Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02872988 2014-12-02
PUSH BUTTON FLIP TOP WITH ATTACHED SECOND CONTAINER
[0001] This is a divisional application of Canadian Serial No. 2,638,632,
filed in Canada on August 12, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers with a flip top to dispense or access a product therein
are well
known. Also known Is the provision of a container with an additional item to
be used
with the product, where the additional item is provided beneath a flip top and
separated
from the opening. However, some such flip tops do not secure the item In place
and are
generally limited by the size of the neck of the container. Other flip tops
have been
provided with an item attached to an inside of the top, so that the Item
extends down
into the opening.and body of the container. However, room must be left in the
container
for the item, as a result of which the item is subject to being knocked loose
or opened
by the product in the container. =
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with the present invention, a container is provided
which
includes a main container body having a rigid rim and a flip top for the main
body. This
flip top includes a base member which is attached to the rigid rim of the main
body and
a cover member which is hingedly connected to the base member and which has a
first
catch member. The base member also includes a push button which is formed
therewith such that the push button is resiliently mounted. This push button
includes a
second catch member such that the second catch member interacts with the first
catch
member when the cover member is in a closed position relative to the base
member to
hold the cover member to the base member, and such that the first and second
catch
members are separable from one another when the push button is pushed.
[0004] In one embodiment of this invention, the cover member Includes a
skirt
portion and a cutout in the skirt portion, where the first catch member
extends from the
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cutout The push button of the base member also extends upwards from an
adjacent
portion of the base member. Preferably, the flip top is an integral injection
molded
plastic.
[0005] In another embodiment, the first catch members are located to
either side
of the cutout, and the second catch members of the push button are located on
lateral
wings on either side of the push button which extend behind the cutout on
opposite
sides thereof. In addition, a lower edge of each wing is located adjacent an
upper edge
of the base member. A resilient link is used to interconnect the base member
and the
push button in order to mount the push button upstanding from and resiliently
to the
base member. The resilient link being located such that the resilient movement
of the
push button as the push button is pushed causes at least one of the lower
edges of the
wings to contact and move past the upper edge of the base member, producing a
perceivable sensation indicative of the separation of the first and second
catch
members.
[0006] In one preferred embodiment, the base member includes an upstanding
leg. The skirt portion covers the base member, and extends about the
upstanding leg
when the cover member is in the closed position. The main body includes a non-
metal
surrounding wall, and the rigid rim is a composite formed of a metal rolled
with a top
portion of the non-metal surrounding wall. Preferably, the surrounding wall is
made of a
foil paperboard and is generally circular in cross section, and the cover
member is dome
shaped.
[0007] In preferred embodiments, the rigid rim includes a flange extending
inwardly. The cover member then includes an inner sealing member which engages
the
flange, either vertically or radially, when the cover member Is in the closed
position. In
addition, the base member includes a leg which extends below an outside
portion of the
rim, and the leg includes a shoulder which is trapped below the outside
portion of the
rim to securely attached the base member to the rim.
[0008] Also In a preferred embodiment, the main container body houses a
powdered beverage mix, preferably a dry coffee related product. The cover
member
then includes a secondary container in which a secondary powdered additive
used in
conjunction with the beverage mix is contained. A mounting means is provided
for
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removably mounting the secondary container to an Inside surface of the cover
member.
Preferably, the rim includes an internal flange, and a removable membrane is
attached
to the flange below the secondary container. The mounting means includes
opposed
resilient arms extending from the inside surface between which the secondary
container
is trapped and held in place.
[0009] Further in a preferred embodiment, a spring member is provided
which
biases the cover member away from the closed position.
[0010] Also in accordance with the present invention, a container unit is
provided
which includes a main container in which a dry beverage mix is contained and a
secondary container containing a dry additive for a beverage made with the dry
beverage mix. The unit also includes a top which closes the main container and
which
is openable relative to the main container, the top removably mounting the
secondary
container to an Inside surface thereof.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the top includes opposed resilient arms
extending from an inside surface thereof between which the secondary container
is
trapped and held in place. In addition, the top Includes a base member which
Is
attached to a rigid rim of the main container, and a cover member which is
hingedly
connected to the base member. This cover member includes a first catch member.
The base member then includes a push button which is resiliently mounted and
which
includes a second catch member. The second catch member interacts with the
first
catch member when the cover member Is in a closed position relative to the
base
member to hold the cover member to the base member, and the first and second
catch
members are separable from one another when the push button is pushed.
[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the cover member Includes a skirt
portion
and a cutout in the skirt portion where the first catch member extends from
the cutout.
The push button of the base member extends upwards from an adjacent portion of
the
base member. Preferably, the flip top is an integral injection molded plastic.
[0013] In another embodiment, the first catch members are located to either
side
of the cutout, and the second catch members of the push button are located on
lateral
wings on either side of the push button which extend behind the cutout on
opposite
sides thereof. In addition, a lower edge of each wing is located adjacent an
upper edge
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of the base member. A resilient link is used to Interconnect the base member
and the
push button in order to mount the push button upstanding from and resiliently
to the
base member. The resilient link being located such that the resilient movement
of the
push button as the push button Is pushed causes at least one of the lower
edges of the
wings to contact and move past the upper edge of the base member, producing a
perceivable sensation indicative of the separation of the first and second
catch
members.
[0014] Also in a preferred embodiment, the base member includes an
upstanding
leg. The skirt portion covers the base member and extends about the upstanding
leg
when the cover member Is in the closed position.
[0015] Further in a preferred embodiment, the main body includes a non-
metal
surrounding wall. The rigid rim is a composite formed of a metal rolled with a
top
portion of the non-metal surrounding wall. Preferably, the surrounding wall is
made of a
foil paperboard, the surrounding wall is generally circular in cross section,
and the cover
member is dome shaped.
[0016] Still further in a preferred embodiment, the rigid rim includes a
flange
extending inwardly. The cover member includes an inner sealing member which
engages, either vertically or radially, the flange when the cover member is in
the closed
position. In addition, the base member includes a leg which extends below an
outside
portion of the rim, and the leg includes a shoulder which is trapped below the
outside
portion of the rim to securely attached the base member to the rim. Further,
the rim
includes an internal flange and a removable membrane attached to the flange
below the
secondary container, and a spring member which biases the cover member to an
open
position.
[0017] It is an advantage of the present invention that a flip top for a
container
having a rigid rim is provided.
[0018] It is also an advantage of the present invention that a second
container of
sufficient size can be provided with a first container.
[0019] It is a further advantage that of the present invention that storage
of a dry
product of a first container and a different product of a second container is
made as a
unit.
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[0020] It Is a still further advantage that of the present invention that
a flip top is
provided with a push button which is attractive and easily operated to release
a cover
member thereof.
[0021] It is yet another advantage of the present invention that a
perceivable
sensation is produced when the push button is pushed sufficiently to be
indicative of a
separation the first and second catch members.
[0022] Other features and advantages of the present Invention are stated
in or
apparent from detailed descriptions of presently preferred embodiments of the
invention
as discussed in greater detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1A is a cross sectional elevation view of a portion of a
cylindrical
container unit having a main container and a flip top according to the present
invention.
[0024] Figure 1B is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the
cylindrical
container unit shown by broken line 1B in figure 1A.
[0025] Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the flip top depicted in an
open
position (and taken along section line 2-2 in figure 3).
10026] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the flip top of the container unit
depicted in
figure 2.
[0027] Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the flip top of the container unit
depicted
in figure 2.
[0028] Figure, 5 is a elevation view of the base member of the flip top
taken from
the direction of arrow 5 in figure 2.
[0029] Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the base member of the flip
top taken
along section line 6-6 in figure 4.
[0030] Figure 7A Is a cross sectional view of the cover member of the flip
top
taken along section line 7A-7A In figure 4 with part of the sealing ring cut
away for
clarity.
[0031] Figure 7B is a cross sectional view of the cover member of the flip
top
taken along section line 7B-7B in figure 3.
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[0032] Figure 7C is a cross sectional view of an enlarged portion of the
latch
shown by broken line 7C in figure 2.
[0033] Figure 8A is an enlarged cross sectional view of the hinge shown by
broken line 8A in figure 2.
[0034] Figure 8B is a cross sectional view of the hinge taken along
section line
8B-8B in figure 3.
[0035] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the flip top depicted in figure 1
showing
the mounting of a second container to the cover member.
[0036] Figure 10 Is a cross sectional view of a portion of the cover
member taken
along section line 10-10 in figure 9.
[0037] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a flip top similar to that of
figure 9 but
having an alternative mounting for an alternative second container.
[0038] Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the cover
member taken
along section line 12-12 in figure 11.
[0039] Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of an enlarged portion of the
cover
member shown by broken line 13 in figure 6.
[0040] Figure 14 Is a cross sectional view of an enlarged portion of the
cover
member shown by broken line 14 in figure 2.
[0041] Figure 15 is a cross sectional view of the first catch member of the
push
button shown in figure 14 showing the relationship to the second catch member.
[0042] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a
flip top
similar to that of figures 1-5 but having an alternative push button with a
perceivable
sensation feature.
[0043] Figure 17 is a front elevational view in partial cross section of
the base
member of the flip top depicted In figure 16.
[0044] Figure 18 is a front elevational view in partial cross section of
the cover
member of the flip top depicted In figure 16.
[0045] Figure 19 Is an elevational cross sectional view of the cover member
depicted in figure 18 taken along section line 19-19.
[0046] Figure 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of figure
17
identified with broken line 20.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] With reference now to the drawings in which like numerals represent
like
elements in the views, a portion of a container unft 10 in accordance with the
present
invention is depicted in figure 1A. Container unit 10 includes a main body or
first
container 12 and a flip top 14. Broadly, first container 12 is used for
containing a first
dry product 16 used to make a flavored beverage therefrom, preferably such as
a
flavored creamer to be added to coffee to make cappuccino or the like, or such
as a dry
powder used to make cappuccino, coffee, tea or hot chocolate or the like from
hot
water, or as otherwise desired. First container 12 preferably has a composite
composition when containing a powdered product or the like. In particular,
first
container 12 is formed with a surrounding side wall 18 of plastic or lined
(foil)
paperboard. Typically, side wall 18 Is generally cylindrical in cross section,
though
typically not a straight cylinder but with curves, protrusions or indentations
along the
height thereof as well appreciated by those of ordinary skill to aid in
gripping and/or for
aesthetic reasons. Alternatively, first container 12 could be of other shapes
as desired,
including rectangular, oval, etc. as well known in the art; and from other
materials as
desired, such as plastic. First container 12 also includes a bottom or bottom
closure
(not shown) and a sealed top 20.
[0048] As shown in greater detail in figure 1B, where sealed top 20 meets
the
formed top part of surrounding side wall 18, a metallic rim 22 Is provided
which makes
this area relatively rigid (though other materials such as plastic could be
used so long as
the rim does not easily deform from its circular shape and is thus suitable to
retain flip
top 14 thereon as discussed below). In this preferred embodiment, sealed top
20
includes a removable membrane such as a foil seal 21 which is provided to seal
product
16 in container 10 after manufacture and during shipping and transport to the
consumer.
Foil seal 21 Is attached at its periphery to an inwardly directed flange 23 of
rim 22, and it
will be appreciated that flange 23 thus serves to reinforce the rigidity of
rim 22. Flange
23 extends completely about first container 12 as shown schematically by the
broken
line in figure 4 (which otherwise does not depict first container 12). Foil
seal 21 is
suitably removable by the consumer at the first use of first product 16 by
tearing or
breaking thereof, or preferably by pulling against a weak adhesive attaching
the outer
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periphery of foil seal 21 to flange 23 as known In the art. Where foil seal 21
is attached
adhesively, foil seal 21 is removable via a tab (not shown) or the like. When
the
removable foil seal 21 Is removed, first product 16 is then easily removed
from main
body 12, as with a spoon or the like or carefully poured therefrom. Foil seal
21 also
preferably includes a one-way valve 25 (shown only schematically In figure 4)
or the like
by which any pressure which might build up in first container 12 is released,
as also well
known in the art.
[0049) Flip top 14
is preferably formed of an injection-moulded plastic or the like
and broadly includes two parts, a base member 24 and a cover member 26. Base
member 24 and cover member 26 are integrally connected together by a butterfly
hinge 28 along adjacent peripheral portions thereof, though a straight hinge
could be
used if desired. Flip top 14 is shown as an integral piece in figures 2-4,
while base
member 24, cover member 26 and hinge 28 are shown separately in respective
figures 5-6, 7A-7C and 8. Hinge 28 has a weakened portion 27 which permits
cover
member 26 to easily pivot between a closed position as shown In figure 1A and
preferably a full open position as shown in figures 2-4. Preferably, hinge 28
is designed
(e.g., inherently biased) to resiliently move cover member 26 away from the
closed
position toward the full open position. The degree and strength required for
the opening
of cover member 26 can be as small or great as desired, and will be determined
by the
size and design of hinge 28. This degree and strength should at least be
sufficient to
make it easy for the user to move cover member 26 to an opened position where
product 16 in first container 12 is easily accessed, which need not be a full
open
position but could be an intermediate position such as upstanding vertically
from base
member 24. If desired or needed, an extra spring component or the like can be
added
to make sure that cover member 26 moves to a sufficiently opened position. For
example, a spring member 29 is shown in figure 2 upstanding from base member
24
which could be used for this purpose though it is expected that spring member
29 will
not be needed in this embodiment. When cover member 26 is in the closed
position,
spring member 29 is resiliently bent (doubled) over, so that as spring member
29 seeks
to return to its unbent position, spring member thus serves to resiliently
urge cover
member 26 back to the open position.
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[00501 Cover member 26 is optionally used to hold and protect an item or
second
container 30 during shipping and storage by the consumer. Preferably, where a
second
container 30 is provided, second container 30 contains a second dry product or
additive 32 which Is designed to be used in conjunction with or complementary
to first
dry beverage product 16 In first container 12, though second product 32 could
be
otherwise used as desired or needed. For a coffee to which a flavored cream
mix
product 16 is added to form a cappuccino, second product 32 could be for
example
chocolate or cinnamon sprinkles or powder or the like, or some other flavoring
or
complement as desired. It will also be appreciated that cover member 26
primarily
serves as an easily pivoted cover and seal for first product 16 in first
container 12 after
foil seal 21 is removed by the user (as discussed subsequently) for easy
access to first
product 16.
[0051] Where second container 30 is provided and is rectangular as shown,
cover member 26 mounts rectangular second container 30 securely to an inside
surface 34 thereof. This mounting is accomplished by use of a mounting means
including outstanding arms 36 extending inwardly from inside surface 34 and
preferably
formed integrally therewith. Arms 36 are provided with an enlarged head 38 as
shown
in figures 1A and 9-10. The spacing and longitudinal extent of arms 36 are
designed to
resiliently capture and hold second container 30 securely against inside
surface 34.
Preferably, a small raised ledge 40 (as shown In figure 9) is provided on
inside
surface 34 against which second container 30 is pressed by heads 38. Small
projections 42 are also upstanding from inside surface 34 on either side of
second
container 30, to prevent second container 30 from shifting too far to one side
or the
other during shipping and storage by the user.
[0052] While not shown in detail, it will be appreciated that once second
container 30 is removed from between arms 36, second container 30 Includes a
pivoted
cap 44 or the like which Is suitably pivoted out of a closed position to allow
a small
portion of second product 32 to be dispensed as by shaking of second container
30
above the coffee or like beverage after first product 16 has been added
thereto. It will
also be appreciated that pivoted cap 44 is preferably designed to be held
closed by one
arm 36 when trapped between arms 36 to prevent second product 32 from
accidentally
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being added to first product 16 while second container 30 is mounted to inside
surface 34 of cover member 26. Between uses, second container 30 is designed
to be
easily returned to the mounted position between arms 36 for a convenient user
storage
until a subsequent use with another coffee is desired.
[0053] An alternative mounting means for holding a second container 30' to
an
inside surface 34' of a cover member 26' is shown in figures 11-12. In this
preferred
embodiment, second container 30' is broadly cylindrically shaped and Includes
a
circular projecting flange 46. Flange 46 is retained underneath of enlarged
heads 38' of
arcuate arms 36' as shown (which arms 36' are thus shorter than ens 36). It
will be
appreciated that second container 30' includes a pivoted cap 44' having
protruding pegs
fitting into and closing dispensing apertures 48, and that cap 44' Is held
closed by being
pressed against inside surface 34'. Like second container 30, second container
30' is
also designed to be returned to the mounted position onto Inside surface 34'
after use
and thus for storage until second container 30' is needed again.
[0054] In order to securely attach flip top 14 to rim 22 of first container
12, the
periphery of base member 24 is particularly shaped as shown best in figures
1A, 1B and
13. In particular, base member 24 includes a short depending leg 50 which is
positioned on the inside surface of rim 22 above flange 23, and a long
depending leg 52
which is positioned along and which extends below a bottom outside surface or
the like
of rim 22. In order to securely hold base member 24 to rim 22 which as noted
above is
rigid, rim 22 has a lower outside end 54 and long leg 52 includes a
complementary
located shoulder 56 which fits just below outside end 54. Thus, when base
member 24
is force fit mounted on rim 22, shoulder 56 is trapped below outside end 54 to
securely
hold base member 24 in place on first container 12. The construction of base
member 24 serves to make It relatively rigid as well, so that it stays
securely on rigid
rim 22 once mounted thereon.
[0055] As also shown by figures 1A and 13, base member 24 also includes an
upstanding leg 58. When cover member 26 is in the closed position, a
peripheral skirt
portion 60 of cover member 26 is positioned just outside of upstanding leg 58
and
engages a landing 62 of base member 24 provided outside of upstanding leg 5810
present a smooth and pleasing appearance. It will also be noted that a sealing
ring 55
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depends from Inside surface 34 such that sealing ring 55 engages flange 23 of
rigid
rim 22 when cover member 26 is in the closed position (see figure 1A). Sealing
ring 55
thus serves to assure that none of product 16 located in first container 12
will leak past
sealing ring 55 after foil seal 21 Is removed, especially when container unit
10 is shaken
or dropped. Sealing ring 55 also serves to add strength to cover member 26
during
production (including mounting of a second container, and subsequent filling
of first
container 12 where that comes last ¨ see below) and as it sits atop first
container 12
with base member 24 during shipping and handling. Thus, It will be appreciated
that
after removal of foil seal 21 by the user, cover member 26 acts as a
protective sealing
cover for first product 16 in first container 12 as well as a holder for
second container 30
If one is provided.
[0056] In order to retain cover member 26 in the closed position
on base
member 24 as shown in figures 1A and 1B, a holding means 64 Is provided as
shown
best in figures 7C, 14 and 15. Holding means 64 includes a push button 66
which is
=
located between a circumferential gap in upstanding leg 58 as shown in figure
5, and
which extends upwards past the top of upstanding leg 58. Push button 66 has a
finger
press portion 67 which is pushed by the user to resiliently move push button
66 radially
inward a slight amount as shown by the arrow in figure 15. This radial
movement is
allowed by the use of a groove 68 in the material of base member 24 around
push
button 66 where push button 68 is integrally formed with base member 24. It
will be
appreciated that this movement of push button 66 relative to the remainder of
base
member 24 is necessary as rigid rim 22 otherwise prevents base member 24 from
deflecting inwards as push button 66 is pushed. Located at a top end of push
button 66
is a first catch member 70; which location of first catch member 70 above the
remainder
of base member 24 provides catch member 70 at a distant position from groove
68 so
that a sufficient movement thereof is achieved when push button 66 is pushed.
Complementary to and located above a cutout 72 in cover member 26 is a second
catch
member 74 as shown in figure 7C. Both catch members 70 and 74 are
longitudinally
curved as shown, following the complementary contours respectively of push
button 66
and cutout 72.
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[0057] As shown in figure 15, when cover member 26 is in the closed
position,
first catch member 70 catches and holds second catch member 74 underneath
thereof
to hold cover member 26 in the closed position against the opening bias of and
about
hinge 28 (and/or spring 29). Thus, when push button 66 is moved inwardly a
short
distance as shown by the arrow in figure 15, second catch member 74 is no
longer held
underneath first catch member 70, so cover member 26 in then free to move
upwards
due to the opening bias of hinge 28. Cover member 26 thus pivots upward and is
opened (or can be further opened as far as needed) to provide access first
product 16 in
first container 12 and to provide access to remove second container 30 (if
provided)
from inside surface 34 of cover member 26. It will be appreciated that this
movement of
push button 66 relative to the remainder of base member 24 is necessary as
rigid rim 22
otherwise prevents other portions of base member 24 from deflecting inwards as
push
button 66 is pushed; and the location of first catch member 70 above the
remainder of
base member 24 also provides catch member 70 at a position for a sufficient
movement
thereof relative to second catch member 72.
[0058] Depicted in figures 16-20 is an alternative embodiment of a flip
top 80
usable on a container similar to container 12. Flip top 80 is much like flip
top 14, and
thus similar elements of flip top 80 will be identified with the same numerals
as the
corresponding elements of flip top 14 but with the addition of a prime (1).
Like flip top
14, flip top 80 Is preferably formed of an Injection-moulded plastic or the
like and broadly
Includes two parts, a base member 24' and a cover member 26'. Base member 24'
and
cover member 26' are integrally connected together by a simple connecting
hinge 28'
which has a weakened line therea long so as to be sufficiently resilient to
allow the two
members 24' and 26' to pivot relative to one another as desired. Similar to
hinge 28,
hinge 28' is designed (e.g., inherently biased) to resiliently move cover
member 26'
away from the closed position with base member 24', but in this embodiment
just
sufficiently biased only to raise cover member 26' slightly away from base
member 24'.
If desired or needed, an extra spring component or the like can be added in
the manner
as noted above with hinge 28. Cover member 26' of this alternative embodiment
is
optionally used to hold and protect a small item or second container during
shipping and
storage by the consumer, and thus any such item would be secured inside of
integral
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central reinforcing cylindrical band 82 by any suitable mechanism such as arms
36' -
though if It Is not desired to hold a second container, arms 36' could be
eliminated. It
will be appreciated that integral radiating reinforcing struts 84 as shown are
integrally
formed with reinforcing cylindrical band 82.
[0059) In order to securely attach flip top 80 to the rim of the container
(not
shown), the periphery of base member 24' is particularly shaped and acts much
like the
periphery of base member 24 as shown in figures 1A, 1B and 13 and hence will
not be
discussed In detail further. However, it will be noted that flange 27' of base
member 24'
of flip top 80 is similar to flange 57 found on base member 24, and
corresponding flange
23' (shown partially in figure 18) of this container similar to flange 23 of
container 12.
Likewise, cover member 26' does have a sealing ring 55' similar to sealing
ring 55, but it
will be noted that sealing ring 55' bows outward slightly at the distal end 86
thereof. As
a result, as cover member 26' Is moved to the closed position, distal end 86
moves
resiliently past the inner end (or circumferential edge of this embodiment) of
flange 23'
to form a resilient seal therewith. Base member 24' like base member 24 also
includes
an upstanding leg 58' such that when cover member 26' Is In the closed
position, a
peripheral skirt portion 60' of cover member 26' is positioned just outside of
upstanding
leg 58' and engages a landing 62' of base member 24' provided outside of
upstanding
leg 58'.
[0060] In order to retain cover member 26' In the closed position on base
member 24', a holding means 64' broadly similar to holding means 64 is
provided as
shown best in figures 16-20. Holding means 64' Includes a push button 66'
which Is
likewise located in a circumferential gap or downwardly scalloped portion In
upstanding
leg 58' as shown in figure 17, and which extends upwards past the top of
upstanding leg
58'. Push button 66' is pushed by the user to resiliently move push button 66'
radially
inward a slight amount This radial movement is allowed by the use of a
resilient link 88
at the bottom of push button 66' to the material of base member 24', so that
push button
66' is integrally formed with base member 24'. It will be appreciated that
this movement
of push button 66' relative to the remainder of base member 24' is necessary
as the
rigid rim of the container otherwise prevents base member 24' from deflecting
inwards
as push button 66' is pushed.
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[0061J Extending laterally (circumferentially in this embodiment where the
container is a cylinder) from push button 66' are opposed wings 90. Each wing
90
includes thereon an emboss,ed or outwardly extending catch member 70'. As
shown in
figure 19, the upper surface of each catch member 70' is slanted while the
lower surface
is perpendicular. Complementary to and located adjacent a cutout 72' In cover
member
26' are associated second catch members 74', each formed as a mating inwardly
extending depression on the inside surface of skirt portion 60' as shown in
figures 18-
19. The perpendicular portions of embossecUdepressed catch members 70' and 74'
assure a positive locking of the two together, while the slanted portions
provide for an
easy sliding movement of catch member 70' past the edge of upstanding leg 58'
and
into catch member 74'. It will be appreciated that the embossed/depressed
configurations of catch members 70' and 74' could be reversed, in which case,
the
slanted portions and flat portions of the embossed catch member on skirt
portion 60 and
the associated depressions in wings 90 would be reversed in orientation.
[0062] As shown in figure 19, when cover member 26' is in the closed
position,
both first catch members 70' catch and hold respective second catch members
74'
therein to hold cover member 26' in the closed position against the slight
opening bias
of and about hinge 28'. Thus, when a user's finger 89 moves push button 66'
Inwardly a
short distance about resilient link 88 as shown by the dotted lines of push
button 66' in
figure 20, second catch members 74' are no longer held within first catch
member 70',
so cover member 26 In then free to move upwards due to the opening bias of
hinge 28'.
[0063] It will also be appreciated that due to the location of link 88, as
push
button 66' is pushed inward by a user, at least one of, and typically both of,
lower edges
92 contact or slide along and then move past or off of an upper edge 94 of
upstanding
leg 58' of base member 24' as shown by the dotted lines in figure 20. To
assure this
contact, it will be appreciated that upper edge 94 has been widened at the
location
adjacent wings 90 as shown in figure 20. The movement of lower edges 92 past
or off
of upper edge 94 serves to produce a perceivable sensation by the user, in
this case
both an audio as a "click" sound and a tactile sensation. This sensation is
designed to
occur so as to be indicative of the separation of first and second catch
members 70', 74'
14
CA 02872988 2014-12-02
whereby the user knows that when the sensation is perceived, further pushing
of push
button 66' is no longer required to release cover member 26' from base member
24'.
[0064] It will be noted that it Is anticipated that container 12 will be
provided with
a (metal, rolled rim) bottom last in the manufacturing process, so that flip
top 14
(including second container 30 as desired) will be attached to first container
12 before
first product 16 is added through the still opened bottom of the inverted
container
unit 10. In order to protect the release valve provided on foil seal 21 (as
noted above),
a filter paper 75 (shown schematically in figure 4) covers one-way release
valve 25 to
prevent one-way valve 25 from becoming clogged with the powdered first product
16
during the filling operation thereof. As both the release valve 25 and filter
paper 75 are
attached to foil seal 21, both come off when foil seal 21 is initially removed
by the user.
[0065i Preferably, flip top 14 also includes a top exterior rim 76 on cover
member 26. Rim 76 is designed to receive a bottom of another container unit 10
therein, so that rim 76 promotes a steady stacking of container units 10 as
known In the
art.
[0066] While the present invention has been described with respect to
exemplary
embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art that
variations and modifications can be effected within the scope and spirit of
the invention.
