CA2242344C - Bottle finish and closure cap with double screw thread - Google Patents
Bottle finish and closure cap with double screw thread Download PDFInfo
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- CA2242344C CA2242344C CA002242344A CA2242344A CA2242344C CA 2242344 C CA2242344 C CA 2242344C CA 002242344 A CA002242344 A CA 002242344A CA 2242344 A CA2242344 A CA 2242344A CA 2242344 C CA2242344 C CA 2242344C
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Abstract
For improving the venting behaviour of containers with beverages containing carbon dioxide, a container finish (1) and a closure (11) is provided with a twin-start thread. The thread comprises in each case two threads (3, 13) which extend over an angle of 240° to less than 360°, preferably 280°, and which are arranged so as to be displaced at 180°. In this way, initial or first sections (5), in which the threads (3) overlap each other vertically, are formed on the outside surface (2) of the container finish (1), as well as second sections (6) in which, vertically, only one thread (3) is arranged. On the inside surface (12) of the closure (11), initial or first sections (15) are formed in which the threads (13) overlap each other vertically, as well as second sections (16) in which, vertically, only one thread (13) is arranged. In each of the sections (5, 6, 15, 16), at least one venting recess (4, 14) is arranged per thread, said venting recess interrupting the threads (3, 13).
Description
-~ - PCTICH97100009 Bottle Finish and Closure Cap with ~ouble Screw Thread This invention concerns a container finish and a closure cap with a twin-start thread.
Various closure arrangements with multi-start threads on the closure and the container finish (neck portion) are state of the art. US 4,770,306, for example, discloses a closure that possesses a twin-start thread. Each thread extends over an angle of approximately 180°, and both threads are displaced so as to be diametrically opposite each other. An advantage of such twin- or~multi-start threads is that the engagement between the threads of the closure and of the neck of the container is greater when compared with single-start threads. This enables the provision of shorter threads, resulting in a considerably shorter opening or closing travel ~of the closure.
In the case of containers that are filled with beverages containing carbon dioxide, the internal pressure will be raised when such a container is in the closed condition. On opening the container, sudden ejection of the closure due to the raised internal pressure should be avoided before the internal pressure is reduced. Such ejection is accompanied by a risk of injury to the consumer.
Also in the case of containers or closures provided with means to vent the closure on unscrewing, there are certain risks associated with misuse by the consumer. It is conceiva-ble that, despite generally sufficient venting arrangements, due to intentionally rapid unscrewing, closures of containers containing carbon dioxide can be femoved so rapidly that venting time is too short: The high-speed ejection of closures in the manner of a projectile cari be intentionally induced in this way.
US Patent No. 5,462,186 discloses a closure having two threads which are circumferentially displaced at 180° with respect to each , other and having venting slots intersecting the threads. Each thread extends over more than 360°, such that in circumferential direction there are always at least two threads.
The purpose of the invention is to avoid the drawbacks of the state of the art, and in particular to create a container finish and a closure cap with a multi-start thread which possesses improved venting properties for reduction of the . , internal pressure during the opening sequence of containers containing beverages with a carbon dioxide content.
A further purpose of the present invention is to create a container finish and a closure cap which prevent the induc-tion of excessively rapid unscrewing by the user, and ejec-tion of the closure.
A further purpose of the present invention is to create a closure and a container finish which can be economically manufactured, in particular which require a small amount of material and, when in the closed condition, are reliably engaged with each other.
According to the invention, these purposes are fulfilled with a closure and with a container finish according to the cha-racterizing portion of. the independent patent claims.
-2a- PCTlCH97l00009 A container finish possesses in principle a cylindrical outer surface on which two outwardly protruding threads are arran-ged,, displaced by 180°. During opening, such an arrangement, displaced by 180°, prevents tilting or one-sided opening of the closure, and its ejection from the finish. The distribu-tion of the force exerted from the container finish onto a closure is, with such an arrangement, point-symmetrical and diagonally opposed so that the risk of premature and one-sided ejection is reduced.
a - 3 -The threads are interrupted by venting recesses. During the opening sequence, the venting recesses permit reduction of a raised internal pressure within the container at a time when a closure is still firmly engaged with the container finish.
Each thread preferably extends. over an angle of 240° to less than 360°, preferably to 340°. The.selection of such an angular range will, in combination with a suitable selection of venting recesses, result in optimum venting behaviour, as well as a secure interlock and force fit between the finish and the closure.
The minimum thread length of 240° is required in order to ensure a sufficient over-torque value.
Selection of an angle between 240° and 340° will result in two first sections of the outside surface in which both threads overlap vertically, and two second sections of the outside surface, in each of which, vertically, only one thread is arranged.
Good venting behaviour is attained if, in each first section, at least one venting recess is arranged per thread, said venting recess being aligned with the thread recess of the other thread, and that at least one venting recess is arran-ged in each second section. The alignment of the venting recesses or "slots" preferably entails a vertical arrange-ment. A lateral displacement of the superimposed "slots" is possible as long as the free passage for exiting gas is not essentially restricted.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, each such thread extends through an angle of 280°. Preferably, exactly one venting recess is used per section.
Apart from that, a particularly beneficial gas -release beha-. 4 -' PC1'/CH97/OQ~009 viour will result from an irregular (not axially symmetrical arrangement of the individual venting recesses.
The individual venting recesses are preferably formed to taper inwardly. The opening angle amounts to between 40° and 70°, preferably between 55° and 65°, and each venting recess extends over an angular range of 4° to 10°, preferably ap-proximately 5°.
An optimal pitch for the thread lies within the range 3° to 4°, preferably approximately 3.5°.
On its outside surface, beneath both the threads, the contai-ner finish preferably possesses a retaining bead for holding an anti-tamper strip of the closure. The selection of the distance between the retaining element and the end of the thread in relation to the axial extent of both threads is significant for the opening behaviour. The distance between the retaining bead and the thread end is selected to be les s than 1.5 times and preferably equal to two-thirds of the vertical extent of the section of the container finish provi-ded with threads.~From the thread end to the end of the closure cap, the gas seeks its way between the inside of the closure and the outside of the container mouth.
The longer the distance between the container thread end and the retaining element,.the longer the distance that must be selected between the thread end of the closure and an anti-tamper strip. The passage of the gas will be longer, and the exiting gas will be subjected to greater resistance.
By selecting a greater distance, a worsened gas-release behaviour will result.
A closure according to the invention essentially comprises a base and a skirt surrounding said base, said skirt possessing _ 5 _ an essentially cylindrical inside surface. On the inside surface, two threads are arranged protruding radially inwards and displaced by x.80°. In addition, venting recesses are provided on the inside, said venting recesses interrupting the threads.
Both threads preferably extend over an angle of 240° to less than 360°, and preferably to 340°. By means of the diametri-cally opposed arrangement of both threads, two first sections of the inside surface will result in which both the threads overlap vertically, and two second sections of the inside surface, in each of which, vertically, only one thread is arranged.
In each of the first sections, at least one venting arran-gement is provided per thread, said venting arrangement being aligned with the venting recess of the other thread. In each second section, at least one venting recess is likewise provided.
Preferably, each thread extends over an angle of approximate-ly 280°.
In conjunction with a container finish described above, particularly favourable opening behaviour for a closure will result if, per thread, two venting recesses are arranged in each first section and one venting recess in each first section.
Apart from that, good gas-venting behaviour will also result if the individual venting recesses are arranged irregularly, e.g. not axially symmetrical.
The venting recesses preferably extend through an angular range of 4° to 10°~, preferably 5°.
Apart from that, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure is provided with an anti-tamper strip. The anti-tamper strip is connected with the lower edge of the circum-ferential skirt of the closure by means of frangible bridges or a frangible line. On its inside, the anti-tamper strip possesses retaining means, said retaining means being able to be brought into engagement with a retaining bead of a contai-ner neck. Because two threads are used, their pitch can be selected to be large in comparison to single-start threads, without the engagement between the closure and a container finish being too small. Thus, a pitch angle of 3° to 4°, for example, can be selected, preferably 3.5°. Such a steep thread pitch also means, however, that the forces exerted onto the anti-tamper strip during the opening sequence will take effect during a shorter time. By selecting such steep threads, the dependability that an anti-tamper strip will tear on initial opening of a closure is increased.
A combination of the container finish as described above with the described closure is optimal. Both the closure threads come into rapid engagement with the container finish threads.
Because two thread starts are arranged diametrically opposite each other, when screwing on the closure a maximum of half a turn must be made for the closure to come into engagement with the container finish. In the case of single threads, in the worst case a full rotation is required to attain this.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure and the container finish engage with each other within an angular range of 300°
to 390°. This is possible due to the provision of two thre-ads, even when each thread extends only over an angular range of 240° to less than 360°. Preferably, a mutual engagement of more than 360° is selected. By means of the specific arran-gement of individual venting recesses, sequential and long-duration venting is attained. Preferably, four venting reces-ses are provided on the container finish, and six recesses on ... ~ -the closure. Each recess forms an uninterrupted path for gas.
If the recesses are asymmetrical and are not arranged at regular angular spacing on the container edge and the closu-re, during the unscrewing sequence, and thus during one rotation (engagement 360°), there will be 24 constellations where venting recesses on the closure coincide with venting recesses on the finish. During the entire unscrewing sequen-ce, therefore, venting will sequentially reach a maximum value 24 times. In contrast, venting will occur at clearly fewer separate points in time with closures possessing con-ventional single threads and venting recesses.
To ensure good venting, at least one venting recess must be provided in each of the second sections where, vertically, only one thread is arranged. Because the exiting gas is confronted with less resistance (only one instead of two threads), it can flow out much more rapidly. For reasons of safety, with single-start threads an arrangement where, vertically, only one thread is arranged at one point is not conceivable (insufficient mutual engagement).
Apart from that, it is advantageous to construct the closure and the container in such a way that the distance between the inner surface of the closure base and the side of the ends of the thread turns oriented towards the closure base is selec-ted to be greater than the distance between the edge of the container mouth and the upper side of the thread start of the threads on the container finish.
Tn a further preferred_embodiment, the thread start of the threads on the container finish is not rounded but cut-off vertically. In conjunction with a brake element on the ends of the threads of the closure, a brake arrangement is thus formed which exactly defines and limits the screw-on motion of the closure.
- ~a - PCTICH97/00009 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical outside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially outwardly, the threads being arranged on the outside surface so as to be displaced by 180°, and with the outside surface having two first sections and two second sections, and venting recesses, the venting recesses interrupting the threads, the improvement wherein each thread extends between an angle of 240° to less than 360°, wherein both the threads overlap each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in two first sections of the outside surface and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, only one thread is arranged in each of two second sections, and wherein, per thread, at least one venting recess is provided in each of the first sections, the venting recess being located essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis aligned with the venting recess of the other thread, and wherein at least one venting recess is provided in each of the second sections.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure having a closure base and a circumferential skirt affixed to the base, the skirt possessing a substantially cylindrical inside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially inwards, the threads being arranged so as to be displaced by 180° on the inside surface, the inside surface having two first sections, and having venting recesses interrupting the threads, the improvement wherein each thread extends between an angle of 240° to less than 360°, both the threads overlapping each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in the first two sections of the inside surface and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in each case only one thread is arranged in two second sections, and wherein, in each of the first sections, at least one venting recess is provided per thread, the venting recess being aligned essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread and wherein, in each second section, at least one venting recess is provided.
- 7b - PCTICH97/00009 In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure arrangement comprising a container neck finish and a closure cap for closing the container, the cap having a cap base, the container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical outside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially outwardly, the threads being arranged so as to be displaced by 180° on the outside surface, the outside surface having two first sections and two second sections, venting recesses interrupting the threads, and wherein the closure possesses a closure base and attached to the base a circumferential skirt with a substantially cylindrical inside surtace, the inside surface having two first sections and two second sections, two radially inwardly protruding threads, displaced by 180° being arranged on the inside surface, as well as venting recesses which interrupt the threads, wherein threads of the closure are capable of being brought into engagement with threads of the container neck finish, wherein each thread of the container neck finish and each thread of the closure extends at an angle of between 240° to less than 3fi0°, and wherein, in the two first sections of the outside surface of the container neck fnish, both the threads of the container neck finish overlap each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, in each case only one thread is arranged in two second sections of the outside surface of the container neck finish, and wherein both the threads of the closure overlap each other in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in the two first sections of the inside surface, and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in each case only one thread is arranged in the two second sections of the inside surface, and wherein, in each of the first sections of the outside surface of the cantainer neck finish, per thread, at least one venting recess is provided, the venting recess being aligned in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread, as well as at least one venting recess in each of the second sections of the outside surface, and wherein at least one venting recess is provided per thread in each of the first sections of the inside surface of the closure, the venting recess being aligned essentially in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread, as well as at least one venting recess in each of the second sections of the outside surface.
g -In a further preferred embodiment, the container finish and/or the closure cap are provided with additional means to brake the screw-off motion. Not only the container finish but also the closure cap can be provided with independently functioning means. It is also conceivable, however, to provi-de the container finish and the closure with mutually enga-ging means. As soon as the venting function occurs, the unscrewing motion of the closure is subjected to braking.
Accordingly, there will be a greater period of time for venting. This prevents ejection of the closure, also with inappropriate handling (too rapid opening).
It is particularly simple to provide the container finish with at least one mechanical stop arranged between the thre-ads, said mechanical stop being able to be brought into engagement with elements of a closure when the internal pressure is high. If the closure is raised axially when the internal pressure is high, elements of the closure engage with the mechanical stop on the container mouth and prevent a further unscrewing motion. As soon as the internal pressure in the container has been reduced by venting, the closure can be pressed downwards in an axial direction, by which means the elements of the closure disengage with the mechanical stop. The elements of the closure engaging with the mechani-cal stop on the container mouth can, for example, be inter-ruptions of the threads, i.e. venting recesses.
A similar arrangement of mechanical stops can naturally also be attached to the inside of the closure cap. With that, mechanical stops are attached to the side of the threads oriented towards the cap base, said mechanical stops being able to engage with elements of the container mouth, in particular the threads on the container mouth, when the closure cap is lifted up by internal pressure.
It is also conceivable to provide braking elements which do not interrupt the unscrewing motion but apply a gradual braking effect. This uniform braking effect is practical for the user because it is less evident and requires no additio-nal motion such as axially downward pressing of the closure.
In a particularly simple embodiment, for continuous braking, protrusions can be provided on the inside surface of the skirt. These protrusions extend in a radial direction ap-proximately far enough inwardly so that they make dragging contact with the maximum outside diameter of the container mouth, e.g. engage with the outside diameter of the thread.
These protrusions can, for example, be arranged towards the lower edge of the skirt so that they first engage with the threads after a certain unscrewing motion and create a bra-king effect. The closure cap can thus be rotated off in an initial opening step without being subjected to braking. Only in a second step, during which the closure vents, will the braking elements become active.
Apart from that, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, in the axial direction toward the cap base the protrusions are reducing radially in thickness. This leads to a constant-ly rising braking force toward completion of the unscrewing motion.
Similar advantages can also be aimed at with a protrusion that in principle extends over the entire height of the threads and preferably ends adjacent to the lower edge of the skirt.
In a further embodiment, the inside surface of the cap skirt is provided with bridge-like protrusions between the threads, said bridge-like protrusions creating the braking effect.
Naturally, the braking elements portrayed for a closure can in each case also be applied to a container mouth to similar effect. Corresponding to their alternative action, in the case of protrusions on the container at most said protrusions must be positioned and formed slightly differently. Particu-larly in the case of protrusions with a thickness changing in the axial direction, said protrusions are preferably arranged adjacent to the edge of the mouth and possess a thickness that reduces in the axial direction towards the container edge.
The illustrated devices for braking the unscrewing motion also possess great advantages in relation to threads that are not twin-start threads. with any thread design for ventable closures, it can be advantageous to brake the unscrewing motion with such elements.
The invention is more closely explained on the basis of following drawings and embodiments; namely, Figure 1 a three-dimensional view of a container finish according to the invention;
Figure 2 a three-dimensional representation of the threads of a closure according to the invention, with a closure skirt depicted by dotted lines;
Figure 3 a three-dimensional sectional drawing of a combi-nation according to the invention of a closure and a container finish;
Figure 4 a side view of the container finish according to figure 1;
Figure 5 a developed side view of the inside of the closu-re according to figure 2;
Figure 6 a developed view of the outside surface of the container finish according to figure 1;
PCT/CFi97/00009 Figure 7 a cross section through the closure according to figure 2;
Figure 8 and 9 developed views of alternative embodiments of a closure and a container finish;
Figure 10 and 11 developed views of the inside of a closure with means for braking the unscrewing motion;
Figure 12 a developed view of the outside surface of a container finish with means for braking the uns-crewing motion of a closure;
Figure 13 a developed view of the inside surface of a clo-sure with an alternative embodiment of means for braking the unscrewing motion;
Figure 14 a cross section through a closure according to the developed view from figure 13;
Figures 15a and 15b the developed view from figure 10 of a container mouth in two stages of an opening sequence, with threads depicted by dotted lines; and Figures 16a and 16b a cross section of a closure cap according to figure 14, fitted to a container, during two stages of an opening sequence.
Figure 1 shows a container finish 1 possessing the features of the invention.
The finish 1 of a container la (not shown in greater detail here) possesses an outside surface 2 upon which two threads 3 are arranged. Both the threads 3 are arranged so as to be displaced by 180°, and each extend over more than 280°. In this way, two first sections 5 are formed in which the thre-ads 3 overlap vertically. In contrast, only one thread 3 is arranged in two second sections 6. To enable a rapid reduc-tion of pressure when removing a closure from the container finish 1, the threads 3 are interrupted by venting recesses 4. Per thread 3, one venting recess 4 is accommodated in each of the sections 5 or 6. In the sections 5 in which both the threads 3 overlap, the recesses are aligned vertically one above another. Apart from that, the container finish 1 pos-sesses a retaining bead 7 which can be brought into engage-ment with the anti-tamper strip of a closure.
Figure 2 shows the thread run of a closure 11 possessing the features of the invention. The closure possesses a base 20 and a cirumferential skirt 21 attached to said base. Two radially inwardly protruding threads 13 are arranged on the inside 12 of the circumferential skirt 21. Both threads 13 are attached to the inside surface 12, displaced at 180° to one another. Each thread 13 extends through an angle of 280°
so that initial or first sections 15 are formed in which two threads 13 lie vertically above one another, as well as second sections 16 in which, vertically, there is only one thread 13. In each of these sections 15, 16, each thread is interrupted at one point by a venting recess 14. In the first sections 15, in which both the threads overlap vertically, the venting recesses 14 on the individual threads 13 are mutually aligned. In this way, a recess crossing both threads will arise. An anti-tamper strip 17 is connected to the lower edge of the circumferential skirt 21 by means of frangible bridges 22.
Figure 3 shows the combination of a closure 11 with a contai-ner finish 1 possessing the features of the invention. A
portion of the closure skirt and container finish are shown so as to form a partial cross section. The threads 3 of the container finish I engage with the threads 13 of the closure 11. The anti-tamper strip 17 of the closure 11 is held firmly on the retaining bead 7 of the container finish 1 by means of retaining elements 18.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the container finish 1 shown in figure 1. Both threads 3 are arranged with a pitch a, wherein a preferably amounts to 3.5°. Both the threads 3 are inter-rupted by venting recesses 4 and end towards the container mouth in a thread start 9. The thread start 9 possesses a clearly cut edge 24 to form a limit to the screw-on motion. A
distance d2~is formed between the upper side of the thread start 9 and the edge of the container 10. A second distance d is formed between the lower side of the thread end 8 and the upper side of the retaining bead 7. The distance d amounts approximately to two thirds of the vertical extent v o~ the section of the container finish 1 provided with threads.
Figures 5 and 6 show developed views of the inside surface 12 of the closure 11 (figure 5) and the outside surface 2 of the container finish 1 (Figure 6). On the inside surface 12 of the closure 11 there are, in each case, two sections 15 in which the threads 13 overlap vertically and two sections 16 in which, vertically, only one thread ~13 is arranged. One venting recess 14 is provided in the sections 15, said recess interrupting the thread. l3. In the sections 15, in each case two venting recesses 14 are provided per thread 13. The venting recesses 14 in the sections 15 are arranged in such a way that two recesses are created passing completely through both threads 13. The individual venting recesses 14 are arranged circumferentially with different intermediate spa-ces. For improvement of the gas venting behaviour, the inside surface 12 can additionally be provided with small depres-sions running transversely across the skirt 21 in the area tit .. y - 14 -the recesses 14.
Figure 6 shows the developed view of a container finish 1 to fit the closure according to figure 5. First sections 5 are formed where both the threads 13 overlap vertically. Second sections are defined where, vertically, only one thread 3 is arranged. In each of the sections 5 or 6 one venting recess 4 is provided per thread.3, said venting recesses interrupting the threads 3. In the sections 5, the venting recesses 4 of both threads 3 are aligned in such a way that an uninter-rupted path for gas is formed. The individual venting reces-ses 4 are not regularly positioned around the circumference, and do not coincide with the venting recesses 14 of the closure ll.~With a rotation of 360° during removal of the closure 11 from the container finish l, there will be 24 constellations where the gas contained in the container can escape through superimposed venting recesses 4 and 14.
Figure ? shows a cross section through a closure according to figure 2. The closure preferably possesses a sealing means 2.3 which can be brought into engagement with the upper edge of a container finish: Retaining elements 18 are provided on the anti-tamper strip 17, said retaining elements being able to be brought into engagement with a retaining bead of a contai-ner finish. A distance dl is defined between the upper side of the thread end 19 and the inner surface of the closure base. If the distance dl is selected to be greater than the distance d2 from figure 4, an engagement of more than 280°
can be selected with a combination of closure 11 and contai-ner finish 1, even when each of the threads 3, 7.3 only extend over an angle of 280°. Preferably, the relationship dl to d2 is selected in such a way that the closure I1 engages with the container finish 1 over an~angular range of 360°. The threads are arranged with an angle ~i of approximately 3.5°.
Figure 8 shows the developed view of the inside surface 12 of - ' - I5 -an alternative embodiment o.f a closure 11. Two venting reces-ses 14 are provided in'each of the sections 16 in which, ' vertically, only one thread 13 is arranged. Accordingly, two additional venting constellations will arise during the opening sequence, and thus a still more regular gas venting behaviour. The recesses 14 in the sections 15 are mutually aligned in a line that is gently inclined in relation to the vertical.
Figure 9 shows the outside surfaces 2 of an alternative embodiment of a container finish 1. Each thread 3 is inter-rupted by two venting recesses in each of the sections 5, 6.
The venting. recesses 4 in the sections 5 align in a line that is slightly inclined in relation to the vertical.
Figure 10 shows the developed view of the inside surface 12 of a closure 11 which is additionally provided with means to brake the unscrewing movement of the closure. A protrusion 25 forms a mechanical stop surface which can come into engage-ment with elements of the container finish and so momentarily interrupt the unscrewing motion. With high internal pressure in the container; the closure 11 is pressed upwards in the axial direction. If the closure is in position on a container with venting recesses,.with appropriate dimensioning the protrusions 25 will snap into the venting recesses on the container finish. Naturally, other form features can be provided as a counterpart to the protrusion 25. Due to the coordinated connection between the protrusions 25 and the container mouth, the closure cannot be subjected to further rotation before the internal pressure of the container has reduced, permitting the closure to be pressed axially down-wards. By means of an axially downward motion, the protrusion 25 will become disengaged from the container finish, and the closure can be subjected to further unscrewing.
Figure 11 shows a closure 11 which, on its inside, is provi--ded with bridges 26 between the threads 13. The bridges 26 are dimensioned in such a way that they define a free inside diameter that is approximately the same size or slightly smaller than the maximum outside diameter of the threads of the container to be closed. As~a result, the threads of a container rest upon the bridges 26 between the threads 13 of a closure 11 and create a dragging effect which leads to braked unscrewing of the closure. Depending on the dimensio-ning of the bridges 26, a greater or lesser braking effect can be defined at different phases of the unscrewing motion.
As long as the threads of a container finish rest upon all the bridges 26, the closure will be subjected t.o uniform braking in the unscrewing motion.
Figure 12 shows the developed view of a container finish 11 which is provided on its outside surface with threads 12. A
protrusion 27 is provided between the threads 3, said protru-sion forming a mechanical stop for features of a closure. If a closure is pressed axially upwards due to the pressure prevailing in the container, it will run up against the protrusion 27 during the unscrewing sequence, wherein the unscrewing motion will be interrupted. As soon as the gas pressure within the container is reduced, the c7_osure can be pressed downwards, and enables a continuation of the uns-crewing sequence. .
Figures 13 and 14 show an embodiment of a closure which is provided on its inside with two different protrusions for uniform braking of the unscrewing motion. Ribs 29 are provi-ded on the lower edge of the closure skirt, said ribs drag-ging against the outside diameter of a container mouth and thus creating a braking effect. Apart from that, protrusions 28 are provided in the area of the threads, said protrusions likewise creating a uniform braking effect of the unscrewing sequence. Naturally, the protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 also function independently.
The protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 are formed in such a way that there is no abrupt stop to the unscrewing motion, but rather a continuous braking action. In particular, the thick-ness of the protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 is formed to increase in the axial direction towards the lower end of the closure cap. The protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 extend from the inside surface of the closure cap. With such a design, a braking effect is attained that is almost zero at commence-ment of the unscrewing motion. By means of continued uns-crewing of the closure, the free inside diameter of the contact surface of the protrusions 28 or the ribs 29, said contact surface dragging against the outside surface of the container finish, will become increasingly small. This leads to a greater pressing force of the protrusions 28 or ribs 29 on the outside surface of the container mouth, and thus to increased frictional force and braking effect.
Figure 15a shows the developed view of the inside surface 12 of a closure 11, said surface being provided with a protru-sion 25, said protrusion forming a mechanical stop (also see figure 10). A complementary thread 30 on a bottle mouth is depicted by a dotted line. The thread 30 possesses inter-ruptions 31 (venting recesses). In figure 15a, the closure 11 is in a position on the container mouth where the venting function has not yet properly begun. By means of the pressure prevailing in the container, the closure cap 11 with its thread 13 is pressed upwards towards the thread 30 of the container mouth.
Figure 15b shows the same section of the developed view of an inside wall 12 of a closure cap 11 which, compared with figure 15a, is slightly rotated, e.g. opened. With that, the protrusion 25 on the upper side of the thread 13 of the closure cap 11 is engaged with the threads in the venting recess 31, said venting recess 31 being between two portions of the thread 30 on the container mouth. By means of the "' n - 18 -- overpressure prevailing in the inside of the container, the closure cap is pressed upwards in the axial direction (arrow A). Accordingly, the protrusion 25 will come into engagement with the venting recess 31, e.g. with the start of a segment of the thread 30. This engagement remains for as long assn overpressure prevails inside the container. During this, time, the overpressure can be reduced thanks to the venting reces-ses in the closure cap and on the container mouth. Only when the pressure on the inside,of the container has sunk below a specific reference value can the closure cap 11. be pressed downwards again (in the opposite direction to arrow A), the mechanical stop becoming disengaged with the venting recesses 31. After pressing down the closure cap 11, the unscrewing motion can be continued. Naturally, it is conceivable to form a container mouth in such a way that the mechanical stop 25 engages not with the recesses 31 but with counter stops specially formed for this purpose.
The advantage of this arrangement is that the closure cap only be completely removed from the container when the pres-sure in the inside of the closed container has been complete-ly or almost completely reduced.
Figures l6a and 16b schematically show two stages of the unscrewing sequence of a closure, as has been shown in figure 14. The closure 11 is screwed onto a container mouth and is, with its threads 13, engaged in the counter thread 30 of said container mouth. A protrusion 28 extends from the inside surface of the closure cap 11, so that its surface makes contact with the surface of the counter thread 30 on the container mouth. As can be seen in figure 16a, the pressing effect of the protrusion 28 is still slight when the closure is com-pletely fitted. At the point where the protrusion 28 posses-ses the greatest thickness, there is still no contact with the thread 30 of the container mouth. Only during the uns-crewing sequence (see figure 16b) does the protrusion 28, due to its increasing thickness, increasingly engage with the thread 30 of the container mouth. Due to the increasing thickness, the pressing force of the protrusion 28 on the thread 30 increases, by which means the unscrewing motion of the closure cap is braked. It is important that the venting function commences before widening of the outside by the protrusion (or protrusions) becomes too great. With the protrusions 28, the unscrewing.motion is indeed subjected to braking, but the engagement between container mouth and closure cap also becomes less (due to expansion of the cap wall). It is therefore important that the inside pressure in the container is reduced before the protrusion 28 has reached its full effect.
Inasmuch as the invention is subject to modifications and variations, the foregoing description and accompanying dra-wings should not be regarded as limiting the invention, which is defined by the following claims and various combinations thereof
Various closure arrangements with multi-start threads on the closure and the container finish (neck portion) are state of the art. US 4,770,306, for example, discloses a closure that possesses a twin-start thread. Each thread extends over an angle of approximately 180°, and both threads are displaced so as to be diametrically opposite each other. An advantage of such twin- or~multi-start threads is that the engagement between the threads of the closure and of the neck of the container is greater when compared with single-start threads. This enables the provision of shorter threads, resulting in a considerably shorter opening or closing travel ~of the closure.
In the case of containers that are filled with beverages containing carbon dioxide, the internal pressure will be raised when such a container is in the closed condition. On opening the container, sudden ejection of the closure due to the raised internal pressure should be avoided before the internal pressure is reduced. Such ejection is accompanied by a risk of injury to the consumer.
Also in the case of containers or closures provided with means to vent the closure on unscrewing, there are certain risks associated with misuse by the consumer. It is conceiva-ble that, despite generally sufficient venting arrangements, due to intentionally rapid unscrewing, closures of containers containing carbon dioxide can be femoved so rapidly that venting time is too short: The high-speed ejection of closures in the manner of a projectile cari be intentionally induced in this way.
US Patent No. 5,462,186 discloses a closure having two threads which are circumferentially displaced at 180° with respect to each , other and having venting slots intersecting the threads. Each thread extends over more than 360°, such that in circumferential direction there are always at least two threads.
The purpose of the invention is to avoid the drawbacks of the state of the art, and in particular to create a container finish and a closure cap with a multi-start thread which possesses improved venting properties for reduction of the . , internal pressure during the opening sequence of containers containing beverages with a carbon dioxide content.
A further purpose of the present invention is to create a container finish and a closure cap which prevent the induc-tion of excessively rapid unscrewing by the user, and ejec-tion of the closure.
A further purpose of the present invention is to create a closure and a container finish which can be economically manufactured, in particular which require a small amount of material and, when in the closed condition, are reliably engaged with each other.
According to the invention, these purposes are fulfilled with a closure and with a container finish according to the cha-racterizing portion of. the independent patent claims.
-2a- PCTlCH97l00009 A container finish possesses in principle a cylindrical outer surface on which two outwardly protruding threads are arran-ged,, displaced by 180°. During opening, such an arrangement, displaced by 180°, prevents tilting or one-sided opening of the closure, and its ejection from the finish. The distribu-tion of the force exerted from the container finish onto a closure is, with such an arrangement, point-symmetrical and diagonally opposed so that the risk of premature and one-sided ejection is reduced.
a - 3 -The threads are interrupted by venting recesses. During the opening sequence, the venting recesses permit reduction of a raised internal pressure within the container at a time when a closure is still firmly engaged with the container finish.
Each thread preferably extends. over an angle of 240° to less than 360°, preferably to 340°. The.selection of such an angular range will, in combination with a suitable selection of venting recesses, result in optimum venting behaviour, as well as a secure interlock and force fit between the finish and the closure.
The minimum thread length of 240° is required in order to ensure a sufficient over-torque value.
Selection of an angle between 240° and 340° will result in two first sections of the outside surface in which both threads overlap vertically, and two second sections of the outside surface, in each of which, vertically, only one thread is arranged.
Good venting behaviour is attained if, in each first section, at least one venting recess is arranged per thread, said venting recess being aligned with the thread recess of the other thread, and that at least one venting recess is arran-ged in each second section. The alignment of the venting recesses or "slots" preferably entails a vertical arrange-ment. A lateral displacement of the superimposed "slots" is possible as long as the free passage for exiting gas is not essentially restricted.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, each such thread extends through an angle of 280°. Preferably, exactly one venting recess is used per section.
Apart from that, a particularly beneficial gas -release beha-. 4 -' PC1'/CH97/OQ~009 viour will result from an irregular (not axially symmetrical arrangement of the individual venting recesses.
The individual venting recesses are preferably formed to taper inwardly. The opening angle amounts to between 40° and 70°, preferably between 55° and 65°, and each venting recess extends over an angular range of 4° to 10°, preferably ap-proximately 5°.
An optimal pitch for the thread lies within the range 3° to 4°, preferably approximately 3.5°.
On its outside surface, beneath both the threads, the contai-ner finish preferably possesses a retaining bead for holding an anti-tamper strip of the closure. The selection of the distance between the retaining element and the end of the thread in relation to the axial extent of both threads is significant for the opening behaviour. The distance between the retaining bead and the thread end is selected to be les s than 1.5 times and preferably equal to two-thirds of the vertical extent of the section of the container finish provi-ded with threads.~From the thread end to the end of the closure cap, the gas seeks its way between the inside of the closure and the outside of the container mouth.
The longer the distance between the container thread end and the retaining element,.the longer the distance that must be selected between the thread end of the closure and an anti-tamper strip. The passage of the gas will be longer, and the exiting gas will be subjected to greater resistance.
By selecting a greater distance, a worsened gas-release behaviour will result.
A closure according to the invention essentially comprises a base and a skirt surrounding said base, said skirt possessing _ 5 _ an essentially cylindrical inside surface. On the inside surface, two threads are arranged protruding radially inwards and displaced by x.80°. In addition, venting recesses are provided on the inside, said venting recesses interrupting the threads.
Both threads preferably extend over an angle of 240° to less than 360°, and preferably to 340°. By means of the diametri-cally opposed arrangement of both threads, two first sections of the inside surface will result in which both the threads overlap vertically, and two second sections of the inside surface, in each of which, vertically, only one thread is arranged.
In each of the first sections, at least one venting arran-gement is provided per thread, said venting arrangement being aligned with the venting recess of the other thread. In each second section, at least one venting recess is likewise provided.
Preferably, each thread extends over an angle of approximate-ly 280°.
In conjunction with a container finish described above, particularly favourable opening behaviour for a closure will result if, per thread, two venting recesses are arranged in each first section and one venting recess in each first section.
Apart from that, good gas-venting behaviour will also result if the individual venting recesses are arranged irregularly, e.g. not axially symmetrical.
The venting recesses preferably extend through an angular range of 4° to 10°~, preferably 5°.
Apart from that, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure is provided with an anti-tamper strip. The anti-tamper strip is connected with the lower edge of the circum-ferential skirt of the closure by means of frangible bridges or a frangible line. On its inside, the anti-tamper strip possesses retaining means, said retaining means being able to be brought into engagement with a retaining bead of a contai-ner neck. Because two threads are used, their pitch can be selected to be large in comparison to single-start threads, without the engagement between the closure and a container finish being too small. Thus, a pitch angle of 3° to 4°, for example, can be selected, preferably 3.5°. Such a steep thread pitch also means, however, that the forces exerted onto the anti-tamper strip during the opening sequence will take effect during a shorter time. By selecting such steep threads, the dependability that an anti-tamper strip will tear on initial opening of a closure is increased.
A combination of the container finish as described above with the described closure is optimal. Both the closure threads come into rapid engagement with the container finish threads.
Because two thread starts are arranged diametrically opposite each other, when screwing on the closure a maximum of half a turn must be made for the closure to come into engagement with the container finish. In the case of single threads, in the worst case a full rotation is required to attain this.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure and the container finish engage with each other within an angular range of 300°
to 390°. This is possible due to the provision of two thre-ads, even when each thread extends only over an angular range of 240° to less than 360°. Preferably, a mutual engagement of more than 360° is selected. By means of the specific arran-gement of individual venting recesses, sequential and long-duration venting is attained. Preferably, four venting reces-ses are provided on the container finish, and six recesses on ... ~ -the closure. Each recess forms an uninterrupted path for gas.
If the recesses are asymmetrical and are not arranged at regular angular spacing on the container edge and the closu-re, during the unscrewing sequence, and thus during one rotation (engagement 360°), there will be 24 constellations where venting recesses on the closure coincide with venting recesses on the finish. During the entire unscrewing sequen-ce, therefore, venting will sequentially reach a maximum value 24 times. In contrast, venting will occur at clearly fewer separate points in time with closures possessing con-ventional single threads and venting recesses.
To ensure good venting, at least one venting recess must be provided in each of the second sections where, vertically, only one thread is arranged. Because the exiting gas is confronted with less resistance (only one instead of two threads), it can flow out much more rapidly. For reasons of safety, with single-start threads an arrangement where, vertically, only one thread is arranged at one point is not conceivable (insufficient mutual engagement).
Apart from that, it is advantageous to construct the closure and the container in such a way that the distance between the inner surface of the closure base and the side of the ends of the thread turns oriented towards the closure base is selec-ted to be greater than the distance between the edge of the container mouth and the upper side of the thread start of the threads on the container finish.
Tn a further preferred_embodiment, the thread start of the threads on the container finish is not rounded but cut-off vertically. In conjunction with a brake element on the ends of the threads of the closure, a brake arrangement is thus formed which exactly defines and limits the screw-on motion of the closure.
- ~a - PCTICH97/00009 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical outside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially outwardly, the threads being arranged on the outside surface so as to be displaced by 180°, and with the outside surface having two first sections and two second sections, and venting recesses, the venting recesses interrupting the threads, the improvement wherein each thread extends between an angle of 240° to less than 360°, wherein both the threads overlap each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in two first sections of the outside surface and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, only one thread is arranged in each of two second sections, and wherein, per thread, at least one venting recess is provided in each of the first sections, the venting recess being located essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis aligned with the venting recess of the other thread, and wherein at least one venting recess is provided in each of the second sections.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure having a closure base and a circumferential skirt affixed to the base, the skirt possessing a substantially cylindrical inside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially inwards, the threads being arranged so as to be displaced by 180° on the inside surface, the inside surface having two first sections, and having venting recesses interrupting the threads, the improvement wherein each thread extends between an angle of 240° to less than 360°, both the threads overlapping each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in the first two sections of the inside surface and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in each case only one thread is arranged in two second sections, and wherein, in each of the first sections, at least one venting recess is provided per thread, the venting recess being aligned essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread and wherein, in each second section, at least one venting recess is provided.
- 7b - PCTICH97/00009 In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure arrangement comprising a container neck finish and a closure cap for closing the container, the cap having a cap base, the container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical outside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially outwardly, the threads being arranged so as to be displaced by 180° on the outside surface, the outside surface having two first sections and two second sections, venting recesses interrupting the threads, and wherein the closure possesses a closure base and attached to the base a circumferential skirt with a substantially cylindrical inside surtace, the inside surface having two first sections and two second sections, two radially inwardly protruding threads, displaced by 180° being arranged on the inside surface, as well as venting recesses which interrupt the threads, wherein threads of the closure are capable of being brought into engagement with threads of the container neck finish, wherein each thread of the container neck finish and each thread of the closure extends at an angle of between 240° to less than 3fi0°, and wherein, in the two first sections of the outside surface of the container neck fnish, both the threads of the container neck finish overlap each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, in each case only one thread is arranged in two second sections of the outside surface of the container neck finish, and wherein both the threads of the closure overlap each other in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in the two first sections of the inside surface, and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in each case only one thread is arranged in the two second sections of the inside surface, and wherein, in each of the first sections of the outside surface of the cantainer neck finish, per thread, at least one venting recess is provided, the venting recess being aligned in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread, as well as at least one venting recess in each of the second sections of the outside surface, and wherein at least one venting recess is provided per thread in each of the first sections of the inside surface of the closure, the venting recess being aligned essentially in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread, as well as at least one venting recess in each of the second sections of the outside surface.
g -In a further preferred embodiment, the container finish and/or the closure cap are provided with additional means to brake the screw-off motion. Not only the container finish but also the closure cap can be provided with independently functioning means. It is also conceivable, however, to provi-de the container finish and the closure with mutually enga-ging means. As soon as the venting function occurs, the unscrewing motion of the closure is subjected to braking.
Accordingly, there will be a greater period of time for venting. This prevents ejection of the closure, also with inappropriate handling (too rapid opening).
It is particularly simple to provide the container finish with at least one mechanical stop arranged between the thre-ads, said mechanical stop being able to be brought into engagement with elements of a closure when the internal pressure is high. If the closure is raised axially when the internal pressure is high, elements of the closure engage with the mechanical stop on the container mouth and prevent a further unscrewing motion. As soon as the internal pressure in the container has been reduced by venting, the closure can be pressed downwards in an axial direction, by which means the elements of the closure disengage with the mechanical stop. The elements of the closure engaging with the mechani-cal stop on the container mouth can, for example, be inter-ruptions of the threads, i.e. venting recesses.
A similar arrangement of mechanical stops can naturally also be attached to the inside of the closure cap. With that, mechanical stops are attached to the side of the threads oriented towards the cap base, said mechanical stops being able to engage with elements of the container mouth, in particular the threads on the container mouth, when the closure cap is lifted up by internal pressure.
It is also conceivable to provide braking elements which do not interrupt the unscrewing motion but apply a gradual braking effect. This uniform braking effect is practical for the user because it is less evident and requires no additio-nal motion such as axially downward pressing of the closure.
In a particularly simple embodiment, for continuous braking, protrusions can be provided on the inside surface of the skirt. These protrusions extend in a radial direction ap-proximately far enough inwardly so that they make dragging contact with the maximum outside diameter of the container mouth, e.g. engage with the outside diameter of the thread.
These protrusions can, for example, be arranged towards the lower edge of the skirt so that they first engage with the threads after a certain unscrewing motion and create a bra-king effect. The closure cap can thus be rotated off in an initial opening step without being subjected to braking. Only in a second step, during which the closure vents, will the braking elements become active.
Apart from that, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, in the axial direction toward the cap base the protrusions are reducing radially in thickness. This leads to a constant-ly rising braking force toward completion of the unscrewing motion.
Similar advantages can also be aimed at with a protrusion that in principle extends over the entire height of the threads and preferably ends adjacent to the lower edge of the skirt.
In a further embodiment, the inside surface of the cap skirt is provided with bridge-like protrusions between the threads, said bridge-like protrusions creating the braking effect.
Naturally, the braking elements portrayed for a closure can in each case also be applied to a container mouth to similar effect. Corresponding to their alternative action, in the case of protrusions on the container at most said protrusions must be positioned and formed slightly differently. Particu-larly in the case of protrusions with a thickness changing in the axial direction, said protrusions are preferably arranged adjacent to the edge of the mouth and possess a thickness that reduces in the axial direction towards the container edge.
The illustrated devices for braking the unscrewing motion also possess great advantages in relation to threads that are not twin-start threads. with any thread design for ventable closures, it can be advantageous to brake the unscrewing motion with such elements.
The invention is more closely explained on the basis of following drawings and embodiments; namely, Figure 1 a three-dimensional view of a container finish according to the invention;
Figure 2 a three-dimensional representation of the threads of a closure according to the invention, with a closure skirt depicted by dotted lines;
Figure 3 a three-dimensional sectional drawing of a combi-nation according to the invention of a closure and a container finish;
Figure 4 a side view of the container finish according to figure 1;
Figure 5 a developed side view of the inside of the closu-re according to figure 2;
Figure 6 a developed view of the outside surface of the container finish according to figure 1;
PCT/CFi97/00009 Figure 7 a cross section through the closure according to figure 2;
Figure 8 and 9 developed views of alternative embodiments of a closure and a container finish;
Figure 10 and 11 developed views of the inside of a closure with means for braking the unscrewing motion;
Figure 12 a developed view of the outside surface of a container finish with means for braking the uns-crewing motion of a closure;
Figure 13 a developed view of the inside surface of a clo-sure with an alternative embodiment of means for braking the unscrewing motion;
Figure 14 a cross section through a closure according to the developed view from figure 13;
Figures 15a and 15b the developed view from figure 10 of a container mouth in two stages of an opening sequence, with threads depicted by dotted lines; and Figures 16a and 16b a cross section of a closure cap according to figure 14, fitted to a container, during two stages of an opening sequence.
Figure 1 shows a container finish 1 possessing the features of the invention.
The finish 1 of a container la (not shown in greater detail here) possesses an outside surface 2 upon which two threads 3 are arranged. Both the threads 3 are arranged so as to be displaced by 180°, and each extend over more than 280°. In this way, two first sections 5 are formed in which the thre-ads 3 overlap vertically. In contrast, only one thread 3 is arranged in two second sections 6. To enable a rapid reduc-tion of pressure when removing a closure from the container finish 1, the threads 3 are interrupted by venting recesses 4. Per thread 3, one venting recess 4 is accommodated in each of the sections 5 or 6. In the sections 5 in which both the threads 3 overlap, the recesses are aligned vertically one above another. Apart from that, the container finish 1 pos-sesses a retaining bead 7 which can be brought into engage-ment with the anti-tamper strip of a closure.
Figure 2 shows the thread run of a closure 11 possessing the features of the invention. The closure possesses a base 20 and a cirumferential skirt 21 attached to said base. Two radially inwardly protruding threads 13 are arranged on the inside 12 of the circumferential skirt 21. Both threads 13 are attached to the inside surface 12, displaced at 180° to one another. Each thread 13 extends through an angle of 280°
so that initial or first sections 15 are formed in which two threads 13 lie vertically above one another, as well as second sections 16 in which, vertically, there is only one thread 13. In each of these sections 15, 16, each thread is interrupted at one point by a venting recess 14. In the first sections 15, in which both the threads overlap vertically, the venting recesses 14 on the individual threads 13 are mutually aligned. In this way, a recess crossing both threads will arise. An anti-tamper strip 17 is connected to the lower edge of the circumferential skirt 21 by means of frangible bridges 22.
Figure 3 shows the combination of a closure 11 with a contai-ner finish 1 possessing the features of the invention. A
portion of the closure skirt and container finish are shown so as to form a partial cross section. The threads 3 of the container finish I engage with the threads 13 of the closure 11. The anti-tamper strip 17 of the closure 11 is held firmly on the retaining bead 7 of the container finish 1 by means of retaining elements 18.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the container finish 1 shown in figure 1. Both threads 3 are arranged with a pitch a, wherein a preferably amounts to 3.5°. Both the threads 3 are inter-rupted by venting recesses 4 and end towards the container mouth in a thread start 9. The thread start 9 possesses a clearly cut edge 24 to form a limit to the screw-on motion. A
distance d2~is formed between the upper side of the thread start 9 and the edge of the container 10. A second distance d is formed between the lower side of the thread end 8 and the upper side of the retaining bead 7. The distance d amounts approximately to two thirds of the vertical extent v o~ the section of the container finish 1 provided with threads.
Figures 5 and 6 show developed views of the inside surface 12 of the closure 11 (figure 5) and the outside surface 2 of the container finish 1 (Figure 6). On the inside surface 12 of the closure 11 there are, in each case, two sections 15 in which the threads 13 overlap vertically and two sections 16 in which, vertically, only one thread ~13 is arranged. One venting recess 14 is provided in the sections 15, said recess interrupting the thread. l3. In the sections 15, in each case two venting recesses 14 are provided per thread 13. The venting recesses 14 in the sections 15 are arranged in such a way that two recesses are created passing completely through both threads 13. The individual venting recesses 14 are arranged circumferentially with different intermediate spa-ces. For improvement of the gas venting behaviour, the inside surface 12 can additionally be provided with small depres-sions running transversely across the skirt 21 in the area tit .. y - 14 -the recesses 14.
Figure 6 shows the developed view of a container finish 1 to fit the closure according to figure 5. First sections 5 are formed where both the threads 13 overlap vertically. Second sections are defined where, vertically, only one thread 3 is arranged. In each of the sections 5 or 6 one venting recess 4 is provided per thread.3, said venting recesses interrupting the threads 3. In the sections 5, the venting recesses 4 of both threads 3 are aligned in such a way that an uninter-rupted path for gas is formed. The individual venting reces-ses 4 are not regularly positioned around the circumference, and do not coincide with the venting recesses 14 of the closure ll.~With a rotation of 360° during removal of the closure 11 from the container finish l, there will be 24 constellations where the gas contained in the container can escape through superimposed venting recesses 4 and 14.
Figure ? shows a cross section through a closure according to figure 2. The closure preferably possesses a sealing means 2.3 which can be brought into engagement with the upper edge of a container finish: Retaining elements 18 are provided on the anti-tamper strip 17, said retaining elements being able to be brought into engagement with a retaining bead of a contai-ner finish. A distance dl is defined between the upper side of the thread end 19 and the inner surface of the closure base. If the distance dl is selected to be greater than the distance d2 from figure 4, an engagement of more than 280°
can be selected with a combination of closure 11 and contai-ner finish 1, even when each of the threads 3, 7.3 only extend over an angle of 280°. Preferably, the relationship dl to d2 is selected in such a way that the closure I1 engages with the container finish 1 over an~angular range of 360°. The threads are arranged with an angle ~i of approximately 3.5°.
Figure 8 shows the developed view of the inside surface 12 of - ' - I5 -an alternative embodiment o.f a closure 11. Two venting reces-ses 14 are provided in'each of the sections 16 in which, ' vertically, only one thread 13 is arranged. Accordingly, two additional venting constellations will arise during the opening sequence, and thus a still more regular gas venting behaviour. The recesses 14 in the sections 15 are mutually aligned in a line that is gently inclined in relation to the vertical.
Figure 9 shows the outside surfaces 2 of an alternative embodiment of a container finish 1. Each thread 3 is inter-rupted by two venting recesses in each of the sections 5, 6.
The venting. recesses 4 in the sections 5 align in a line that is slightly inclined in relation to the vertical.
Figure 10 shows the developed view of the inside surface 12 of a closure 11 which is additionally provided with means to brake the unscrewing movement of the closure. A protrusion 25 forms a mechanical stop surface which can come into engage-ment with elements of the container finish and so momentarily interrupt the unscrewing motion. With high internal pressure in the container; the closure 11 is pressed upwards in the axial direction. If the closure is in position on a container with venting recesses,.with appropriate dimensioning the protrusions 25 will snap into the venting recesses on the container finish. Naturally, other form features can be provided as a counterpart to the protrusion 25. Due to the coordinated connection between the protrusions 25 and the container mouth, the closure cannot be subjected to further rotation before the internal pressure of the container has reduced, permitting the closure to be pressed axially down-wards. By means of an axially downward motion, the protrusion 25 will become disengaged from the container finish, and the closure can be subjected to further unscrewing.
Figure 11 shows a closure 11 which, on its inside, is provi--ded with bridges 26 between the threads 13. The bridges 26 are dimensioned in such a way that they define a free inside diameter that is approximately the same size or slightly smaller than the maximum outside diameter of the threads of the container to be closed. As~a result, the threads of a container rest upon the bridges 26 between the threads 13 of a closure 11 and create a dragging effect which leads to braked unscrewing of the closure. Depending on the dimensio-ning of the bridges 26, a greater or lesser braking effect can be defined at different phases of the unscrewing motion.
As long as the threads of a container finish rest upon all the bridges 26, the closure will be subjected t.o uniform braking in the unscrewing motion.
Figure 12 shows the developed view of a container finish 11 which is provided on its outside surface with threads 12. A
protrusion 27 is provided between the threads 3, said protru-sion forming a mechanical stop for features of a closure. If a closure is pressed axially upwards due to the pressure prevailing in the container, it will run up against the protrusion 27 during the unscrewing sequence, wherein the unscrewing motion will be interrupted. As soon as the gas pressure within the container is reduced, the c7_osure can be pressed downwards, and enables a continuation of the uns-crewing sequence. .
Figures 13 and 14 show an embodiment of a closure which is provided on its inside with two different protrusions for uniform braking of the unscrewing motion. Ribs 29 are provi-ded on the lower edge of the closure skirt, said ribs drag-ging against the outside diameter of a container mouth and thus creating a braking effect. Apart from that, protrusions 28 are provided in the area of the threads, said protrusions likewise creating a uniform braking effect of the unscrewing sequence. Naturally, the protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 also function independently.
The protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 are formed in such a way that there is no abrupt stop to the unscrewing motion, but rather a continuous braking action. In particular, the thick-ness of the protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 is formed to increase in the axial direction towards the lower end of the closure cap. The protrusions 28 and the ribs 29 extend from the inside surface of the closure cap. With such a design, a braking effect is attained that is almost zero at commence-ment of the unscrewing motion. By means of continued uns-crewing of the closure, the free inside diameter of the contact surface of the protrusions 28 or the ribs 29, said contact surface dragging against the outside surface of the container finish, will become increasingly small. This leads to a greater pressing force of the protrusions 28 or ribs 29 on the outside surface of the container mouth, and thus to increased frictional force and braking effect.
Figure 15a shows the developed view of the inside surface 12 of a closure 11, said surface being provided with a protru-sion 25, said protrusion forming a mechanical stop (also see figure 10). A complementary thread 30 on a bottle mouth is depicted by a dotted line. The thread 30 possesses inter-ruptions 31 (venting recesses). In figure 15a, the closure 11 is in a position on the container mouth where the venting function has not yet properly begun. By means of the pressure prevailing in the container, the closure cap 11 with its thread 13 is pressed upwards towards the thread 30 of the container mouth.
Figure 15b shows the same section of the developed view of an inside wall 12 of a closure cap 11 which, compared with figure 15a, is slightly rotated, e.g. opened. With that, the protrusion 25 on the upper side of the thread 13 of the closure cap 11 is engaged with the threads in the venting recess 31, said venting recess 31 being between two portions of the thread 30 on the container mouth. By means of the "' n - 18 -- overpressure prevailing in the inside of the container, the closure cap is pressed upwards in the axial direction (arrow A). Accordingly, the protrusion 25 will come into engagement with the venting recess 31, e.g. with the start of a segment of the thread 30. This engagement remains for as long assn overpressure prevails inside the container. During this, time, the overpressure can be reduced thanks to the venting reces-ses in the closure cap and on the container mouth. Only when the pressure on the inside,of the container has sunk below a specific reference value can the closure cap 11. be pressed downwards again (in the opposite direction to arrow A), the mechanical stop becoming disengaged with the venting recesses 31. After pressing down the closure cap 11, the unscrewing motion can be continued. Naturally, it is conceivable to form a container mouth in such a way that the mechanical stop 25 engages not with the recesses 31 but with counter stops specially formed for this purpose.
The advantage of this arrangement is that the closure cap only be completely removed from the container when the pres-sure in the inside of the closed container has been complete-ly or almost completely reduced.
Figures l6a and 16b schematically show two stages of the unscrewing sequence of a closure, as has been shown in figure 14. The closure 11 is screwed onto a container mouth and is, with its threads 13, engaged in the counter thread 30 of said container mouth. A protrusion 28 extends from the inside surface of the closure cap 11, so that its surface makes contact with the surface of the counter thread 30 on the container mouth. As can be seen in figure 16a, the pressing effect of the protrusion 28 is still slight when the closure is com-pletely fitted. At the point where the protrusion 28 posses-ses the greatest thickness, there is still no contact with the thread 30 of the container mouth. Only during the uns-crewing sequence (see figure 16b) does the protrusion 28, due to its increasing thickness, increasingly engage with the thread 30 of the container mouth. Due to the increasing thickness, the pressing force of the protrusion 28 on the thread 30 increases, by which means the unscrewing motion of the closure cap is braked. It is important that the venting function commences before widening of the outside by the protrusion (or protrusions) becomes too great. With the protrusions 28, the unscrewing.motion is indeed subjected to braking, but the engagement between container mouth and closure cap also becomes less (due to expansion of the cap wall). It is therefore important that the inside pressure in the container is reduced before the protrusion 28 has reached its full effect.
Inasmuch as the invention is subject to modifications and variations, the foregoing description and accompanying dra-wings should not be regarded as limiting the invention, which is defined by the following claims and various combinations thereof
Claims (31)
1. In a container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical outside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially outwardly, said threads being arranged on the outside surface so as to be displaced by 180°, and with said outside surface having two first sections and two second sections, and venting recesses, said venting recesses interrupting the threads, the improvement wherein each thread extends between an angle of 240° to less than 360°, wherein both the threads overlap each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in two first sections of the outside surface and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, only one thread is arranged in each of two second sections, and wherein, per thread, at least one venting recess is provided in each of said first sections, said venting recess being located essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis aligned with the venting recess of the other thread, and wherein at least one venting recess is provided in each of the second sections.
2. The container neck finish according to claim 1, characterized in that each thread extends over an angle of between 340° to 280°.
3. The container neck finish according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, in each first section and in each second section, one venting recess is provided per thread.
4. The container neck finish according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the venting recesses are arranged at irregular spacings in the circumferential direction.
5. The container neck finish according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the venting recesses widen radially outwardly, wherein the widening angle amounts to between 40° to 70°, and wherein the venting recesses extend over an angle of 4° to 10°.
6. The container neck finish according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the thread possesses a pitch angle between 3° and 4°.
7. The container neck finish according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having beneath said threads a circumferential retaining bead for an anti-tamper strip, and wherein the distance between the upper side of the retaining bead and the lower side of the thread end is less than 1.5 times the axial extent of the thread.
8. The container neck finish according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized wherein there is provided means for braking the unscrewing motion of a closure.
9. The container neck finish according to claim 8, characterized in that the means for braking the unscrewing motion of a closure comprises at least one protrusion arranged between the threads, said protrusion being capable of being brought into engagement with elements of a closure during the unscrewing sequence when the pressure inside the container is raised.
10. A closure having a closure base and a circumferential skirt affixed to said base, said skirt possessing a substantially cylindrical inside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially inwards, said threads being arranged so as to be displaced by 180° on the inside surface, said inside surface having two first sections, and having venting recesses interrupting the threads, the improvement wherein each thread extends between an angle of 240° to less than 360°, both said threads overlapping each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in said first two sections of said inside surface and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in each case only one thread is arranged in two second sections, and wherein, in each of said first sections, at feast one venting recess is provided per thread, said venting recess being aligned essentially in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread and wherein, in each second section, at least one venting recess is provided.
11. The closure according to claim 10, characterized in that each thread extends over an angle of between 340° to 280°.
12. The closure according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that, in each of said first sections, each thread is interrupted by two venting recesses and that said threads in each second section are interrupted by one venting recess.
13. The closure according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said venting recesses are arranged with irregular spacings in a circumferential direction.
14. The closure according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that each venting recess extends over an angular range of between 4° to 10°.
15. The closure according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the pitch angle of the threads is between 3° to 4°.
16. The closure according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that said closure includes an anti-tamper strip, said anti-tamper strip being connected to the lower edge of the circumferential skirt by means of frangible bridges.
17. The closure according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that said closure includes means for braking the unscrewing motion of the closure.
18. The closure according to claim 17, characterized in that said means are protrusions protruding radially inwardly from an inside surface of the closure.
19. The closure according to claim 18, characterized in that the protrusions are adjacent to the lower edge of the closure.
20. The closure according to claim 18, characterized in that said protrusions substantially extend over the entire height of the threads of the closure.
21. The closure according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the protrusions have a thickness which reduces towards the base of the closure in the axial direction.
22. The closure according to any one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that said means for braking are bridges arranged between said threads.
23. The closure according to any one of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that said protrusions comprise protrusions attached between the threads, said protrusions being capable of being brought into engagement with elements of the container during an unscrewing sequence when pressure within the container closed by the closure is raised.
24. A closure arrangement comprising a container neck finish and a closure cap for closing said container, said cap having a cap base, said container neck finish having a substantially cylindrical outside surface defining a longitudinal axis with two threads protruding radially outwardly, said threads being arranged so as to be displaced by 180° on the outside surface, said outside surface having two first sections and two second sections, venting recesses interrupting the threads, and wherein the closure possesses a closure base and attached to said base a circumferential skirt with a substantially cylindrical inside surface, said inside surface having two first sections and two second sections, two radially inwardly protruding threads, displaced by 180° being arranged on said inside surface, as well as venting recesses which interrupt the threads, wherein threads of the closure are capable of being brought into engagement with threads of said container neck finish, wherein each thread of the container neck finish and each thread of the closure extends at an angle of between 240° to less than 380°, and wherein, in said two first sections of the outside surface of the container neck finish, both the threads of the container neck finish overlap each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, in each case only one thread is arranged in two second sections of the outside surface of the container neck finish, and wherein both the threads of the closure overlap each other in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in said two first sections of the inside surface, and wherein, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in each case only one thread is arranged in said two second sections of said inside surface, and wherein, in each of said first sections of the outside surface of the container neck finish, per thread, at feast one venting recess is provided, said venting recess being aligned in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread, as well as at feast one venting recess in each of said second sections of the outside surface, and wherein at least one venting recess is provided per thread in each of the first sections of the inside surface of the closure, said venting recess being aligned essentially in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis with the venting recess of the other thread, as well as at feast one venting recess in each of said second sections of the outside surface.
25. The closure arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that said threads in each case extend over an angle of between 340° to 280°.
26. The closure arrangement according to any one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that in each case exactly one venting recess is provided per thread in said second section of the outside surface of said container neck finish and the inside surface of the closure, that one venting recess is provided per thread in said first sections of the container neck finish, and that two venting recesses are arranged per thread in said first sections of the closure.
27. The closure arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the venting recesses on the outside surface of the container neck finish and the venting recesses on the inside surface of the closure are in each case arranged in the circumferential direction with mutually different distances.
28. The closure arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the pitches of the threads are between 3° to 4°.
29. The closure arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the closure is engaged with the container neck finish over an angular range of between 300° to 390°.
30. The closure arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the thread starts of the threads are defined by a vertical edge, said edge being capable of being engaged with a braking element on the inside surface of the closure.
31. The closure arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein a first distance is formed between the upper edge of the threads of the container neck finish and the upper edge of the container neck finish, and wherein a second distance is farmed between the side of the thread end, said thread end being oriented towards said cap base, of the thread and the cap base, characterized in that the second distance is greater than the first distance.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH236/96 | 1996-01-30 | ||
| CH23696 | 1996-01-30 | ||
| CH2853/96 | 1996-11-19 | ||
| CH285396 | 1996-11-19 | ||
| PCT/CH1997/000009 WO1997028057A1 (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1997-01-13 | Bottle finish and closure cap with double screw thread |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2242344A1 CA2242344A1 (en) | 1997-08-07 |
| CA2242344C true CA2242344C (en) | 2005-11-15 |
Family
ID=35532052
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002242344A Expired - Fee Related CA2242344C (en) | 1996-01-30 | 1997-01-13 | Bottle finish and closure cap with double screw thread |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2242344C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2902326T3 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2022-03-28 | Suntory Holdings Ltd | Cap for use with a bottle with positive internal pressure and a bottle with a cap attached to it |
-
1997
- 1997-01-13 CA CA002242344A patent/CA2242344C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2242344A1 (en) | 1997-08-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150113 |
|
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150113 |