WO1995032126A1

WO1995032126A1 - Non-round powdered product canister

Info

Publication number: WO1995032126A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/014058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marshall R. Boys; Thomas J. Cooke; Ronald D. Robertson
Original assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
Priority date: 1994-05-20
Filing date: 1994-12-07
Publication date: 1995-11-30
Also published as: AU1336795A

Abstract

A rectangular canister (10) comprises side walls (16, 18), a bottom wall and a fitment (20). The fitment (20) is secured to the upper edge of the container (10), and has a general U-shaped configuration opening downward to receive the upper edge. A tamper-indicating/seal membrane (44) may be releasably secured to the upper edge of the fitment to retain the product within the canister prior to initial use. A removable lid (38) may be provided for closing the canister after initial use. The fitment (20) includes a reinforcement bar (34) extending perpendicular to the long axis of the rectangular cross section of the canister, and serves to prevent bowing of the sidewalls of the canister. The reinforcement bar (34) permits the user to level a measuring spoon of the powdered product thereagainst.

Description

NON-ROUND POWDERED PRODUCT CANISTER

Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to containers for powdered material. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved fitment, seal, and lid arrangement for such non-round containers.

Background Art

It has long been known to provide containers which do not have a round configuration. In other words, the top and bottom of such containers are non-circular, and take the general form of a square, rectangle, etc. An example of this would be a cracker tin.

In recent years it has been common to form such containers out of less expensive materials, such as paper. Examples of these are boxes for ready-to-eat cereals, and similar boxes for flour, powdered instant pancake mix, etc. While these paperboard boxes are inexpensive to produce, they do have several drawbacks.

First, it has been difficult to reclose such containers after they have been initially opened. This can result in contamination of the product within the container. Second, the rectangular cross-section (in a horizontal plane) of these boxes results in a relatively long expanse of unsup¬ ported paperboard along the long face of the container. The flexible nature of the paperboard used to form the container often results in these long container walls bowing inward or outward due to pressure applied by the hand of the user, or the weight of the product, respectively. This bowing makes the container more difficult to handle and to close. Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a canister for powdered materials having low cost but high structural strength.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a canister having a square or rectangular configuration, which is protected against bowing of the canister sidewalls.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a canister which may be easily opened and effectively resealed.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide such a canister which allows the product to be readily poured from the canister or spooned from the canister.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a canister which readily allows the user to level a spoonful of the powdered material for accurate measurement.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fitment which may be secured to a canister sidewall to provide the above objects.

Yet another object is to provide such a fitment which may be stacked in a nesting relationship with other like fitments for easy storage.

These and other objects are achieved by a non-round powdered product canister. The canister includes a bottom having a non-circular configuration. This configuration may vary between a square, rectangular, or other shapes, although rectangular is preferred. At least one sidewall extends upward from the outer periphery of this bottom, with the sidewall ending at an upper edge. A fitment is secured to the upper edge of the sidewall. The fitment has a general U-shaped configuration opening downward to receive the upper edge of the sidewall between the free legs of this U-shape. The fitment may be adhesively secured to the sidewall. A tamper-indicating/seal membrane may be releasibly secured to the upper edge of the fitment to retain the product within the canister prior to initial use. A removable lid corre¬ sponding in shape to the fitment and having a depending skirt for attachment to the fitment may be provided for closing the canister after initial use. The fitment includes a reinforcement bar extending across the opening to the canister. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforce¬ ment bar will extend perpendicular to the long axis of the rectangular cross-section of the canister, and serves to prevent bowing of the sidewalls of the canister. Addition- ally, the reinforcement bar may act as a leveling member, permitting the user to level a measuring spoon full of the powdered product within the canister. Furthermore, the reinforcing bar may act as a sealing point for the membrane, such that the opening defined by the fitment remains partially sealed by the membrane even after initial use. An interior leg of the U-shaped cross-section of the fitment may be elongated, such that the fitment extends within the interior of the canister a greater distance than along the exterior. A plurality of stacking abutments may be formed along the inner peripheral edge of this leg of the fitment, with the stacking abutments permitting the unassembled fitments to be stacked in a nesting relationship prior to assembly to the canister sidewalls.

Brief Description of Drawings

The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a canister according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view in partial cross-section of the canister in Fig. 1 with the lid and membrane removed;

Fig. 3 is a top view in partial cross-section of a canister in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the canister in Fig. 1, along line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

With reference to Fig. 1, a canister according to the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The canister 10 includes a bottom 12 (Fig. 2) having a generally planar configuration. The bottom 12 has an outer periphery which is of a non-circular configuration. While various geometric forms such as squares and rectangles are envisioned, it is preferred that the bottom 12 have a rectangular periphery defining a long axis and a short axis.

The canister 10 further includes at least one sidewall 14 fixed to, and extending upwardly from, the outer periphery of the bottom 12. The sidewall 14 extends upward to an upper edge 16 which typically, though not necessarily, lies in a horizontal plane. The sidewall 14 and bottom 12 are shown in Fig. 2 to be formed of two separate pieces of paperboard. While this is the preferred arrangement, other well known configurations are possible for use in the present invention, such as forming the bottom and sidewall from a single blank. As may be envisioned, the bottom 12 and sidewall 14 together define a cavity 18 which will receive the powdered product to be held within the canister, and which is accessible through the opening defined by the upper edge 16.

A fitment 20 is secured to the upper edge 16. The fitment 20 includes a body having the general form of a closed geometric shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the upper edge 16, and thus typically corresponding to the peripheral shape of the bottom 12. As is best shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the closed geometric shape of the fitment 20 forms at least one open section 22 which will permit access to the cavity 18 when the fitment 20 is secured to the sidewall 14.

As is best shown in Fig. 4, the cross-sectional shape (in a vertical plane) of the fitment 20 is that of a downward opening U, with an outer free leg 24, an inner free leg 26, and a crossbar portion 28. As may be seen, the space between the inner and outer legs will receive the upper edge 16 of the sidewall 14.

The fitment 20 is preferably formed as a monolithic thermo¬ plastic element formed by injection molding. However, other materials could be employed, such as stamped metal. Similarly, the fitment 20 may be secured to the upper edge of the sidewall 14 in various ways. Where the fitment is formed of a ductile material such as stamped metal, one or both of the legs 24 or 26 may be crimped to secure the fitment by an interference fit. Where the fitment if formed of a thermoplastic material, it is preferred that the fitment be secured to the sidewall by a bead of adhesive 30 located intermediate one or both of the legs 24 and 26 and the sidewall 14. For improved canister appearance, it is preferred that the adhesive bead 30 be located intermediate the inner leg 26 and the sidewall. Where the bead 30 is in this location and the powdered material is a food product, the adhesive 30 will of course be a suitable food grade adhesive.

To further provide a secure attachment of the fitment to the sidewall, the fitment may include a plurality of peripheral- ly spaced locking lugs 32. The locking lugs are in the form of a rib secured to one of the inner or outer legs 24 or 26, and tapering towards the other of the legs 24 or 26 in the direction towards the crossbar portion 28. In the embodi¬ ment shown, the lug 32 is secured to the outer leg 24 and tapers towards the inner leg 26. As may be envisioned, the locking lugs 32 serve to provide a gradual reduction in the distance between the inner and outer legs in the direction of the crossbar portion 28. This serves to wedge the upper edge 16 of the sidewall between the free legs, thus account¬ ing for any variations in thickness of the sidewall 14 and helping to secure the fitment in position by the clamping of the sidewall between the lugs and the opposed free leg of the fitment.

As is shown in Figs. 1-3, the fitment 20 further includes a reinforcement bar 34. The reinforcement bar 34 transects the closed geometric figure formed by the fitment 20. In the preferred form of the fitment 20 as a rectangle, the reinforcement bar 34 will preferably extend perpendicular to the long axis, and thus perpendicular to and between the longest faces of the sidewall 14. Reinforcement bar 34 may be located at various positions along this long axis (i.e., the spacing from the short faces of the sidewall) and would typically be in a generally central location to provide the greatest reinforcement against buckling or bowing of the sidewalls to which it is perpendicular. In the most preferred form, the reinforcement bar may be located at a position offset from center, such that one open section 22 is larger than the remaining open section 22 (see Fig. 3) . This will allow one open section 22 to be used for pouring contents directly out of the canister 10 (for example, the left hand section 22 in Fig. 3) while the other open section is used as an opening for removing the contents from the canister by a spoon (for example, the right hand section in Fig. 3).

The reinforcement bar 34 preferably has a cross-sectional shape which will provide sufficient strength against buckling, yet uses the least amount of material. As is best shown in Fig. 2, the cross-sectional configuration of the reinforcement bar is preferably that of an apex opening downward, such that the top of the apex is generally in proximity to the crossbar portion 28 of the fitment.

As may be envisioned, the use of the reinforcement bar 34 will provide a significant increase in the strength of the fitment in the direction in which the reinforcement bar extends, which in the embodiment shown is perpendicular to the long axis of the rectangular canister. This will allow the fitment 20 to be formed of a material having much less strength than would be normally required, thus typically providing a cost savings. In the embodiment shown, when used with typical powdered material such as flour, instant pancake mix, pigment, etc., the reinforcement bar 34 will provide sufficient strength such that the long faces of the sidewall 14 will not bow inward or outward due to pressure exerted by the user's hand or the weight of the product, respectively.

While this reinforcing function is important, the reinforc¬ ing bar 34 may additionally be used for other purposes. One such additional purpose is a use as an abutment to level a measuring spoon. For example, if the user were to insert a measuring spoon into the right hand open section 22 in Fig. 3 and scoop material from the canister 10, the spoon could be drawn along the underside edge of the reinforcement bar 34 to remove excess material from the spoon, providing an accurate measurement. A further use for this reinforcement bar will be apparent from the discussion below.

The fitment 20 may be made further resistant to flexure by use of a peripheral web 35, shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The peripheral web will take the form of a substantially planar section extending peripherally inward to a free edge. As such, the open sections 22 will be defined by the peripher¬ ally interior edges of the peripheral webs 35. As with all sections of the fitment 20, it is preferred that the webs 35 be formed as a monolithic unit with the fitment.

As the open geometric shape of the fitment 20 provides free access to the cavity 18 of the canister, it is preferred that the canister 10 further include an arrangement to close and/or seal the cavity.

This may take the form of a removable lid 36 constructed and arranged to be secured to the fitment 20. In particular, the lid 36 includes a generally planar central section 38 having an outer periphery corresponding to that of the fitment 20. A skirt 40 depends downward from the outer periphery of the central section 38, such that it closely surrounds the outer leg 24 of the fitment 20. The skirt 40 will additionally include a peripherally inwardly extending flange 42, which is adapted to extend below the free end of the outer leg 24. In this manner, the flange 42 will resist upward movement of the lid 36 for removal, yet elastic deformation of the skirt 40 will permit the lid to be removed and replaced.

To provide further security, the sealing arrangement for the canister 10 may further include a membrane 44. The membrane 44 is preferably formed of a flexible material such as a foil, paper, plastic, or laminate thereof. The membrane 44 will have a size and peripheral configuration similar to that of the fitment 20 such that the membrane 44 may be secured to the fitment 20 at the crossbar portion 28 and/or the outer leg 24, as best shown in Fig. 4. The membrane 44 may be secured by various arrangements, such as adhesives, ultrasonic or thermal bonding, or cold pressure bonding. It is preferred that the membrane 44 be secured to the fitment 20 in such a manner that it additionally serves as a tamper- indicating mechanism, providing the user with an assurance of the quality of the contents of the canister. In use, the user would initially remove the lid 36 by application of manual pressure to the skirt 40, in a known manner. Thereafter, the user may remove the membrane 44 to provide final access to the contents of the canister. This removal of the membrane may be affected by the user manually grasping and pulling a free edge of the membrane, or by cutting the membrane adjacent the inner leg 26 of the fitment.

While the user may remove substantially the entire membrane 44, the present invention also envisions the membrane 44 being partially removed. In particular, the user may remove a portion of the membrane corresponding to the closed geometric shape defined by the reinforcement bar 34 and the crossbar portion 28 which overlies only one of the open sections 22. For example, with reference to Fig. 3, the user could remove the portion of the membrane 44 which extends to the right of the apex of the reinforcement bar 34. This would provide access to the right hand open section 22, but would leave the left-hand section 22 covered by the membrane 44. In a similar manner, the left hand open section could be uncovered while the right hand open section remains covered. This partial uncovering of the open sections will of course reduce the possibility of accidental spillage, and contamination of the material within the canister, and will increase the ease of use for certain applications.

Where this partial uncovering of the open sections 22 is used, the reinforcement bar 34 may find another of its multiple uses. For example, the reinforcement bar 34 may include indicia upon its upper or outer face directing the user in the steps for such a partial uncovering. Alterna¬ tively or additionally, such operational indicia may be provided on other portions of the canister, such as the sidewall 14. As a further possible use for the reinforcement bar, the membrane 44 may be secured to the reinforcement bar to more securely seal the open section which is to remain covered. This sealing of the membrane to the reinforcement bar may be performed at the same time and in the same manner as the sealing of the membrane to the crossbar portion 28 and/or outer leg 24 of the fitment. Alternatively, the membrane 44 and/or reinforcement bar 34 may be provided with an adhesive (not shown) such that a free edge of the membrane 44 (formed by its partial removal) may be secured to the reinforcement bar 34 after the partial removal of the membrane has begun. Such an adhesive secure ent would preferably be achieved by use of a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive, with the adhesive preferably being protected by a removable release liner prior to its use.

As can be seen from the above description, the fitment 20 with its reinforcement bar 34 provides an inexpensive and effective mechanism for reinforcing the upper edge of a canister sidewall. Additionally, the fitment 20 provides a good edge for removable attachment of a lid having a depending skirt as described above. Furthermore, the fitment 20 according to the present invention is easily applied with minimal steps.

To further ease application of the fitment 20 to the sidewall 14, it is preferred that the fitment 20 be formed in such a manner that a plurality of the fitments 20 may be stacked in a nested relationship prior to assembly.

To this end, the inner leg 26 of the fitment is preferably formed with a length greater than that of the outer leg 24. Additionally, the portion of the inner leg which extends below the outer leg, designated by reference numeral 46, preferably has a reduced peripheral length (i.e., is offset peripherally inward) compared to the inner leg 26. This inward offset is sufficient such that the outer face of the portion 46 will fit snugly within the inner face of the inner leg 26 adjacent the crossbar portion 28. As such, the portion 46 of an upper fitment 22 may fit into an adjacent fitment 20 stacked below it in a nested relationship.

As may be envisioned, when an upper fitment 20 is placed upon a lower fitment 20 in the nested relationship, downward movement of the upper fitment 20 will be halted by abutment of a transition area 48 (between the reduced peripheral length portion 46 and the normal peripheral length portion of the leg 26) against the interior corner of the lower fitment, with this interior corner being formed by the intersection of the inner leg 26 and crossbar portion 28. This arrangement may be suitable for certain applications. However, the transition 48 may tend to become wedged against the inner edge of the lower fitment.

To prevent this, a plurality of nesting lugs 50 may be formed upon the inner leg 26. Each of the nesting lugs 50 will have an upper face spaced from the upper edge of the crossbar portion 28. This upper edge will serve as an abutment for the lower edge of the portion 46 of an adjacent upper fitment. The position of the nesting lugs is deter¬ mined such that the abutment between the lug and the portion 46 of an adjacent fitment will occur before the transition 48 has been wedged between these two fitments. In this manner, the nesting relationship of the fitments may be achieved, yet the fitments are readily removed from this nesting relationship. As may be envisioned, this nesting relationship permits the fitments 20 to be easily integrated into an automated assembly apparatus, with the use of the nesting lugs ensuring that the assembly apparatus will be able to smoothly remove fitments from the nested stack.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A canister for powdered products, comprising: a bottom having a rectangular periphery, thus defining a long axis and a short axis; at least one sidewall extend¬ ing upwardly from said periphery of said bottom and having an rectangular upper edge, said bottom and said at least one sidewall together defining a cavity to receive the powdered product; a fitment having a shape corresponding to, and secured to, said upper edge, said fitment having a closed geometric shape permitting access to said cavity, said fitment including a reinforcing bar transecting said closed geometric shape in a direction substantially per¬ pendicular to said long axis of said rectangular bottom.

2. A canister as in Claim 1, wherein said fitment and said reinforcing bar are a monolithic unit.

3. A canister as in Claim 1, wherein said fitment has a cross-sectional configuration, in a vertical plane, of a downward opening U having inner and outer free legs con¬ nected to a crossbar member, and wherein said upper edge of said sidewall is received between said free legs.

4. A canister as in Claim 3, wherein said fitment is adhesively secured to said sidewall.

5. A canister as in Claim 3, further including a flexi¬ ble membrane secured to said fitment across said closed geometric shape to thereby close said cavity, and further including means for securing said membrane to said rein¬ forcement bar.

6. A canister as in Claim 3, wherein said inner free leg is longer than said outer free leg, and wherein a lower portion of said inner free leg is offset peripherally inward, such that said lower portio could have been re- ceived within an adjacent substantially identical one of said fitments.

7. A fitment for attachment to a rectangular upper edge of a sidewall of a rectangular-bottom canister for pow¬ dered products, comprising: a body having a shape corre¬ sponding to the upper edge, said body having a closed geometric shape, said fitment including a reinforcing bar transecting said closed geometric shape in a direction substantially perpendicular to a long axis of the rectan¬ gular bottom.

8. A fitment as in Claim 7, wherein said body and said reinforcing bar are a monolithic unit.

9. A fitment as in Claim 7, wherein said body has a cross-sectional configuration, in a vertical plane, of a downward opening U having inner and outer free legs con¬ nected to a crossbar member, and wherein the upper edge of the sidewall may be received between said free legs.

10. A canister as in Claim 9, wherein said inner free leg is longer than said outer free leg, and wherein a lower portion of said inner free leg is offset peripherally inward, such that said lower portion may be received within an adjacent substantially identical one of said fitments.

11. A fitment as in Claim 10, wherein said body further includes a plurality of nesting lugs located on said inner leg and extending peripherally inward to define an abut¬ ment upon which said inner leg of an adjacent one of said fitments may be supported in nesting relation.

12. A fitment as in Claim 11, wherein said body and said reinforcing bar are a monolithic unit.