CA2231413A1

CA2231413A1 - Closure

Info

Publication number: CA2231413A1
Application number: CA 2231413
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jesse P. Carlson; Milton R. Dallas; Stephen J. Mohary; Craig M. Saunders
Original assignee: Johnson and Johnson Consumer Companies LLC
Current assignee: Kenvue Brands LLC
Priority date: 1997-09-09
Filing date: 1998-03-06
Publication date: 1999-03-09

Abstract

A tapered closure having a peripheral closure side wall and a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall, whereby the circumference of the top surface is preferably greater than the circumference of the bottom surface and the stage is recessed and/or a channel runs intermediate to the stage and peripheral closure side wall.
Also provided is a method for making such a closure.

Description

~CA 02231413 1998-03-26 JBP 418 (CIP of JBP 40~) CLOSURE
Clross Reference to Rel~te~ Application This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional A~-plication Number 60/~)58,296 filed on 9 S~pt~i"ber 1997 and is a 10continuation-in part of United States ~rrlic~tion Number (Attorney Dkt. No. JBP 419) filed on 21 January 1998 to Mohary et al., ~ntilled ~Dispensing Containera, both of which are in~, I,orated by re~rtS"ce in their entireties.
Field of the Invention lS This invention relates to the field of closures for c~ntail ,er:j and more particularly tapered closures.
Background of the Invention The vast majority of dispensing containers in use today are sized to be~ used by adults. Young children have much smaller hand sizes, and ac,cordingly, it is difficult for them to handle and effectively dispense prod~ !Ct from containers that were designed to be used by adults. Conversely, it would be difficult for an adult to use a dispensing container that was specifically designed for use by small children.
Another related problem with conventional containers is that they are designed for dispensing products by adults, i.e., the amount of force required to express product from the container is commensurate with the strength of the adult hanJ. Children and the elderly, being weaker than most adults, have less force available to dispense products. Therefore, it would be desirable for a container to have a low required dispensing force in order for the container to be preferred by those lacking great hand ~ I CA 02231413 1998-03-26 ab ar !Jlh.
In conventional p~ g;r,g for toiletries, products are often pacl~aged for slorage in an upright orientaliG~I, i.e., in which the closed end of the container is oriented below its open end, as when the container is positioned when being filled with product to be cGnla"~eJ tl ,erei". While such products are frequently stored in an upright configuration, product is oflen dispensed from the container in an inverted orientation. Containers typically have a certain hold-up, i.e., a volume of product that is not conve, liently dispensed ber~ ~se of cGntacl with the container walls. The amount of hold-up is accentuated in containers in which the product is 1.~ stored in one orientation and used in the opposite o,ie,llation. This pr~ble, is Further accentuated in the case of viscous products such as sharl"~oo.
Another problem with conventional containers is that they may slip from the hands, particularly when the hands are wet. This is especi-"y a pn~blem for toiletry containers that are typically used in the bath by small children, such as shampoo and body wash products.
On0 closure design that is particularly suitable for providing inverted packages with a stable plafform is the taper closure. However, due to the geometry of these closures, their manufacture is inherently difficult. More specifically, these closures must remain in their molds for an extended duration of time in order to completely cool their thickest areas, or if pre,l,al.lrely ejected from the mold, these closures often will form irregular "sinks~ or depressions in their exterior surfaces.
It is, accordingly, an object of the invention to provide a dispensing container that is designed to fit comfortably in the hands of both small children as well as adults.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a container that requires minimum force to dispense products tl,er~ on, so as to be prefer.t7.1 for use by those lacking great hand ~t.bn!Jtl It is a further object of the invention to provide containers with design fe!atures that prevent the container from slipping from the users' hands, particularly when their hands are wet.
It is a"otl)er object of the present invention to provide a container which is stable for storage in an inverted configuration so as to minimize the hold-up of the contents of the container, particularly when used for the storage of viscous liquid products.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a container which is eryollG~ cally effective for use by children and adults while containing surfaces which facilitate labeling of the container.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a tapered closure wi~th minimal surface defects that permits the storage of containers containing such closures in an inverted position.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with this invention, there is provided a tapered closure colmprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of:
a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall, the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side S wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to a ta~,ered closure cc l "~rising consisting essentially of andlor consisting of:
a) a peripheral closure side wall com~,rising an upper closure side 1~ wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall furthercG~ risi~ ~9 a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a peri~,eler and b) a stage concer,l, i~ally integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top 1 5 surface.
Yet another aspect of this invention is directed to a tapered closure ~",~rising consisting essentially of and/or consisting of:
a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further 2~ cG~ rising a top surface having a circumrerence and the bottom closuresicle wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference;
b) a stage concentrically integral with the pe, ipheral closure side wall and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for making closures comprising consisting essentially of and/or consisting of:
molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall co",prisi"g an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further c~",,.,rising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circu"lrere"ce;
b) a stage CGI ,cent, ically inleyral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recesse~l from the top surface Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a ",et~,od for making closures comprising consisting essentially of and/or consisli"g of:
molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of fo""i"g a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side walll further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peri~JI ,eral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method 2:5 for making closures comprising consisting essentially of and/or consisting of:
molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold c~p~hle of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further co~prising a top surface having a peri~eter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a b~tl~ surface having a perii"eter b) a stage concent~ ically integral with the peripl~er~l closure side wall and having an upper stage surface; and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the ~ri~l,eral closure side wall.
Due to the unique characle~ islics possessed by the taperbd closure of the present invention both the percenlage of closures having surface sinksn or other surface defects as well as the closure prorl~ ~ction cycle time are! significantly reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more fully under~lood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG.1A is a front plan view o' a prefened structure of the conlai"er of thi-; invention.
FIG.1B is a side plan view of the container of FIG.1A.
FIG.1C is a front plan view of the container of FIG.1A showing section lines A-A through F-F.
2S FIG.2A through FIG.2F are horizontal cross-sectional views of the container of FIG.1C taken along lines A-A through F-F, respectively and looking in the direction of the arrows.
FIG.3A and FIG. 3B are front plan views of containers of this invention having finger gripping means.

FIG.4is an alternate embodiment of the container of FIG.1A.
FIG.5A, FIG.5B and FIG.5C are front, side and rear plan views, respectively, of the container of FIG. 1A fitted with a liquid dispensin~
closure.
FIG. 6A is a front plan view of the container of FIG.1A fitted with an alternate reverse taper liquid closure.
FIG. 6B is a front plan view of the c~ntainer of FIG. 6A in an inverted orientalion.
FIG.7is a front plan view of the container of FIG. 1A fitted with a closure containing an aerosol pump dispenser.
1.~ FIG.8is a front plan view of another example of the contai"er of the invention with a neck finish adapted for dispensing powders.
FIG.9is the container of FIG.8 fitted with a closure.
FIG.1 OA is a top plan view of the neck finish of the container of FIG.
8.
FIG. 10B and FIG.10C are top plan views of the closure of the cc"tai-,er of FIG.9 showing the closure in the open and closed position, respectively.
FIG.11is a graph of the force (Ibs) required to discharge liquid from a valved container of this invention versus the volume (ml) of liquid discharged.
FIG.1 2A and FIG.1 2B are front and side views, respectively of a container used for packaging of commercially available childrens' toiletries.
FIG. 13 shows a side view of the container of the invention in an inverted position supported by supports positioned in the recesses of the S container but not in contact with the panels of the container.
FIG 14 shows a hand-held container of the invention held in position for dispensing product from the container.
FIG 1SA shows another embodiment of the container of the invention with a reverse taper clo,sure containing a valve and a lid in the open position.
FIG 15B shows the container of FIG 15B with the lid in the closed position.
FIG 16A and FIG 16B show the closure of the container ofFIG 15A
and FIG 15B in cross-section with the lid in the open and closed posi~ions, 1 5 r~spectively.
FIG.17is a perspective view of the tapered closure of the prese, invention with the lid in the closed position;
FIG.18is a left side elevational view of the closure of FIG.17;
FIG.19is a right side elevational view of the closure of FIG.17;
FIG. 20is a top plan view of the closure of FIG.17;
FIG.21 is a front elevational view of the closure of FIG. 17; the rear elevation being a mirror image;
FIG.22is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 17;
FIG.23is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 17 shown with the lid and the extension member in the fully open position;
FIG.24is a top plan view of FIG.23;
FIG.25is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 23 shown with the lid in the open position;
FIG.26is a top plan view of FIG.23;

FIG.27is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view of the closure taken along line A-A of FIG.24, and looking in the direction of the arrows;
FIG.28is an enlarged vertical uoss sectional view of the closure taken along line A-A of FIG.24, and looking in the direction of the arrows but with the absence of a channel.
FIG.29 A is a vertical cross sectional view of the closure shown in an alte",ate e"lbo~Ji-neol with an unrecessed stage. FIGS.29Bis a vertical uoss sectional view of the closure shown in allel I ,ate ~,ar" ,el-free ~"lb6.Ji",enl having a recessed stage. FIGS.29C and 29D are alle",ale el~bocli~ents having both a recessed stage and a channel of var~ing width.
FIG. 30A and 30B are top views of allel "ale emL,od;menls of the closure having a triangular and square shape respectively.
FIG.31 is a perapective view of an alternative embodiment of the closure having a bar and clasp locking mechanism.
FIG. 32is a perspective view of an altemative embodiment of the closure having a snap-fit connecting portion that cGnnects the closure to a neck of a container.
FIG. 33is a vertical cross sectional view of an alternative embocJi",ent of an inverted channel-free closure having a top surface circumference that is smaller relative to its bottom surface circumference.
FIG. 34is a vertical cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inverted closure having a channel and a top surface circumference that is smaller relative to its bottom surface ciral",rerence.

Detailed Description of the rrefer,~l Embodiments As used herein the term upright orientation shall meanthatthe closed end of the container is below the open end of the container, as when the container is positioned when being filled with product to be contained therein. Conversely, the term ~inverted o~ ientation" shall mean that the closed end of the container is positioned above the open end. Similarly, the term "sideways orientation~ shall mean that the container is in an Gri6n~tiG,.
I0 that is inter,nediate the upright and inverted Grien~ations. This orientalion ~as~ iption is merely used for convenience in describing the o, ienlatiG,~ of the container and is not meant to imply the orienlation of the container during storage and dispensing of products thererrolll. As will be des~ ibed s~ seguently, various embodiments of the CGI llainera of the invention may be used in either an upright or an inverted orientation.
The basic form of the invention is shown by the container in an upright orientation in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, which is generally designated 6.
The container 6 contains an open end 1 and a closed end 2. The closed end 2 of the container 6 preferably has a surface 21 that permits the container 6 to remain standing when placed on a flat surface in an upright orientation. The open end 1 of the container 6 contains a neck 3 which defines an opening 20 in the container. The neck contains a neck finish 4 adapted to mate with a closure (not shown) for the container. The neck finish shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B is a threaded finish, although any of the other finishes known in the art may be used with the containers of the invention. By way of example, other suitable finishes include, but are not limited to, a press-fit finish, a snap-on finish, a snap and turn finish or an oriented thread finish as disclosed in, for example, The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, 172-85 (1986) ~hereinafter~Wileyn].
The open end 1 of the container 6 further comprises a shoulder 5 v~hich connects the neck 3 to the body 22 of the container. The body 22 of the container contains an upper body portion 7 ~j~cent the open end 1 which is prererably cylindrical in uoss-section. The upper body pGI liGI I 7 of the container 6 preferably has a circu~rere"ce as measured normal to the longitudinal axis 23 of the container 6 which may range from about 4.7 inches to about 6.0 inches more preferably from about 5.0 inches to about 5.7 inches and most preferably from about 5.2 inches to about 5.7 inches.
The upper body portion 7 p~ferably has a s~ st~nlially co"s~a"t circu"~re"ce for a length down the longitudinal axis of the container 6 of at least about 0.2 inches.
As illuslraled in FIG. 1A the upper body portion 7 transitions to a central body portion 8 which is located below and proxi~a~e to the upper body portion 7 along the longitudinal axis 23. In transitioning from the upper body portion 7 to the central body portion 8 the CGI "ainer 6 continually increases in circu",rerence and begins to assume more of a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Proceeding down the longitudinal axis of the container 6 the circumference of the container continues to increc.se until the region of maximum circumference 9 after which preferably the circumference of the container 6 continually decreases. The region of maximum circumference marks the transition from the central body portion 8 to the lower body portion 10 of the container 6 ~ cent its closed end 2.
While the longitudinal length of the upper body portion 7 the central body portion 8 and the lower body portion 10 may vary depending upon the desired use of the container 6 the ratio of the lengths of the central body portion to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1.2: 1 to about 6 :1 and more preferably ranges from about 1.75: 1 to about 5: 1.
The ratio of the lower body portion to the upper body portion preferably ranges from about 1: 1 to about 3: 1 and more preferably from about 1.2:
1 to about 2.5: 1.
The variation of the cross-sectional shape and circumference of the container 6 along its longitudinal length is depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2F.
Each of these Figures depict~ the approxi~ale aoss-se~tional shapes of the container 6 along section lines A-A through F-F, res~ ely, illusl~t~J
in FIG. 1 C. We have une~lle~ledly found that the variation in circL."~r~nce of the CGI .lainer along its longitudinal axis permits the same container that is or~o"G",i~~'ly advan~ eous for use by small children to be coll~ ly held and used by larger ci.ild~n and adults.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B, the body portion 22 of the container 6 cc".~,,ises a front 11, a rear 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14. The front 11 of the container cGntains a first recess 15 and the rear of the lS container contains a second recess 16. The recesses are ~ ent the closed end 2, the first side 13 and the second side 14 of the conlai. ,er 6.
The first recess 15 and the second recess 16 define a first panel 17 and a se~nd panel 18 on the front and rear of the conlai"er, respectively. Each of the reoesses has a depth 19, as shown in FIG. 1 B. The depth of the recess 15, for example, is the distance, perpendicl ~ to the longitudinal axis, from a projection line 21 projected from the closed end 2 of the container 6 to the panel 17 of the container. As shown in FIG. 13, the rec~sses have a depth sufficient to permit the container 6 to be held by a first support 71 positioned tangentially in the recess 15 on the front 11 of the~5 container 6 and a second support 72 positioned in the recess 16 on the rear 12 of the container 6 when the container is in an inverted orientation; the supports do not actually contact the panels of the container. We have surprisingly found that the depth of these recesses is effective in providing an anti-slip feature to the container when the container is being handled in :30 either an inverted or sideways orientation, particularly when the container is wet, as it might be when used to contain and dispense cleansing toiletries such as body cleansers and shampoos that are used in the shower or in the S bath.
The depth of the recess may be of any thickness desired and may J~pe, Id on, for example, the desired end use of the container and the CGI It~l ns stored therein. The depth of the recess is ~,, eferably varied at different locations on the container, and more preferably is at its deepest p.l~xi,.-ate to the closed end 2 of the container and gradually red~r~s in the longitudinal direction towards the open end 2 and pro,ci..,dte to the first side13 and the second side 14. ~ eferably the depth of the recesses (a, .~es from about 2.0 mm to about 3.4 mm, and more pre~rdL.ly from about 2.5 mm to about 2.9 mm. While such depths are ~,refe"ed as providing a container having effective anti-slip propellies, it is to be u"dersloGd that other recess depths may be prod~ ~oe~l to satisfy a particular need and yet fall within the scope of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the recesses are not ~q~ 5~cent the open end of the container and thus render a "U - shaped~ exterior frame to the panels. Absence of a recess near the open end 1 permits users of the contai"er to freely slide their hands over substantially the entire length of the first and second panels from the bottom of the panels nearest the closed end 2 of the container to the open end 1 of the container to seek out that portion of the container which has a cira.",rerence most co"""ensurate with 2S the user's hand size.
The dimensions and structural features of the containers of the invention enumerated above are believed to permit the containers of the invention to be easily gripped and handled by both adults and young children in an ergonomically preferable manner. As will be discussed s-~hse~uently, these dimensions and features are believed to account for the perceived preference of consumers in terms of handleability of the containers of the invention relative to prior art containers.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the panels 17 and 18 are r~c~ssecl relative to the sides 13, 14, and closed end 2 of the contail-er. Although the ske, shape and geometry of the panels may vary depending upon the desired end use of the co"tainer, it is preferable that the first panel 17 and secornl panel 18 are identical in size, shape and gee,.,et"~. The panels have a major dimension in the direction from the open end 1 to the closed end 2 of the container, i.e., in a direction ge"erally parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the contai- ~er, and a minor d;mensiG" in the direction from the first side to the second side of the container, i.e., generally normal to the longitudinal axis 23. The length of the panel is defined as the di;.l~l ,ce from that point of the recess 15 closest to the bottom of the container 24, i.e., point 30, to the top 29 of the upper body portion 7 of the container.
The panels 17, 18 have surfaces 27 and 28 that may either be sul,ala"~ially nat or curved. If the panel surfaces are curved, it is l,.efe,.ed2~ that the curve extends in only a single dimension and is s~ slAntiallystraight in the other dimension. For example, the container of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1 A and 1 B have panels 17,18 that are curved in their minor dimension but are sl Ihst~ntially straight in their major dimension.
More preferably, the panels are substantially straight in their major di,.,e"sion for a distance, based upon the longitudinal length of the panel, of at least about 50 percent of their longitudinal length, and even more preferably for a distance of at least about 65 percent of their longitudinal length. We have found that this panel geometry is especially favorable to permit labeling or decorating the container in its panel sections by either printing or by adhering of an adhesive-backed label to the container. In the case of printing, absence of curvature in two dimensions over a s~ slAnlial portion of the panel permits firm contact of a print roll to that portion of the s panel. Likewise, in the case of adhesive labeling, absence of curvature in two dimensions over a s~ s~utial portion of the panel pe~,ils ~JI,ering an adhesive label to the panel without wrinkling the label.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show altemate embodiments of the conlai"ars of the invention in which the containers have optiGnal raised lateral protrusions 25 or JepressiGns 26 in their sides in order to provide means for e, d ,a"c;. ,9the grip of a user's fi"~er~ around the contai"er. Allel "dli-/ely, the containers of the invention may coi ,lain a combination of both protrusions and depressions. Although FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate only lateral, protrusions and circular depressions, one skilled in the art will a~"~fec.ate that the container of the present invention may possess protrusions, d~pressions, and or other grip-enha~ ,c;ng means such as rubber or polymeric sections molded or adhered to the container, of any shape, size and amount in order to e"l-ance the user's grip of the container.
FIG. 4 shows an altemate embodiment of the contai"er of FIGS. 1A
and 1 B, wherein the contained volume of the con~ai"er of FIG. 4 is about one half of the contained volume of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1 B.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the container 6 of the present invention is fitted with a closure 39 to contain and dispense the products contained therein. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate 2~S that the type of closure suitable for use in the present invention would depend upon various factors, such as the form of the product in the container, the desired form in which the product is to be dispensed, and the degree of convenience to be provided to the consumer.
Any of the closures known in the art may be used with the containers of the present invention, including but not limited to those disclosed in Wiley.

In the case of co, Itai"ers used for the storage and dispensing of liquids the simplest forrn of closure would be a conventiGnal cap of one piece construction which must be removed from the contai~ ,er in order to Jispei ,sa product tl ,erer~"~; however, the use of a closure which need not be removed from the container in order to dispe~ ,se product ll ,6r~f~ u"- is ~,rerer eJ.
An e~a",ple of a container 6 fitted with a closure 39 for disp6nsing liquid products is illusl, ated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and SC which depi~ the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B fitted with a co.."..ercial hinged closure.
Other suitable closures include those well-known in the art including, but not limited to: 1) those containing a lid and body in which the lid is completely removable from the body of the closure; 2) those having a lid that is slidably con"ected to the body of the closure; 3) those not having a lid such as the push-pull type and the flip-spout type of closures as diselosed in for e~""~le Wiley.
Closure 39 comprises a body portion 31 and a lid portion 32 hingedly connected to the body poi lion via hinge 33. Body portion 31 contains an orifice (not shown) through which product may be dispensed. Lid pGI lion 32 contains a pin on its underside (not shown) which is sized to fit tightly into the orifice of body portion 31. When the lid portion 32 is in its closed :25 position the pin contacts the body portion 31 so as to seal the container and thus prevent dispensing of its contents. Body portion 31 may contain an optional recess 34 in order to permit easy opening of the closure by positioning a finger in the recess 34 under a portion of the lid 35 and subsequently applying force to the underside of the lid.
Closure 39 has a base 36 ~dj~cent the upper body portion of the container and a top 37 remote from the base 36. Closure 39 has a substantially uniform circular circumference from its base 36 to its top 37 S which is s~ sl~-~tially equal to the cira,",rere"ce of the upper body portion of the container.
Another novel feature of the present invention is illusl,alecl in FIGS.
5A - 5C. Closure 39 preferdbly has a top surface 38 which pe. "~iti s~or~ge of the container in an inverted GrienlatiGn. As the conte, Its of the container are depleted storage of the container in the inverted orientalioi) permits the remaining co~te- Ils of the contai~ ~er to collect at the container s open end rather then at its closed end thereby perl"itling the Jis~ensing of s~ sl~ntially the entire CGI ~lents of the container and virtually eliminating the problem of ~hold up" for more viscous contents. rleferably both the closed end of the container and the top end of the closure have surfaces that permit the container to be stored in either an upright or inverted orientaliG~I.
Another embodiment of the container of the ~resent invention is shown in an upright and inverted orientation in FIGS. 6A and 6B
~spe~ively. The closure 40 has a base 41 ~ cent the upper body portion of the container and a top 42 remote from the base 41. The base 41 has a 5~ ~l .sl~nlially circular circumference which is sul,sta-~lially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion 7 of the container. The closure 40 is tapered such that the circumference of the closure increases from the base 41 to the top 42 of the closure. Such closures are re~,l~d to herein as reverse taper" closures. The degree of taper may vary depend,ng upon the desired end use of the container and the desired aesthetic effect. The closure 40 has a top surface 43 which permits the slorage of the container in an inverted orientation. The larger circumference at the top of the tapered closure confers added stability to the container when it is stored in an inverted orientation.
In another preferred embodiment the closure used in the containers of the invention may contain a valve as illustrated in FIGS. 15A. Illustrative ~",ples of suitable valves for use in the containers of the invention indude but are not limited to those ~lisclQsed in U.S. ~ 439 143 U.S.
4,749 108 and U.S. 4 846 810 all of which are inco",oral~d herein in their enti~ly by refere"ce. Such valves are ge,)erally desig, led to open at pressures sxceeding a certain ll~resl.old pressure ti,ereL.y allowing product to be rele~sed from the container and to close at pressures below the ti.rGshald pressure li,ereby restraining the r~lease of product from the container. The minimum value of the thresl,old pressure of the valve is dictated by the need for the valve to contain the co, .lents of the ~"tai"er when the container conte, It5 exhibit the maximum head pressure i.e. when the co,ltai~er is full. The head pressure of the container co"lel)ts in tum depends on the density of the CGI ,tenls and the geometry of the container.
In practice the practical minimum threshold pressure is somewhat higher than the head pressure in order to a~o"""Gdate slight pressure cl ,anyes that may occur in the co"tai"er as it is handled when disd ,arge of the conte,-ts is not desired. The maximum value of the threshold pressure is dictated by the need to have the valve open when the container is s~uee~ed by its intended users. In the containers of the invention the valves must be activatable not only by adults but also by children and/or the elderly who have relatively weaker hand strength.
With containers made of resilient materials the application of a sqI~eP~ing force to the outside of the container provides a pressure inside the container that exceeds the threshold pressure tl ,ereby permitting product to be released from the container. Discol "i"uing or sufficiently reducing the sguee~ing force reduces the pressure inside the container to below the threshold pressure thereby both allowing the valve to close and restraining the release of product from the container. This feature is particularly important for applications in which the container will be S frequently used in the inverted orientation.
FIGS. 15A and 15B and FIGS. 16A and 16B show a co"tainar of the invention with a reverse taper closure 85 that contains a lid 84 and a valve 80. The lid 84 is hingedly connected to extension ~emLer 86 via hinge 83.
Lid 84 contains a ~lopper 82 on its underside that mates with protruding . orifice ring 81 of the closure 85. When in use and in a position ready to dispense product lid 84 is in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 15A.
In stGrage and during shipment lid 84 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 15B. When in the closed position stopper 82 on the underside of lid 84 is mated with protruding orifice ring 81 ll,erel~y preventing inversion of valve 80 and release of product therefrom. Closure 85 has a circu",rere"ce at its bottom 88 ~ cent the upper body portion of the container that is s~ sl~- ,tially equal to the circumference of the upper body portion of the container. Closure 85 is tapered the circ~,mrerence at its top 87 being larger that at its bottom 88. The larger circumference at the top 87 of the closure 85 provides added stability to the container in storage in the inverted orientation.
In a prefer, ed embodiment as shown in FIGS. 17 - 27 the upper portion of the tapered closure 85 possesses a stage 91 a channel 90 ~ncer,l, ic therewith that extends around the outer circumference of the stage 91 and peripheral upper closure side walls 92 concentric with both the stage 91 and the channel 90. The upper closure side walls 92 extend around the outer circumference of the channel 90. As shown in more detail in FIG. 27 the stage 91 is comprised of an upper stage surface 113;
peripheral stage side walls 114 that are concentric with the upper stage surface 113 and integral with both the upper stage surface 113 and the lower closure side walls 108; and a lower stage surface 97.
The upper closure side walls 92 extend from the top surface 93 of the closure to the bottom of channel 90, or in channel-free embodiments, to the upper stage surface 113. Typically, the height of the upper closure side walls 92, as determined along the longitudinal axis, A, of the closure as shown in FIG. 18, may range, based upon the total height of the closure, H, as shown in FIG. 21, from greater than about 0 percent to less than about 100 per~ent, preferably from greater than about 20 perce"l to less than about 90 percent, and more ~referably from greater than about 50 peroenl to less than about 70 percent. Although the thickr~ess of the upper closure side walls 92 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact st~ el-~tl, desired! and the amount of time available for the I 5 closure to properly cool upon molding, the thickness typically may vary from about .38 mm (.015 inches) to about 2.03 mm (.080 incnes), ~,,eferably from about .76 mm (.03 inches) to about 1.52 mm (.06 inches), and more preferably from about 1.02 mm (.04 inches) to about 1.27 mm (.05 inches).
Although the width of the channel 90 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact strength desired, the amount of time available for the closure to properly cool upon molding, and the stage width desired, the width of the channel 90 is typically inversely propG, lional to and preferably smaller than the width of the stage 97. More prererably, the width of the channel 90, as determined along the plane of the upper 2S stage surface 91, is at least about 1.65 mm (.065 inches). FIGS. 29C and 29D illustrate two embodiments of the closure 85 having channels 90 of varying widths.
In a preferred embodiment, the channel 90 possesses at least one aperture 94 that enables water and/or product residue to drain from the channel 90, and when the closure is secured to a container, to the shoulder 5 of the container. This feature prevents the collection of residue on the stage surface 91 and/or drainage of contaminating residue back into the container.
In a prd~e, recl embodiment as shown in FIG. 23, the stage 91 is r~essed from the top surface 93 of the upper closure walls 92. The depth of the stage recess 200 is the distance along the longitudinal axis, A, of the closure as shown in FIG. 18, from the upper stage surfaoe 113 to the top :I0 surface 93 of the upper closure side walls 92. Although the depth of the stage recess 200 may vary depending upon the size of the closure ~esirad, closure impact slreniJtl) desired, distance required for operation of desired dispenser mechanism, and the amount of time available for the closure to properly cool upon molding, typically the depth may range from, based upon :lS the total height of the closure, H, from about greater than 0 percenl to about less than 100 percent, preferably from about 20 percent to about 80 perce"t, and more preferably from about 30 percent to about 50 percent as shown in FIG. 21. In a more ~refened embodiment wherein the tapsred closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the depth is such that will enable the desired dispenser reclose mechanism to operate while remaining recessed below the top surface 93. See FIG. 17.
As indicAted by "~ in FIG. 18, the degree of taper of the tapered closure 85 may range from less than about 90~ to greater than about 25~, preferably from about 85~ to about 45~, and more preferably from about 80~
.5 to about 55~ relative to the normal, as indicated as ~B~, of the longitudinal axis, ~A," of the closure 85.
As shown on FIG. 27, the lower portion of the tapered closure 85 possesses peripheral lower closure side walls 108 that extend from the bottom of the channel 90, or the upper stage surface 113 in channel-free embodiments, to the lower closure side wall bottom surface 111. The lower closure side walls 108 are integral with the upper closure side walls 92 such that, when the clocure 85 is externally viewed, the side walls 92,108 appear as one uniform peripheral wall 131. In a prefer,ed embodiment as shown in FIG. 22, the lower side walls 108 are of a ll,i~lless such that the lower stage surface 97 is visible in a bottom plan view of the closure. Although the thickness and the height of the lower closure side walls 108 may vary depending upon the size of the closure desired, closure impact sl.el)ytl, desired, and the amount of time available for the closure to prop~rly cool upon molding, the thickness typically is from about 1.91 mm (.075 inches) to about .38 mm (.015 inches), and preferably from about 1.27 mm (.050 inches) to about .89 mm (.035 inches) and the height, as ~Jeter",ined along the longitudinal axis, A, of the closure shown in FIG. 18, is, based upon the overall height of the closure, H, from greater than about 0 percent to less than about 100 percent, preferably greater than about 10 percent and less than about 80 percent, and more preferably from greater than about 30 per~"l to less than about 50 percent.
Integral with the lower stage surface 97 is a connecting portion 107 of the closure that is adapted to receive the neck of a container. Any means for affixing and securing the closure to a container may be employed. Such means are well-known to those of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to a threaded means that enables the closure to be threaded onto the threaded neck of a container as shown in FIG. 27, a snap-fit bead as 2~ shown in FIG. 32, and those aforesaid mentioned herein.
In a preferred embodiment wherein the closure 85 is a dispensing closure, the closure may contain any of the dispensing mechanisms aforesaid mentioned herein. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate one preferred dispensing mechanism comprising a stopper 82 and dispensing orifice 122 located in the upper stage surface 113, whereby the stopper 82 is located on a lid 84 attached to the closure 85 via a dual living hinge assembly.
More specifically, plug 99 is located on the lower surface of extension , CA 02231413 1998-03-26 member 86 which is hingedly connected with the thin upper closure walls 92 via first living hinge 101. Lid 84 contains stopper 82 on its lower surface that securedly mates with protruding orifice ring 81. To operale the second living hinge 83 plug 99 securedly mates with aperture 102 on the stage surface 113. Hinge 83 is a living hinge that enables the lid 84 to be in the open position (see FIG. 25 and 26) or in the closed position (see FIG. 17).
Although the shape of either the plug 99 and the aperture 102 are not critical it is preferable to use a plug with an end 120 such as a bead or flange having a dia",eter that is slightly larger than the clia,neter of the aperture 102. These dimensions will enable the plug 99 to securedly Uiock or snap" into the throat 121 of the aperture 102. Other suitable securing ",ecl,anisms include the bar 140 and clasp 141 means as shown in FIG. 31.
Although the means for attaching the lid 84 to the closure 85 is not critical the dual living hinge assembly advantageously prevents removal of the lid 84 from the remainder of the closure 85. Other means for ~n~oting X0 the lid 84 to the closure 85 are known in the art and include but are not limited to ball and socket assemblies and the like as disclQsed in Wiley.
The lid 84 should be adapted to occlude the dispensing orifice 122 when the lid 84 is in the closed position. To this end the stopper 82 should be received inside of the throat 123 preferably in a col"pression fit to effect :~5 a tight seal. While the actual shape and design of the stopper 82 and the dispensing orifice 122 are not critical cylindrically-shaped stoppers 82 and rounded dispensing orifices 122 with cylindrical throats 123 are preferred.
Preferably the orifice ring 81 is of a subst~ntial height to permit cleaner dispensing that is less prone to dripping.
~o Detents 103 integral with the outer edges of the lid 84 enable the lid 84 to be locked in the open position by virtue of the frictional fit of the detents 103 against the upper closure side walls 92 as shown in FIGS. 18 25 and 26. The shape of the detents 103 are not critical; however, the width, W, of the lid 84 at the area of the detents is ~, er~raL,ly of a width that is sufficiently larger than the width of the upper closure side walls o,~eni"~
130 at the area of hinge 101 in order to enable the detents 103 to securely lock the lid 84 in a retracted position as shom in FIGS. 25 - 26.
In a more preferred embodiment wherein a valve is secured within the throat 123 of the dispensing orifice 122, the container may be stored in the inverted position with the lid 84 in the retracted posilion as shown in FIG. 15A. As a result, the container may be stored and used in such an inverted position without reclosing the lid 84, as shown in FIG 15B, bel~A~e.
uses. Although any valve known in the art for controlling the flow of materials that may be dispensed through the closure may be used, the valve described in U.S. Patent No.: 5,377,877, which is incorporated by rererence in its entirety herein, is preferred.
As also shown in FIG. 24, valves 98 may be incor~.ordted into the closures via methods known in the art including but not limited to retaining the valve in the closure by mechanical means, as, for example, by the use of a retaining ring that snaps in place against the body of the closure. See U.S. 5,377,877. Alternatively, the valve and closure may be integrally formed, as, for example, by multi-injection or co-injection molding of 2S disparate materials comprising the closure and the valve. Methods for co-injection molding are described, for example, in U.S. 5,523,045 and in the Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1990, which are i"cor~,orated herein in their entirety by reference.
As shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29B, another embodiment of the tapered closure 85 of the present invention includes a stage 91 and upper closure side walls 92 concentric with the stage 91, but is without a channel 90. In ~his embodiment, the upper closure side walls 92 extend integrally upward around the outer circum~erence of the upper stage surface 113.
As shown in FIG. 29A yet a,)oll,er e"~bodiment of the taper~cl closure 85 of the present invention includes an u- ~recessed stage 91 a .ar.nel 90 co. ,cent~ ic therewith that extends around the outer circu.,~r~nce of the stage 91 and thin upper closure side walls 92 con~"t, ic with both the stage 91 and the chal ,nel 90.
Tt~e closures described herein may be made into any shape d~si~eJ
such as those having a squared ho~ i ontal cross section or a triangular I ,~ric~ntal cross section as depicted in FIG.30A and FIG. 30B respecli~ely with those having a more rounded circular-shaped or oval-shaped I,o.i~oi)~al cross section being preferred. More specifically FIG. 30A
illustrates a closure 160 having a rounded upper stage surface 161 and upper closure side walls ~not shown) having a triangularly-sl ,aped top surface 162 whereas FIG. 30B illustrates a closure 170 having a rounded upper stage surface 171 and upper closure side walls (not shown) having a square-shaped top surface 172. Similarly while the shape of the stage surface as viewed from a top plan view of the closure is not critical those having a more rounded circular-shaped or oval-shaped circu--,ferel ,ce are p~fer, ed.
Although it is preferred that the top surface 93 cira",lference of the :25 upper closure side walls 92 be larger than the bottom surface 111 circumference of the lower closure side walls 108 i.e. a ~reverse" tapered closure an alternative embodiment of the closure as shown in FIG. 33 is an inverted channel-free closure 155 having a closure top surface 151 circumference that is smaller than its bottom surface 152 circumference.
FIG. 34 shows a similar inverted closure 155 but with a channel 153. Unlike the embodiment shown in for example FIG. 24 wherein the channel 90 is visible from the top plan view channel 153 of closure 155 in FIG. 34 is not visible from a top plan view but rather from a bottom plan view (not shown) of the closure 155. The upper stage surface 154 of the closure 155 in both FIGS. 33 and 34 remains visible in a top plan view (not shown).
FIG. 6B illust,ales the container of FIG. 6A in an inverted ori~, ItatiGl ~.
It will be noted that the COI ~tai"er exhibits a gen~rally "excla",aliol ,-pointn shape in the inverted ~rientation. The container dimensions are such that small children can conveniently and cG."~o,lably grip the container near its upper body portion 7, while larger children and adults may col,lro, lably grip the container at its central body portion 8 or at its lower body portion 10.
The conlainer 6 is prererably of a size and shape to permit an adult with lS average-sized hands to grasp the container at its widest point 9 by holding the rear of the container in the palm of the hand such that the thumb and fi"gers can contact the sides of the container and at least partially contact the front of the c~ntainer.
The containers and closures of the invention may be comprised of any material that may be formed into the shape desired and which is inert to the materials contained therein. rreferled materials include any resilient polymeric ")aterial COmmGIlly used in the container-making art including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride based resins, polyethylene terephthalate, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.
~S "Copolymers,~ as used herein shall mean any polymer having two or more monomer components.
Various grades of polyethylene, including low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or copolymers or mixtures or blends thereof are frequently compatible with toiletry products, and are preferred materials for the containers of the invention. Low density polyethylene yields a bottle that is relatively easy to squeeze, while high density polyethylene bottles are relatively stiff. In the case of lic~uid products that are dispensed by squeezing the container, a 50:50 blend of low density and high density polyethylene is preferred. In the case of powders, where the d~sired dispsnsing mode is by shaking the container, a stiffer container pr!~cluc~d from high density polyethylene is prefe"ed.
The thickness of the exterior walls, i.e. panels, first side, second side, and the like, may be of any thickness desired, may vary within a container, and may cle~)er,J on the desired end use of the container and the c~ot~nb stored therein. rfeferably the thickness of the walls ranges from about 10 mils to about 50 mils, and preferably from about 30 mils to about 40 mils.
While such thicknesses are preferred as providing a readily resilient container, it is to be ul ,derslood that other wall thicknesses may be prod~ ~ced to satisfy a particular need and yet fall within the scope of the present invention.
The containers of the present invention can be formed by any conventional technique known in the art for producing containers including, but not limited to, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, and the like. ~etails of such processes are clisclosed in, for example, Wiley at 54 - 65. Extrusion blow molding is the process of choice.
One noteworthy characteristic of the container of the present invention is that it fits col"fo,lably in the hands of both adults and small 2$ children. Another noteworthy characteristic is that the containers of the present invention dispense product using relatively low hand force, and are therefore preferred by small children and adults lacking in hand sllel-.Jlll.
Yet another noteworthy characteristic is that the containers of the. invention incorporate design features that prevent the container from slipping for the users' hands, particularly when the hands are wet. Yet another noteworthy feature of the containers of the invention is that they possess surfaces that are readily available for printing or labeling.

~ CA 02231413 1998-03-26 We have further u~ leAI ~ectedly found that the presence of the upper closure side walls 92 andlor a channel 90 allow for the taper closure 85 to have a more rapid, uniform cooling period in the mold, and thus fewer surface defects, since the resulting closure does not possess thick, solid ".dl~,ial masses, but rather is comprised of thin exteriorwalls having a relatively constant thickness.
The invention illustratively ~I;seJosed herein suitably may be pl~ d in tt~ a~sence of any co",~one, It, ingredient, or step which is not spec~cally ~is~losed herein. The example set forth belowfurther illustrates the nature of the invention and the ~anner of carrying it out. However, the invention should not be considert:~ as being limited to the details thereof.
Examples Test Methods Used in the ExamPles:
1 ) DisPensinq Force Test: The force required for dispensi"y the contents from a contai"er or "dispensing forcen was measured using a Uniru,ce Experimenters Kit (parallel port inpuVoutput version) manufactured by Force Imaging Te_hnologies, having thin (0.003mm), flexible sensor strips that may be mounted on a variety of surfaces with little or no effect on the test sample, and both software (Uniform Sensor System version 5) and hardware that interfaces the sensor to a personal computer for data ac~uisition.
A sensor strip with the proper force range (usually 0-1 Olbs) is mounted on one of the panels of the sample container with the sensor mounted at the location where a user's thumb would typically contact the container during normal dispensing of product from the container as shown in FIG. 14. For an adult-sized hand, the thumb normally cGntacls the panel at a point between about 70 percent to about 80 percent of the length of the . CA 02231413 1998-03-26 S panel, closest to the closed end 2 of the container. The software is set in the record data mode with a time duration of between 1.25 -1.75 sec. The cGntai"er is held in a user's hand with the thumb on one face of the co.~tainer and the other fing~, a on the opposite face of the contai. ~er. With the thumb on the sel ,sor, the oontainer is held in a vertical position with thed;s~J~nsing orifice clirecl~d downward over a beaker positioned on a model PE 600 Metler electror,ic ~als,)ce. The containers are then manually s~ueQ~d with enough force to open the valve and dispense a slanddr~J
quantity of product (3~ 9) cG~ItaineJ therein. The ",~i",um force that is required to open the valve and to dispense each quantity of product is .5 output by the computer program. That force value along with the weight of product dispensed is 1~h! ~te~ manually by the opera~or.
After resetting the balance to zero the above sequence is repe~te~l until the container is empty of all product. The data collected by the ope~ator is then used to generale a graph showing the force required to open the valve as a function of the cumulative amount of product dispensed from the container.
Example 1: Dispensinq Force Measurement:
The force required for dispensing product from containers of the present invention as well as for various commercially available co- ,tainer~ shown in zS Table 1 below was measured in accordance with the Dispensing Force Test described above. Each of the containers in Table 1 was fitted with a closure containing a silicone dispensing valve available from Se~q~ ~ist Closures Mukwonago Wisconsin.
Table 1. Types of Containers Legend Number ¦ Product ¦ ContainerSize ¦ Product Source CA 0223l4l3 l998-03-26 Lever 2000 Body 354 Lever Bros.
- Wash 2 Vaseline b)le"sive 177Cl,~asehorough-Care Moisturizing Ponds Body Wash 3 BabyMagic 200 Mennen 1~10 stl ~izing Baby Bath 4 SoftSoap Gentle 354Golo~'~ ralmolive An~ a~1erial Body Wash Container of the 100 invention as shown in FIG. 4 6 co, Itai, ,er of the 200 invention as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A 6B

To remove any incol ,sistenc,es arising from dis~,ensi"g products of ~~ifte, enl viscosities water was substituted for the as-packaged and purchased conlents of all containers. The results of these force measu~",ei,ls are shown in FIG. 11.
I0 It is evident from FIG. 11 that the containers of the present invention require the lowest amount of force to dispense product relative to the other cGutai,)ers tested. Accordingly the containers of the invention are e~pected to be easiest to dispense product by those having weak hand strength such as small children and elderly adults.

Claims

1. A tapered closure comprising:
a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

2. The closure of claim 1 whereby the circumference of the top surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface.

3. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

4. The closure of claim 3 further comprising an aperture in the channel.

5. The closure of claim 1 having a degree of taper between about 85° to about 45° relative to the normal to the longitudinal axis of the closure.

6. The closure of claim 1 whereby the upper closure side wall has a thickness of from about .075 inches to about .015 inches.

7. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a lid attached to the peripheral closure side wall via an attachment means.

8. The closure of claim 7 whereby the attachment means is a first hinge.

9. The closure of claim 7 further comprising an extension member attached to the peripheral closure side wall and the lid, said extension member having a lower surface.

10. The closure of claim 9 further comprising a second hinge integrally connecting the extension member and the lid, a plug integral with the extension member lower surface and an aperature in the upper stage surface wherein the plug and the aperture are positioned on the closure in a location that permits the mating of the plug and the aperature.

11. The closure of claim 10 further comprising a dispensing orifice through the upper stage surface the dispensing orifice having a throat.

12. The closure of claim 11 wherein said lid further comprises a lower surface and a stopper integral therewith such that said closure is in a closed position when said stopper is secured within said throat.

13. The closure of claim 11 further comprising a valve securedly fit in the throat.

14. A tapered closure comprising:
a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

15. The closure of claim 14 whereby the perimeter of the top surface is greater than the perimeter of the bottom surface.

16. The closure of claim 14 further comprising a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

17. A tapered closure comprising:
a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference;
b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.

18. The closure of claim 17 whereby the circumference of the top surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface.

19. The closure of claim 17 further comprising a container, whereby said closure is adapted to fit with said container.

20. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a container whereby said closure is adapted to fit with said container.

21. The closure of claim 14 further comprising a container whereby said closure is adapted to fit with said container.

22. A method of making a tapered closure comprising:
molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a circumference and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a circumference; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

23. The method of claim 22 whereby the circumference of the top surface is greater than the circumference of the bottom surface.

24. A method of making a tapered closure comprising:
molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter; and b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface that is recessed from the top surface.

25. The method of claim 24 whereby the perimeter of the top surface is greater than the perimeter of the bottom surface.

26. A method of making a tapered closure comprising:
molding the closure under conditions sufficient in a mold capable of forming a closure containing a) a peripheral closure side wall comprising an upper closure side wall and a lower closure side wall the upper closure side wall further comprising a top surface having a perimeter and the bottom closure side wall further comprising a bottom surface having a perimeter;
b) a stage concentrically integral with the peripheral closure side wall and having an upper stage surface; and c) a channel intermediate to and concentric with the stage and the peripheral closure side wall.