use in dispensing dentifrices such as toothpastes and gels. The container will preferably
include a barrier layer on the inner surface of the container to prevent absorption
of the flavor components and oils from the dentifrice. The nozzle or spout on the
container will typically include the barrier layers since the nozzle is usually formed
simultaneously with the tube. The arrangement of the closure assembly as discussed
hereinafter in greater detail has minimal contact with the dentifrice and thus generally
does not include a barrier layer.
[0019] The tube 10 also includes a top portion defining an inclined, conical-shaped shoulder
16. Toward the apex of the shoulder 16 is a dispensing nozzle including a cylindrical
section 18 disposed concentric with a central axis of the tube and extending upward
from the shoulder 16. A plurality of threads 20 are provided on the outer surface
of the cylindrical section for coupling with the closure 32 as discussed hereinafter
in greater detail. A tapered dispensing outlet nozzle 22 extends from the axial end
of the cylindrical section 18 to define an outlet 24 from the tube. Disposed between
the nozzle 22 and the cylindrical section is an annular groove 26. In the embodiment
of Figure 1, the nozzle 22 has a substantially frusto-conical shape with slightly
concave side walls, although in alternative embodiments the nozzle may be a frusto-conical
shape with straight walls. The nozzle 22, cylindrical section 18 and the shoulder
16 are integrally formed with the tube 10 in preferred embodiments. In alternative
embodiments, the nozzle 22 and cylindrical section 18 may be manufactured as an assembly
and attached to the tube 10 by welding or by an adhesive.
[0020] The nozzle 22 as shown in Figure 1 is concentric with the central axis of the tube
12 and extends from the end of the tube a distance sufficient to facilitate dispensing
of the contents of the tube. The nozzle 22 preferably extends from the shoulder 16
of the tube about 0.75 to 2.0 cm. The dispensing outlet 24 from the nozzle 22 generally
defines an annular axial opening having a diameter of about 3 mm to about 10 mm. The
dimension of the outlet 24 is generally not critical so long as the contents of the
tube can be easily dispensed by squeezing the tube. The nozzle portion 22 allows the
contents of the tube to be dispensed a distance from the normal point of delivery
of the tube.
[0021] The closure 30 according to a first preferred embodiment comprises a base cap 32
and an cap lid 34 hinged to the base cap. The base cap 32 has a generally cylindrical
shape as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The base cap 32 includes an outer cylindrical wall
36 depending from a top end wall 38. The outer wall 36 in preferred embodiments is
dimensioned the same size as the outer diameter of the tube 10 such that when the
base cap 32 is positioned on the tube 10, the outer wall 36 is essentially flush with
the wall 12 of the tube.
[0022] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the top end wall 38 has a central opening 40 coaxially
aligned with the central axis of the base cap 32. The opening 40 defines an annular
lip 42 projecting radially inward toward the center of the base cap 32. In alternative
embodiments, the annular lip may be spaced slightly below the upper edge of the base
cap and may be discontinuous to form a plurality of detents. In preferred embodiments,
the annular lip 42 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the base
cap. The major portion of the top wall 38 defines an inclined surface 44. A ledge
46 extends around the perimeter of the inclined surface 44 to mate with the edge of
the outer cap 34.
[0023] An inner annular wall 48 depends from the bottom surface of the top wall 38 and is
concentric to the central axis of the base cap. In preferred embodiments, the inner
wall 48 is uniformly spaced inwardly from the outer wall 36. In the embodiment illustrated
in Figures 1 and 2, the inner wall 48 has a length slightly less than the length of
the outer wall 36. Internal threads 50 are provided on the inner surface of the inner
wall 48 for mating with the threads 20 on the tube 10.
[0024] The base cap 32 is positioned on the tube 10 such that the nozzle 22 extends through
the central opening 40 in the base cap 32 so that the threads 50 mate with the threads
20 on the tube. The base cap 32 is then screwed onto the tube until the nozzle 22
extends completely through the opening 40 and the lower edges of the inner wall 48
and the outer wall 36 engage the shoulder 16 of the tube 10. In the embodiment of
Figures 1 and 2, when the base cap 32 is fully seated on the tube 10, the lip 42 of
the central opening 40 in the base cap 32 snaps firmly in the annular groove 26 in
the nozzle 22. Preferably, the lip 42 forms a tight fit against the nozzle 22. The
snap connection between the lip 42 and the groove 26 also resists the base cap from
inadvertently unscrewing from the tube. The base cap 32 can be removed from the tube
by manually unscrewing the base cap with sufficient force so that the threads 20 and
50 urge the base cap 32 away from the tube until the lip 42 unsnaps from the annular
groove 26.
[0025] The outer cap lid 34 is coupled to the base cap 32 by a living hinge assembly 52.
The outer cap lid 34, as shown in Figure 2, has a cylindrical outer wall 54 complementing
the outer dimension of the base cap 32 such that the walls 54 and 36 are flush with
each other when the cap lid 34 is closed. The outer wall 54 of the cap lid 34 terminates
at a lower end 56 that is inclined with respect to a central axis of the cap lid 34
to complement the ledge 46 of the base cap 32. A top wall 58 connected to the outer
side wall 54 defines an upper edge 60 which is substantially perpendicular to the
central axis of the cap lid 34. An annular collar 62 depends from the inner surface
of the top wall 58. The collar 62 is concentric with the central axis of the cap lid.
An inner annular collar 64 is located inwardly from the collar 62. The annular collar
62 will contact the exterior surface of nozzle 22 while collar 64 contacts the inner
surface. Preferably the collars 62 and 64 form a snap connection with the nozzle 22.
[0026] The closure 30 is assembled onto the nozzle substantially as shown in Figure 1 by
screwing the base cap 32 onto the threads 20 of the nozzle until the nozzle 22 extends
through the opening 40 and the lip 42 is received in the annular groove 26. In preferred
embodiments, the nozzle 22 is dimensioned to extend above the lip 42 about 0.2 to
1.5 cm. The cap lid 34 is hinged to pivot onto the base cap 32 and close the tube.
The annular collar 62 on the cap lid 34 is dimensioned to engage the outer surface
of the nozzle 22 to form a substantially fluid tight seal. The inner face of the outer
wall 54 of the cap lid 34 includes detents 66 on the side portion and detent 67 on
the front portion which snap fit over corresponding beads on ledge 46 of the base
cap 32 and projection 68 to retain the cap lid 34 in a closed position. In addition,
raised portion 73 on wall 71 adjacent the hinge serves to urge the rear wall portion
of the cap lid 34 outwardly on closing so that detent 67 more positively latches into
projection 68 of the base cap 32. The edge of the base cap 32 and the cap lid 34 each
include a recessed area 69 and 70 respectively to assist in opening the cap lid 34.
[0027] When it is desired to dispense the contents of the tube, the cap lid 34 is flipped
to the open position and a dispensing force is applied to the side walls of the tube
to force the contents of the tube through the nozzle. The nozzle 22 extends from the
base cap a distance to provide easy dispensing of the product. The top wall 58 of
the cap lid 34 is inclined at an angle of about 5° to 15° and preferably about 10°
from the axis of the base cap to permit easier dispensing from the tube. The top wall
58 of the cap lid 34 is slightly concave and dimensioned so that the tube 10 is able
to stand upright on the top wall. This enables the tube to stand upright while not
in use to minimize storage space. The closure can be used by flipping the cap lid
to the open position or alternatively by unscrewing the closure from the tube in a
manner similar to conventional screw caps to satisfy the personal preference of the
consumer.
[0028] The cap lid 34 is attached to the base cap 32 by the living hinge assembly 52. The
base cap 32 has an arcuate wall section 71 adjacent the hinge 52 which extends upwardly
from the outer wall 36 above the top wall 44. As illustrated in Figure 3, the wall
section 71 has two step portions 72 and 74 spaced beside a higher step portion 76.
A primary stabilizing living hinge 78 connects the step 76 to the cap lid 34. A pair
of snap hinge members 80 and 82 are connected between the steps 72 and 74 and the
cap lid 34. Each snap hinge member includes an elongated portion 84 having side edges
86, 88 which are vertically oriented with respect to the base cap when the cap lid
34 is in the closed position. The ends of the elongated portion 84 are connected to
the step 72 and to the cap lid respectively to form living hinges 90 and 92. Each
snap hinge member 80, 82 is constructed in a similar manner.
[0029] The arrangement of the hinges 78, 80 and 82 provide a smooth appearance when the
outer cap is in the closed position such that the hinges are substantially flush with
the side walls 36 and 54 as shown in Figure 7. In operation, the cap lid 34 pivots
with respect to the base cap 34 about the center hinge 78 which defines the pivotal
axis of the cap lid. Since the snap hinges 80 and 82 are spaced from center hinge
78 along the perimeter of the base cap, the hinges 80 and 82 provide an over-center
snap action. When the cap lid 34 is pivoted away from the base cap beyond the point
where the snap hinges 80 and 82 are in the same plane with the center hinge 78, the
cap lid will snap to the open position. Similarly, when the cap lid is pivoted toward
the base cap beyond the same point, the cap lid will snap to the closed position.
[0030] This closure is not restricted to any particular hinge type. This can be of the three
strap type as is shown in the drawings or it can be a film hinge as is shown in U.S.
Patent 4,403,712.
Embodiment of Figures 4 and 5
[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tube 100 includes
a flexible and collapsible side wall 102 connected to a frusto-conical shoulder 104.
A cylindrical section 106 extends from the shoulder 104 and is concentric with the
central axis of the tube 100. Threads 108 are provided on the outer surface of the
cylindrical section 106 to couple the tube with the closure 110. A nozzle 112 extends
from the cylindrical section 106 and is concentrically positioned with respect to
the central axis of the tube. The upper end of the nozzle 112 includes an outwardly
extending radial lip to define an annular groove 114.
[0032] The closure 110 comprises a base cap 116 and a cap lid 118 connected together by
a hinge assembly 120. The base cap 116 includes an outer annular wall 122 depending
from a top wall 124. The outer wall 122 has a dimension complementing the dimension
of the tube 100 so that the outer wall 122 is substantially flush with the tube when
assembled on the tube. An inner annular wall 126 is spaced inwardly from the outer
wall and concentric to the outer wall. The inner wall 126 includes threads 128 complementing
the threads 108 of the tube 100 for attaching the base cap to the tube.
[0033] The top wall 124 defines a conduit 130 disposed transversely with respect to the
axis of the base cap 116. The conduit 130 in the top wall defines an annular inlet
opening 132 that is concentric to the axis of the base cap 116 and the inner and outer
walls 126 and 122. As shown in Figure 4, an annular collar 134 extends inwardly and
is concentric to the inner wall 126. A lip 136 extends radially inwardly from the
lowermost end of the collar 134. The conduit 130 terminates at an upwardly extending
nozzle 138 which extends above the top wall 124 of the base cap 116.
[0034] The conduit 136 as shown in Figure 4 defines an axial inlet channel 140, a substantially
horizontal channel 142, and an axial outlet channel 144. The inlet channel 140 is
positioned coaxially with the inner wall of the base cap. The outlet channel 144 and
the nozzle 138 are offset from the central axis of the base cap toward the peripheral
edge to assist in ease of dispensing the contents of the tube 100. The top wall 124
is preferably inclined with respect to the central axis of the base cap to further
assist in the dispensing of the contents of the tube. In the embodiment of Figure
4, the top wall 124 slopes downwardly from the hinge assembly 120 to the opposite
side of the cap. Preferably, the outlet nozzle 138 and the outlet channel 144 are
positioned opposite the hinge assembly 120.
[0035] The outer wall 122 includes a ledge portion 146 around the periphery of the base
cap 116. A wall section 148 extends above the top wall 124 to support the hinge assembly
120.
[0036] The cap lid 118 is substantially similar to the cap lid of the embodiment of Figure
1 except for the annular collar 150 being spaced from the central axis of the outer
cap to accommodate the offset nozzle 138. An inwardly directed rib 152 engages the
end of nozzle 138 when the cap is in the closed position to seal the outlet channel
144. Components of the outer cap 118 and the hinge assembly 120 which are similar
in structure and function to the embodiment of Figure 1 are designated by the same
reference numbers with the addition of a prime.
[0037] In use, the base cap 116 is assembled onto the threaded cylinder 116 of tube 100.
The base cap 116 is screwed onto the threads 128 to force the base cap 116 into the
seated position shown in Figure 4. Screwing the base cap 116 onto the threads 128
causes the lip 136 of the inlet collar 134 to snap into position in the annular groove
114 of the nozzle and provide a liquid tight seal. As shown in Figure 4, the upper
end of the nozzle 112 is essentially flush with the lower surface of the horizontal
channel 142. In this embodiment, the end of the nozzle 112 is below the upper surface
of the base cap 116. Once the base cap is seated on the nozzle, the contents of the
tube can be dispensed by squeezing the sides of the tube to force the contents through
the nozzle 112 and the channel to the discharge nozzle 138. The cap lid 118 being
connected to the base cap 116 by the snap hinge is closed by pivoting the cap lid
118 to seat on the base cap. In the closed position, the edge of the cap lid 118 seats
against the inclined ledge of the base cap. The collar seats against the nozzle to
seal the opening.
Embodiment of Figure 6
[0038] The embodiment of Figure 6 differs from that of Figures 1-4 in that the hinge between
the base cap and the cap lid is not elevated above the base cap but rather is a continuation
of the top wall of the base cap. If the hinge used is a three strap hinge as in Figures
1-4, the two end straps may be attached to the base cap slightly below the top wall
of the base cap. This is a common construction for such a hinge where the hinge is
essentially an extension of the top walls. This embodiment has some structural advantages
over the elevated embodiment of Figures 1-4. In this embodiment, the living hinge
assembly 252 is essentially an extension of upper wall 238. Dependent from the upper
wall is cylindrical wall 236. The spout of the tube extends up through central opening
240 which is defined by annular lip 242. The cap lid has a cylindrical wall 254 and
a top wall 258. There are also shown annular collars 262 and 264. Detents 266 and
267 function to hold the outer cap in a closed position with detent 267 interlocking
with projection 268. The hinge construction is essentially the same as in the embodiment
of Figures 1-5.
Embodiment of Figure 8
[0039] A further embodiment is shown in Figure 8 which includes a camming arrangement to
attach the cap to the container. The tube 160 and the closure assembly 172 is similar
to the embodiment of Figure 1 except for the threads on the base cap and nozzle.
[0040] In the embodiment of Figure 8, the tube 160 includes a conical shoulder 162 and a
cylindrical collar 164. The axial end of the collar 164 includes an annular groove
168 and a conical dispensing nozzle 170. The closure 172 includes a base cap 174 and
an cap lid 176 connected together by a living hinge assembly 178. The base cap comprises
a top wall 180, an inner depending wall 182 and an outer depending wall 186 in a manner
similar to the embodiment of Figure 1. An axial opening 188 extends through the top
end wall. An inwardly extending annular rib 190 extends around the opening 188.
[0041] The inner wall 182 has an inner surface having camming elements 192 inclined with
respect to the central axis of the cap. As shown in Figure 8, the cam elements have
angled faces. The cylindrical collar 164 of the tube includes complementing camming
elements 194. The camming elements 192 and 194 are integrally molded in the tube and
cap respectively. As shown in Figure 8, the camming elements function as conventional
threads to screw the base cap onto the tube so that the nozzle extends through the
opening 188 and the rib 190 snaps into the annular groove 168 of the nozzle. The camming
elements are sufficiently flexible such that once the nozzle is seated in the opening
188, further rotation of the cap with respect to the nozzle will cause the camming
elements to snap past each other. Rotating the closure counter-clockwise engages cams
192 of the closure and cams 194 of the tube which lift the closure disengaging the
rib 190 from the annular groove 168. Once the rib 190 is separated from the annular
groove 168, the closure can be easily unscrewed from the nozzle. The camming elements
in this embodiment allow the closure to be rotated in the clockwise direction to any
desired position on the nozzle without risk of over tightening or the base cap unscrewing
from the tube.
Embodiment of Figure 9
[0042] A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9 comprising a base cap
186' having a cap lid 176' attached to a tube 160'. The base cap, cap lid and nozzle
have substantially the same structure as in the embodiment of Figure 8 with the exception
of the attachment arrangement for coupling the base cap to the tube. Accordingly,
the identical components are identified by the same reference number with addition
of a prime.
[0043] In this embodiment, the base cap 186' is permanently attached to the tube by a snap
connection, thus preventing the base cap from being easily removed during normal use
of the tube. As shown in Figure 9, the inner wall 182' of the base cap includes an
annular interlocking rib 200 extending radially inward toward the central axis of
the base cap. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the annular rib 200 is a continuous rib.
In alternative embodiments, the annular rib 200 may be discontinuous to define a plurality
of detents around the inner surface of the inner wall 182'.
[0044] The tube 160' includes a conical shoulder 162' and a cylindrical collar 164'. The
axial end of the collar 164' includes an annular groove 168' and a dispensing nozzle
170'. An intermediate annular rib 202 is positioned approximately at the midpoint
of the annular collar. The annular rib 202 has an inclined upper wall and is dimensioned
to complement and interlock with the annular rib 200 in the base cap.
[0045] The base cap 186' is assembled onto the tube by sliding the nozzle 170' through the
opening 188' in the base cap. The base cap is pressed downwardly onto the nozzle until
the annular rib 200 snaps over the annular rib 202 and the annular rib 190' defining
the axial opening in the base cap snaps into the annular groove 168'. In alternative
embodiments, the annular rib 190' and the annular groove 168' can be eliminated when
the rib 200 and rib 202 are provided. In all events, the upper edge of the base cap
will preferably form a tight seal against the nozzle to prevent dirt or the dispensed
material from accumulating in between the base cap and the nozzle. The base cap can
be removed from the tube by pulling the base cap away from the tube with sufficient
force to unsnap the ribs 190' and 200 from the groove 168' and rib 202.
[0046] The closure in preferred embodiments is made of molded plastic material as a unitary
piece. Suitable plastic materials include, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene,
polypropylene and copolymers thereof. Typically, the caps are formed by injection
molding.
[0047] The tube is similarly formed from a suitable plastic material such as polyolefins.
In preferred embodiments, the nozzle, shoulder and body of the tube are molded as
an integral assembly. The tube and closure are particularly suitable for most viscous
materials such as toothpaste where small amounts are dispensed at a time. The closure
provides a convenient and efficient means for attaching a closure to a tube so that
the tube can be closed after each use.
[0048] The closure may also be removed from the tube when the contents of the tube have
been consumed. The closure may be removed from the nozzle of the tube by rotating
the base cap with respect to the tube such that the threads unscrew the base cap from
the tube and releases the lip of the base cap from the groove in the nozzle. In this
manner, the closure can be used again on another tube.
[0049] The above description is provided to illustrate advantageous embodiments of the invention.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined
in the appended claims.
1. A closure for a container, said container having a tapered dispensing nozzle and attachment
means for coupling said closure to said nozzle; said closure comprising:
a base cap having a central axis, a substantially planar top end wall having an
aperture defining a central channel concentric with said central axis, and an annular
outer side wall depending from a peripheral edge of said top end wall, said top end
wall being inclined with respect to the central axis; and
a cap lid hinged to said base cap by a living snap hinge integrally formed with
said base cap, said cap lid having a top end wall, annular side wall and an annular
collar depending from said top end wall and being concentric to a central axis of
said cap lid, said cap lid being hinged to said base cap so that said annular collar
seals said nozzle when said cap lid is in a closed position.
2. The closure of claim 1, said base cap further comprising an inner annular wall depending
from said top wall and being concentric with said central axis and being spaced between
said aperture and said outer wall, and threads on an inner surface of said inner wall
for mating with threads on said container.
3. The closure of claim 2, said inner annular wall including an annular rib extending
radially inward for mating with an annular groove in said container.
4. The closure of claim 1, wherein said top end wall includes a central rim defining
said aperture, said rim including an inwardly extending radial lip for coupling with
a complementing annular groove on said nozzle of said container.
5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the nozzle of said container extends upwardly through
the aperture in the top end wall and terminates a distance above said top end wall,
said cap lid including an inner surface having an annular seal ring extending therefrom,
whereby said seal ring engages and seals an upper end of said nozzle when the cap
lid is in a closed position.
6. The closure of claim 1, said living snap hinge comprising a first hinge means attached
to an outer edge of said top end wall and to an outer edge of said cap lid for defining
a pivotal movement of said cap lid with respect to said base cap from an open position
to a closed position; first and second snap means on said outer edge of said top end
wall and being connected to said cap lid, said first and second snap means being radially
disposed on opposite sides of said hinge means.
7. The closure of claim 6, said first and second snap means, each comprising an elongated
portion having a first end hinged to said outer edge of said top end wall and a second
end hinged to said cap lid.
8. The closure of claim 7, said first and second ends of each of said first and second
snap means being axially spaced from said first hinge means with respect to a central
axis of said base cap.
9. A closure for a container, said container having a tapered dispensing nozzle and attachment
means for coupling said closure to said nozzle, said closure comprising:
a base cap having a central axis, a top end wall, means defining a central inlet
opening for removably coupling to said dispensing nozzle of said container and to
receive contents from said container; means defining an outlet nozzle extending from
said top end wall and being spaced from the central axis of said base cap, and means
communicating said inlet opening means to said outlet nozzle means; and
a cap lid hinged to said base cap by hinge means, said cap lid including a top
wall and an annular collar depending therefrom for sealing said outlet nozzle when
said cap lid is in a closed position.
10. The closure of claim 9, said base cap including a first annular side wall depending
from said top end wall and having an inner surface; and attachment means on said inner
surface for attaching said base cap to said nozzle of said container.
11. The closure of claim 10, further comprising a second annular wall depending from said
top end wall and being concentric with said first annular wall and spaced outwardly
from said first annular wall.
12. The closure of claim 10, said attachment means comprising threads for mating with
threads on said nozzle of said container.
13. The closure of claim 12, said attachment means comprising an annular rib for mating
with an annular groove in said nozzle of said container.
14. The closure of claim 9, said means defining said central inlet comprising an annular
collar depending from said top end wall and being concentric with the central axis
of said base cap; and an inwardly directed rib at a lower end of the collar for mating
with an annular groove on the nozzle of said tube to attach the base cap to the container.
15. The closure of claim 9, said means communicating said inlet opening to said outlet
opening comprising a substantially radially extending channel.
16. The closure of claim 9, said outlet nozzle being adjacent an outer edge of said top
end wall and opposite said hinge means.
17. The closure of claim 9, said top end wall being at an angle with respect to said central
axis to facilitate delivery of a product from said tube.
18. A container and removable closure assembly, the combination comprising:
a container having a tapered dispensing nozzle, said nozzle having attachment means
on an outer surface thereof, and a first annular groove on said nozzle;
a closure including a base cap and a cap lid hinged to said base cap by hinge means,
said base cap having a substantially planar top end wall, a first annular wall depending
from said top end wall defining a central axis, said top end wall including an aperture
concentric with said central axis and having an inwardly extending first annular rib,
said nozzle of said container being disposed within said aperture and said rib mating
with said annular groove whereby said nozzle extends above said top end wall, the
top end wall being angled with respect to said central axis to facilitate delivery
of product from said container.
19. The assembly of claim 18, said annular groove on said nozzle of said container being
spaced from an axial end of said nozzle.
20. The assembly of claim 18, said first annular wall having an inner surface, and threads
on said inner surface for removably coupling said base cap to said nozzle.
21. The assembly of claim 20, said nozzle further including threads on an outer surface
for mating with said threads on said nozzle.
22. The assembly of claim 18, said attachment means on said nozzle comprising a second
annular groove, and said first annular wall including a second annular rib for mating
with said second annular groove.
23. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a second annular wall depending from
said top end wall and being concentric with said first annular wall, said second annular
wall having a dimension approximating an outer dimension of said container.
24. The assembly of claim 18, wherein said nozzle has an upper edge defining an outlet
from said container, and said cap lid includes an annular seal means depending from
an inner face thereof, said seal means complementing said outlet and being disposed
whereby said seal closes the outlet in the nozzle when said cap is in a closed position.
25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein said seal means is an annular ring and seats outside
said outlet of the nozzle when the cap is in the closed position.
26. The assembly of claim 18, said container being a collapsible container.
27. The assembly of claim 18, wherein said container is a tube.
28. The assembly of claim 18, said container having an internal barrier layer to resist
absorption of components from a compound in said container.
29. A container and removable closure assembly, the combination comprising:
a container having a discharge nozzle, said nozzle having attachment means on an
outer surface thereof, and an annular groove on an axial end of said nozzle;
a closure including a base cap and an cap lid hinged to said base cap, said base
cap having a top end wall, a first annular wall depending from said top end wall and
defining a central axis and an interior of said base cap, means defining an axial
inlet opening in said top end wall communicating with said interior of said base cap,
means defining an outlet extending axially from said top end wall and being radially
spaced from said inlet opening, and means defining a channel from said inlet opening
to said outlet;
said annular groove on said nozzle of said container being removably coupled to
said inlet opening; and
a cap lid hinged to said base cap by hinge means, said cap lid including a top
wall and an inwardly extending annular collar depending therefrom for sealing said
outlet when said cap lid is in a closed position.
30. The assembly of claim 29, said first annular wall having an inner surface, and threads
on said inner surface.
31. The assembly of claim 30, said nozzle of said container including threads on an outer
surface thereof for coupling said base cap to said container.
32. The assembly of claim 29, said means defining said inlet opening comprising an inwardly
extending annular collar depending from said top end wall and being concentric to
said first annular wall.
33. The assembly of claim 32, said second annular wall including an annular rib extending
radially inward for mating with said annular groove in said nozzle of said container.
34. The assembly of claim 29, comprising a third annular wall depending from said top
end wall and being spaced outwardly from said first annular wall, said third annular
wall having a dimension complementing an outer dimension of said container.
35. The assembly of claim 29, said means communicating said inlet opening to said outlet
opening comprising a substantially radially extending channel.
36. The assembly of claim 29, said outlet comprising an outlet nozzle extending upwardly
from said top end wall.
37. The assembly of claim 36, said outlet nozzle being adjacent an outer edge of said
top end wall and opposite said hinge means.
38. The assembly of claim 29, said top end wall being at an angle with respect to said
central axis to facilitate delivery of a product from said tube.
39. The assembly of claim 29, wherein said container is a collapsible plastic tube integrally
formed with said nozzle, an inner surface of said tube and nozzle having a barrier
layer to resist absorption of components from a composition in said tube.