(12) United States Patent
`VerWeyst et ai.
`
`111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006299033Bl
`US 6,299,033 BI
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) SNAP-ON CONTAINER CLOSURE WITH
`HINGED FLAP
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Gordon E. VerWeyst, Rockford;
`Alfred I. Gray, Belvidere, both of IL
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc., Rockford, IL (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/545,477
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 7, 2000
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Int. CI? ........................................................ B67D 3/00
`U.S. CI. .......................... 222/480; 222/486; 222/546;
`222/565; 222/570
`Field of Search ..................................... 222/480, 482,
`222/486, 545, 546, 556, 565, 570
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,975,947 *
`3,322,308
`3,323,671
`3,467,287 *
`3,469,732
`3,675,812
`4,106,672
`
`3/1961 Pellett .................................. 222/546
`5/1967 Foster ................................... 222/480
`6/1967 Minarik, Jr. et al. .................. 215/40
`9/1969 Marchant et al.
`................... 222/480
`9/1969 Foster ..................................... 220/31
`7/1972 Foster ................................. 220/31 S
`8/1978 Tecco et al.
`......................... 222/151
`
`6/1980
`4,209,100
`11/1982
`4,361,250
`4,369,901 *
`1/1983
`8/1986
`4,607,768
`11/1986
`4,621,744
`9/1987
`4,693,399
`2/1989
`4,807,768
`4,898,292
`2/1990
`5,048,730 *
`9/1991
`5,509,582 *
`4/1996
`9/1998
`5,799,838
`* cited by examiner
`
`Uhlig ................................... 215/216
`Foster ................................... 220/266
`Ridding ............................... 222/480
`Taber et al. .......................... 222/556
`Foster ................................... 220/270
`Rickman et al. .................... 222/480
`Gach .................................... 215/216
`VerWeyst et al.
`................... 215/237
`Forsyth et al. ....................... 222/482
`Robbins, III ......................... 222/480
`Miller ................................... 222/480
`
`Primary Examiner-Joseph A. Kaufman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A snap-on closure prevents flaps from coming unsnapped or
`popping open during assembly of the closure onto the neck
`of a container. The snap-on connection between the con(cid:173)
`tainer and the closure includes a circular groove and a
`circular rib projecting into the groove. The closure includes
`dispensing ports such as sifter holes, a pouring hole, and/or
`a spooning hole which are closed by hinged flaps which
`snap-on the horizontal platform of the closure. The flaps
`may include plugs which project into their respective dis(cid:173)
`pensing openings and provide a seal against the wall of the
`opening. The closure also includes a resilient crush seal
`which engages the neck of the container to provide a seal
`between the closure and the container.
`
`28 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`26
`
`46
`
`20
`
`18
`
`48
`
`16
`
`---r-H+--50
`
`14
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 1
`
`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`26
`
`~-46
`
`20
`
`--18
`
`48
`
`--16
`
`'---+---1-+--- 50
`
`31
`
`FIG. 1
`
`10~
`56
`13~
`
`14
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 2
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`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`45
`
`56 38 22 30 34 36
`
`10
`\ 37 36 35 31 39 60
`
`45
`
`46
`
`48
`- - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`29
`58
`52
`""1/--.- 20
`26
`
`44
`18
`
`16
`
`FIG.2
`
`/
`13
`
`13
`
`FIG.3 \
`
`34
`
`45
`
`1
`46 ~~---------------------~~~~
`48
`~~---------------------~~~ 18
`
`16
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 3
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`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`34
`
`36
`
`36
`
`FIG.4
`45-
`47
`
`10 "'----
`
`26
`
`FIG.5
`
`34
`
`28
`
`10 "'----
`
`29
`
`39
`
`39
`
`45
`
`31
`
`31
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 4
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`

`

`u.s. Patent
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`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`FIG.6
`35
`
`24
`
`.. ~52
`
`~~1---20
`
`26
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 5
`
`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`FIG.7
`
`10a
`
`52a
`13a
`~ #
`
`I
`
`12a
`
`#
`
`\
`
`I
`
`#
`
`#
`
`48a
`26a
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 6
`
`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`FIG.8a
`
`FIG. 8e
`
`FIG. 8e
`
`FIG. 8g
`
`FIG. 8i
`
`FIG.8b
`
`FIG. 8d
`
`FIG. 8f
`
`FIG. 8h
`
`~~777>. FIG. 8j
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 7
`
`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`200
`
`FIG.9
`
`204
`
`210
`
`FIG. 10
`
`214
`
`FIG. 11
`
`224
`
`300
`
`308
`
`FIG. 12
`302
`
`- - - - - - -
`ft
`
`ft
`
`ft
`
`ft
`
`ft
`
`ft
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 8
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`

`

`u.s. Patent
`
`Oct. 9,2001
`
`Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 6,299,033 BI
`
`FIG. 13
`
`412
`
`406
`
`410
`
`408
`
`~ 400
`
`404
`
`402
`
`FIG. 14
`
`135
`
`141
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 9
`
`

`

`US 6,299,033 Bl
`
`1
`SNAP-ON CONTAINER CLOSURE WITH
`HINGED FLAP
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to server lids or closures for 5
`containers, more particularly, to injection molded plastic
`closures with hinged reclosable flaps enabling the contents
`of the container to be dispensed through the closure.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`hinged flaps, in which the closure is adapted to be snapped
`on the cylindrical neck of a container during assembly. The
`closure includes a cylindrical skirt depending vertically
`downward from a generally horizontal platform. The plat(cid:173)
`form includes at least one dispensing port such as a spoon
`hole, a pour hole, and/or sift holes. For each dispensing port,
`a hinged flap is provided that swings between open and
`closed positions to correspondingly open and close its
`dispensing port. The cylindrical skirt and the cylindrical
`10 neck of the container include cooperating interfitting locking
`structures which snap together to lock the closure on the
`container in a substantially non-removable manner. In a
`preferred embodiment these structures comprise an inter(cid:173)
`locking projection and recess structure, both of which follow
`15 a circular and non-helical path. It is an important advantage
`that the closure is installed by being pressed into place and
`without the need for torque, thereby reducing the number of
`flaps that pop open or otherwise come unsnapped during
`assembly due to shifts or deflection in the resilient plastic
`20 material of the closure. The present invention is also directed
`towards the combination of the snap-on closure and the
`container.
`It is an aspect of the present invention that the flaps
`include plugs that fill their dispensing ports and provide a
`25 seal against the walls of the dispensing ports. It is another
`aspect of the present invention that a crush seal is provided
`between the closure and the neck of the container. It is an
`advantage that these seals maintain freshness of product in
`the container by minimizing air transfer between the inside
`30 of the container and the external environment. With these
`seals, a plastic or foil sealing strip over the open end of the
`container is not necessary for most applications. As such, the
`snap-on connection can be substantially permanent meaning
`that the closure is not intended to be removed by the
`customer.
`Other object and advantages of the invention will become
`more apparent from the following detailed description when
`taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`
`One conventional form of product dispenser for spices,
`condiments and other similar dry particulate materials
`includes a container with a round server lid screwed onto its
`neck. The round server lid is often known and referred to as
`a "closure" by those skilled in the art. In the product
`dispensing art, round closures include one or more dispens(cid:173)
`ing ports for such purposes as sifting, pouring or spooning
`spices or other condiments from the container. These clo(cid:173)
`sures also include one or more vertically movable flaps that
`snap close over the dispensing ports to keep the product in
`the container. In this particular server lid closure art it is
`conventional that the round closure is screwed onto the neck
`of a container. One reason for this convention is that a
`separate plastic or foil seal strip is often applied over the
`entire open end of the container. The plastic or foil seal strip
`serves the purpose of maintaining the freshness or shelf-life
`of the product inside the container. Prior to first use, the
`closure is removed by unscrewing it, the plastic or foil seal
`strip is removed, then the closure replaced. An exemplary
`product dispenser including a closure as described above is
`generally disclosed in VerWeyst et aI., U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,
`292, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
`reference in its entirety.
`Round closures as disclosed in the '292 patent to Ver- 35
`Weyst et aI. work very well and are highly practical for the
`consuming public. However, as is recognized by the '292
`patent to VerWeyst et aI., round screw-on closures present
`certain difficulties from an automated assembly standpoint.
`In particular, when the closure is screwed on the container, 40
`the resilient plastic material in the closure tends to deflect or
`shift after the closure engages the top lip of the container
`towards the end of the screwing motion. Occasionally too
`much torque is applied (a condition known as over-torquing)
`which results in the hinged flaps undesirably popping open. 45
`The '292 patent to VerWeyst et aI. discloses an improved
`locking arrangement to address this problem and better
`maintain the hinged flaps in the closed position during
`assembly. Although the locking arrangement taught by Ver(cid:173)
`Weyst et aI. reduces the number of open flaps occurring 50
`during assembly, an undesirable number of flaps still inevi(cid:173)
`tably open during assembly operations even with this
`improvement. This specific locking arrangement also
`reduces the number of design options possible for the port
`configuration of the dispensing ports of the closure.
`
`55
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming
`a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the
`present invention, and together with the description serve to
`explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unassembled dispenser
`including a snap-on closure and a container, in accordance
`with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a top fragmentary cross sectional view of a
`dispenser assembled from the pieces shown in FIG. 1,
`including the closure snapped on the container with the flaps
`illustrated in the closed position.
`FIG. 3 is the same view as FIG. 2, but with the flaps
`illustrated in the open position.
`FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the closure shown in
`the previous figures with the flaps illustrated in the closed
`position.
`FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4 but with the flaps
`illustrated in the open position.
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of
`a portion of FIG. 3.
`FIG. 7 is fragmentary cross sectional an alternative
`embodiment of the present invention.
`FIGS. 8a-8j are enlarged fragmentary cross sectional
`65 views of alternative embodiments of closures and container
`necks demonstrating various seals that may be used in the
`present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is the general objective of the present invention provide
`a round closure having hinged flaps for closing dispensing 60
`ports in which the flaps more reliably stay closed during
`assembly operations of the closure to a container.
`While achieving this above objective, it is another objec(cid:173)
`tive of the present invention to maintain the desired fresh(cid:173)
`ness of product inside the container for certain applications.
`In accordance with these and other objectives, the present
`invention is directed towards a novel snap-on closure having
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 10
`
`

`

`US 6,299,033 Bl
`
`3
`FIGS. 9-13 are fragmentary cross-sections of five alter(cid:173)
`native embodiments of the present invention demonstrating
`additional different interfitting snap-on connections that can
`be utilized.
`FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross-section of an alternative
`embodiment of the present invention demonstrating that
`other forms of plugs and snapping nibs for the hinged flap
`can also be utilized.
`While the invention will be described in connection with
`certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it
`to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover
`all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included
`within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IRE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`For purposes of illustration, the invention has been shown
`in the drawings as embodied in a one-piece server lid or
`closure 10 for closing the open end of a container 12 which
`herein is a glass or plastic j ar. The combination of the closure
`and the container provides a product dispenser 13. The
`container 12 includes a closed end 14 and a vertically
`upwardly extending wall 16 to define an internal volume for
`containing such products as spice, condiments or other
`relatively dry flowable particulate products. The container
`12 also includes a cylindrical neck section 18 having an
`upper rim 20 that defines a circular opening 22. Although a
`cylindrical container is shown, it will be appreciated that the 30
`closure 12 of the present invention can be used with other
`shapes of containers that are formed with cylindrical necks
`to include rectangular box-like containers.
`The closure 10 is molded of resiliently yieldable plastic
`material such as polypropylene and comprises a round
`generally horizontal platform 24 and a downwardly depend(cid:173)
`ing cylindrical skirt 26. The cylindrical skirt 26 has an inner
`diameter that is closely dimensioned to the outer diameter of
`the cylindrical neck 18 such no substantial gap is formed
`between the skirt and the neck. The inner cylindrical surface
`of the skirt 26 may actually be in direct contact with the
`outer cylindrical surface of the neck 18. Recessed surfaces
`28, 29 are located on opposite sides of the platform 24 with
`a raised plateau portion 37 therebetween. Each recessed
`surface 28, 29 typically includes a dispensing port. For 45
`example, in this embodiment, a large pour hole 30 is formed
`through one side of the platform 24 and a plurality of smaller
`sifter holes 31 are formed through the other side of the
`platform 24. The pour hole 30 and sifter holes 31 are adapted
`to be separately closed by similarly formed flaps 34, 35,
`respectively, located on opposite sides of the platform 24.
`Each flap 34, 35 is substantially semicircular in shape
`similar to the shape of its respective recessed surface 28, 29
`and is integrally connected to the platform 24 by a hinge 36
`provided by a thin web of plastic material formed on the
`intermediate raised plateau portion 37 of the platform 24. By
`virtue of the hinge 36, the flaps 34, 35 may be swung
`upwardly and downwardly between open and closed posi(cid:173)
`tions as illustrated by a comparison of FIGS. 2-3 and 4-5.
`The illustrated form of flaps and sectional plateau is pre(cid:173)
`ferred for many spice bottle applications, but other flap and
`port arrangements can also be used.
`In the preferred embodiment, the flaps 34, 35 include
`generally flat sides. However, plugs 38, 39 may project from
`the bottom surface of the flaps 34, 35. The plugs 38, 39 are
`aligned with and are sized closely to the shape or diameter
`of their respective dispensing holes 30, 31. In the closed
`
`4
`position, each plug 34, 35 substantially fills its respective
`dispensing hole 30, 31 and preferably forms a close fit or an
`interference fit with the wall of its dispensing hole to form
`a seal. Seals provided between the plugs and the platform
`5 prolong the shelf-life and maintain freshness of the contents
`inside the container. In the preferred embodiment, these
`seals are accomplished by increased diameter or outwardly
`projecting ribs 40, 41 that completely surround each plug 38,
`39. Each outward projecting rib 40, 41 engages either the
`10 bottom surface of the platform 24 or alternatively the
`sidewall of its respective dispensing hole 30, 31 to provide
`a seal. In either event, the size and shape of the ribs 40, 41
`is dimensioned and shaped such that the seal is generally
`continuous around each of the plugs. The outwardly pro(cid:173)
`jecting ribs 40, 41 by their shape and dimension provide a
`15 snap fit connection which cooperate with corresponding nibs
`or catches 42, 43 formed into the platform 25. In this
`embodiment, the corresponding snapping nibs or catches 42,
`43 are provided by either a closely dimensioned sidewall of
`the dispensing port to provide a resistance fit or alternatively
`20 the bottom surface of the platform 24 to catch the corre(cid:173)
`sponding ribs 40 or other snapping nibs formed on the plugs
`34, 35. The outward projecting ribs 40, 41 and the catches
`42, 43 provide cooperating snap connectors that are adapted
`to releasably snap together to hold the flaps in the closed
`25 position. Each flap also preferably includes a lift tab 45 that
`is positioned over a recess 47 at the outer peripheral corner
`between the skirt 26 and the platform 24. The lift tab 45
`provides a structure which is easily engaged by the finger of
`a person to facilitate easier opening of the flaps.
`While a preferred form of plugs have been shown in the
`preferred embodiment and described above, it will also be
`appreciated that other forms of plugs can be used with
`alternative forms of releasable snapping arrangements. For
`example FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment in
`35 which a differently shaped sifter plug 139 projects down(cid:173)
`ward from a hinged flap 135 into a sifter hole 131 in a
`closure platform 124. The sifter plug 139 includes a releas(cid:173)
`able snapping structure 140 near the top that is separate from
`the circular sealing rib 141 near the bottom. In this embodi-
`40 ment the snapping structure 140 comprises a recess 144 in
`the plug that is received into a snapping nib projection 143
`formed into the platform 124. The sifter plug 139 may also
`include a sealing rib 141 that contacts the surrounding wall
`of the sifter hole 131 to provide a seal.
`It will be appreciated that the size of the sifter holes 32 is
`dependent upon the desired application in that the size of the
`sifter holes 32 are formed just larger than the size of spice
`or other particulate material in the container 12. It will also
`be appreciated that the type, size, number and shape of the
`50 dispensing ports can be varied as desired to meet the
`requirements of the application. In addition, although two
`forms of snap fit connectors are disclosed in the present
`application, it will be appreciated that other connector
`configuration can be used to hold the flaps in the closed
`55 position. Other arrangements of flaps/dispensing holes and
`other forms of releasable snap connectors can also be used
`such as those forms for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
`4,898,292 to VerWeyst et aI., U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,250 to
`Foster, U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,399 to Hickman et aI., U.S. Pat.
`60 No. 5,799,838 to Miller, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,671 to
`Minarik lr. et aI., the disclosures of which are incorporated
`by reference for these above purposes. As generally dem(cid:173)
`onstrated by these patents, the snap fit connectors can be
`located virtually anywhere such as on the outer semicircular
`65 edge of the flaps which interact with a raised projection on
`the platform of the closure, or for example on a tab project(cid:173)
`ing from the semicircular edge of the flap.
`
`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 11
`
`

`

`US 6,299,033 Bl
`
`5
`6
`projects radially outwardly from the neck 18a of the con(cid:173)
`In accordance with the present invention, a non-threaded
`tainer 12a and is received into a corresponding groove 48a
`snap-on connection is provided for retaining the closure 10
`in the inner peripheral surface of the skirt 26a for vertical
`on the container 12. The snap-on connection includes an
`retention of the closure lOa. It will be understood that this
`interfitting projection and recess structure on the container
`embodiment works much the same way as the first embodi(cid:173)
`and the closure which locks the closure on the container in 5
`ment but in this case the cam surface 52a is located on the
`a substantially non-removable condition. Non-removable in
`bottom edge of the skirt.
`this context is meant that the closure is not intended to be
`Turning to yet another alternative embodiment illustrated
`removed in normal use, and in fact cannot be removed by
`in FIG. 12, it will also be appreciated that the snap fit
`normal manual manipulation such as would be applied to a
`screw type closure. In the present embodiment, the inter(cid:173)
`10 connection between the closure and the container does not
`locking projection and recess structure takes the form of a
`need to be provided along the outer periphery of the neck
`section and the inner periphery of the skirt. In this
`radially inward projecting circular projection or rib 46 on the
`embodiment, a closure 300 is provided in which the skirt
`skirt 26 and a circular receiving recess or groove 48 on the
`neck 18 of the container. The rib 46 has an inner diameter
`302 includes an inner and outer cylindrical flanges 304, 306
`that is smaller than the outer cylindrical diameter of the neck
`15 joined by an interconnecting top section 308 of the skirt. The
`18 or sealing lip 20. More specifically, the inner diameter
`inner flange 304 may be longer than the outer flange 306. In
`and shape of the rib 46 is sized closely to the shape and inner
`this embodiment, the outer periphery of the inner flange 304
`diameter of the groove 48. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rib
`includes a recess structure in the form of a groove 310 that
`46 projects into the groove 48 to engage either the side walls
`receives a projection in the form of a radially outward
`of the groove or alternatively the groove bottom and as such,
`20 projecting rib 312 on the outer periphery of the inner flange
`the circular rib 46 has an inner diameter sized closely to the
`304.
`diameter of the bottom of groove 48. The rib 46 engages the
`Yet a further embodiment of the present invention is
`top wall of the groove 48 for vertical retention of the closure
`shown in FIG. 13 in which the neck section 400 of the
`10 on the container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the rib
`container 402 is illustrated as a smooth curve 404 having a
`46 and the groove 48 both follow a non-helical and con- 25
`circular cross section. Although not perfectly cylindrical, the
`tinuous path as illustrated and both have a semicircular
`neck section 400 performs the same function in the same
`cross-section as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The intermitting
`way as those of the previous embodiments to achieve a
`projection and recess structure is engaged as the closure is
`snap-on connection and includes a similar projection or
`pressed over the neck, of course after filling the container.
`recess structure. The server lid or closure 406 snaps on to
`No freshness seal is applied, because the closure, once fitted, 30
`this container 402 in a similar manner to the previous
`is not intended to be removable. During assembly, pressure
`embodiments with an interfitting rib 408 and groove 410.
`of the closure onto the neck causes the outside of the skirt
`This embodiment also illustrates the fact that only one
`to flare radially outward as the rib 46 rise against the outer
`hinged flap 412 need be provided on the closure 406.
`wall of the closure cylindrical top. Ultimately a position is
`In any of the embodiments, the snapping structures of the
`reached in which the rib 46 is trapped in the groove 48,
`35 rib 46 and the groove 48 provide an assembly of the closure
`forming a projection and recess lock which is only remov(cid:173)
`10 on the container 12 that achieves retention of the closure
`able by the application of substantial force preferably with
`10 without requiring the application of torque to the closure
`the use of a tool. For practical purposes the closure is
`24 and the resulting deflections or shifts in the plastic
`non-removably locked on the container. And it is done by
`material caused by over-torquing. It is a significant advan(cid:173)
`simple mechanical pressing equipment without the need for 40
`tage that this better prevents the flaps 34, 35 from popping
`torque, thereby eliminating the over-torquing lid-popping
`open or coming unsnapped during assembly. According to
`problem.
`the preferred method of assembly and referring to FIG. 1, the
`It will also be appreciated that other projection and recess
`closure 10 is initially aligned with the neck 18 of the
`configurations could be provided other than a V-shaped or
`container about a common central axis 50. Then an axial
`hemispherical shape as shown. For example, non- 45
`pressing force is applied along the central axis 50 to either
`continuous configurations could also be provided in which
`press the closure 10 on the container 12 or alternatively press
`the rib 46 is broken up into projecting tabs or gripping teeth
`the container 12 on the closure 10. In either event, the action
`and the groove 48 is broken up into individual receiving
`first starts with the rib 46 engaging the sealing lip 20 such
`channels or slots. FIGS. 9-13 disclose alternative embodi(cid:173)
`that the skirt 26 bends or deflects radially outward from the
`ments of the invention. From these alternative embodiments, 50 axis 50 to an increased diameter and the neck 18 bends
`it will also be appreciated that the interfitting recess structure
`radially inward towards the axis 50 to a decreased diameter
`and the projection can take other shapes. For example, FIG.
`if the container is also plastic and resiliently yieldable (In the
`9 illustrates a snap fitted and interlocked closure 200 and
`case of a glass container or container of non-yielding
`container 202 that includes a square cross-sectional configu(cid:173)
`material, the neck 18 would not bend and remain rigid). In
`ration of a rib 204 and a groove 206 providing the snap fit 55
`either event, enough clearance is provided to allow the rib 46
`connection. FIG. 10 illustrates a snap fitted and interlocked
`to axially slide along the outer cylindrical surface of the neck
`closure 210 and container 212 with a V-shaped cross(cid:173)
`18 to allow the rib to reach the groove 48. Once the rib 46
`sectional configuration of a rib 214 and a groove 216 also
`reaches the groove 48, the resilient nature of the plastic
`providing a snap fit connection. FIG. 11 illustrates a con(cid:173)
`material in the closure 10 and the container 12 causes the rib
`figuration that is somewhat of a collaboration of that shown 60
`46 to snap into the groove 48, with the skirt 26 bending
`in FIGS. 9 and 10, but with the rib 224 angling upwardly
`radially inwardly towards its original relaxed position and at
`interfitting with a larger square shaped groove 226, such that
`the same time the neck 18 bending radially outwardly
`removal of the lid is even more difficult.
`towards its original relaxed position. Once this occurs the
`A further alternative embodiment of the snap-on connec(cid:173)
`upper surfaces of the rib 46 and the groove 48 engage one
`tion for a dispensing container 13a is illustrated in FIG. 7.
`65 another to vertically retain the closure 10 on the container
`12. In the preferred embodiment, the snap-on connection is
`As shown therein, the location of the rib and the groove may
`be reversed. In particular, in this embodiment the rib 46a
`substantially permanent in that it is not intended to be
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`CLARIANTX 1009 Page 12
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`US 6,299,033 Bl
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`7
`removed by the customer without extraordinary force.
`However, it will be appreciated that such a force could be
`accomplished by prying the closure off of the container with
`a tool such as a screwdriver or kitchen utensil, but in doing
`so the force would also typically mark or otherwise damage 5
`the container and/or the closure. This ensures that the
`closure 10 is reliably retained on the container 12, and does
`not fall off when shaking spice or other condiment from the
`container. Although all of the embodiments illustrated in the
`drawings are considered substantially permanent, it will be 10
`appreciated that the level of permanency can be varied. For
`example, the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 11 with squared
`comers or an upwardly angled snap fit connection can be
`even more permanent than the hemispherical rib and groove
`approach shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, 15
`thereby increasing the force necessary to remove the lid. The
`hemispherical shape of the interfitting rib and groove of the
`preferred embodiment however has the benefit of providing
`for easier assembly as the smooth curved surfaces act as a
`cam to direct the outward flaring of the skirt during assem- 20
`bly. It will also be appreciated that a non-permanent snap fit
`connection could be provided in a less preferred
`embodiment, and as such certain claims appended hereto are
`directed towards that possibility.
`If the snap-on connection is substantially permanent, it is 25
`not desirable to use a plastic or foil sealing strip over the
`container opening 22. The reason is that the sealing strip
`would not be easily removed and customers would have to
`puncture the sealing strip instead. Because a sealing strip is
`not desirable, it is a further aspect of the present invention 30
`that two seal areas are provided. Specifically a seal is
`provided for each of the dispensing port to prevent air
`transfer through the dispensing ports and a seal is provided
`to prevent air transfer between the closure 12 and the neck
`18 of the container 12. As indicated above, the plugs 38, 39 35
`form interference fits with their respective dispensing holes
`30, 31 to seal off air passageways through the closure 10.
`The other seal is provided between the closure and the
`container for both freshness and to prevent material from
`exiting therebetween. Referring to FIG. 2 a resilient seal 56 40
`in the form of a crush rib is provided between the container
`12 and the closure 10 to prevent air passage therebetween.
`The seal 56 comprises a thin resilient annular web 58 that is
`sized such that it engages the sealing lip 20 of the container
`12 in a biased state such that the sealing surface 60 of the 45
`web 58 is biased against the sealing lip 20 to provide a seal
`once the closure 10 is snapped on the container 12. The
`amount of deflection in the web 58 from the relaxed to the
`biased state can be seen comparing FIGS. 1 and 2. The
`resiliency, thickness, and shape of the web 58 are such that 50
`the seal is continuous around the neck of the container.
`Although one type of resilient seal 56 is illustrated in the
`preferred embodiment, several other forms of seals may also
`be used which comprises thin resilient webs of plastic
`material. Examples of alternative embodiments of such seals 55
`are illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8j. The seals of these alternative
`embodiments also are ring shaped and engage the sealing lip
`20 or alternatively the side walls of the neck of the container
`all the way around the open end. These alternative embodi(cid:173)
`ments of seals operate substantially the same as those 60
`previously discussed in that the resilient nature of the
`material in that the seal and ultimate location of the seal by
`virtue of the snap fit connection maintains the seal in a
`biased state. For example, in FIG. 8a, the seal is provided by
`a tight fitting contact between the sealing lip of the container 65
`and the bottom surface of the closure. In FIG. 8b, the
`resilient seal takes the form of a wiper seal or radial seal
`
`8
`which is biased radially outward against the inner peripheral
`surface of the container neck section. FIG. 8e illustrates a
`pair of small projecting ring seals which compress against
`the sealing lip of the container. FIGS. 8d-8f illustrate an
`embodiment where the seal engages the corner of the sealing
`lip. FIGS. 8g and 8h illustrate axial crush seals similar to the
`first embodiment of FIG. 2. FIGS. 8i and 8j illustrate
`combinations of the previous seals.
`Also, although not shown in the drawings, a plastic shrink
`wrap over cap may also be used to cover the entire closure
`10. Such an over cap would be anchored to the container
`either just below the bottom edge of the skirt or below t