US 20110000930A1
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0000930 A1
`
` Logel et a]. (43) Pub. Date: Jan. 6, 2011
`
`
`(54) CONTAINER
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/EP2008/065651
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Valere Logel, Levallois Perret (FR);
`DP‘IHIHFIW B015, Montreuil aux
`Lions (FR)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SCOTT R. COX
`LYNCH, COX, GILMAN & MAHAN, P.S.C.
`500 WEST JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 2100
`LOUISVILLE, KY 40202 (US)
`.
`(73) ASSlgHCCI
`
`.
`.
`AIRSEC S'A'S': Chmsy 10 R01
`(FR)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/742,661
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Nov. 17, 2008
`
`9'371 (cm
`(2), (4) Date:
`Sep. 7, 2010
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(30)
`
`Nov. 16. 2007
`
`(EP) .................................. 070223169
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`B65D 53/00
`(52) US. Cl.
`........................................................ 220/849
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Container (100) for loosely stored products comprising a
`container body (10), a cover (20), and a hinge (22) placed
`between the container body (10) and the cover (20) wherein
`the cover (20) has a cylindrical inner wall (30) and a cylin-
`drical outer wall (32), and the inner wall (30) is provided with
`a sealing portion (34) at the outer edge ofthe inner wall (3 0),
`wherein the vertical position. (A) of an apex (36) of the
`scaling portion (34) is smaller than the vertical height (B) of
`the outer wall (32).
`
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 6, 2011 Sheet 1 0f 3
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`US 2011/0000930 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 6, 2011 Sheet 2 0f 3
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`US 2011/0000930 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 6, 2011 Sheet 3 0f 3
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`US 2011/0000930 A1
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`US 2011/0000930 A1
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`Jan. 6, 2011
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`CONTAINER
`
`
`
`1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to a container for
`receiving loosely s orod products, suchas drugs, pills, tablets,
`test strips, granulate and even powder which has a container
`body and a cover, whereby a hinge is placed between the
`container body anc the cover. For such purposes the container
`has to be airtight in order to avoid a deterioration ofthe stored
`products.
`
`2. PRIOR ART
`
`
`
`[0002] Containers of the above mentioned type are known
`and common to the skilled in the art. They usually comprise a
`cover that is integrally attached to the container, wherein the
`cover has a circular base with an outer periphew and a cylin-
`drical tubular skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly
`around the outer periphery of the base. Furthermore such
`containers have also an upper portion and an inner and outer
`surface, wherein the container having a cylindrical upstand-
`ing rim at the upper portion, the rim is defined as that portion
`of the container that contacts an inner wall of the skirt of the
`cover, and the rim having an imier and outer wall rim. Further,
`such covers comprise a thumb tab for facilitating the opening
`and closing of the container and at least one hinge attached to
`the container. The hinge has at least one hinge recess bend
`point that functions to rotate the cover at one pivot point. The
`thumb tab and the hinge are positioned on substantially
`opposing ends of the cover and extending, perpendicularly
`and outwardly from the skirt of the cover.
`[0003] A flexible lip is often part of such containers,
`whereby the flexible lip is a projection that projects concen—
`trically from an interior surface ofthe base ofthe cover. “When
`the skirt of the cover overlies the container and at least a
`portion ofthe rim of the container engages the inner wall of
`the skirt of the cover, the flexible lip interacts with the rim to
`sufficiently deflect so as to form a releasable seal between the
`cover and the container.
`
`[0004] One ofthe main criteria of such containers is the air
`tightness in order to protect the stored products as good as
`possible. Improved demands in this respect require a very
`exact manufacturing of the containers particular the sealing
`portions. In prior art containers reliability of the containers
`can not be guaranteed due to manufacturing defects at the
`sealing portions.
`[0005]
`Further, since such containers with hinged covers
`are intended to be opened and closed several times mainly by
`hand this may again impair air tightness of the container
`according the prior art.
`[0006] The resealable container according to U.S. Pat. No.
`6,769,558 B1 consists essentially of a container having a rim
`at its upper portion, and a cap having a circular base with an
`outer periphery, a cylindrical tubular skirt, the inner wall of
`which has at least one recess, and a hinge connecting the cap
`to the container. In a closed position, the skirt of cap overlies
`the container and the rim ofthe container is situated within the
`recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap.
`[0007] Based an the explained disadvantages as well as by
`considering the explained prior art for containers ofthe above
`mentioned art, the aim of this invention is to provide a con-
`tainer of the above mentioned type, which has an improved
`
`tightness even when opened and closed several times, can be
`easily manufactured and provides an improved reliability.
`
`3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0008] This goal is achieved according to the invention by
`claim 1. Advantageous improvements result from the sub
`claims.
`Particularly the invention provides a container for
`[0009]
`loosely stored products comprising a container body a cover
`and a hinge, placed between the container body and the cover
`wherein the cover has a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindri-
`cal outer wall wherein the inner wall is provided with a
`sealing portion at the outer edge ofthe inner wall wherein the
`vertical position of an apex of the sealing portion is smaller
`than the vertical height of the outer wall.
`[0010]
`Since the sealing portion is provided at the outer
`edge of the inner wall and the vertical position of an apex of
`the sealing portion is smaller than the vertical height of the
`outer wall the sealing portion is protected against undesired
`contact by means of the outer wall. Even if the container is
`shipped or handled in open state the sealing portion of the
`cover is protected against damages. This increases air tight—
`ness of the container and overall reliability due to fail safe
`handling.
`[0011] The apex or sealing line of the sealing portion is
`arranged within a groove formed between inner and outer
`wall. This groove is usually very narrow, such that it
`is
`unlikely that the apex of the sealing portion at the inner wall
`is contacted or even damaged.
`[0012]
`In a first preferred embodiment the vertical position
`A ofthe apex ofthe sealing portion is 2 .0—1 5 .0 mm, preferably
`2.0-10.0 mm. more preferably 3.9 mm, and the vertical height
`B of the outer wall is 2.1-15.1 mm, preferably 2.1-10.1 mm,
`more preferably 4.2 mm. The apex of the sealing portion is
`protected by a preferably 0.3 mm higher outer wall.
`[0013]
`In a further embodiment the sealing portion seen in
`a transversal section is provided with a firstradius R1 defining
`an outer apex. In an embodiment the first radius R1 is 0.5-3 .0
`mm, preferably 0.7-0.9 mm and more preferably 0.8 mm.
`[0014]
`Since the sealing portion comprises a rather small
`radius a well defined contact line with the inner wall surface
`of the container body results which guarantees on the one
`hand an improved air-tightness and on the other hand allows
`opening and closing of the container without damaging the
`sealing portion.
`[0015]
`In a further embodiment the sealing portion com—
`prises a second radius R2 between the first radius R1 and an
`end surface ofthe inner wall, wherein the second radius R2 is
`smaller than the first radius R]. In an embodiment the second
`radius R2 is 0.05—2.0 mm, preferably 0.10—0.50 m and more
`preferably 0.15 mm.
`[0016] This second radius eliminates the risk of damaging
`the inner wall surface of the container body and thereby
`improves again air-tightness of the container,
`[0017]
`Preferably, the inner wall further comprises a third
`radius R3 between a wall surface of the inner wall and the
`sealing portion. In an embodiment the third radius R3 is
`1.0-3.0 mm, preferably 1.5 mm. This third radius facilitates
`the production since it avoids any risk of scratching the seal-
`ing portion surface when ejecting the cover from its mould.
`[0018]
`In a further preferred embodiment the thickness T of
`the inner wall is between 0.4—1.2 mm, preferably about 0.7
`mm. The thickness of the inner wall is chosen to optimize an
`the one hand the compression force the sealing portion exerts
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`to the inner surface ofthe container body flange. On the other
`hand, it has found out that it is favourable to avoid material
`accumulations at the sealing portion since the sealing portion
`isitime wiseithe last portion of the injection mould that is
`filled. By reducing the wall thickness material accumulations
`are avoided and subsequently material defects like sink marks
`are avoided. It was found out that the less material is used at
`the sealing portion the better the final geometry and the better
`the air tightness of the final container.
`[0019]
`In a further embedment the sealing portion of the
`inner wall cooperates with an ilmer side of a flange of the
`container body in order to air tight seal the container. Since
`the sealing portion at the container body is the inner side of a
`flange again the sealing face is protected as good as possible,
`When compared to the outer side of the flange for example a
`much better protection of the surface and subsequently a
`better air tightness results.
`[0020]
`Preferably. the inner wall further comprises a cham-
`fer opposite to the sealing portion. Since the sealing portion of
`the inner wall comprises a radius which forms an apex at the
`outer side a chamfer at the inner side is provided which
`locally eliminates the increase of the wall thickness in this
`area. The chamfer therefore further prevents a material accu-
`mulation, prevents material defects like sink marks and
`thereby increases the air tightness of the container.
`[0021]
`In a further preferred embodiment said cover is pro-
`duced independently and separately from said container body
`and the cover is detachably connected to the container body.
`This allows producing the cover of a different material than
`the containerbody which may further increase airtightness of
`the container due to a special material selection ofboth parts.
`[0022]
`Preferably, the container body comprises a first con—
`necting means and the cover comprises a second connecting
`means integral with the hinge, wherein the container body
`and the cover are detacha bly connected with each other by
`connecting the first with the second connecting means. The
`hinge can preferably be used for attaching a connection
`means to the cover.
`
`Preferably the second connecting means is provided
`[0023]
`with at least one snapping hook and the first connecting
`means is provided with at least one recess for accommodating
`the snapping hook in order to connect the cover at the con-
`tainer body. This provides a snap connection of cover and
`container which can be made by simply inserting the second
`connecting means into the first connecting means.
`[0024]
`In a further preferred embodiment the first connect-
`ing means is integral with the container body. In this case the
`container consists of only two separate parts container body
`and cover.
`
`Preferably the hinge is a foil hinge. Foil hinges are
`[0025]
`very reliable and provide an exact rotation axis of the cover
`with respect to the container body. This facilitates a very exact
`positioning of the cover during the closing movement which
`guarantees that the inner wall with the sealing portion is not
`damaged during closing the cover.
`[0026]
`In a further preferred embodiment the container
`comprises an insert which essentially covers the inner surface
`ofthe container body. wherein the insert is made ofa different
`material compared to the container body. By providing an
`insert within the container body the inner surface which con-
`tacts the stored goods can be made of an appropriate material
`which can be different to the material of the container body.
`For example it can be favourable for medical applications to
`produce the insert of an inert material.
`
`Further advantages, details and characteristics
`[0027]
`result from the sub claims.
`
`4. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`In the following an embodiment of the invention
`[0028]
`will be explained in more detail by means of the figures.
`Therein shows:
`[0029]
`FIG. 1 is a three dimensional drawing ofa container
`of container body and mounted cover in open condition;
`[0030]
`FIG. 2 is a partial lateral sectional View of the con-
`tainer according FIG. 1 in closed condition;
`[0031]
`FIG. 3 is a lateral sectional view of a cover of the
`container according FIGS. 1 and 2; and
`[0032]
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of a lateral sectional
`View ofa cover according FIG. 3.
`
`5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`
`
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`In the following preferred embodiments of the
`[0033]
`invention are shown with respect to the figures.
`[0034]
`FIG. 1 shows an air tight container 100 according to
`the invention. The container 100 consists of a container body
`10 and a hinged cover 20 and can be used for example to store
`medical goods such as test strips for blood glucose measure—
`ment. The container body 10 has an opening 12 which is
`surrounded by a flange 16. The cover 20 can rotate around a
`foil hinge 22 for closing and opening of the container 100.
`[0035]
`A head 14 which surrounds the container body 10
`extends outwards from the flange 16 and acts as a stop for the
`cover 20 in closed condition.
`[0036] The cover 20 is detachably connected to the con-
`tainer body 10 by means of a first connecting means 18
`integral with the container body 10 and a second connecting
`means 24 integral with the hinge 22. The second connecting
`means 24 comprises two snapping hooks on opposite sides or
`one snapping hook on the total length of the hinge 22 or a
`combination of both which engage corresponding recesses at
`the first connecting means 18. To establish the connection it is
`just required to insert the second comiecting means 24 into the
`first connecting means 18.
`[0037]
`FIG. 2 shows in a partial sectional View the con-
`tainer 100 in closed condition. Particularly, it shows 110w the
`air tight sealing between container body 10 and cover 20 is
`established. To this end the cover 20 comprises a cylindrical
`inner wall 30 which has the actual sealing and a cylindrical
`outer wall 32 which basically act for mechanically holding
`the cover 20 in place.
`[0038] The iimer wall 30 is provided with a sealing portion
`34 at the outer edge ofthe inner wall 30. This sealing portion
`cooperates with the inner surface of the flange 16 to air tight
`seal the container 100.
`[0039]
`For facilitating the closing of the cover 20 and to
`prevent any damages of the sealing portion 34 the flange 16 is
`provided with a chamfer 15 at the upper inner side. Further,
`the inner surface of the flange 16 has is provided very even
`and smooth. For holding the cover 20 in place in closed
`condition it is provided with a projection 33 which engages a
`corresponding protrusion 17 on the outer surface ofthe flange
`16, In order to open the container 100 the cover 20 comprises
`a thumb tab 26 which is arranged below the projection 33 at
`the outer wall 32. By pressing the thumb tab 26 from below
`the outer wall 32 bends slightly outwards and the projection
`33 moves over of the protrusion 17 and allows the cover 20 to
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`be opened. Of course also a recess can be provided at the
`flange 1 6 and the corresponding projection can be provided at
`the cover 20.
`[0040] The clipping ofthe cover 20 at the container body 20
`is separate from the sealing. The seal (apex 36 of sealing
`portion 34) engages the inner surface flange 16 without any
`recess. The risk of damaging the sealing surface when open—
`ing or closing the cover 20 is therefore significantly reduced.
`[0041]
`FIG. 2 further shows an insert 11 which can be made
`ofa special material within the container body 10. Preferably
`the insert is made ofa desiccant entrained polymer whereas
`the cover 20 and the container body 10 are made of PP.
`[0042]
`FIGS. 3 and 4 show the details of the cover 20
`particularly the elements ofthe sealing portion 34 at the inner
`wall 30. The sealing portion 34 comprises an apex 36 which
`is defined by a first radius R1 and which forms the actual
`contact line with the inner surface of the flange 16. The first
`radius can be 0.5—3.0 mm, preferably 0.7—0.9 mm and more
`preferably it is 0.8 nun.
`[0043] The apex 3 6 is arranged at the outer edge of the inner
`wall 30 and faces the outer wall 32. Between outer wall 32 and
`inner wall 30 a groove 28 is provided, which accommodates
`the flange 16 in closed condition of the container 100.
`[0044] As it can be seen in FIG. 4, the vertical positionA of
`the apex 36 is smaller than the vertical height B of the outer
`wall. Therefore, the outer wall 32 protects the apex 36 from
`undesired contact with other elements, what may lead to
`damages of the apex 36 that forms the actual sealing. This
`leads to an increased reliability ofthe container 1 00 in view of
`air tightness.
`[0045] The vertical positionA of the apex 36 of the sealing
`portion 36 can be 2.0-15.0 mm, preferably 3.9 mm and the
`vertical height B of the outer wall 32 can be 21-151 mm,
`preferably 4.2 mm. Therefore. the apex of the sealing portion
`is protected by a preferably 0.3 mm higher outer wall 32.
`[0046] The sealing portion 34 further comprises a second
`radius R2 between the first radius R1 and an end surface 35 of
`the inner wall 30. The second radius R2 is smaller than the
`first radius R] . In an embodiment the second radius R2 can be
`0.05—2.0 mm, preferably 0.10—0.50 mm and more preferably
`0.15 mm. This second radius R1 eliminates the risk of dam-
`aging (for example scratching) the inner wall surface of the
`container body 10 and thereby improves againair-tightness of
`the container 100. Further, the small radius R2 ensures that
`the distance between the apex 36 and the end surface 35 is
`small such that the sealing line is close to the lower end of the
`inner wall 36 which has manufacturing advantages. Particu-
`larly, this avoids material accumulation at the sealing portion
`34 which eliminates defects like sink marks.
`
`Further, the inner wall 30 comprises a third radius
`[0047]
`R3 between a wall surface 38 and the sealing portion 34. This
`third radius R3 can be 1.0-3.0 mm more preferably 1.5 mm. It
`facilitates the production of the cover 20 since it avoids any
`risk of scratching the sealing portion surface when the cover
`20 is ejected from its mould.
`[0048] The thickness T of the inner wall 30 is chosen to
`optimize on the one hand the compression force the sealing
`portion 36 exerts to the inner surface of the container body
`flange 1 6. On the other hand, as mentioned above it has found
`out that it is favourable to avoid material accumulations at the
`sealing portion 34 since the sealing portion 34 isitime
`wise
`the last portion of the injection mould that is filled. By
`reducing the wall thickness T material accumulations are
`avoided and subsequently material defects like sink marks are
`
`avoided which improves geometry of the sealing portion 36
`and the air tightness of the container 100. The thickness T of
`the inner wall 30 canbe 0.4-1.2 mm, preferably about 1.2 mm.
`[0049]
`For this reason the inner wall 30 further comprises a
`chamfer 40 opposite to the sealing portion 34.
`[0050] Measurements within a climate chamber of mois—
`ture uptake showed a significant improvement in view of
`moisture ingress compared to a different container with a
`closure that shows an inner wall of the shape indicated by
`outline 50. A container according the invention only had
`moisture ingress of 0.20 mg a day, whereas a container with
`the alternative inner wall design 50 showed a moisture ingress
`of0.30 mg a day. This means a moisture ingress reduction of
`35%.
`In order to evaluate the seal performance of vials
`[0051]
`according to the invention. a comparative test was carried out
`on two families ofvials with identical geometry as regards the
`outside dimensions and the exchange surfaces, but with a
`different design of the seal:
`[0052] The first vial family had a seal according to the
`invention.
`[0053] The second vial family had a seal design as
`known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,558 cited in the intro-
`ductory part of the specification.
`[0054]
`10 vials ofeach family were stored inside amoisture
`and temperature regulated climate chamber. The moisture
`ingress was measured by recording the gravimetric weight
`uptake of the vials including a desiccant (water vapour
`ingress is trapped by the desiccant resulting in an increase of
`weight of the samples).
`[0055] The following table records the average weight
`uptake per day at different times of experimentation.
`[0056] Moisture Ingress (means value in mg/day) recorded
`at 30% C, 60% rH
`
`28
`
`0.22
`0.29
`
`Test duration [days]
`73
`112
`
`0.21
`0.31
`
`020
`0.30
`
`I33
`
`0.19
`0.31
`
`Vial according to
`the invention
`State ofthe ait
`vials
`
`[0057] The results demonstrate the considerably reduced
`moisture ingress of the vial according to the prior known vial
`and demonstrates the improvement achieved by the invention.
`
`LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
`
`[0058]
`[0059]
`[0060]
`[0061]
`[0062]
`[0063]
`[0064]
`[0065]
`[0066]
`[0067]
`[0068]
`[0069]
`[0070]
`[0071]
`[0072]
`
`10 container body
`11 insert
`12 opening
`14 bead
`15 chamfer
`16 flange
`17 protrusion
`18 first connecting means
`20 cover
`22 hinge
`24 second cormecting means
`26 thumb tab
`28 groove
`30 inner wall
`32 outer wall
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`33 projection
`[0073]
`34 sealing portion
`[0074]
`35 end surface
`[0075]
`38 wall surface
`[0076]
`40 chamfer
`[0077]
`50 alternative design
`[0078]
`100 Container
`[0079]
`[0080] R1 first radius
`[0081] R2 second radius
`[0082] R3 third radius
`[0083] A vertical position of apex
`[0084] B vertical height of outer wall
`[0085]
`'1' thickness of inner wall
`1. Container for loosely stored products comprising
`a) a container body,
`b) a cover, and
`c) a hinge placed between the container body and the cover;
`characterized in that
`d) the cover has a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical
`outer wall; and
`e) the inner wall is provided with a sealing portion at an
`outer edge of the inner wall; wherein
`f) a vertical position of an apex of the sealing portion is
`smaller than a vertical height of the outer wall.
`2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the vertical
`position ofthe apex ofthe sealing portion is 2.0- 15.0 mm, and
`the vertical height of the outer wall is 2.1-] 5.1 mm.
`3. Container according to claim 1, wherein the apex in a
`transversal section is provided with a first radius.
`4. Container according to claim 3, wherein the first radius
`is 0.5-3.0 mm.
`5. Container according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
`portion comprises a second radius between the first radius and
`an end surface of the inner wall, wherein the second radius is
`smaller than the first radius.
`6. Container according to claim 5, wherein the second
`radius is 0.05—2.00 m.
`
`7. Container according to claim 5. wherein the inner wall
`further comprises a third radius between a wall surface of the
`inner wall and the sealing portion.
`8. Container according to claim 7, wherein the third radius
`is 1.0-3.0 111m.
`9. Container according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of
`the inner wall is between 0.4-1.2 mm.
`10. Container according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
`portion of the inner wall cooperates with an inner side of a
`flange of the container body in order to form an air tight seal
`with the container.
`11. Container according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall
`further comprises a chamfer opposite the sealing portion.
`12. Container according to claim 1, wherein said cover is
`produced independently and separately from said container
`body and the cover is dctachably connected to the container
`body.
`13. Container according to claim 12. wherein the container
`body comprises a first connecting means and the cover corn-
`prises a second connecting means integral with the hinge,
`wherein the container body and the cover are detachably
`connected with each other by connecting the first with the
`second connecting means.
`14. Container according to claim 13, wherein the second
`connecting means is provided with at least one snapping hook
`and the first connecting means is provided with at least one
`recess for accommodating the snapping hook in order to
`connect the cover at the container body.
`15. Container according to claim 13, wherein the first con-
`necting means is integral with the container body.
`16. Container according to claim 1, wherein the hinge
`comprises a foil hinge.
`17. Container according to claim 1, further comprising an
`insert, which essentially covers an inner surface of the con-
`tainer body, wherein the insert is made of a different material
`than the container body.
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