SPOUT AND CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

A spout and closure assembly for a container are disclosed. The spout has a base end configured to be sealingly securable about the periphery of a dispensing opening of the container, and an outlet end which is movable between a retracted position in which the outlet end lies within or adjacent to the base end and an extended position in which the outlet end lies outward of the base end relative to the container opening. A removable closure cap is securable to the outlet end and a retainer is removably secured about the closure cap. The retainer comprises a detent by which the retainer and closure cap are held within or adjacent to the dispensing opening and also comprises a frangible line of weakness which when broken splits the retainer so as to allow disengagement of the detent, extension of the spout and removal of the closure cap from the outlet end, the frangible line of weakness being positioned in the retainer so that when the retainer is in place with the detent engaged, at least a portion of a force generated by pressure within the container and tending to expel the spout and closure cap is transmitted to the detent without passing through the line of weakness.

Claims

1. A spout and closure assembly for a container, the assembly comprising: a spout having: a base end configured to be sealingly securable about the periphery of a dispensing opening of the container, and an outlet end which is movable between a retracted position in which the outlet end lies within or adjacent to the base end and an extended position in which the outlet end lies outward of the base end relative to the container opening; a removable closure cap securable to the outlet end, and a retainer removably securable about the closure cap; the retainer comprising a detent by which the retainer and closure cap are held within or adjacent to the dispensing opening; the retainer comprising a frangible line of weakness which when broken splits the retainer so as to allow disengagement of the detent, extension of the spout and removal of the closure cap from the outlet end; the frangible line of weakness being positioned in the retainer so that when the retainer is in place with the detent engaged, at least a portion of a force generated by pressure within the container and tending to expel the spout and closure cap is transmitted to the detent without passing through the line of weakness.

2. The spout and closure assembly of claim 1, in which the line of weakness extends substantially axially and/or radially within the retainer.

3. The spout and closure assembly of claim 1, in which the line of weakness extends substantially non-circumferentially in the retainer.

4. The spout and closure assembly of claim 1, in which the line of weakness is provided with a tear tab.

5. The spout and closure assembly of claim 4, in which the tear tab extends into an aperture in an end wall of the retainer.

6. The spout and closure assembly of claim 5, in which the tear tab is attached to the periphery of the aperture by frangible bridges.

7. The spout and closure assembly of claim 1, in which the detent comprises a radially projecting, upwardly facing surface of the retainer, engageable beneath a complementary downwardly facing surface provided about the dispensing opening of the container.

8. The spout and closure assembly of claim 7, in which the complementary downwardly facing surface is provided on a neck or rim on the container surrounding the dispensing opening.

9. The spout and closure assembly of claim 7, in which the complementary downwardly facing surface is provided on the base end of the spout.

10. The spout and closure assembly of claim 7, in which the complementary downwardly facing surface is provided on a securing member permanently securable about the dispensing opening.

11. The spout and closure assembly of claim 10, in which the securing member comprises a malleable ring crimpable onto or over an edge of the dispensing opening of the container.

12. The spout and closure assembly of claim 10, in which the securing member is a snap fit on or over the dispensing opening of the container

13. The spout and closure assembly of claim 10, in which the securing member comprises a screw-on ring with anti-backoff features.

14. The spout and closure assembly of claim 10, in which the securing member is insert-molded into the container about the dispensing opening.

15. The spout and closure assembly of claim 7, in which the radially projecting, upwardly facing surface of the retainer comprising the detent extends radially outwardly from the retainer and the complementary downwardly facing surface is recessed within the dispensing opening of the container whereby in use the retainer is at least partly nested within the dispensing opening.

16. The spout and closure assembly of claim 1, in which the closure cap comprises a chamfered support surface configured to lie against a flange bearing the detent, whereby container internal pressure tending to expel the spout and closure cap urges the flange radially outward to press the detent into tighter engagement.

17. The spout and closure assembly of claim 1, in which the closure cap comprises a bail handle extending radially outward of the retainer.

18. The spout and closure assembly of claim 17, in which the retainer comprises a segmented peripheral skirt configured to extend through a slot separating the bail handle from the remainder of the closure cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention and some of its further optional features and advantages, may be further understood from the following description of illustrative embodiments, made with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing various components assembled together to form a spout and closure assembly embodying the present invention, ready for fitment to a container;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a closure cap which forms part of the spout and closure assembly of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the closure cap of FIG. 2;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the closure cap of FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view on arrow A in FIG. 3;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view on arrow B in FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view on line A-A in FIG. 3;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view on line B-B in FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view on line C-C in FIG. 4;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a complementary retainer which may be used together with the closure cap of the preceding Figures to form another part of the spout and closure assembly of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the retainer of FIG. 10;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the retainer of FIG. 10;

[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view on arrow F in FIG. 11;

[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view on arrow B in FIG. 11;

[0034] FIG. 15 is a side view on arrow S in FIG. 11;

[0035] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view on line A-A in FIG. 11;

[0036] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view on line B-B in FIG. 11;

[0037] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view on line C-C in FIG. 11;

[0038] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 17 of the spout and closure assembly of FIG. 1,

[0039] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 8 and 15, of the spout and closure assembly of FIG. 1, and

[0040] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a first illustrative embodiment of a spout and closure assembly 10, assembled ready for fitment to a container or to a part of a container such as a lid (not shown). Accordingly, the term container as used herein should be construed to include such parts. The assembly 10 comprises a spout 20, a removable closure cap 40, a retainer 70 removably securable about the closure cap 40, and a securing member 100 permanently securable about a dispensing opening of the container. The securing member 100 may be a malleable (e.g. metallic) ring crimpable about an edge of the dispensing opening of the container (e.g. crimpable about an upstanding collar formed around the dispensing opening). Alternatively, the securing member 100 may be a snap fit on or over the dispensing opening of the container, for example a snap-fit ring; or the securing member 100 may be a screw-on ring with anti-backoff features. In all these instances, the securing member 100 may also serve to secure a base end of the spout 20 in sealed peripheral engagement about the dispensing opening.

[0042] The spout 20 is made from a flexible material such as LDPE, or another suitable polymer compatible with the container contents. FIG. 1 shows the spout 20 in a folded configuration in which its smaller diameter outlet end (not visible in FIG. 1) is nested within and substantially coplanar with its larger base end. The closure cap 40 is removably sealingly secured to the outlet end of the spout 20. As shown in the drawings and further explained below, the retainer 70 interdigitates with, and closely overlies, part of the closure cap 40; although other configurations are possible within the scope of the claims. As illustrated, therefore with the closure cap 40 in place and the spout 20 in its folded condition, top surfaces of the closure cap 40, retainer 70 and securing member 100 may lie in or close to a common plane. When the closure assembly 10 is fitted to the container, these top surfaces may therefore substantially align with or stand only slightly above the level of the container dispensing opening, with much of the closure assembly 10 depending into the container. This for example helps to protect the closure assembly 10 from accidental damage in use and may help with container stackability. The retainer 70 is largely nested within the dispensing opening, shielding the detent of the retainer from pry-off tools.

[0043] FIGS. 2-9 show further details of the illustrative closure cap 40, which may be formed for example as a one-piece injection molding of HDPE or molded from another suitable polymer, such as PCR resin. To close off the spout outlet end, the closure cap 40 comprises a top wall 42. To removably retain the closure cap on the spout outlet end, the closure cap 40 may comprise an internally threaded, generally cylindrical side wall 44 depending from the top wall 42. However, the closure cap may be removably retained on the spout outlet end in any suitable manner, e.g. as a snap-fit or as a bayonet connection. The closure cap 40 may be provided with seal means for mating with the spout outlet end to permit sealed reclosure thereof. For example, an annular sealing lip 46 is shown, configured to form a plug seal within the spout outlet end; though any other suitable sealing means can be used-e.g. a sealing wad, flow-in gasket, or separate sealing gasket. To assist the end user in pulling out and unfolding the spout 20 to its extended position and for unscrewing the closure cap 40 for removal, the closure cap 40 may comprise one or more bail handles 48. A pair of bail handles 48 are shown in the drawings, attached at the level of the cap top wall 42 by a pair of diametrically extending lugs 50 and respective sets of living hinges 52. When in their as-molded, down position, the bail handles 48 may lie flush with the cap top wall 42, separated therefrom by respective relatively broad, almost semi-circular, curved slots 54.

[0044] The closure cap 40 may further comprise a support 56 configured to co-operate with the retainer 70 and assist in securing the retainer 70 in place. The support 56 may comprise an outer annular wall 58 depending from an outer edge of the cap top wall 48, outside the side wall 44, so that the diameter of the wall 58 is closer to the inside diameter of the spout base end. Radial stiffening webs 60 may interconnect the side wall 44, outer annular wall 58 and top wall 42. The bottom edge of the support 56 may be provided with a radially outwardly extending lip 62. An upper face of the lip 62 may face upwardly and radially outwardly to provide a chamfered support surface 64. Regions of the outer annular wall 58 beneath the diametrically extending lugs 50 may be thickened to provide raised external infills 66 extending e.g. to substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the lip 62.

[0045] FIGS. 10-18 show further details of the illustrative retainer 70, which may be formed for example as a one-piece injection molding of HDPE or molded from another suitable polymer, such as PCR resin. The retainer 70 may comprise an axially split or segmented peripheral skirt 72 and a top wall 74. In the example shown in the drawings, the skirt 72 is divided into two segments 72a, 72b by a pair of axially-extending, through-going slots 76 of corresponding shape to the external infills 66 on the cap support 56. The segments 72a, 72b may be inserted through the curved slots 54 between the bail handles 48 and the cap top wall 42. The axially-extending slots 76 and the external infills 66 may be trapezium-shaped or otherwise tapered from top to bottom when viewed in the cap radial direction, whereby a relatively wider mouth of the slot 76 initially engages a narrower top portion of the infill 66, thereby accommodating a degree of azimuthal misalignment between the closure cap 40 and the retainer 70 during initial engagement. As the segments 72a, 72b are inserted through the curved slots 54, the tapered edges of the axially extending slots 76 and the infills 66 may co-operate to rotate the retainer 70 relative to the closure cap 40, into the correct azimuthal alignment. With the segments 72a, 72b fully inserted, the external infills 66 on the cap support 56 may lie within the slots 76 so that the skirt segments 72a, 72b closely surround and are internally supported by the cap support 56. The inner face of the retainer top wall 74 may rest against the outer face of the cap top wall 42, with the bail handles 48 lying exposed outside the retainer 70. The bail handles may therefore have a relatively large outer radius, e.g. of similar size to the radius of the securing member 100, making them easy to manipulate even when encumbered by thick protective gloves. The retainer 70 may thus interdigitate with, and closely overlie, at least a part of the closure cap 40.

[0046] The skirt 72 may comprise a radially outwardly projecting flange 78 on which the detent 80 is provided, the detent 80 thus being a surface which extends radially outward from the skirt 72 and is configured to face away from the container interior. With the retainer 70 thus fitted to the closure cap 40, the chamfered support surface 64 of the closure cap may lie against the flange 78 at its junction with the retainer skirt segments 72a, 72b. Therefore container internal pressure tending to expel the spout and closure cap 40 can urge the flange 78 radially outward to press the detent 80 into tighter engagement with a complementary surface 102 within the container dispensing opening, e.g. on the securing member 100 (see e.g. FIG. 21).

[0047] The retainer 70 comprises a frangible line of weakness 82 which when broken splits the retainer 70 to allow disengagement of the detent 80 (e.g. from complementary surface 102) and removal of the retainer 70 from the securing member 100. The closure cap 40 is thereby made accessible for extending the pouring spout, followed by removal of the closure cap to allow dispensing of the container contents. An absent or broken retainer 70 therefore indicates that an attempt may have been made to access the container contents. The line of weakness 82 may take any suitable form, for example a molded-in score line as shown in the drawings. However it may also be a score line formed by cutting, a molded frangible web, one or more frangible bridges spanning an aperture or interspersed with apertures in the retainer 70, e.g. a line of perforations; or a combination of any of these.

[0048] The frangible line of weakness 82 is positioned in the retainer 70 so that when the retainer is in place with the detent 80 and complementary surface 102 mutually engaged, at least a portion of the force generated by pressure within the container and tending to expel the spout and closure cap 40 is transmitted to the detent 80 without passing through the line of weakness 82. For example, in the arrangement shown in the drawings, the majority of the axial upthrust generated by pressure within the container is transmitted by a narrow annular region at the periphery of the closure cap top wall 42 just inboard of the curved slots 54, to a corresponding annular region in the top wall 74 of the retainer 70, close to the junction between the top wall 74 and the side wall segments 72a, 72b. Most of the stresses acting in this portion of the retainer top wall 74 will be compressive stress acting in the axial direction on the inner face of the top wall periphery, and radially directed tensile stress in the bulk of the remainder of this region of the retainer top wall periphery, which becomes corresponding axially directed tensile stress in the side wall segments 72a, 72b. The upward thrust from the closure cap periphery may distort the retainer top wall 74 to a slightly domed shape, thereby generating tensile hoop stress in it. However, this hoop stress is much less than the peripheral axially compressive and radial tensile stresses in the retainer top wall 74. In addition, some of this hoop stress may be relieved by the closure cap top wall 42, which is in frictional engagement with the retainer top wall 74 at their region of contact. Therefore, the tensile force acting transversely of the frangible line of weakness 82 is much lower than the upward thrust on the closure cap 40 due to the pressure in the container, and much lower than the corresponding reaction forces at the detent 80 and complementary surface 102. The line of weakness 82 can therefore resist high container internal pressures (e.g. for the illustrated embodiment in HDPE, up to 300 kPa above ambient, with a good safety margin). One end of the line of weakness 82 in the illustrated arrangement terminates at and runs into one of the axially-extending, through-going slots 76 that divide the retainer skirt 72 into the segments 72a, 72b. This slot 76 may be regarded as part of the line of weakness, as it forms a part of the parting line for the split retainer 70 when the frangible line of weakness has been broken. As it is a permanent circumferential discontinuity in the skirt 72 circumference, the slot 76 cannot carry hoop stress but as previously discussed, the container pressure-induced stresses in the skirt 72 are primarily axial tensile stresses, with only a relatively low force acting across the line of weakness 82 and therefore circumferentially across the slot 76.

[0049] The line of weakness 82 may be provided with a tear tab, for ease of operation in initiating and propagating its breakage. As best shown in FIGS. 10-12, the tear tab may for example comprise a ring pull 84 extending into a central aperture 86 in the end wall 74 of the retainer 70. The ring pull 84 may be attached to the periphery of the aperture 86 by a spaced series of frangible bridges 88, to provide the retainer 70 with enhanced tamper indication, as well as securing the ring pull 84 against accidental dislodgement. The ring pull 84 may also be provided with a lift tab 90, e.g. extending into a relieved access opening 92 formed at the edge of the central aperture 86. The ring pull 84 may be connected to the end wall 74 of the retainer 70 by a strap 94 e.g. provided substantially opposite to the lift tab 90. The strap 94 may continue in the radial direction to become a reinforcing rib 96 in the end wall 74 adjacent to the line of weakness 82, thereby helping to transfer shear force for rupturing the line of weakness when the ring pull 84 is pulled upward.

[0050] FIGS. 1 and 19-21 show the illustrative flexible spout 20, closure cap 40, retainer 70 and securing member 100 assembled together to form a closure assembly 10 ready to be fitted in fluid-tight sealing engagement about the periphery of a dispensing opening in a container (not shown). The securing member 100 may be permanently secured about the dispensing opening by any suitable means and may also act to permanently secure the spout base end 22 in fluid-tight engagement about a neck profile surrounding the container opening. The spout base end 22 may comprise a compressible attachment flange containing a downwardly open groove 24 having a cross-section complementary to the neck profile. The compressible attachment flange may be integrally molded with the remainder of the spout 20, and thus formed from the same flexible material (e.g. LDPE). The securing member 100 may be a snap fit on or over the spout base end 22 to compress the groove 24 tightly about the neck profile, thereby permanently securing the spout 20 to the container. Alternatively, the securing member may be a ring screwed onto a container neck to form and energize a peripheral fluid seal between the container neck and the spout base end. This ring may have anti-backoff features to prevent its removal and so provide a permanent connection between the spout and container. However, as shown in the drawings, the securing member may comprise a malleable (e.g. metal) crimp ring 100 which may be snap-fitted over the spout base end and may be retained e.g. by an outer edge curl 104, to form a pre-assembly ready for fitment to the container. The preassembly is mounted to the container with the neck profile received in the groove 24 and the ring 100 may then be crimped to permanently secure the spout 20 to the container.

[0051] An inner edge curl 106 of the crimp ring (or a similar edge or radially inwardly projecting ledge of a snap-fit or screw-fit securing member 100, not shown) may provide the complementary surface 102 engageable by the detent 80 to secure the retainer in place over the dispensing opening of the container. Alternatively, the complementary surface may be formed on the spout base end, e.g. as an inwardly projecting substantially annular shoulder or inwardly projecting substantially annular rib on the attachment flange. Such an arrangement may be used whether the spout is secured to the container using a securing member, or whether the spout is secured to the container by insert molding. Yet alternatively, (particularly, although not exclusively, in the case of a spout secured to the container by insert molding), the complementary surface for the detent 80 may be formed in the material of the container, e.g. as an inwardly projecting substantially annular shoulder or inwardly projecting substantially annular rib extending about the container's dispensing opening.

[0052] As best shown in FIGS. 19-21, to prepare the spout and closure assembly 10 ready for fitment to the dispensing opening of a container, the securing member 100 (where used) is fitted (e.g. snap-fitted) to the spout base end 22. The closure cap 40 is then fitted to the outlet end 26 of the spout, e.g. by engagement of an internal thread 68 (FIGS. 7-9) formed on the cap cylindrical side wall 44 and a corresponding external thread 28 formed on the spout outlet end 26. The retainer 70 is then fitted over the cap; in the illustrated embodiment by inserting the skirt segments 72a, 72b through the curved slots 54. The skirt's radially outwardly projecting flange 78 is then resiliently deflected radially inward, over the inner edge curl 106 or corresponding radially inwardly projecting rib or shoulder. The flange 78 can then spring radially outward again, past the chamfered support surface 64 of the closure cap 40, so that the detent 80 engages beneath the complementary surface 102 to lock the retainer 70 in place.

[0053] To remove the retainer 70 from the spout and closure assembly 10 (e.g., to access the container contents after the spout and closure assembly has been fitted to a container), the ring pull 84 is pulled upwardly to break the frangible bridges 88 and rupture the line of weakness 82. This completely splits the retainer, between the central aperture 86 and the corresponding through-going slot 76 intersected by the line of weakness 82. The split retainer 70 loses rigidity so that a continued upward pull is easily able to unzip the detent 80 from beneath the complementary surface 102, starting from the end of the detent closest to the strap 94 and ring pull 84, and progressing to the opposite end. The tapered edges of the through-going slots 76 and of the corresponding infills 66 help to ensure that the retainer skirt segments 72a, 72b can be withdrawn from the curved slots 54 of the cap 40 without jamming.

[0054] The spout outlet end threads 26 may be configured to fit industry standard dispensing adaptors and pail pumps. The crimp ring or other securing member 100 and the profile of the spout base end 22 and groove 24 may be configured to fit industry standard pail opening profiles or other industry standard container dispensing opening profiles.