Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONTAINER AND LID WITH AUDIBLE AND TACTILE FEEDBACK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container and a lid, wherein the lid
produces audible and
tactile feedback when the container is closed with the lid. The invention
further relates to a
method for forming a lid for engagement with a container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Containers with lids which fit together with threads come in many different
arrangements,
from simply having complementary threads to having different closing and/or
locking features
or arrangements. Some provide notches, locks, snaps and/or protrusions to
secure the
container to the lid. Additionally, these can sometime provide a click or
other sound to help
the user know when the lid is sufficiently secured to or unsecured from the
container.
One such container with lid is shown in in US 2008/0110850 Al. This container
and lid
secure together with threads, and the lid and the container include a
complementary notch
and lug to provide an audible indication the lid is sufficiently closed. These
notches and lugs
are located in a central position of the threads, separating the threads into
segments.
Another such container is disclosed in EP 2 080 711 Al, which provides a
container for a
fabric conditioning composition where the lid produces an audible sound by
manually forced
interengagement of the locking members. The closure is stated that it can be a
push-on ¨
push-off lid and could include threads with the interengageable locking
members, which
preferably would be an outward projection on an outer surface of the
dispensing opening and
a corresponding inwardly oriented recess on an inner surface of the lid. These
can provide
audible and tactile feedback to the user.
A number of arrangements are directed toward anti-backoff features for the lid
and container,
including GB 2203729 A and WO 2016/016207 Al. GB 2203729 A provides a closure
system for container which has spaced apart lugs on a neck of a container for
engagement
by the lugs on the interior of a skirt of a lid. The lugs on the neck also
include a rib which
project into a space between the lugs of the lid to keep the lid from backing
off. The lugs on
the neck include a rectangular slot delineated by the rib that receive a bar
shaped lug on the
lid when the lid is fully on the container. WO 2016/016207 Al provides a
closure for a
container with a screw thread on a neck of the container. At the end of the
thread, an
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abutment surface is formed as a stop. A recess or break is provided in the
neck screw
thread in which a closure screw thread with an anti-backoff formation can
releasably engage.
The anti-backoff formation is a shown and described as a flared thread with a
portion where
the thread segment is thicker vertically in a region forming a rectangular
flare. While these
anti-backoff features would likely provide a user with tactile feedback when
opening or
closing, no mention of audio feedback is made.
US 4 662 530 relates to a stoppering device with an indexed closure position,
for a bottle
made of glass or another rigid substance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Nevertheless there is a need for another type of container and lid, wherein
the lid produces
audible and tactile feedback when the container is closed with the lid, and
which allows a
user to easily open and close the container. The present invention provides
such another
type of container and lid.
According to a first aspect of the invention a container with a lid comprises
a container neck
surrounding an opening; at least one thread on the neck; at least one thread
on the lid for
engaging the at least one thread on the neck; a bump at the lower part of the
lid; an end stop
on a lower end of the neck which stops further engagement between the at least
one thread
on the neck and the at least one thread on the lid; and an engagement portion
of the neck
corresponding to an area where the bump of the lid will engage the neck when
the lid is in a
fully engaged position, the engagement portion comprising a recess adjacent to
the end stop
for receiving and engaging the bump, and a ramp adjacent to the recess leading
into or out
of the recess by increasing the outer diameter of the neck adjacent to the
recess, the
engagement portion arranged such that audible feedback and tactile feedback
are produced
when the lid is moved into the fully engaged position. The engagement portion
further
comprises an increase in width of the at least one thread in the neck at the
engagement
portion. The recess and the bump each have a rounded upper portion.
In a second aspect the present invention provides a method of forming a lid
and a container
neck to produce audible and tactile feedback on engagement and disengagement,
the
method comprising: producing a lid with at least one thread and a bump at a
lower end; and
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producing a neck with at least one thread for engaging the at least one thread
on the lid, and
an engagement portion with a recess for receiving the bump, an end stop
delineating the
recess and an increase in the at least one thread of the neck and/or the outer
diameter of the
neck at the engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion and bump are
formed to
produce specific audible and tactile feedback when the lid is engaged or
disengaged from
the neck. Each of the recess and the bump have an upper rounded portion.
Such a container with lid is able to secure together and provide a user with
audible and
tactile feedback when engaging or disengaging the lid from the container. This
allows a user
to know that full engagement has taken place. The sensorial feedback also
helps the user to
ensure full engagement every time, which is especially useful when container
holds things
are prone to spoilage if not properly sealed between uses, for example, food
products. The
engagement of the bump with the recess with end stop also allows for secure
engagement
and prevent over-torqueing and thereby damaging the container or lid.
The increase in width of the at least one thread in the neck at the engagement
portion results
in requiring increasing torque for moving the bump through that portion
leading up to full
engagement. This provides a user with the desired tactile feedback to know
when they are
reaching full engagement. The rounded upper portions on the recess and bump
can help
with the movement into and out of the recess, to ensure that the movements are
smooth and
that the torque required for engagement and disengagement is not so high that
an average
user would have problems.
According to an embodiment, the recess extends vertically into the increase in
width of the at
least one thread in the neck at the engagement portion. Such a configuration
can also
produce the desired audible feedback when the lid is fully engaged and/or has
become
disengaged.
According to an embodiment, the ramp comprises an increase in the outer
diameter of the
neck leading up to the recess, and the engagement portion further comprises an
additional
ramp which leads from the recess up to the increase in thickness of the neck
from the ramp
for facilitating the exit of the bump from the recess for disengaging the lid
from the container.
This ramp can help to ensure that the force required to disengage the lid from
the container
is not so great that a user cannot overcome it, and disengage the lid to
access the contents
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of container. Such ramps can assist in providing tactile feedback to the user
in engaging or
disengaging the lid from the neck.
According to an embodiment, the audible and/or tactile feedback is produced
from one or
more of: the engagement of the bump into the recess, the stopping of the bump
by the end
stop, the movement by the bump through the engagement portion, or the movement
of the
bump into or out of the recess. Depending on the embodiment, one or more of
these work to
produce specific audible and/or tactile feedback to the user which has been
shown to provide
reassurance to a user regarding the lid being engaged or not from the
container. One or
.. more of these mechanisms can work together to form a system which not only
produces
audible and tactile feedback, but also secure the lid to the container.
According to an embodiment, the audible feedback produced comprises a muffled
click of
when the lid is disengaging from the container and/or a precise click when the
lid is moved
.. into a fully engaged position. These sounds and tactile feedback have been
shown to be
reassuring for users as positive indication of fully closed or opened
container. Additionally,
users link this reassurance to product within the container being fresh and
safe from external
contamination.
According to an embodiment, the audible feedback has frequency intensity in
the range of
about 0.00005 - 0.0036 watt per square meter (W/m2), preferably from about
0.00005 to
0.003 W/m2, preferably from about 0.0001 to 0.002 W/m2. The engagement and
disengagement have unique sound profiles and frequency histograms,
respectively, which
help the user to feel and hear the engagement and disengagement process. The
sound
.. profiles and frequency intensity generated upon engagement and
disengagement have been
shown to be reassuring for test users.
According to an embodiment, an increase in width of the at least one thread in
the neck at
the engagement portion and/or the ramp increases torque required to bring the
lid into a fully
engaged position. Depending on manufacturing techniques, requirements of the
seal, the
contents of the container, etc.; different techniques for producing the
tactile feedback related
to engagement and disengagement of the lid can be used. Increasing the width
of the thread
and/or the neck at the engagement portion can be two such techniques.
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According to an embodiment, the sound pressure level of the audible feedback
generated is
in the range of about 20 dB - 120 dB, preferably 30 to 100 dB, preferably 35
to 80 dB,
preferably maximally 70 dB. This range has been found to be reassuring for the
test users.
The sound levels referenced for the audible feedback are generally from a
distance of about
5 0.5 meters, or an arm's length.
According to an embodiment, the audible feedback has a duration of about 0.01
seconds or
more, preferably, 0.01 to 0.025 seconds, preferably to 0.02 seconds. This
length of audible
feedback has been found to give a user surety that the lid was fully and
properly engaged to
the container, thereby assuring the user of the freshness of the contents of
the container.
According to an embodiment, the container with lid further comprises a
plurality of bumps
and a plurality of engagement portions of the neck for engagement by the
plurality of bumps.
A plurality of bumps and a plurality of engagement portions can further secure
and produce
the specific desired audible and tactile feedback when engaging and
disengaging lid from the
neck.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of forming a lid and
a container neck
to produce audible and tactile feedback on engagement and disengagement
comprises
producing a lid with at least one thread and a bump at a lower end; and
producing a neck
with at least one thread for engaging the at least one thread on the lid, and
an engagement
portion with a recess for receiving the bump, an end stop delineating the
recess and an
increase in the at least one thread of the neck and/or the outer diameter of
the neck at the
engagement portion. The engagement portion and bump are formed to produce
specific
audible and tactile feedback when the lid is engaged or disengaged from the
neck.
Such a lid and container neck include simple features which work together to
ensure they
can be properly and securely engaged and provide a user with specific audible
and tactile
feedback such that the user knows they are engaged or disengaged. The features
also help
to prevent unintentional disengagement and over-torqueing, thereby protecting
the seal
and/or freshness of anything in the container.
According to an embodiment, the sound pressure level of the audible feedback
is in the
range of about 20 dB to 120 dB.
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DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a container neck.
Fig. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a lid for engaging the container
neck of Fig. 1A.
Fig. 2A shows a sound profile of an opening of the lid and container of Figs.
1A-1B.
Fig. 2B shows a sound profile of a closing of the lid and container of Figs.
1A-1B.
Fig. 20 shows a frequency histogram of an opening of the lid and container of
Figs. 1A-1B.
Fig. 2D shows a frequency histogram of a closing of the lid and container of
Figs. 1A-1B.
Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container
neck.
Fig. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a lid for engaging the container
neck of Fig. 3A.
Fig. 4A shows a sound profile of an opening of the lid and container of Figs.
3A-3B.
Fig. 4B shows a sound profile of a closing of the lid and container of Figs.
3A-3B.
Fig. 40 shows a frequency histogram of an opening of the lid and container of
Figs. 3A-3B.
Fig. 4D shows a frequency histogram of a closing of the lid and container of
Figs. 3A-3B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of container 10 with neck 12, and Fig.
1B illustrates a
perspective view of lid 14 for engaging container neck 10. Neck 12 can be
formed integral to
a container, or can be connected to a container separately.
Container 10 includes neck 12 with opening 13. Container 10 can be any type of
container,
but may be particularly useful for the storage of food products, and
especially products which
are opened and closed a number of times during lifetime use.
Neck 12 includes threads 20, end stops 22 and engagement portion 24 with
recess 26, first
.. ramp 28 and second ramp 29. Threads 20 extend around an outer surface of
neck 12. In this
embodiment, recess 26 is in a rectangular shape, and end stops 22 are formed
from a
generally vertical wall extending beneath threads 20. Ramps 28, 29 are formed
by increasing
an outer diameter of neck 12 leading up to and coming out of recesses 26. This
is generally
a gradual increase, though the slope and/or length can vary. First ramp 28 can
extend about
0.1 ¨ 3 mm and increase such that the outer diameter at high point of ramp 28
is the same
as the outer diameter of neck 12 at threads 20, though it would usually be in
a range less
than threads 30, for example 50% of the height of threads 30. Second ramp 29
is typically
much shorter and steeper than first ramp, though it can vary in different
embodiments. The
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length and slope of ramps 28, 29 can be used to help produce the specific
desired audible
and tactile feedback.
Though container 10 and lid 14 material dimensions can vary in different
embodiments, an
example lid 14 and container 10 can be a lid 14 comprising polypropylene (PP)
and container
comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Container 10 can have a volume of
about
600 grams, a neck diameter of about 83 mm and a thickness of at least 0.3 mm.
Lid 12 can
have an external diameter of about 88 mm and a thickness of at least 1 mm.
These
dimensions and materials can result in the sound profiles and frequency
histograms shown in
10 Figs. 2A-2D and 4A-4D.
Lid 14 includes threads 30 and bumps 32. Lid is generally cylindrical in shape
on the outer
side, and can be formed of a variety of materials. The lid preferably
comprises polypropylene
or high density polyethylene. Threads 30 extend around an inner surface of lid
14, and
bumps 32 are located at a lower side of lid, after threads 30 have terminated.
In this
embodiment, bumps 32 are trapezoidal in shape, though other embodiments could
have
differently shaped bumps 32 to engage recesses.
Lid 14 rotates to engage neck 12 such that threads 30 on lid 14 engage threads
20 on neck
12 to secure lid 14 to container 10. Engagement mechanisms are positioned such
that
bumps 32 must go over ramps 28 and engage recesses 26. Bumps 32 and lid 14 are
prevented from further engagement (and over torqueing) at that point by end
stops 22. The
movement of bumps 32 over ramps 28 provides users with tactile feedback,
increasing the
torque required for lid 14 engagement as lid 14 comes closer to a fully
engaged position.
When lid 14 bumps 32 move over ramps 28 into recesses 26, audible feedback is
produced,
for example, in the form of a click.
Figs. 2A-2D show sound profiles and frequency histograms for the disengagement
or
opening (Figs. 2A, 2B) and engagement or closing (Figs. 20, 2D) of lid 14 with
neck 12. The
audible click of engagement between lid 14 and neck 12 can be in the sound
pressure level
range of about 20 to 120 dB, preferably 30 to 100 dB, preferably 35 to 80 dB,
preferably
maximally 70 dB, and last for more than 0.01 seconds, preferably maximally
0.025 seconds,
preferably maximally 0.02 seconds, as shown in Fig. 2B. As shown in Fig. 2D,
the frequency
intensity can be in the range of about 0.00005 to 0.0036 watt per square metre
(W/m2),
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preferably from about 0.00005 to 0.003 W/m2, preferably from about 0.0001 to
0.002 W/m2.
Lid 13 is stopped from more turning by end stops 22, and bumps 32 rest in
recesses 26.
To disengage lid 14 from container 10, bumps 32 must be forced up second ramps
29,
.. producing further audible and tactile feedback. The audible feedback in
this movement is
shown in Figs. 2A and 2D, and can be, for example, in the form of a muffled
click, with similar
ranges of 20-120 dB, intensity ranges of 0.0001 ¨ 0.0036 and duration of 0.01
seconds or
more.
As mentioned in the background, some prior art lids and containers have
engagement
features in the form of notches and lugs or interengaging locking members
which can provide
audible and/or tactile feedback. The current invention, however, uses a
combination of
specific features on the lid and the neck, including a bump at a lower end of
the lid, a recess
on the neck, an end stop and a ramp which work together to produce specific
audible and
tactile feedback which assures a user of proper engagement or disengagement.
These
features also work together to secure the lid 14 to the container 10 and
prevent overturning.
As in the embodiment shown, additional ramps and/or thickening of threads or
the neck can
also be used to contribute to the specific audible and/or tactile feedback
desired.
.. The use of engagement features on lid 14 and on neck 12 work together
secure lid 14 to
neck 12 and provide audible and tactile feedback to a user. Bumps 32 provide
sensorial
feedback when moving over ramps 28, 29 into or out of recess 26. The specific
audible
range produced, the duration and frequency intensity ranges have been found to
demonstrate unique sound profiles and frequency histograms. These specific
unique sound
profiles and frequency histograms have been shown to help a user know when lid
14 has
been engaged or disengaged and therefore feel assured of the freshness of the
contents of
the container.
The sensorial feedback, including audible and tactile, helps a user to know
that lid 14 is
properly engaged with container 10, thereby ensuring actual sealing of
container 10 and
freshness of contents inside. Additionally, ramp 28 leading up to recess 26
can help a user
feel when lid 14 is approaching full engagement with container 10, and the
settling into
recess 26 provides the user specific feedback that the lid 14 is fully
engaged. These features
also provide the user audible and tactile feedback for the disengagement of
lid 14 from
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container 10, thereby ensuring a user knows that the container 10 and lid 14
were fully
engaged and protecting the freshness of the contents of container 10 between
uses. The
sloping sides of trapezoidal bumps 32 (and ramps 28, 29) can help to allow
bumps 32 into
and out of recess 26 without too much effort by a user, ensuring that even
weaker users are
able to engage and disengage lid 14 with container 10 neck 12. Recesses 26
with end stops
22 also help to minimize play between lid 14 and container 10 when fully
engaged, thereby
helping to prevent any loosening or backing off of lid 14 from neck 12.
Fig. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container
neck 12, and
Fig. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a lid 14 for engaging container neck
12. Similar parts
are labelled similarly to Figs. 1A-1B. Fig. 4A shows a sound profile and Fig.
40 shows a
frequency histogram of the disengagement (opening) of lid 14 from neck 12.
Fig. 4B shows a
sound profile and Fig. 4D shows a frequency histogram of the engagement
(closing) of lid 14
with neck 12.
Neck 12 includes threads 20, end stop 22 and engagement portion 24 with recess
26, ramp
29 and widened thread 34. Threads 20 extend around an outer surface of neck
12, and
increase in width in engagement area leading to recess 26. In this embodiment,
recess 26
has a rounded upper portion, which extends into the widened thread 34, and end
stops 22
are formed from a wall extending beneath threads 20 delineating recess 26.
Ramp 29 is
formed by increasing an outer diameter of neck 12 coming out of recesses 26.
Ramp 29 is
typically quite short and steep, though can vary in different embodiments, and
some
embodiments may not include ramp 29.
Lid 14 includes threads 30 and bumps 32. Threads 30 extend around an inner
surface of lid
14, and bumps 32 are located at a lower end of lid, after threads 30 have
terminated. In this
embodiment, bumps 32 have a rounded upper portion to correspond to the shape
of recess
26, though other embodiments could have differently shaped bumps 32 (and
recesses 26)
for engagement.
Lid 14 engages neck 12 much the same way as the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A-
1B,
twisting around neck 12 so that threads 30 engage threads 20. When approaching
a fully
engaged position, additional torque is required due to widened threads 34.
When bump 32
engages recess 26, audible feedback is produced, for example, a precise click.
This can be
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in the sound pressure level range of about 20 to 120 dB, preferably 30 to 100
dB, preferably
35 to 80 dB, preferably maximally 70 dB, with frequency intensity of about
0.00005 to 0.0036
watt per square metre (W/m2), preferably from about 0.00005 to 0.003 W/m2,
preferably from
about 0.0001 to 0.002 W/m2, and a duration of about 0.01 seconds or more, for
example 0.01
5 seconds to about 0.025 seconds, or to about 0.02 seconds (see Figs. 4B,
4D). These
specific ranges have been found to be reassuring for the users.
When disengaging lid 14 from neck 12, ramp 29 and/or the shape of bump 32 can
help to
smooth disengagement of bump 32 with recess 26 and re-engagement of bump 32
with
10 threads 20. Audible and tactile feedback are produced through the
disengagement or
opening, and can be, for example, a muffled click produced when bump 32 moves
out of
recess. This can be at least partially from the deflection of bump 32 and/or
lid 14 in the
movement. The audible feedback can be in the range of about 20 to 120 dB,
preferably 30 to
100 dB, preferably 35 to 80 dB, preferably maximally 70 dB, with a duration of
about 0.01
seconds or more, preferably maximally 0.025 seconds, preferably maximally 0.02
seconds
and frequency intensity of about 0.00005 to 0.0036 watt per square metre
(W/m2), preferably
from about 0.00005 to 0.002 W/m2, preferably from about 0.0001 to 0.001 W/m2
(See Figs.
4A, 4C).
By using a bump 32 at the lower end of lid 14 to engage with a complementary
shaped
recess 26 and widened threads 34 leading up to recess 26, lid 14 and neck 12
are able to
provide specific audible and tactile feedback for a user. The widened threads
34 require
additional torque to move bump 32 through, and the movement of bump 32 beyond
widened
threads 34 into recess 26 produces an audible sound. The torque range can be,
for example,
0.5 to 8 N.m. End stop 22 and widened thread portion 34 help to secure bump 32
into recess
26, thereby helping to secure lid 14 to neck 12 and prevent any backing off.
The shapes of
recess 26, bump 32 and engagement portion leading to recess 26 all work
together to
produce the specific desired audible and tactile feedback for a user as well
as to allow a user
to be able to engage and disengage lid 14 from neck 12 without too much
strain. End stop 22
helps to prevent over torqueing, and therefore damaging the seal which can be
produced
between proper engagement of lid 14 with neck 12.
In summary, by providing at least one bump at a lower part of lid 14 which can
interact with
engagement features (including a recess 26 and an end stop 22) on neck 12 of a
container,
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container 10 and lid 14 can provide a secure connection and specific audible
and tactile
feedback to a user to indicate full engagement. This can help a user feel more
secure about
the freshness of the product inside the container 10 when they receive this
specific audible
and tactile feedback upon disengagement, as well as ensure that the user
properly engages
lid 14 with neck 12 after each use by twisting until the audible and tactile
feedback is
produced. This sensorial feedback produced is of such a duration and/or
frequency intensity
range that an average user feels reassurance that the lid is properly closed &
the container
will keep the product safe from external contamination.
These features can be especially useful for containers 10 which will be stored
and/or
transported, thereby ensuring freshness of any product in container 10.
While neck 12 and lid 14 have been shown with a number of threads 20, 30 and a
number of
engagement features (bumps 32, recesses 26, etc.), these numbers and
placements are for
example purposes only and could be different in different embodiments. Neck 12
and lid 14
much have at least one bump 32 to engage a recess 26 with an end stop 22,
providing
audible and tactile feedback through engagement. Similarly, the description
and ranges for
length, intensity and frequency of the audible feedback of full engagement is
for example
purposes only, and the ranges can vary depending on materials used, thickness
of annular
engagement features, profile / design of engagement features, material
distribution, contents
of container 10, configuration of neck 14 and lid 12, etc. However, the given
ranges have
been shown to be particularly useful to a wide range of users in providing a
desired audible
and tactile feedback without being overwhelming to a user.
Some specific examples of containers 10 and lids 14 which could be used to
produce desired
audible and tactile feedback for a user include containers 10 made of PET and
lids 14
formed of PP with the following dimensions:
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Container
Container neck Lid external Lid Thickness
Container volume Thickness
diameter (mm) diameter (mm) minimum (mm)
minimum (mm)
200 g / 8 oz 58.56 63 1 0.5
250 g 58.56 63 1 0.5
395g 73.56 78 1 0.3
400 g / 15 oz 73.56 78 1 0.3
500 g 73.56 78 1 0.3
800 gr / 30 oz 90 95 1.2 0.5
36 oz 90 95 1.2 0.5
48 oz 102 107 1.2 0.5
64 oz 115 120 1.2 0.5
While these specific examples are given, other containers and lids could
produce the desired
audible and tactile feedback, and this application is not limited to the
specific example
dimensions given above.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary
embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and
equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of
the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the
teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is
intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed, but that
the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
