Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ t5
DISPENSING CONTAINER SNAP HINGE CLOSURE
Field of the Invention
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.
Backaround of the Invention
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.
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.
The type of closure that is usually preferred by the
consumer is one where the closure is connected to a base by
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a snap hinge. This form of closure typically include~ 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.
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.
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.
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
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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 hin~e closure with added versatility.
U.S. Patent 4,615,462 discloses an additi~ 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 hing 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 of the closure will
be within the profile of the base cap when the cap lid is
in a closed position.
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 delivery 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
The present invention is directed to a closure that is
adapted to accept the nozzle of a container such as a
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squeeze tube. The closure includes a base cap and a cap
lid hinged to the base cap by a snap hinge. In on~
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.
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.
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.
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.
~rief Description of the Drawings
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.
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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 Descri~tion of the Invention
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
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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 sectiGn 18 may
be manufactured as an assembly and attached to the tube lO
by welding or by an adhesive.
- 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.
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 wal~ 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.
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
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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.
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.
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
9 _ ~J'~ 7-~i
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.
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 ~hat 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.
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 i9 received
in the annular groove 26. In preferred embodiments, the
nozzle 22 is dimensioned to extend ahove 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
- 1 0 - f~?" ~ 5
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 ~n 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Fi~ures 4 and 5
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
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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.
The closure 110 comprises a base cap llS 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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
- 14 ~ 5
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 Fi~ure 6
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
Flgures 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 Fiaure 8
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.
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 de2ending 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.
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 noæzle
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
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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 unscrewin~ from the tube.
Embodiment of Fiqure 9
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.
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'.
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.
7~
- 17 -
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 l90' 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.
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.
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.
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
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cap from the groove in the nozzle. In this manner, the
closure can be used again on another tube.
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.
