WO2012107790A1 - Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables - Google Patents

Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012107790A1
WO2012107790A1 PCT/IB2011/000445 IB2011000445W WO2012107790A1 WO 2012107790 A1 WO2012107790 A1 WO 2012107790A1 IB 2011000445 W IB2011000445 W IB 2011000445W WO 2012107790 A1 WO2012107790 A1 WO 2012107790A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lid
container
magnet
relative movement
interlock piece
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2011/000445
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Louis Hajichristou
Christiana Hajichristou
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MTH MAGLID TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING Ltd
Original Assignee
MTH MAGLID TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MTH MAGLID TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING Ltd filed Critical MTH MAGLID TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING Ltd
Priority to PCT/IB2011/000445 priority Critical patent/WO2012107790A1/fr
Publication of WO2012107790A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012107790A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0225—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
    • B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
    • B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
    • B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
    • B65D50/06—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of different actions in succession
    • B65D50/061—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of different actions in succession being disengageable from container only after rotational alignment of closure, or other means inhibiting removal of closure, with container, e.g. tortuous path type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2313/00—Connecting or fastening means
    • B65D2313/04—Connecting or fastening means of magnetic type

Definitions

  • the disclosed subject matter is in the field of the mechanical arts, and more particularly concerns self-actuating closure mechanisms for articles having components that are mutually closable, more particularly including self-actuating closure mechanisms that may be rotationally engaged, including without limitation embodiments in the form of lidded containers with self-closing mechanisms that operate to
  • An example of an article having closable components that may be rotationally engaged is ajar with a threaded lid. Common kitchen jars are often dropped and broken because the lid has not been properly threaded by the previous user.
  • a prior solution to this problem is to provide containers with a lid having a press-shut clip closure.
  • press fit clip lids are only viable for light weight containers and contents. They must be actively pressed shut. Also, most clip lids do not provide an adequate seal.
  • the disclosed subject matter includes a container assembly comprising a body having a bottom and at least one sidewall extending generally upwardly and a body interlock piece.
  • a lid is included which has an lid interlock piece and configured to releasably engage the body.
  • At least a first magnet is coupled to the body and a at least a second magnet is coupled to the lid.
  • the first and second magnet configured to generate a first relative movement of the body and lid in a first direction when the first and second magnet are in a first orientation, wherein the first relative movement operatively engages the lid interlock piece with the body interlock piece.
  • the first relative movement of the body and lid generate a second relative movement of the body and lid in a second direction.
  • the relative movement in the first direction can be generally rotational movement or generally linear movement.
  • the relative movement in the second direction is generally orthogonal to the relative movement in the first direction.
  • the second relative movement displaces the lid generally downward with respect to the body.
  • the body interlock piece can be configured with a top and bottom portion, the bottom portion having width greater than the top portion.
  • a container assembly comprises a body, with the body including a bottom and at least one sidewall extending generally upwardly.
  • a lid is included and configured to matingly engage the body.
  • At least a first magnet is coupled to the body and at least a second magnet is coupled to the lid.
  • the first and second magnet are configured to generate a repelling force when the lid is in a first orientation with respect to the body, wherein the repelling force is greater than the weight of the lid.
  • the lid includes a lid interlock piece, with the lid interlock piece slidingly received in a guide portion of the body.
  • the guide portion extends a distance along a periphery of the body and the lid interlock piece matingly engages the guide portion at a first location of the body.
  • the lid interlock piece disengages the guide portion at a second location of the body.
  • the first and second magnet are configured to generate a first relative movement of the body and lid in a first direction at the first location of the body, with the lid interlock piece matingly engaged with the body interlock piece through at least a portion of the first relative movement.
  • the first and second magnet are configured to generate a second relative movement of the body and lid in a second direction at the second location of the body.
  • the relative movement in the first direction is generally rotational movement, or generally linear movement.
  • the second relative movement displaces the lid generally upward with respect to the body.
  • a container assembly comprises a body including a bottom and at least one sidewall extending generally upwardly.
  • a guide portion extends along at least a portion of a periphery of the body and includes at least a first and second path, wherein at least one of the first and second paths include at least one obstruction.
  • a lid is included with a lid interlock piece and configured to releasably engage the guide portion. The lid interlock is received in a first path of the guide portion during closure of the container and the lid interlock received in a second path of the guide portion during opening of the container. At least a first magnet is coupled to the body and at least a second magnet is coupled to the lid.
  • the first and second magnet are configured to generate a first relative movement of the body and lid in a first direction when the first and second magnet are in a first orientation, and the first and second magnet generate a second relative movement of the body and lid in a second direction when the first and second magnet are in a second orientation.
  • the first and second paths are discontinuous or non-linear.
  • the guide portion includes a plurality of second paths. The relative movement in the first direction is generally rotational movement and the second relative movement displaces the lid generally upward with respect to the body.
  • FIGS. 1A-1J show various views of an illustrative container in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
  • FIG. 1 A is a perspective partially transparent view of the container illustrated throughout the various other views of FIGS. 1A-1J.
  • FIG. IB is a partially transparent side view of the container of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 1C is a partially transparent top view of the container of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. ID is a larger partially transparent side view of the container of FIG.
  • FIG. IE is a detailed view of area IE of FIG. ID.
  • FIG. IF is a partially transparent side view of the container of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 1G is a top view of the container of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 1H is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 1A as taken along lines 1H-1H in FIG. [0023]
  • FIG. II is a detailed view of area II of FIG. 1H.
  • FIG. 1J is a partially transparent cross-sectional view of the container of
  • FIG. 1A as taken along lines 1J-1J in FIG . 1G.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded parts view of the container of FIG. 1A, in a partially transparent perspective view.
  • FIGS. 3A-3D show another illustrative container in accordance with an alternate embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 shows another illustrative container in accordance with an alternate embodiment employing eight mutually attractive magnet pairs.
  • FIGS. 5A-B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting an alternative lid and body configuration.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a body depicting an alternative body interlock piece shape.
  • FIG. 7A-B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting an rectangular lid and body configuration.
  • FIG. 8A-B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting an square lid and body configuration.
  • FIGS. 9A-B are side and perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting a guide channel.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting another guide channel configuration.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting another guide channel configuration having a plurality of pathways.
  • FIGS. 12A-B are perspective and detailed views of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed subject matter incorporating a locking mechanism.
  • FIGS. 14A-B are a perspective view and cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed subject matter depicting a moveable and lockable magnet member.
  • FIGS. 1A-1J An illustrative embodiment of the closure system and assembly having a rotationally engaged closure in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, is shown as article 1 in FIGS. 1A-1J.
  • the closure assembly comprises a body 2 (or interchangeably referred to as a base), and a lid 3.
  • axis will refer to the rotational axis defined when rotating lid 3 to engage/disengage with body 2.
  • xial will mean aligned with the axis, and "radial” and/or “circumferential” will refer to positions in planes perpendicular to the axis.
  • article 1 is configured as a container with a hollow interior, and is therefore sometimes also referred to as "container 1".
  • Lid 3 is shaped to be engageable with body 2, and rotatable when engaging therewith.
  • Outer lid lip 61 descends circumferentially downward from the top of lid 3 to form a cylindrical structure shaped and sized to drop down upon and receive the upper portion of body 2, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the body can be configured with a mouth or opening which is sized to receive the entirety of the lid such that the outer lid lip 6 lis circumscribed by the walls or mouth of the body, if so desired.
  • the lid 10 can be configured with a downward and outwardly extending outer lid lip or skirt member 161a, which is configured to engage a complementary shaped upper portion of the body 20. Further, and as shown in FIG. 5B, the lid 10 can be formed with an angled or diverging interior sidewall surface 161b.
  • the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B do not require an inner guide formed in the outer lid lip 161a, 161b for engaging the upper portion of the body 2. Instead, the surface contact between the outer lid lip 161a, 161b and the upper portion of the body 2 ensure proper registration of the lid and body and guide the lid into mating engagement with the body 2.
  • first interlock pieces shaped like first interlock piece 4, disposed on body 2.
  • first interlock piece 4 is generally in the shape of an inverted circle segment (with some flattening on the arced underside, near area 7, where it is near horizontal), fixedly secured and protruding radially from the upper outer circumference of body 2 (or otherwise having a radial extent relative to body 2) and oriented so that its generally flat upper surface 12 is tilted downward, in this embodiment from left to right when viewed from the side and from outside of container 1.
  • the three first interlock pieces in this embodiment comprise first interlock piece 4 and two other corresponding like pieces (visible but not separately referenced, in FIG. 1C), that are likewise fixedly disposed circumferentially around the upper outer circumference of body 2, at approximate 120 degree intervals.
  • second interlock piece 5 has a cylindrical pin shape, oriented radially with respect to the axis of lid 3, and protruding inward from the inner circumference of lid outer lip 61 (or otherwise having a radial extent relative to lid 3).
  • the three second interlock pieces in this embodiment comprise second interlock piece 5, and two other corresponding like pieces (visible but not separately referenced, in FIG. 2), likewise fixedly disposed circumferentially on the inner circumference of lid outer lip 61, at approximate 120 degree intervals.
  • this rotational engagement has a rotationally defined area of interlock engagement 6, adjacent to the above-mentioned generally flat, horizontal portion (in the area of 7) of the underside of first interlock piece 4, wherein, within the area of interlock engagement 6, an interlocking portion 8 of second interlock piece 5 is disposed against an interlocking portion 7 (of first interlock piece 4 (i.e., a portion within said generally flat, horizontal underside area of first interlock piece 4).
  • the lid and body interlock pieces 4, 5 can be fixedly coupled to lid and body members. Additionally, or alternatively, the lid and body interlock pieces can be moveably coupled to the lid and body.
  • the lid interlock piece 50 is initially disposed in a retracted position housed within the lid 10 until the lid is disposed in the closed configuration, i.e. rotated and compressed downwards, the lid interlock piece 50 is actuated to extend from a recess or housing within the lid 20 to engage the body interlock piece 40.
  • the lid interlock piece can be configured similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 which includes pins 605 disposed within a housing or recess 661 (note: only select pins are illustrated for sake of clarity, additional pins can be employed sa so desired.
  • the mutually attractive/repulsive elements are magnets, and preferably strong rare earth magnets.
  • the N/S polarity of the magnets is indicated by light/dark shading (which polarity is immaterial, so long as polarities are consistently treated).
  • magnets 9, 9', and 9" there are three magnets 9, 9', and 9" circumferentially disposed at approximate 120 degree intervals around lid 3.
  • Opposing magnets 10, 10', and 10" are circumferentially disposed at like intervals and radius on body 2.
  • Body 2 may also have additional magnets around its upper periphery, for example, magnets 21, 21' and 21", which are N/S-oriented in a direction opposite to the N/S orientation of the other body magnets 10, 10', and 10", so as to repel instead of attract magnets 9, 9', and 9"; such optional, oppositely oriented magnets will be discussed later in this disclosure.
  • the arrangement of magnets shown here may of course be reversed between the lid and the body. In the embodiment shown, paired magnets have been used. However, combinations of magnets and unmagnetized magnetic material may alternately be used in an equivalent manner as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • first and second interlocks 4 and 5 are also in an interlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, this occurs when all of 4, 5, 9, and 10 are approximately aligned, but it is not necessary that interlock pair 4 and 5 be vertically aligned with magnet pair 9 and 10.
  • ramp 11 there is preferably at least one ramp 11 forming the bottom of an inset running at least partially around the upper outer circumference of body 2.
  • the inner circumferential wall of the inset area above ramp 11 contains first interlock piece 4 as a radial protrusion into said inset.
  • Ramp 11 is inclined relative to the top of body 2 to slope in the direction of area of interlock engagement 6, and runs beneath first interlock piece 4 in said area of interlock engagement 6, with sufficient clearance to accommodate second interlock piece 5.
  • ramp 11 (and each of the other two corresponding ramps) comprises two sections, one on either side of first interlock piece 4, each section sloped symmetrically about first interlock piece 4, and running toward the underside and beneath first interlock piece 4.
  • These three ramps together define a generally scalloped inset of varying elevational depth around the upper periphery of body 2.
  • first interlock members 4, etc. protrude from the sides of body 2 into this scalloped inset, and the three areas of maximum ramp depth lie approximately beneath each of first interlock members 4 etc., providing clearance for second interlock piece 5 and its corresponding other two lid interlock pieces.
  • Ramp 11 is positioned on body 2 to receive second interlock piece 5 from above as lid 3 is drawn into compression with body 2 from a rotational position in which second interlock piece 5 is approaching a portion of ramp 11 from above ramp 11.
  • ramp 11 is preferred, in that it helps to engage the assistance of both gravity and magnetism in translating downward lid motion into rotation in the direction of locking, rather than relying exclusively on the magnets or other attractive/repulsive elements to induce such rotation.
  • threads can be provided on the downwardly extending lip of the lid and corresponding upper portion of the body to facilitate the closure of the container, if so desired.
  • the ramp and/or threads can be configured with a pitch such that the ratio of rotational movement of the lid compared to vertical displacement of the lid is 1 : 1 , or alternatively a variable pitch can be provided, as so desired.
  • the presence of the ramp provides a mechanical engagement of the lid and body that compliments and cooperates with the magnetic engagement of the lid and body to assist and ensure a complete closure and locking of the container assembly.
  • a self- actuating closure assembly wherein the lid is configured to automatically initiate closure of the assembly without any effort from a user and regardless of the lid's orientation with respect to the body.
  • a user can place or drop the lid 3 onto the bodv 2 wherein the lid magnets are positioned to repel the first set of bodv magnets which in turn causes the lid to rotate.
  • the lid magnets are brought into an attractive orientation with the second set of body magnets thereby generating an attractive force. Consequently, the lid continues to rotate until reaching the point of maximum magnetic attraction which coincides with a mechanical locking position.
  • interlock piece 4 is shaped as an inverted generally circle-segment-shaped piece with an underside flatted area
  • the second interlock piece 5 is shaped as a cylindrical pin which assists in a smooth closure of lid 3 onto body 2.
  • the respective shapes of upper surface 12 of first interlock piece 4 and lower surface 13 of second interlock piece 5 are such that, in those cases when surfaces 12 and 13 contact each other during closure of lid 3 against body 2, surfaces 12 and 13 slide against each other when further urged together and rotated with lid 2 and body 3 (respectively). Said sliding is in a direction corresponding to closer engagement of lid 2 and body 3.
  • Said shaping of surfaces 12 and 13 is further such that first interlock piece 4 and second interlock piece 5 slide off of each other at a further position of relative rotation and compression of lid 3 and body 2, above ramp 11 (and then second interlock piece 5 falls onto ramp 11 and proceeds into engagement as otherwise described herein with respect to ramp 11).
  • the body interlock piece 4 can be provided with a generally triangular shape in which the interlock piece extends a greater vertical distance than horizontal or circumferential distance. Additionally, the bottom portion of the interlock piece is wider than the top portion, as shown in FIG. 6. This is
  • lid interlock piece 5 allows the lid interlock piece 5 to move into a locked position irrespective of any pitch or angle of engagement of the lid with respect to the body.
  • one of the lid interlock pieces can be positioned under the body interlock piece 4, i.e. disposed in the locked position, while additional lid interlock pieces 4 are positioned above their respective body interlock pieces.
  • the magnets within the lid will repel or attract with the magnets in the body to urge the lid to rotate, which in turn will allow the out of position or raised lid interlocking pieces to rotate and drop down onto the ramp, if present, and rotate into a closed position underneath the body interlock pieces.
  • magnets 9, 9', and 9" will come very close to magnets 10, 10', and 10" at a closure position, but the opposing magnet surfaces preferably should not actually make physical contact. This small separation helps lid 3 maintain positive pressure against body 2 when container 1 is closed, and assists in sealing.
  • Body 2 may also have a central opening 32 therein defining an interior space or volume of body 2 (as would normally be the case where article 1 was, for example, a kitchen container having an interior for its contents).
  • lid 3 also has cylindrical inner lip 31 , preferably fluted to reduce friction, disposed on the bottom of lid 3 and shaped to fit closely within the peripheral wall of central opening 32 of body 2.
  • lid 3 When lid 3 is brought into proximity of body 2, cylindrical inner lip 31 engages the central opening 32 of body 2. Assuming lid 3 and body 2 are approximately upright, when lid 3 is let go of, it will tend to fall (primarily at first in most cases by gravity) toward body 2, preferably guided into a concentric position by cylindrical inner lip 31. As lid 3 gets close to body 2, magnets 9 and 10 (and their corresponding radial counterparts), and/or magnets 9 and 21 (and their corresponding radial counterparts) will get close enough to interact significantly. Magnets 9 and 10 mutually attract, whereas magnets 9 and 21 mutually repel. In either case, the attraction and/or repulsion serves to urge magnets 9 and 10 closer together, and interlock pieces 4 and 5 toward their locked position, and at the same time, draw lid 3 closer to body 2.
  • the container in this embodiment strongly and positively resists having the lid removed other than by a specific twisting and pulling disengagement motion that rotates second interlock piece 5 out from under and clear of first interlock piece 4 (i.e., against strong magnetic force tending to keen the interlock nieces aligned), and then nulls lid 3 away from body 2 (again, against magnetic force tending to pull the lid and body together).
  • a plain pulling force will not remove lid 2.
  • repulsive magnets 21, 21' and 22' are disposed at 120 degree intervals circumferentially around body 2, at equal distances centered between magnets 10, 10' and 10".
  • the body magnets are arranged in alternating polarity, to form a N-S-N-S-N-S pattern (in the case of three sets of magnets) around the upper circumference of the body.
  • the radial counterparts of ramp 11 intersect, i.e., have their highest points, 71, etc. in positions approximately aligned with magnets 21, 21', and 21", i.e., at positions where magnets 9, 9', and 9" will encounter approximately maximal repulsive force. This arrangement works especially well to provide a positive, automatic locking action without indefinite states, blockages, "hangs", or dead spots.
  • a seal may be provided between lid 3 and body 2.
  • a seal is in the form of O-ring 41, seated at the body of cylindrical inner lip 31 where it joins lid 3, and against chamfer 42 on body 2 when lid 3 is in closed position on body 2.
  • Flat sealing rings or discs could be used instead of an O- ring.
  • O-ring 41 is dimensioned and placed so that it is approximately optimally compressed for sealing when the assembly of container 1 is in a full locked position.
  • Body 2 may further comprise resilient pad 51 on the bottom of body 2.
  • This pad facilitates single-handed use of container 1.
  • the pad provides sufficient friction against a surface such as a table or counter to overcome the attractive force of the magnets when a user twists the lid, so that the user need not necessarily hold the body with the other hand.
  • lid magnets it is not necessary to use three lid magnets.
  • One or more lid magnets up to any arbitrary number, may be provided. In embodiments of this type, however, where repelling magnets are also used, there should preferably be twice the number of body magnets as there are lid magnets (or vice-versa), so they may be alternating in polarity and equally spaced, with corresponding interlock, and optionally ramp elements for each mutually attracting pair.
  • the illustrated embodiment with three lid magnets and six body magnets is currently preferred.
  • Ramp 11 and first and second interlock pieces 4 and 5 and the related structures could be interchanged and/or rearranged as between lid 3 and body 2 of container 1 for equivalent operation.
  • lid 3 could be adapted to fit within the central opening 32 of body 2, rather than to fit over the outside top of body 2.
  • Other variations of a similar nature will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • lid rod magnets 309 there are three lid rod magnets 309 radially oriented and positioned in the inner lip 361 of lid 303; body 302 has six sets of ramps 311 with interlock pieces 304 centered over the lowest points of ramps 311 and body magnet 310 radially oriented in the wall of body 302 under interlock piece 304.
  • magnets 309 and 310 engage (or repel, as may be the case in a variation of this embodiment) from the side, rather than from the top.
  • Rod magnets 309 do both the jobs of locking pins (5) and lid magnet (9) of the previously discussed embodiment, i.e. the 309 magnets engage with the body ramps 311 and once under the interlock piece 304 provide strong attraction to magnet 310, and thus provide a mechanical lock.
  • the incline of the upper surface of first interlock piece 4 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1J has an advantage over the corresponding interlock structure shown in FIG. 3 because it avoids a potential "dead spot" in self-closure that exists in the embodiment in the FIG. 3 embodiment when the lid 303 is initially placed so that rod magnet 309 is very close to exactly centered over the top of first interlock piece 304, which is approximately level at the topmost portion of its upper surface.
  • the unbroken and continuous incline of the top surface 12 of first interlock piece 4 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1J avoids this particular situation.
  • FIG. 4 shows another alternate embodiment having eight pairs of mutually attracting magnets, comprising four pairs 609, 610 in one N-S paired orientation, alternating around the circumference of lid 603 and body 602, with four pairs of magnets 622, 621 oriented in the opposite orientation.
  • the first four pairs 609, 610 are respectively centered over interlocks 604, 605 and the second four pairs 621, 622 are respectively centered over the top-most areas of ramps 611.
  • FIGS. 7A-8B depict alternative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter (i.e. a square FIGS. 7A-B and rectangular FIGS. 8A-B container assembly) in which the lid 3000 and body 2000are configured for relative linear movement to effect opening and closing of the container assembly.
  • the user releases the lid above the body and with the lid magnets disposed proximate the body magnets such that the magnetic interaction causes the lid to slide along the body while the ramp causes the lid to compress downwards on the body to bring the interlocking pieces into engagement upon closure of the container.
  • the user can lift the container assembly by a handle member provided on the lid, if so desired.
  • the maximum load capacity of the container that the handle can support is dependent on the mechanical stress limits of the interlock pieces 4,5.
  • a user pushes the lid to the left or right to overcome the magnetic attracting force of the magnets and displace the lid with respect to the body.
  • the body 2000 includes ramps on all four sides of the container.
  • the lid can be secured to the body through engagement of a first pair of opposing sides, or rotated ninety degrees and attached to the body via the other pair of opposing sides. While the lid depicted in these embodiments is capable of being completely detached from the body, other embodiments can include a retaining feature or end stop to prevent the lid from sliding off and being detached from the body, if so desired.
  • first and second interlock pieces 4 and 5 need not be aligned with magnets 9 and 10, but can be offset at any angle relative to the axis of a circular mechanism or relative to the length of a linear mechanism, so lone as positioned so that second interlock piece 5 comes into alignment with first interlock piece 4 when magnets 9 and 10 (or corresponding mutually attractive elements) are aligned, in which case the deepest point of ramp 11 (or corresponding element) would also be moved to align with the lock position defined by the first and second interlock pieces.
  • interlocking pieces 4 and 5 could be interchanged with other interlocking elements known to those of skill in the art, including without limitation hooks, latches, interlocking grooves and the like.
  • a self-actuated closure in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art in many respects. It only requires the placement and release of the lid (or other closing element) in order for it to automatically lock and seal. It does not require manual application of specific force to achieve a lock and seal, and can provide a positive and effective seal for a wide range of containers and contents. It can close automatically in a smooth and predictable manner, avoiding "blocked” or “hung” states in which closure stops short of full engagement. It can engage in a manner that provides strong, positive resistance to disengagement other than by means of a specific disengaging operation, and the disengaging operation involves different forces and movements than those resulting from routine storage and handling.
  • the closure mechanism is readily capable of incorporating a positive seal for solid, liquid and/or gaseous contents.
  • the lid 300 is provided with a weight which is less than the repelling or push force generated by the opposing magnets 900, 1000, 2100, when positioned in a repelling configuration.
  • the lid 300 has vertically oriented magnets 900 disposed in a downwardlv extending sidewall which overlies the sidewall of the body 200.
  • the body 200 includes corresponding magnets in a lip formed at the bottom of the body which are aligned with the magnets in the lid, when in the container assembly is in the closed position.
  • the ramp 110 can be configured as a guide channel or slot extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the body and configured to receive the lid interlocking piece 500 and guide the trajectory of the lid interlocking piece during relative movement between the lid an body.
  • the ramp 110 or guide channel includes a plurality of discontinuities or gaps that allow for the lid interlocking piece 500 to pass through for entry into and exit from the guide channel.
  • the lid interlocking piece 500 travels along the trajectory of the ramp and displaces the lid either upwardly or downwardly.
  • the lid interlocking piece 500 reaches the gap "A" in the ramp the lid magnets are in a repulsive relationship to the body magnets wherein the repulsive forces urge the lid upward such that the lid is unlocked and disengaged from the body.
  • the repulsive forces of the magnets can be selected such that the lid is lifted or buoyed above the body at the gap "A".
  • the lid interlock piece remains suspended above the entrance point of the guide channel when at position "A". This prevents the lid from snagging or being caught by the gap in the guide channel. Accordingly, the lid remains available for rotation by a user to bring the lid magnets into an attractive orientation with respect to the body magnets to thereby initiate the closing of the container assembly.
  • the magnitude of the repulsive force can be chosen such that during an opening procedure a tactile and/or auditory notification is provided to the user that the lid interlock piece has passed through the gap "A" to unlock and disengage the lid from the body.
  • the container assembly can be provided with a deliberate and distinct pathways or trajectories within the guide ramp or channel 110 for opening and closing of the container assembly.
  • the lid interlocking piece enters the ramp or guide channel at location "B".
  • the ramp or guide channel 110 prevents release of the lid until the lid interlock piece reaches a predetermined exit or release point "A".
  • the ramp or guide channel 110 can include a plurality of structural features which serve as an obstruction or interruption to the trajectory of the lid interlock piece 500 during the opening or closing of the container assembly.
  • the interruptions and obstructions require the lid interlock piece 500 to travel along a disjointed or non-linear path from the entry point to the exit point within the guide channel 110.
  • This embodiment serves as a child-proof container assembly in that the opening of the container assembly requires significant logic, dexterity or strength to overcome or navigate through the various pathways defined in the guide channel. This can be advantageous in applications of the container assembly in which pharmaceutical or other potentially hazardous materials are stored in the container.
  • the magnets can be arranged within the lid and body to provide a repulsive force during opening of the container to assist and facilitate lifting and release of the lid which can be particularly useful for the elderly or physically impaired.
  • the guide channel is configured without an angled or ramp-like shape to mechanically urge the lid interlock piece in a vertical direction. Consequently, when the lid is rotated to location "B" as shown in FIG. 11, thus bringing lid magnets 900 into alignment and point of maximum attraction with body magnets 1000, the lid will not lift upwardly via mechanical interaction of the lid and body to overcome the magnetic attractive force between the lid and body. Therefore, considerable force must be exerted by the user to overcome the magnetic attraction in order to remove the lid from the body when in this position.
  • the body interlock piece 400 would serve to inhibit or prohibit the passage of the lid interlock piece 500 and thus inhibit or prevent release of the lid from the body.
  • an additional structure (not shown) can serve as a gate which allows the lid interlock piece to pass downwardly into the guide channel at location B, but prevents the lid interlock piece from exiting the guide channel at location B. Therefore, a user must rotate the lid to bring the lid interlock piece to an available exit pathway, e.g., at location D, as discussed in further detail below.
  • the arrangement of the magnets coupled to the lid and body can be configured such that the location of the exit point, or pathway, in the guide channel 110 determines whether there is attractive, repulsive, or negligible magnetic force acting on the lid.
  • the magnets are attractive when the lid magnets 900 are aligned with the body magnets 1000 to urge the lid downward and along the sloped surface of guide channel 110a at location "B" in FIG. 11.
  • the lid is rotated to bring the lid interlock piece 500 to the start of exit path "D", which coincides with the magnets providing a repulsive force.
  • the repulsive magnetic force urges the lid upwards causing the lid interlock piece to enter the exit path of the guide channel.
  • the lid interlock piece 500 encounters a structural obstruction "C" (best shown in FIG. 12B) which interrupts the vertical trajectory of the lid interlock piece 500, thereby requiring the user to apply a rotation force in order to rotate the lid to bypass the obstruction "C".
  • the repulsive magnetic force urging the lid upward and into the obstruction "C”
  • the user must couple the applied rotational force with a slight downward force to compensate or negate the magnetic force and allow for the lid interlock piece 500 to divert around the obstruction "C".
  • the exit pathway is defined by the guide member 110a, 110c such that the user must rotate the lid counterclockwise to pass beneath portion 110c, once the lid interlock piece advances beyond 100c the repulsive magnetic force urges the lid interlock piece 500 upwardly and above portion 100c. Thereafter, the user rotates the lid clockwise to bring the lid interlock piece 500 to exit location "A" wherein the repulsive magnetic force urges the lid upwards to open the container assembly.
  • the guide channel 110 can be configured with additional or alternative pathways, as so desired.
  • a lever or locking member can be included in the container assembly, as shown in FIG. 13.
  • the locking member can be provided with an additional magnet such that the lever 45 is actuated upon rotation of the lid.
  • the lever can be fixedly mounted at one end to either the lid or the body, with the opposite end of the lever housing a magnet and configured to releaseably engage the container assembly.
  • the lever is hingedly attached to the lid at 45 a to allow the lever to pivot outwardly.
  • a magnet is disposed within the lever at end 45b with a north pole disposed for attraction to the body magnet 10 when in a locked position.
  • the body 2 can include a recess 25 for receiving the lever 45b, which can include a male and female union to enhance the strength of the lock.
  • the lid magnets 9 are aligned with the body magnets 10 to compress the lid onto the body via magnetic and mechanical interaction, as described in further detail above.
  • the lever magnet 45b is attracted towards body magnet 10 to actuate the lever to collapse down and lock the container assembly in the closed position.
  • the lid magnets 9 and body magnets 10 are moved out of alignment and into a repulsive orientation, thereby forcing the lid upwards (for embodiments which include the ramp feature 11 described above).
  • the magnet 45b disposed in the lever is brought into a repulsive arrangement with the body magnet 10 to cause the lever to actuate upwardly, thereby unlocking the container assembly.
  • an alternative locking mechanism can be incorporated into the closure assembly.
  • a moveable magnet 109 disposed within the body 2 can serve as a locking means.
  • the ring magnet 99 disposed within the lid is brought into alignment with the moveable magnet 109 disposed within the body, thereby generating a magnetic attraction which causes the moveable magnet to advance upwardly and extend into a recess within the lid.
  • the moveable magnet 109 serves as a locking pin to prevent relative movement of the lid and body.
  • a release pin 119 can be slidably retained within the ring magnet 99 disposed in the lid. Once the moveable magnet 109 advances upward and contacts the ring magnet 99, the release pin 119 can be advanced upward through an aperture in the ring magnet to extend above the upper surface of the lid and thereby provide a visual confirmation that the container is in a locked configuration, as shown in FIG 14B. Furthermore, a user can depress the release pin 199 to mechanically urge the moveable magnet 109 downward a distance sufficient to clear the plane of the body, thus allowing rotation of the lid in order to open the container assembly.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

Ensemble contenant comprenant un corps (2) et un couvercle verrouillable à auto-actionnement (3).Le corps comporte un fond et au moins une paroi orientée généralement vers le haut et comprenant au moins une pièce de verrouillage (4). Le couvercle comprend une pièce de verrouillage conçue s'engager de façon libérable dans la pièce d'engagement du corps. Un premier aimant (10) est couplé au corps et un second aimant (9) au couvercle. Le premier et le second aimant génèrent magnétiquement un premier mouvement relatif du corps et du couvercle dans une première direction lorsque les premier et second aimants se trouvent dans une première orientation, le premier mouvement relatif faisant s'engager l'une dans l'autre la pièce de verrouillage du couvercle et la pièce de verrouillage du corps. De plus, l'engagement l'une dans l'autre des pièces de verrouillage du couvercle et du de corps pendant le premier mouvement relatif le corps et le boîtier engendre mécaniquement un second mouvement relatif du corps et du couvercle dans une seconde direction.
PCT/IB2011/000445 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables Ceased WO2012107790A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2011/000445 WO2012107790A1 (fr) 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2011/000445 WO2012107790A1 (fr) 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012107790A1 true WO2012107790A1 (fr) 2012-08-16

Family

ID=44625889

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2011/000445 Ceased WO2012107790A1 (fr) 2011-02-11 2011-02-11 Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012107790A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014079461A1 (fr) * 2012-11-21 2014-05-30 Medcomb Holding Aps Emballage médical à l'épreuve des enfants
FR3051639A1 (fr) * 2016-05-26 2017-12-01 Albea Services Dispositif de distribution d'un liquide, notamment cosmetique
CN109219855A (zh) * 2016-06-06 2019-01-15 Iot器械公司 一种管理使用者的药品的方法
US20220297897A1 (en) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 Patrick Kealy Magnetically re-sealable food storage container
JP2024018674A (ja) * 2022-07-29 2024-02-08 株式会社吉野工業所 蓋付き容器
JP2024034435A (ja) * 2022-08-31 2024-03-13 株式会社吉野工業所 蓋付き容器
WO2024050281A3 (fr) * 2022-08-30 2024-04-11 Runway Blue, Llc Récipient à boire avec mécanisme de fermeture magnétique et mécanisme de fermeture à verrouillage
US12589919B2 (en) 2023-06-07 2026-03-31 Yeti Coolers, Llc Lid assembly for beverage container

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010018431A1 (fr) * 2008-08-11 2010-02-18 Louis Hajichristou Mécanismes de fermeture à activation automatique pour articles fermables

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010018431A1 (fr) * 2008-08-11 2010-02-18 Louis Hajichristou Mécanismes de fermeture à activation automatique pour articles fermables

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014079461A1 (fr) * 2012-11-21 2014-05-30 Medcomb Holding Aps Emballage médical à l'épreuve des enfants
US10017303B2 (en) 2012-11-21 2018-07-10 Medcomb Holding Aps Child resistant medical package
FR3051639A1 (fr) * 2016-05-26 2017-12-01 Albea Services Dispositif de distribution d'un liquide, notamment cosmetique
CN109219855A (zh) * 2016-06-06 2019-01-15 Iot器械公司 一种管理使用者的药品的方法
US20220297897A1 (en) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 Patrick Kealy Magnetically re-sealable food storage container
JP2024018674A (ja) * 2022-07-29 2024-02-08 株式会社吉野工業所 蓋付き容器
JP7822889B2 (ja) 2022-07-29 2026-03-03 株式会社吉野工業所 蓋付き容器
WO2024050281A3 (fr) * 2022-08-30 2024-04-11 Runway Blue, Llc Récipient à boire avec mécanisme de fermeture magnétique et mécanisme de fermeture à verrouillage
JP2024034435A (ja) * 2022-08-31 2024-03-13 株式会社吉野工業所 蓋付き容器
JP7805897B2 (ja) 2022-08-31 2026-01-26 株式会社吉野工業所 蓋付き容器
US12589919B2 (en) 2023-06-07 2026-03-31 Yeti Coolers, Llc Lid assembly for beverage container

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8636167B2 (en) Self-actuating closure mechanisms for closeable articles
US8317048B2 (en) Self-actuating closure mechanisms for closable articles
WO2012107790A1 (fr) Mécanismes de fermeture à auto-actionnement pour articles fermables
JP2012508672A5 (fr)
EP3537936B1 (fr) Récipient à fermeture de couvercle automatique
US8919593B2 (en) Lid and resiliently biased closure slider
US20240067417A1 (en) Drinking vessel with magnetic closure mechanism and latching closure mechanism
US20220024655A1 (en) Fluid vessel closure device
EP1560769B1 (fr) Verrouillage pour une fermeture sur un récipient et récipient correspondant
EA015789B1 (ru) Запирающее устройство для крана, недоступное для открывания детьми
TWI501902B (zh) 用於可封閉物體之自行致動封閉機構
WO2019242602A1 (fr) Ensemble de verrouillage pour verrouiller de manière libérable un couvercle sur un récipient

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11715030

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11715030

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1