GB2454205A

GB2454205A - Actuated closure arrangement with biasing means

Info

Publication number: GB2454205A
Application number: GB0721341A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony John Michael Jurkiw; Peter Thomas Acres
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-31
Filing date: 2007-10-31
Publication date: 2009-05-06
Also published as: GB0721341D0

Abstract

The closure arrangement 1 comprises a lid with a pivot 2. The lid has a first part 3 to one side of the pivot and a second part 4 to the other. The first part 3 is the openable portion of the lid and is provided with a tamper evident or rupture feature about its edge in the form of a tear strip 5. The second part 4 is the actuating portion in the form of a raised dome that can be distorted in shape, from a first position above the pivot and biasing the cover 3 to its closed position, to a second position 4a caused by the force A applied by a user, where it is below the pivot and biasing the cover 3 towards its open position. The closure is provided with reinforcing ribs 6, a dimple-type button 10, a flange 11 and an overhang or skirt 7 that fits around the lip of the container 31. The pull strip may be provided with a pull tab 50 to facilitate rupture and the closure arrangement is designed so as to be stackable.

Description

* I 2454205 A Closure Arrangement The present invention relates to closure arrangements and more particularly to closure arrangements in the form of lids for dairy products such as cream.

Convenient distribution and supply of such products as cream, sauces and fresh soup requires the use of packaging such as cartons and tubs. The cartons and tubs may come in a number of fixed sizes such as half litre and one litre. Such an approach allows ready pricing and proportioning by the supplier but may be in convenient for a user if only small amounts are required at different times. Furthermore, spillages can be costly in terms of product lost and in clear-up time.

Traditionally, a carton such as for cream has had a foil cover then a simple clip-over normally transparent lid. The whole of the foil will be removed to gain access to pour the product then the lid placed over the open top if any product is left. Removal of the foil can be problematic as by their nature the foils are tightly security typically by a heat weld bond upon an edge flange.

Such bonds a liable to give a sudden release either by ripping across the foil or due the variability of bond strengths. Furthermore, the tab usually provided to act as pull grip may be ripped off separately whilst leaving the whole or most of the foil still in place or the tab may be lost in transportation along with the lid. Thus, the carton remains open or it is necessary to apply a cling film cover or transfer the remaining product to a separate container.

Previous closure arrangements for cartons and tubs, particularly for relatively high value products such as cream, have not been ideal. Amongst the problems with such closure arrangements are difficulties with opening and re-closure for storage to allow intermittent use. However, it will also be understood that the acceptable cost for essentially a disposable, although possibly recyclable consumable, component limits options with respect to * 2 providing greater sophistication with respect to provision of a closure arrangement.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provide a closure arrangement comprising a lid with a pivot, the lid having a first part to one side of the pivot having a rupture feature about its edge and the lid to a second part on the other side of the pivot having a raised shaped portion distortable to a distorted position about the pivot to apply an upward bias to the first part of the lid. l0

Typically, the rupture feature comprises a tear strip.

Typically, the arrangement includes a container to which the arrangement is secured. Normally, the pivot is anchored to the container for IS stability against distortion of the raised shaped portion. Advantageously, the pivot is positioned centrally across the lid. Generally, the pivot divides the lid into substantially equal halves. Beneficially, the pivot has a radial edge.

Typically, the lid is round or square or rectangular. Where the lid is round the pivot subtends a chord position across the lid.

Normally, the distorted position is to one side of a plane substantially defined by the first part of the lid. Generally, the one side is on an opposite side of the plane to the raised shape portion in a relaxed, undistorted, condition.

Generally, the first part swivels about the pivot when subject to the upward bias. Possibly, the first part is subject to a downward bias when the raised shape portion is not distorted. Possibly, the raised shape portion is a part corivexed dome. Possibly, the raised shape portion has a dimple to facilitate application of a force load to distort the raised shape portion.

Possibly, the one side providing the first part includes a flange and the first part engages the flange. Generally, the tear strip is inside a bond initially securing the lid to the flange. Possibly, the bond is a heat weld or an adhesive association. Advantageously, the bond extends completely around the lid to provide a sealing engagement with the flange. Possibly, the downward bias facilitates closure of the first part against the flange. Possibly, there is releasable detent latch between the first part and the flange. Generally, the releasable detent latch is releasable by the upward bias.

Typically, the tear strip includes an edge tab. Possibly, the edge tab is tacked to the lid to require a lift and pull action. Normally, the tear strip is defined by a line of weakness in the lid.

Possibly, distortion of the raised shape portion causes an upward bias sufficient to lift the first part through an angle about the pivot. Typically, the angle is 20 to 40 degrees and preferably about 30 degrees.

Possibly, the first part has reinforcement features to retain a substantially flat aspect against the upward bias. Generally, the reinforcement features comprise ribs. Possibly, the ribs are substantially perpendicular to the pivot. Normally, the reinforcing features are molded sections in the first part of the lid. Possibly, the reinforcement features extend to the pivot.

Generally, the pivot is provided by a flexible hinge section in the lid.

Typically, a plurality of separate lids is stackable. Generally, the lid is formed from a plastics material.

Normally, the closure arrangement is used with respect to cartons or tubs for dairy products such as cream or for soup or a food sauce.

Possibly, the lid defines a spout for pouring.

Embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure us a plan view of a lid in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the lid depicted in figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the lid depicted in figure 1 and figure 2; Figure 4 is a front view of the lid depicted in figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a rear view of the lid depicted in figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 is a part cross-section showing a lid portion associated with a container wall and illustrating lines of weakness to define a tear strip in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 7 is a part side cross-section of a closure arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention secured to a carton; Figure 8 provides top and underside isometric views from one side of a lid in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Figure 9 provides top and underside isometric views from another side of a lid in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and, Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a stack of a plurality of lids in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As indicated above provision of more acceptable closure arrangements for containers such as cartons and tubs for products such as cream or sauces or soups is a desirable objective. Aspects of the present invention provide a lid which is preferably permanently attached to a container but which has a first part of the lid, when released, which can be displaced to give an opening for pouring of the product contents. The first part is displaceable by distortion of a second part of the lid about a pivot extending across the lid. The second part includes a raised shape portion such that by applying a load to the raised shape portion by its configuration and shape an upward bias is applied to the first part.

The first part is defined by a rupture edge which extends on one side of the pivot. The rupture edge is generally defined by a line of weakness in the lid. The line of weakness may comprise a simply thinner profile of material which can be pressed out but preferably comprises a tear strip comprising two lines of weakness which extend about the first part to release the first part from a bond holding the first part integral with the lid.

Figures 1 to 5 provide views of a closure arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention generally in the form of a lid 1. The desirable objectives of surety of closure whilst providing easy of use are approached by having a pivot 2 between a first part 3 and a second part 4 with a line of weakness provided by a tear strip 5. First part 3 includes reinforcing features in the form of ribs 6 to maintain typically a flat configuration. The ribs may be depressions or raised sections to provide reinforcement. Furthermore the reinforcing features may extend to the pivot 2 to act as cantilever struts to facilitate opening of the lid 1. The first part 3 is releasable from the remainder of a lid 1 defined by the parts 3, 4 and the pivot 2. As will be described later the strip 5 is inside a bond by which the lid 1 is secured to a container for a product such as cream.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the second part 4 has a raised shape portion which extends away from the pivot 2. The raised shape portion radiates out and tapers away towards a peripheral edge 7 of the lid 1. The lid 1 is secured to the container (not shown) about the peripheral edge 7. The second part is not releasable from the container in order to retain association between the lid 1 and the container as well as stabilize the pivot 2. In such circumstances, until the line of weakness is broken or ruptured to release the first part 3 along an edge 9 extending away from the pivot 2, the lid 1 provides a robust closure to the container.

In use the line of weakness is ruptured or broken, that is to say in the example shown the tear strip 5 is pulled, to release the first part 3 to allow turning about the pivot 2 to provide an opening. To avoid hand contact, the shaped raised portion of the second part 4 as well as the pivot 2 are shaped and configured such that distortion of the shaped raised portion by pressing down will apply an upward bias to the first part 3 and so lift the first part 3.

Normally, a dimple or other feature is provided as an indicator as to where a load should be applied to cause the necessary distortion of the raised shape portion of the second part 4. The level of load required will be within the hand capabilities of an average human being and will be determined by the thickness and type of materials used to make the lid 1 as well as the shape of the second part 4 and the pivot 2. As will be described later with regard to figure 7 normally the load applied will distort the raised shaped portion in the second part 4 to invert across a plane defined by the lid 1, and in particular IS the first part 3 about the pivot 2.

Normally, the second part and in particular the raised shape portion will have a shape memory capacity and return to its relaxed state with the first part is closed against other parts of the arrangement. Thus, the load to distort the raised shape portion must be maintained during evacuation of product through the opening created by lifting the first part. Alternatively, once distorted to its distortion position that position will be retained so leaving the first part open. However, to then close the closure arrangement a downward load will be applied to the first part to flip' the raised portion back to its relaxed configuration. The downward load overcoming the upward bias generated by the distortion of the raised shape portion.

The pivot 2 is generally a discontinuity in the lid 1 with a slightly inclined sloped step to the raised shape portion. It will be appreciated that the actual size of the pivot 2 will depend upon requirements in terms at least of upward bias generated, size of the lid 1 and materials used. The materials use must be flexible enough to allow the distortion. Normally, the materials will be food grade plastics materials. It will also be understood that closure arrangements in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be chilled or even frozen so care must be taken to ensure the inherent material characteristics or their configuration or assembly are capable of achieving the pivot motion necessary to translate distortion of the raised shape portion into upward bias in the first part.

Lids 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention are generally any shape suitable for association with a container. Thus, lids 1 may be round as illustrated or square or oval or rectangular. When the lid 1 is round as depicted it will be understood that the pivot is placed at a chord JO position. Normally, the chord position is across the centre of the round lid but other positions are possible such as depicted in figure 1 along line Y-Y with adjustment of the size and shape of the pivot and the raised shape portion of the second part of the lid.

The lid 1 has a flange part 11 which extends completely around the periphery of the lid 1. The flange 11 provides the surface by which the lid 1 is secured by a bond to a container (not shown). The flange 11 about the first part 3 provides the portion of the lid 1 where a line of weakness such as a tear strip 5 is provided. Normally, the flange 11 includes an overhang to enclose a container (not shown) to assist with location of the lid 1 and to provide some additional constructional strength to a typically thin walled container.

Figure 6 provides a part side cross-section of a portion providing the flange 11 in the lid 1 secured to a container wall 12. The flange 11 has an overhang 13 which envelopes and restrains and opposed flange portion 14 of the container wall 12. A bond 15 is provided between the flanges 11 14. The bond 15 may be a heat weld or an adhesive bond.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention as indicated a line of weakness is provided in the flange 11 by a tear strip 5 or otherwise. With a tear strip 5 it will be understood that two lines of weakness 16 are formed in the flange 14. The lines 16 are weak but still sufficient to provide an environmental barrier to protect the product within the container 12. It will be appreciated that once the tear strip 5 is pulled the first part 3 will be released to allow the part 3 to lift under the influence of an upward bias as a result of distortion of the raised shape portion.

Figure 7 provides a cross-section of a closure arrangement 30 comprising a lid 1 upon a container 31. The same reference numerals have been used as used in earlier figures 1 to 6. Figure 7 in solid line illustrates the lid in its closed and relaxed undistorted state whilst the broken line illustrates an open and distorted state with upward bias to the first part.

In the relaxed state as can be seen the first part 3 rests on the flange 14 to close the container 31. In the open state the second part 4 is depressed into distortion by a force or load in the direction A. The raised shape portion 4a is distorted through a plane X-X to cause rotation about the pivot 2 which in turn will raise the first part 3a with an upward bias. Typically, the upward motion in the first part 3 will subtend an angle 40 in the range 20 to 40 degrees and typically around 30 degrees.

It will be appreciated that by appropriate configuration particularly with respect to the pivot 2 that the raised shape portion possibly may generate a downward bias against the flange 14. Such a downward bias may improve the strength of the closure provided against the flange 14.

Figure 8 and figure 9 illustrate isometric views of a lid 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Consistent reference numerals are used as with earlier figures. As can be seen the raised shape portion in the second part is substantially a half dome extending away from the pivot 2. Other raised shape portions are possible particularly with different container cross-sections. The pivot 2 as indicated is slightly sloped to facilitate distortion about the pivot 2 to develop the upward bias. However, the pivot 2 can be vertical step if required to give a radial raised portion in the lid 1.

The tear strip 5 extends about a periphery of the lid 1 to one side of the pivot 2. The tear strip 5 includes a tab 50 at one end. Use of the tab 50 requires a lift then pulls approach to release the first part 3 from the lid 1. The other end of the strip 5 has a cross weakness which allows the strip 5 to be removed.

Normally, the pivot in accordance with aspects of the present invention is as depicted in the figures to substantially halve the lid. However, it will be understood that the pivot could be place further to one side such as along the chord position Y-Y depicted in figure 1. In such circumstances, the raised shaped portion can be chosen to achieve the desired upward bias and angular lift through range 40 (figure 7). l0

It will be understood as with most packaging products that storage and transportation are important considerations. Thus, as depicted in figure 10, it will be noted that a plurality of lids 1 can be stacked to take up reduced space.

The lids 1 have the raised shape portions aligned as well as the reinforcement IS features. In order to aid such stacking stack stops 51 can be used to stop jamming into each other.

As indicated above the first part at least engages the flange upon which the lid is secured in order to create a closure on a container presenting he flange. To improve the strength of the closure as indicated by altering the shape and configuration of the raised shape portion as well as the pivot slope angle it is possible to present a downward bias against the flange.

Furthermore, a further retainer may be provided in the form of an interference detent between an edge part of the first part and the flange. Such an interference detent may comprise an overlap tongue and lip. Normally, the interference detent will be readily overcome by the upward bias generated by distortion of the raised shape portion.

Modifications and alterations to the embodiments described above will be appreciated by those skilled in the technology. Thus, to improve flexibility the material of the lid in the pivot portion may be treated or include more plastizer components to improve flexibility. The raised shape portion and/or the first part or line of weakness (tear strip) may include a tamper indicator.

Claims

Claims 1. A closure arrangement comprising a lid with a pivot, the lid having a first part to one side of the pivot having a rupture feature about its edge and the lid to a second part on the other side of the pivot having a raised shaped portion distortable to a distorted position about the pivot to apply an upward bias to the first part of the lid.
2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rupture feature -comprises a tear strip.
3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the arrangement includes a container to which the arrangement is secured.
4. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the pivot is anchored to the container for stability against distortion of the raised shaped portion.
5. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot is *:::* positioned centrally across the lid.
6. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot divides the lid into substantially equal halves. S... * 25

* S*.S.

*
7. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot ha a radial edge. S. S * * * S **
8. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lid is round or square or rectangular. Where the lid is round the pivot subtends a chord position across the lid.

II
9. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the distorted position is to one side of a plane substantially defined by the first part of the lid.
10. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one side is on an opposite side of the plane to the raised shape portion in a relaxed, undistorted, condition.
11. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first part swivels about the pivot when subject to the upward bias.
12. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first part is subject to a downward bias when the raised shape portion is not distorted.
13. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised shape portion is a part convexed dome.
14. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised shape portion has a dimple to facilitate application of a force load to *:*::* distort the raised shape portion. * ***
15. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one side providing the first part includes a flange and the first pert engages S...

the flange.

*SI... * .
16. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding daim wherein the tear *:*. strip is inside a bond initially securing the lid to the flange.
17. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bond is e heat weld or an adhesive association.
18. An arrangement as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the bond extends completely around the lid to provide a sealing engagement with the flange.
19. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the downward bias facilitates closure of the first part against the flange.
20. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is releasable detent latch between the first part and the flange.
21. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the releasable detent latch is releasable by the upward bias.
22. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tear strip includes an edge tab.
23. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the edge tab is tacked to the lid to require a lift and pull action.
24. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tear strip is defined by a line of weakness in the lid.

* ** p * * * * ** ****
25. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein distortion of the raised shape portion causes an upward bias sufficient to lift the first part through an angle about the pivot.

I..... S * a
26. An arrangement as claimed in claim 25 wherein the angle is 20 to 40 degrees and preferably about 30 dejrees.
27. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first part has reinforcement features to retain a substantially flat aspect agaInst the upward bias. n I-)
28. An arrangement as claimed in claim 27 wherein the reinforcement features comprise ribs.
29. An arrangement as claimed in claim 28 wherein the ribs are substantially perpendicular to the pivot.
30. An arrangement as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29 wherein the reinforcing features are molded sections in the first part of the lid.
31. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 27 to 30 wherein the reinforcement features extend to the pivot.
32. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pivot is provided by a flexible hinge section in the lid.
33. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a plurality of separate iids is stackable.
34. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lid is formed from a plastics material.
35. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the closure arrangement is used with respect to cartons or tubs for dairy products such as cream or for soup or a foodsauce. **S. * 25

* * **e.

* .
36. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lid * defines a spout for pourinq. ** * * * * **
37. A closure arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.