COUPLING DEVICE

Abstract

A coupling device is disclosed for coupling a container to a closure. The container has a container sidewall extending between a first container end and a second container end. A container undercut is defined in an outer surface of the container sidewall. The closure has a closure sidewall extending between a first closure end and a second closure end. A closure outer sidewall is located radially outward from the closure sidewall and defines a slot between the closure sidewall and the closure outer sidewall. The second container end is received within the slot of the closure. A major projection and a major depression are located between the second container end and the slot of the closure cooperating for securing the closure to the container. A minor projection and a minor depression located between the container sidewall and the closure sidewall for cooperating for additionally securing the closure to the container.

Claims

1. A coupling device, comprising; a container having a container sidewall extending between a first container end and a second container end; a container undercut defined in an outer surface of said container sidewall defining said second container end forming a reduced cross-section; a container notch located within said container; a closure having a closure sidewall extending between a first closure end and a second closure end; a closure outer sidewall located radially outward from said closure sidewall defining a slot between said closure sidewall and said closure outer sidewall; said second container end being received within said slot of said closure; said first closure end being received within said notch of said container; a major projection and a major depression located between said second container end and said slot of said closure cooperating for securing said closure to said container; and a minor projection and a minor depression located between said container sidewall and said closure sidewall for cooperating for additionally securing said closure to said container.

2. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first container end is a closed end and second container end is an open end.

3. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein including a plurality of container ribs supporting an inside surface of said container sidewall.

4. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, including a plurality of container ribs supporting an inside surface of said container sidewall; and said container notch being located within said container ribs.

5. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, including a second minor projection and a second minor depression engaged between said container sidewall and said closure sidewall for locking said closure to said container.

6. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, including a second minor projection and a second minor depression engaged between said container sidewall and said closure sidewall for locking said closure to said container; and said second minor projection and said second minor depression being opposite to said minor projection and said minor depression.

7. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said closure outer sidewall is resilient for enabling said resilient engagement between said major projection and said major depression.

8. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container and said closure are formed from a deformable polymeric material.

9. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second container end is received within said slot of said closure prior to said first closure end being receivable within said notch of said container.

10. A coupling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container notch biases said closure sidewall against said container sidewall.

11. A coupling, comprising; a container having a container sidewall extending between a first container end and a second container end; a container undercut defined in an outer surface of said container sidewall defining said second container end forming a reduced cross-section; a container notch located within said container; a closure having a closure sidewall extending between a first closure end and a second closure end; a closure outer sidewall located radially outward from said closure sidewall defining a slot between said closure sidewall and said closure outer sidewall; said second container end being received within said slot of said closure; said first closure end being receivable within said notch of said container; a major projection extending from said closure outer sidewall for engaging with a major depression defined within said second container end for securing said closure to said container; and a minor projection and a minor depression located between said container sidewall and said closure sidewall for cooperating for additionally securing said closure to said container.

12. A coupling device, comprising; a container having a container sidewall extending between a first container end and a second container end; a container undercut defined in an outer surface of said container sidewall defining said second container end forming a reduced cross-section; a closure having a closure sidewall extending between a first closure end and a second closure end; a closure outer sidewall located radially outward from said closure sidewall defining a slot between said closure sidewall and said closure outer sidewall; said second container end being received within said slot of said closure; a major projection and a major depression located between said second container end and said slot of said closure cooperating for securing said closure to said container; and a minor projection and a minor depression located between said container sidewall and said closure sidewall for cooperating for additionally securing said closure to said container.

13. A coupling device as set forth in claim 12, wherein said closure outer sidewall is resilient for enabling said resilient engagement between said major projection and said major depression.

14. A coupling device as set forth in claim 12, wherein said container and said closure are formed from a deformable polymeric material.

15. A coupling device as set forth in claim 12, wherein said major projection extending from said closure outer sidewall for engaging with said major depression defined within said second container end for securing said closure to said container; and said minor projection and said minor depression located between said container sidewall and said closure sidewall for cooperating for additionally securing said closure to said container.

16. A coupling device as set forth in claim 12, further including a closure receptacle coupled to said closure; a closure pump channel within said closure receptacle; and a pump engaging within said closure pump channel for coupling said pump to said closure receptacle and configured for dispensing from said container.

17. A coupling device as set forth in claim 16, further including a closure pump slot coupled to said closure receptacle; a pump mounting wall coupled to said pump; and said pump mounting wall received within said closure pump slot for coupling said pump to said closure.

18. A coupling device as set forth in claim 16, further including a closure pump locking step coupled to said closure receptacle; a pump locking step coupled to said pump; and said closure pump locking step and said pump locking step cooperating for securing said pump within said closure receptacle.

19. A coupling device as set forth in claim 16, wherein said closure receptacle includes a lower male body and an upper female body; and said lower male body biasing said pump against said upper female body.

20. A coupling device as set forth in claim 16, further including a closure annular channel in said closure for receiving an actuator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of a first embodiment of a closure connected to a liquid container;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 is an isometric top view of the liquid container of FIGS. 1-2;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a side view of the liquid container of FIG. 3;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a top view of the liquid container of FIG. 4;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

[0036] FIG. 7 is an isometric top view of the closure of FIGS. 1-2;

[0037] FIG. 8 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 7;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a top view of the closure component of FIG. 8;

[0039] FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 in FIG. 8;

[0040] FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view along line 11-11 in FIG. 2 with the closure position adjacent to the container;

[0041] FIG. 12 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 11;

[0042] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 11 with the closure partially inserted into the container;

[0043] FIG. 14 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 13;

[0044] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 with the closure fully inserted into the container;

[0045] FIG. 16 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 15;

[0046] FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of a coupling device having a single major container depression of minimum depth in the container;

[0047] FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a coupling device having a single major container depression of normal depth in the container;

[0048] FIG. 19 is a view of the closure of FIG. 16;

[0049] FIG. 20 is a graph of percentages of failure in a drop test for the closures shown in FIGS. 17-19;

[0050] FIG. 21 is an isometric top view of a second embodiment of a closure connected to a liquid container;

[0051] FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 21;

[0052] FIG. 23 is a top view of FIG. 22

[0053] FIG. 24 is a sectional view along line 24-24 in FIG. 22;

[0054] FIG. 25 is an isometric top view of the liquid container of FIGS. 21-22;

[0055] FIG. 26 is a side view of the liquid container of FIG. 25;

[0056] FIG. 27 is a top view of the liquid container of FIG. 26;

[0057] FIG. 28 is a sectional view along line 28-28 in FIG. 26;

[0058] FIG. 29 is an isometric top view of the closure of FIGS. 21-22;

[0059] FIG. 30 is a side view of the closure of FIG. 29;

[0060] FIG. 31 is a top view of the closure component of FIG. 30;

[0061] FIG. 32 is a sectional view along line 32-32 in FIG. 30;

[0062] FIG. 33 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 24 with the closure position adjacent to the container;

[0063] FIG. 34 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 33;

[0064] FIG. 35 is a view similar to FIG. 33 with the closure partially inserted into the container;

[0065] FIG. 36 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 35;

[0066] FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 35 with the closure fully inserted into the container; and

[0067] FIG. 38 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 37.

[0068] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

[0069] FIGS. 1-38 are views of coupling device 5 illustrating a container 10 with a closure 30 secured thereto. FIGS. 1-16 and 19 illustrate a first embodiment of the coupling device 5. FIGS. 21-38 illustrate a second embodiment of the coupling device 5.

[0070] The container 10 and the closure 30 are explained herein with reference to a container containing a liquid (not shown) but it should be understood that the container 10 and the closure 30 may be used to contain granular materials, powders, gels and the like. Furthermore, it should be understood that container 10 and the closure 30 may take various shapes and sizes while incorporating the coupling device 5 of the present invention. The coupling device 5 disclosed herein is designed for semi-permanently securing the closure 30 to the container 10.

[0071] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the container 10 in greater detail. The container 10 is formed from a deformable polymeric material. The container 10 has a container sidewall 14 extending between a first container end 11 and a second container end 12. In this example, the first container end 11 is a closed end whereas the second container end 12 is an open end. The second container end 12 of the container 10 has an undercut 15 providing a reduced cross-section sidewall 16.

[0072] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of container rib 18 are located within the container 10. The plurality of container ribs 18 extend from the closed first container end 11 along the inside surface of the container sidewall 14. The plurality of container ribs 18 provide support between the closed first container end 11 and the container sidewall 14.

[0073] Each of the plurality of container ribs 18 defines a notch 20 at the upper end of each of the container ribs 18. The function of the notch 20 will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 11-16.

[0074] In this example, a major container depression 22 is defined within an outer surface of the reduced cross-section sidewall 16. A minor container depression 24 is defined within an inside surface of the container sidewall 14. A second minor container projection 26 is defined within the inside surface of the container sidewall 14. The minor container depression 24 is spaced apart from the second minor container projection 26 along the inside surface of the container sidewall 14.

[0075] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate the closure 30 in greater detail. The closure 30 is formed from a deformable polymeric material. The closure 30 has a closure sidewall 34 extending between a first closure end 31 and a second closure end 32. In this example, the first closure end 31 is an open end whereas the second container end 32 defines an internal channel 35. The internal channel 35 is used for receiving a dispensing device (not shown) but it should be understood that the second closure end 32 may be a closed end as should be well known by those skilled in the art.

[0076] An outer closure sidewall 36 is located radially outward from the closure sidewall 34 defining a slot 40 between the closure sidewall 34 and the outer sidewall 36. The closure outer sidewall 36 is resilient for resiliently engaging with the container 10. The function of the closure outer sidewall 36 and the slot 40 will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 11-16.

[0077] As best shown in FIG. 10, a major closure projection 42 is defined on an inner surface of the outer closure sidewall 36. A minor closure projection 44 is defined within an outside surface of the closure sidewall 34. A second minor closure depression 46 is defined within the outside surface of the closure sidewall 34. The minor closure projection 44 is spaced apart from the second minor closure depression 46 along the outside surface of the closure sidewall 34. The minor container depression 24 and the second minor container projection 26 of the container 10 are spaced similarly to the minor closure projection 44 and the second minor closure depression 46 of the closure 30.

[0078] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the closure 30 position adjacent to the container 10. The closure sidewall 34 is inserted partially within the container sidewall 14. Preferably, the closure sidewall 34 forms a sliding seal with the container sidewall 14 to align the closure 30 to the container sidewall 14. The closure sidewall 34 is inserted within the container sidewall 14 prior to the reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 entering into the closure slot 40.

[0079] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the closure 30 partially inserted into the container 10. The reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 is shown entering into the closure slot 40. The reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 enters the closure slot 40 prior to the first closure end 31 entering into the notch 20 of the container 10. The major projection 42 of the closure 30 engages with the reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 and results in the outer sidewall 36 of the closure 30 flexing radially outwardly as best shown in FIG. 14.

[0080] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the closure 30 fully inserted into the container 10. The reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 is shown fully inserted into the closure slot 40. The major projection 42 of the closure 30 is received within the major container depression 22. The resilience of the outer sidewall 36 of the closure 30 maintains the major projection 42 of the closure 30 within the major container depression 22.

[0081] The first closure end 31 is fully inserted into the container notch 20 of the container 10. The major closure projection 42 of the closure 30 is received within the major container depression 22 of the container 10. The minor closure projection 44 of the closure 30 is received within the minor container depression 24 of the container 10. The second minor projection 26 of the container 10 is received within the second minor depression 46 of the closure 30.

[0082] The deformable polymeric material of the container 10 and/or closure 30 enables the minor closure projection 44 of the closure 30 to be received within the minor container depression 24 of the container 10. Similarly, the deformable polymeric material of the container 10 and/or closure 30 enables the second minor projection 26 of the container 10 to be received within the second minor depression 46 of the closure 30.

[0083] The insertion of the first closure end 31 of the closure 30 within the container notch 20 of the container 10 biases the closure sidewall 34 against the container sidewall 14. The bias of the closure sidewall 34 against the container sidewall 14 maintains the engagement between the minor projections and minor depressions between the closure 30 and the container 10.

[0084] The number of engaging minor projections and minor depressions in part determines the strength of the coupling device 5. Adding or reducing the number of engaging minor projections and minor depressions between the container 10 and the closure 30 will add or subtract from the strength of the coupling device 5.

[0085] FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of a coupling device 5A having a major container depression 22A in the container 10A. In addition, the coupling device 5A includes a minor container depression 24A in the container 10A. The coupling device 5A includes a closure (as previously shown in FIGS. 7-10) having a major closure projection 42 and a minor closure projection 44. The major container depression 22A is shown having a minimum depth in contrast to FIGS. 18 and 19. The coupling device 5A provides a minimum engagement between the container 10A and the closure.

[0086] FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a coupling device 5B having a major container depression 22B in the container 10B. In addition, the coupling device 5B includes a minor container depression 24B in the container 10B. The coupling device 5B includes a closure (as previously shown in FIGS. 7-10) having a major closure projection 42 and a minor closure projection 44. The major container depression 22B and the minor container depression 24B are shown having depths commensurate with the depths of the major container depression 22 and the minor container depression 24 in FIGS. 2-6. The coupling device 5A provides a nominal engagement between the container 10A and the closure.

[0087] FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of a coupling device 5 having a major container depression 22, a minor container depression 24 and a second minor container projection 26. The coupling device 5 includes a closure 30 (as previously shown in FIGS. 7-10) having a major closure projection 42 and a minor closure projection 44 and a second minor depression 46.

[0088] FIG. 20 is a bar graph of percentages of failure in a drop test for the coupling devices shown in FIGS. 17-19. Failure means any liquid leakage through the coupling device 5A, 5B and 5.

[0089] The bar graph 17 represents the failure rate of the coupling device 5A shown in FIG. 17. The coupling device 5A provides a minimum engagement between the container 10A and the closure. The test represents two (2) drops of the coupling device 5A from a height of 8 feet onto an inelastic surface (not shown). The bar graph 17 shows a failure rate of seventeen (17%) percent.

[0090] The bar graph 18 represents the failure rate of the coupling device 5A shown in FIG. 18. The coupling device 5B has a major closure projection 42 and a minor closure projection 44 and provides a nominal engagement between the container 10A and the closure. The test represents two (2) drops of the coupling device 5B from a height of 8 feet onto an inelastic surface (not shown). The bar graph 18 shows a failure rate of five (5%) percent.

[0091] The bar graph 19 represents the failure rate of the coupling device 5 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-16 and FIG. 19. The coupling device 5 has the major container depression 22, the minor container depression 24 and the second minor container projection 26 engaging with the major closure projection 42 and the minor closure projection 44 and the second minor closure depression 46.

[0092] The test represents two (2) drop of the coupling device 5 from a height of 8 feet onto an inelastic surface (not shown). The bar graph 19 shows a failure rate of less than three (3%) percent.

[0093] FIGS. 21-38 illustrate a second embodiment of the coupling device 5. FIGS. 21-28 illustrate the container 10 in greater detail. The container 10 is formed from a deformable polymeric material. The container 10 has a container sidewall 14 extending between a first container end 11 and a second container end 12. In this example, the first container end 11 is a closed end whereas the second container end 12 is an open end. The second container end 12 of the container 10 has an undercut 15 providing a reduced cross-section sidewall 16.

[0094] In this example, a major container depression 22 is defined within an outer surface of the reduced cross-section sidewall 16. A minor container projection 26A is defined within an inside surface of the container sidewall 14. The major container depression 22 is spaced apart from the minor container projection 26A.

[0095] FIGS. 29-33 illustrate the closure 30 in greater detail. The closure 30 is formed from a deformable polymeric material. The closure 30 has a closure sidewall 34 extending between a first closure end 31 and a second closure end 32. In this example, the first closure end 31 is an open end whereas the second container end 32 defines an internal channel 35.

[0096] An outer closure sidewall 36 is located radially outward from the closure sidewall 34 defining a slot 40 between the closure sidewall 34 and the outer sidewall 36. The closure outer sidewall 36 is resilient for resiliently engaging with the container 10. The function of the closure outer sidewall 36 and the slot 40 will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 34-38.

[0097] As best shown in FIGS. 29-32, a major closure projection 42 is defined on an inner surface of the outer closure sidewall 36. A minor closure depression 46A is defined within the outside surface of the closure sidewall 34. The major closure projection 42 is spaced apart from the minor closure depression 46A along the closure 30. The major container depression 22 and the minor container projection 26A of the container 10 are spaced similarly to the major closure projection 42 and the minor closure of the closure 30.

[0098] FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate the closure 30 position adjacent to the container 10. The closure sidewall 34 is inserted partially within the container sidewall 14. Preferably, the closure sidewall 34 forms a sliding seal with the container sidewall 14 to align the closure 30 to the container sidewall 14. The closure sidewall 34 is inserted within the container sidewall 14 prior to the reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 entering into the closure slot 40.

[0099] FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate the closure 30 partially inserted into the container 10. The reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 is shown entering into the closure slot 40. The reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 enters the closure slot 40 prior to the first closure end 31 entering into the notch 20 of the container 10. The major projection 42 of the closure 30 engages with the reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 and results in the outer sidewall 36 of the closure 30 flexing radially outwardly as best shown in FIG. 36.

[0100] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate the closure 30 fully inserted into the container 10. The reduced cross-section sidewall 16 of the container 10 is shown fully inserted into the closure slot 40. The major projection 42 of the closure 30 is received within the major container depression 22. The resilience of the outer sidewall 36 of the closure 30 maintains the major projection 42 of the closure 30 within the major container depression 22.

[0101] The first closure end 31 is fully inserted into the container notch 20 of the container 10. The major closure projection 42 of the closure 30 is received within the major container depression 22 of the container 10. The minor closure depression 46A of the closure 30 is received within the minor container projection 26A of the container 10.

[0102] The deformable polymeric material of the container 10 and/or closure 30 enables the major closure projection 42 of the closure 30 to be received within the minor container projection 26A of the container 10. Similarly, the deformable polymeric material of the container 10 and/or closure 30 enables the minor container projection 26A of the container 10 to be received within the minor closure depression 46A of the closure 30.

[0103] The insertion of the first closure sidewall 34 of the closure 30 within the container 10 biases the closure sidewall 34 against the container sidewall 14. The bias of the closure sidewall 34 against the container sidewall 14 maintains the engagement between the minor projections and minor depressions between the closure 30 and the container 10.

[0104] The number of engaging minor projections and minor depressions in part determines the strength of the coupling device 5. Adding or reducing the number of engaging minor projections and minor depressions between the container 10 and the closure 30 will add or subtract from the strength of the coupling device 5.

[0105] The second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 21-38 incorporates a liquid pump dispenser 50. The liquid pump dispenser 50 includes a pump 52 having a piston 54 being biased in an ascending position by a spring 56. A ball check valve 58 is positioned between a dip tube 60 and the piston 54. The pump 52 may include a lower pump body 62 and an upper pump body 64. The pump includes an input channel 66 for inputting the fluid into the pump 52 and an output channel 68 for outputting the fluid from the pump 52. An actuator 70 is utilized to operate the pump 52. A nozzle 72 discharges the fluid from the pump liquid dispenser 50. The pump liquid dispenser 50 may further include an atomizer 74 for producing a fine liquid mist.

[0106] The closure 30 may include a closure receptacle 80. A closure pump channel 82 is within the closure receptacle 80. Preferably, the closure receptacle 80 and the closure 30 are constructed from an integral one-piece unit including a deformable polymeric material. The pump 52 engages within the closure pump channel 82 for coupling the pump 52 to the closure receptacle 80 and is configured for dispensing from the container 10. The closure 30 may further include an extension wall defining a closure annular channel 88. The closure annular channel 88 receives an actuator 70.

[0107] Preferably, the closure receptacle 80 includes a lower male body 100 and an upper female body 102. The upper female body 102 of the closure receptacle 80 defines a closure pump slot 84. The lower pump body 62 of the pump 52 may include a pump body mounting wall 90. The pump mounting wall 90 is received within the closure pump slot 84 for coupling the pump 52 to the closure 30.

[0108] A closure pump locking step 86 may be coupled to the closure receptacle 80. A pump locking step 92 may be coupled to the pump body mounting wall 90 of the pump 52. The closure pump locking step 86 and the pump locking step 92 cooperate for securing the pump 52 within the closure receptacle 80. The upper pump body 64 biases the pump body mounting wall 90 against the closure receptacle 84 for maintaining the engagement between the closure pump locking step 86 and the pump body locking step 92 and maintaining the pump 52 within the closure receptacle 80. Furthermore, the lower male body 100 biases the pump 52 against the upper female body 102.

[0109] The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.