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Container end-closure interlocks

Container end-closure interlocks description/claims

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1. Field Of The Invention (Technical Field)

This invention relates to a container design, and more specifically to container end closures.

2. Background Art

Containers equipped with “end closures” (or end closure containers) can be used to store materials in a variety of forms, but have historically been used on metallic containers to contain liquids such as soft drinks and other consumable liquids. These containers are generally comprised of materials such as aluminum and are interconnected to a beverage single “end closure” after being filled. The end closure is typically sealingly interconnected to an upper end of the beverage container by “double seaming” or other manners well known in the art. For these types of containers, the container is opened for consumption using an “ecology tab,” or “stay-on tab” which is typically interconnected to the end. This stay-on tab allows the consumer to open the top end of the container to facilitate dispensing of the container contents.

Container opening devices, including frangible seals and pull tabs are generally known in the art. Known pull tabs and frangible seals typically remain attached to the container after opening. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,412,526 and 6,415,940, describe known divided containers. More recently, manufacturers have started using Large Opening End closures (LOEs), which increase the surface area of the tear panel for enhanced flow capability. This LOE has allowed for easier use after opening the container.

Product manufacturers have historically utilized end closure containers to dispense the contents of a single container. As such, manufacturers have only needed to employ a container design that incorporates a single end closure. The contents of these containers have always been at the discretion of the manufacturer, and the product options available to the consumer when purchasing a single container have always been limited to those provided by the manufacturer. Due to the limitations of existing container designs, consumers cannot currently create their own mixture without first dispensing the products from their original containers. As such, creating a mixture from two or more containers requires the use of additional equipment (secondary containers, mixers, etc.), a stable work surface, and a steady hand. This task is difficult when it is performed while in transit or when there is limited time or space. Such are the constraints often posed when performing everyday tasks such as driving a car, biking, walking, etc. Therefore, there is a need for a new container design that allows the consumer to easily and efficiently create a mixed product without additional equipment and while on-the-go.

Thus, there is an industry need for a container design that will facilitate the interconnection of two or more containers without spillage or leakage, for the purpose of holding, mixing, and dispensing the container contents. These new end closures preferably have ease of use, preferably function for single and multiple interconnected containers, and preferably have the capability to be constructed of disposable or recyclable materials, as required. As described herein, the following invention addresses the aforementioned problems and design as described above.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a mixing apparatus that includes first and second containers having first and second ends, an engagement interface formable between a first and second end of the containers where the first and second containers are openable by a rotational force at the engagement interface. The mixing apparatus may include a locking mechanism, where the containers are locked by counter-rotation of the first and second containers. The mixing apparatus can also include an alignment mechanism. The engagement interface can include a seal, at least one tab, at least one hook, at least one catch, at least one scored panel, and at least one fastener.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an openable container which includes an opening mechanism, the container openable from a rotational force applied to the mechanism and the container openable from a cantilever force. The opening mechanism may also have a tab, at least partially movable opening cover with a recess disposed in the cover, a hinge and/or a stop. The opening mechanism may further include a first tab comprising a first hook that is engagable with a first scored panel, the tab attached to the opening mechanism with a fastener, a locking mechanism, a seal, an aligning mechanism where the aligning mechanism has an alignment key, at least one slot and at least one band that aligns with the slot, a second tab and a ridge disposed at least partially around the perimeter of the first scored panel and second scored panel.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for mixing two or more substances by providing two or more containers, the containers having first and second ends, engaging at least two of the containers at an interface, the interface formed from at least a first end of one of the containers and a second end of another of the containers, opening the engaged containers at or near the interface by the application of a counter-rotational force between the containers and mixing at least a portion of the contents of the engaged containers. The method for mixing also optionally includes forming an at least substantially water-tight seal between the engaged containers and/or locking the engaged containers together with a locking mechanism. There may also be an aligning mechanism for engaging the at least two containers.

An embodiment of the present invention is the integration of two end closure interlock assemblies into one container—one interlock assembly located on the top end of the container, and the other located on the bottom end of the container. These interlocks are used to align and/or seal two stacked containers, and to create a fully contained opening between the containers to promote mixing of the container contents. As such, one aspect of the present invention preferably provides a container top interlock assembly that incorporates a stay-on tab; this interlock assembly can be used either for opening a single container, or for engaging the bottom interlock assembly on an adjacently stacked container. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a bottom interlock assembly that can be engaged by the top interlock assembly of an adjacent, stacked container. It is yet another aspect of the present invention to create these interlocks such that the end closures do not prematurely leak or rupture when not engaged.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention preferably include:

a. Providing a top interlock assembly (TIA) on the top end closure, and a bottom interlock assembly (BIA) on a new bottom end closure which are integrated into a single container such that they facilitate contained mixing of the contents of two or more stacked containers;

b. Providing a stay-on tab on the container's top end closure to facilitate opening of a container in the traditional manner;

c. Providing an alignment key on the said TIA and an alignment key receiver on the said BIA to ensure proper alignment of two containers, and to ensure that the container openings remain aligned (one on top of the other) at the completion of the coupling process;

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• Utility Patent

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