Protrusion on Container Neck

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/059,215, filed Nov. 28, 2022, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2022/079390, filed Nov. 7, 2022, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/292,266, filed Dec. 21, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/276,991, filed Nov. 8, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure is directed generally to container. The present disclosure relates specifically to container for liquids that include hinged, tethered closures.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a container including a body defining a storage compartment, a container neck coupled to the body, the container neck extending along a longitudinal axis between the body and an opening, a thread extending helically outward from the container neck, the thread configured to detachably engage with a closure affixed to the container neck, the closure configured to actuate between a closed configuration in which the closure encloses the opening and an open configuration in which a tab of the closure interfaces with the container neck to bias a body of the closure away from the container neck, an A-bead extending radially away from the container neck, the A-bead configured to engage with a retention band of the closure to bias the retention band to remain coupled to the container neck after the closure has been opened, and a protrusion extending upward from the A-bead. The protrusion is configured to engage the tab of the closure to bias the body of the closure away from the container neck.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container including a body, a container neck coupled to the body, the container neck extending along a longitudinal axis between the body and an opening, a thread extending helically outward from the container neck, an outermost portion of the thread defining a T-diameter that is a maximum diameter of the thread with respect to the axis, the thread configured to detachably engage with a closure affixed to the container neck, the closure configured to actuate between a closed configuration in which the closure encloses the opening and an open configuration in which a tab of the closure interfaces with the container neck to bias a body of the closure away from the container neck, an A-bead extending radially away from the container neck, the A-bead configured to engage with a retention band of the closure to bias the retention band to remain coupled to the container neck after the closure has been opened, and a protrusion extending upward from the A-bead. The protrusion defines an outer surface defining a second diameter that is a maximum diameter of the protrusion with respect to the axis, and the second diameter is less than or equal to the T-diameter.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container including a body, a container neck coupled to the body, the container neck extending along a longitudinal axis between the body and an opening, a thread extending helically outward from the container neck, the thread configured to detachably engage with a closure affixed to the container neck, the closure configured to actuate between a closed configuration in which the closure encloses the opening and an open configuration in which a tab of the closure interfaces with the container neck to bias a body of the closure away from the container neck, an A-bead extending radially away from the container neck, the a-bead configured to engage with a retention band of the closure to bias the retention band to remain coupled to the container neck after the closure has been opened, the A-bead defining an outer surface defining a first diameter that is a maximum diameter of the A-bead with respect to the axis, and a protrusion extending upward from the a-bead. The protrusion defines an outer surface facing away from the axis, the outer surface defines a second diameter that is a maximum diameter of the protrusion from the axis, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container neck of a container. The container includes an A-ring that interfaces with the tab of a hinged, tethered closure when the closure is in the open configuration. In particular, a protrusion, such as a triangular bump, extends from the A-ring and interfaces with the hinged, tethered closure when the closure is in the open configuration. As a result, the body of the closure is displaced further from the container neck opening than without the protrusion on the A-ring.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description included, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a container neck are shown. The container neck includes a protrusion configured to engage with the tab of a hinged, tethered closure. In use, the protrusion biases the body of the closure further from the container neck opening than if the protrusion was not present. As shown, the A-bead biases the tab of the closure further upward and away from the longitudinal axis of the container neck. As a result, when a protrusion is coupled to A-bead and extending upward, the body of the closure is biased further from the container neck than if the protrusion was not present.

Referring to, a closureis shown affixed to a container, such as by being coupled to containervia helical threads. Closureincludes a top panel, a skirtextending downward from the top panel, the skirtcentered on axis.

Bodyof closureincludes top paneland skirt, which is coupled to retention bandvia various structures. Skirtis initially coupled to retention bandvia one or more plurality of frangible connections extending across primary slit. Closurealso includes one or more tethersthat couple bodyto retention bandafter closurehas been opened. As shown, closureincludes two tethers. Tethersextend circumferentially around closurebetween primary slitand secondary slit. In various embodiments, primary slitand secondary slitare mechanically slit via a blade and/or are formed when the closureis formed (e.g., slits,are molded into the closure). In various alternative embodiments, primary slitand/or secondary slitform different configurations for the tethersand tab(e.g., secondary slitforms multiple tabs that interface against the container neck).

As will be understood, the frangible connections break the first time that closureis opened from container, thereby evidencing the fact that closurehas been opened. In particular, J-bandof closureinterfaces with a portion of container, such as A-bead, thereby biasing the retention banddownward as body is biased upward by the user twisting closureinto the open position. In various embodiments, retention bandinterfaces against the container neck (e.g., A-bead) via structures other than a J-band.

After closureis opened, bodyis pivoted away from the opening of the container. In various embodiments, bodypivots with respect containerat or near a rotational axis at hinge. As will be shown, when bodyis pivoted into the open position, tabinterfaces with the neck of containerto bias bodyaway from the opening of the container. In particular, closureis configured to actuate between a closed configuration in which the closureencloses the opening of containerand an open configuration in which a tabof the closureinterfaces with the container neckto bias a bodyof the closureaway from the container neck.

Referring to, various aspects of protrusionon A-beadof containerare shown. Containerincludes a bodydefining a storage compartmentconfigured to store contents within the container. Container neckextends upward from body, between bodyand openingof container. In various embodiments, container neckis centered around and/or extends along longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, container neckincludes a helical threadconfigured to couple containerto closure. In various embodiments, container neckis coupled to the body, the container neckextending along a longitudinal axisbetween the bodyand an opening. Threadextends helically outward from the container neck, the threadbeing configured to detachably engage with closureaffixed to the container neck. Closureand/or containerare configured to, in combination with each other, actuate between a closed configuration in which closureencloses the openingand an open configuration in which a tabof the closureinterfaces with the container neckto bias a bodyof the closureaway from the container neck. In various embodiments, helical threaddefines a T-diameterthat is a maximum diameter of the threadwith respect to the axis, and T-diameterdefines imaginary cylinderthat extends around axisat T-diameterfrom axis.

A protrusion, shown as A-bead, extends from container neck. In various embodiments, A-beadextends circumferentially around container neck. A-beadis configured to interface with closure, such as being configured to interface with J-bandof closurewhen closureis being opened for the first time. Stated another way, the A-beadis configured to engage with a retention bandof the closureto bias the retention bandto remain coupled to the container neckafter the closurehas been opened. In various embodiments, protrusionand A-beadare molded contemporaneously (e.g., when closureis initially formed, such as by being integrally molded). In various embodiments, protrusionis affixed to A-beadvia an adhesive.

Referring to, various aspects of A-beadare shown. A-beadextends radially away from the container neck. A-beadis configured to engage with a retention bandof the closureto bias the retention bandto remain on (e.g., coupled to) the container neckafter the closurehas been opened. A-beadincludes lower surface, outer surface, and upper surface. Lower surfacefaces downward or mostly downward, outer surfacefaces away from axis, and upper surfacefaces upward and/or away from lower surface. In various embodiments, outer surfaceand upper surfaceintersect at corner. Outer surfacedefines diameterthat is a maximum diameter of the A-beadwith respect to the axis.

An elevated surface, shown as protrusion, extends from and is coupled to A-bead. In various embodiments, protrusionextends upward from A-bead. Protrusionis configured to engage the tabof the closureto bias the bodyof the closureaway from the container neck. Protrusiondefines an upper surfaceand an outer surface, which intersect at an intersecting location, shown as corner. In various embodiments, outer surfacefaces away from axisand defines diameterthat is a maximum diameter of the protrusionfrom the axis. In various embodiments, upper surfacefaces upward, such as parallel to axis. In various aspects, inner surfaceof tabof closureis configured to interface against protrusion, thereby biasing bodyaway from openingof container.

In various embodiments, tabof closureis configured to interface with the cornerwhen the protrusionis biasing the bodyof the closureaway from the container neck. In various embodiments, tabof the closuredoes interface with the A-beadat cornerwhen the tabof the closureis interfacing with corner. In various embodiments, the tabof the closuredefines an inner surfacethat faces away from the axiswhen the closureis in the closed configuration, and the inner surfaceof the tabinterfaces with the cornerof the protrusionwhen the closureis in the open configuration (e.g.,).

Alternatively, in various embodiments tabof the closuredoes not interface with A-beadwhen tabis interfacing with protrusion.

In various embodiments, A-beaddefines an upper surfacethat faces upward, and the upper surfaceof the A-beadextends between the protrusionand the container neck(e.g., upper surfaceintersects with each of protrusionand container neck). In various embodiments, A-beaddefines an upper surfacethat faces upward and an outer surfacethat extends away from the longitudinal axis, and the upper surfaceof the A-beadextends between the protrusionand the outer surfaceof the A-bead(e.g., upper surfaceintersects with each of protrusionand outer surface).

In various embodiments, A-beaddefines an upper surfacethat extends from a topof the A-beadto the protrusion, and the protrusiondefines an upper surfacethat faces upward and an outer surfacethat faces away from the axis, the outer surfaceof the protrusionand the upper surfaceof the protrusionintersecting at a cornerthat is below the topof the A-bead. In various embodiments, the outer surfaceof the protrusionextends a first heightfrom the A-bead, the topof the A-beadis a second heightabove the cornerof the protrusion, and the second heightis less than the first height.

Outer surfaceof protrusioninterfaces with A-beadat intersection, shown as corner. Outer surfacedefines a diameterthat is a maximum diameter of the protrusionwith respect to the axis. Outer surfaceextends heightbetween cornerand corner.

In various embodiments, outer surfaceof protrusionis aligned with cylinderof T-diameterof threadand/or outer surfaceof protrusionis closer to axisthan cylinder. Stated another way, T-diameteris greater than or equal to diameterof protrusion. In various embodiments, diameterof protrusionis less or equal to than T-diameter, and more specifically diameteris less than T-diameter.

In various embodiments, outer surfaceof A-beadis further from axisthan outer surfaceof protrusion. In various embodiments, diameterof outer surfaceof A-beadis greater than diameterof outer surfaceof protrusion. Stated another way, diameterof outer surfaceis less than diameterof outer surfaceof A-bead.

In various embodiments, protrusionis inside the T-wall (e.g., inside cylinder), which is the major diameter of the threads(e.g., T-diameter) extending from the container neck. Applicant has observed that having protrusionslightly recessed such that the protrusionis within the T-wall permits the tab of the closure to more easily pivot past protrusioncompared to if protrusionextends from the outermost portion of the A-bead.

In various embodiments protrusionis adhered to the A-bead, such as by being glued. In another embodiment, protrusionis molded to the A-beadwhen the container neck is formed and/or manufactured.

In various embodiments, outer surfaceof protrusiondefines anglewith respect to upper surfaceof A-bead. In various embodiments, angleis between 115 and 165 degrees, and more specifically between 120 and 150 degrees, and more specifically between 125 and 145 degrees, and more specifically between 130 and 140 degrees, and more specifically 135 degrees. In various embodiments, angleis at least 120 degrees, and more particularly is at least 135 degrees, and more particularly is at least 140 degrees, and more particularly is at least 145 degrees.

Referring to, protrusionalso facilitates reapplying the closure (e.g., closure) to the container (e.g., container). For example, sidewalls of closurerest on protrusion, thereby helping the user align the threading of the closure and the threading of the container when the user is applying the closure back on top of the container.

Referring to, various aspects of containerare shown. Containeris substantially the same as containerexcept for the differences as described herein. In particular, containerincludes a recessbetween protrusionand outer surfaceof container. This is in contrast to container, in which A-beadextends linearly from protrusionto the outer surface of container.

Referring to, various aspects of protrusionare shown. Protrusionis substantially the same as protrusionexcept for the differences described herein. In particular, protrusionincludes one or more curved outer surfaces. In a specific embodiment, protrusiondefines a portion of the outer surface of a circle, such as a semi-circle.

Referring to, in various embodiments protrusionextends circumferentially around the entire container (e.g., container), as shown.

Referring to, top panelof closuredefines anglewith respect to horizontal when bodyof closureis in the open position. In particular, the interface between tabof closureand protrusionof containerbiases bodyof closureto define anglewith respect to a horizontal plane, shown as H.

In various embodiments, angleis between 135 and 165 degrees, and more specifically between 140 and 160 degrees, and more specifically between 145 and 155 degrees, and more specifically 150 degrees. In various embodiments, angleis at least 135 degrees, and more particularly is at least 140 degrees, and more particularly is at least 145 degrees, and more particularly is at least 150 degrees.

Referring to, containerincludes protrusion. Protrusionis substantially the same as protrusionor protrusionexcept for the differences discussed herein. In particular, protrusionis larger than protrusion. As a result, protrusionbiases bodyof closureto define anglewith respect to horizontal plane H, which is greater than angle.

In various embodiments, angleis between 150 and 180 degrees, and more specifically between 155 and 175 degrees, and more specifically between 160 and 170 degrees, and more specifically 165 degrees. In various embodiments, angleis at least 150 degrees, and more particularly is at least 155 degrees, and more particularly is at least 160 degrees, and more particularly is at least 165 degrees.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.