EP1874644B1 - Beverage containers - Google Patents
Beverage containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1874644B1 EP1874644B1 EP05738084A EP05738084A EP1874644B1 EP 1874644 B1 EP1874644 B1 EP 1874644B1 EP 05738084 A EP05738084 A EP 05738084A EP 05738084 A EP05738084 A EP 05738084A EP 1874644 B1 EP1874644 B1 EP 1874644B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- neck
- container
- skirt
- annular
- flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
- B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
- B65D43/0258—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container leaving friction on both the inside and the outside after removal of the tamper element
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
- B65D51/1633—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element
- B65D51/1661—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element by means of a passage for the escape of gas between the closure and the lip of the container mouth
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/35—Vertical or axial lines of weakness
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00509—Cup
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
- B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
- B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid
Definitions
- the present invention relates to containers for beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, according to the preamble of claim 1 and known from US4,640,435 , and is concerned with that type of container which is described in International Patent Application No. WO 2005/092732 A1 ( PCT/GB2005/000986 ), which does form part of the state of the art for the assessment of novelty only.
- the invention is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with such containers which have a wide mouth, that is to say with a diameter in excess of about 25 mm or more, preferably in excess of about 38 mm or 45 mm.
- Beverage bottles typically have a narrow mouth with a diameter in the region of only 28mm or less.
- Numerous ways of sealing the bottle top to the neck of the bottle are known but it will be appreciated that the problem of producing a seal on a container for a carbonated beverage increases exponentially as the diameter of the mouth increases because the area of the underside of the cap or top increases in accordance with the square of the radius. If the container cap or its seal should fail, the gas pressure will be released and the cap may even be projected explosively into the air with the resultant loss of the beverage and potential injury to bystanders. Similar sealing problems can arise also with uncarbonated beverages because if the container is subjected to an elevated temperature, e.g.
- the bottle 2 is of generally cylindrical shape with an axis 3 and at least one portion 4 of increased size whose diameter is greater than that of the lid 6, for reasons which will be explained below.
- the bottle is in this case moulded from plastic material and it has a wide mouth, with a diameter of greater than 28mm defined by the neck 8 of the bottle.
- the neck 8 terminates at a rim portion which is defined by an internal surface 10, which is inclined upwardly and outwardly with respect to the axis 3, and an external surface 12, which is inclined upwardly and inwardly with respect to the axis 3.
- the surfaces 10 and 12 thus converge and the external diameter of the bottle, specifically of its rim portion, thus initially increases from the top downwards. However, it then decreases abruptly at a downwardly directed annular shoulder 14 extending substantially perpendicular to the axis 3.
- the internal diameter of the rim portion initially decreases from the top downwards.
- the lid comprises a one-piece component, preferably integrally moulded from resilient plastic material, such as polypropylene. It comprises a shaped closure plate, integral with which is a web 16 which extends, when the lid is connected to the bottle, over the rim of the bottle. Integral with the web 16 is a depending skirt 18, which extends downwardly around the exterior of the upper portion of the bottle. Integrally connected to the lower edge of the skirt 18 or to the inner surface of the skirt at a position adjacent its lower edge is an annular retaining flange 20. The flange 20 is elongate in axial sectional view and is connected to the skirt 18 by a resilient connecting web 22, which is of reduced thickness and thus constitutes an annular line of weakness or predetermined breaking point. Connected to the lid at one circumferential position is a rupturing tab 24 which extends downwardly below the lower edge of the skirt 18. This tab is connected to the skirt 18 at its side by two lines of weakness 26, i.e. regions of reduced thickness.
- resilient plastic material such as polypropy
- the closure plate of the lid is concave and thus extends into the neck of the bottle, when it is connected to the bottle.
- the closure plate comprises a wall portion 30 which extends generally downwardly and inwardly and merges at its lower edge with a base portion 32, which is downwardly arcuate, that is to say is of downwardly curved convex shape.
- the lid is shown in Figure 2 in the configuration in which it is moulded.
- the flange 20 extends downwardly and inwardly and the diameter of its lower edge is less than that of the upper edge of the rim of the bottle whilst the diameter of its upper edge is greater than that of the upper edge of the rim of the bottle.
- the lid is fastened and sealed to the bottle by a simple snap-fit procedure. This is effected simply by lowering the lid into the rim of the bottle and then applying pressure. As the lid is lowered, the lower edge of the flange 20 comes into contact with the rim. This causes the flange to rotate inwardly about the web 22. As downward movement of the lid continues, the flange 20 moves downwardly in contact with the surface 12, as shown in Figure 1 , and the increasing diameter of this surface in the downward direction results in the rotation of the flange continuing, thus moving it ever closer to the inner surface of the skirt 18. The underside of the web 16 then contacts the upper surface of the rim of the bottle. However, the pressure on the cap is maintained and this results in slight deformation of the web 16.
- the cap and bottle are so dimensioned that the slight further downward movement of the cap caused by the deformation of the web 16, is sufficient to permit the free end of the flange 20 to move past the shoulder 14. It is then rotated in the opposition direction, i.e. inwardly, by the resilience of the web 22 and thus becomes locked behind the shoulder, as shown in Figure 3 .
- the lid is now retained in position on the bottle and cannot be removed without damaging or deforming it.
- the tension maintains the underside of the web 16 in engagement with the upper surface of the rim with a contact pressure sufficient to ensure that a first gas seal is formed along the annular line of contact.
- the tension in the skirt 18 also maintains the free end of the flange 20 in engagement with the surface of the shoulder 14 with a contact pressure sufficient to ensure that a second gas seal is formed along the annular line of contact. Furthermore, the resilience of the connecting web 22 forces the side surface of the free end of the flange 20 into contact with the side surface of the bottle and the contact pressure is preferably sufficient to form a third gas seal.
- the integrity of the first gas seal may be further enhanced, if required, by the provision of an annular bead or flange 17, which is shown in phantom lines only on the left-hand side in Figure 2 and which will engage the side surface of the rim of the bottle and constitute an additional lip seal.
- This bead 17 is positioned and dimensioned so that it is deformed laterally by contact with the rim of the bottle and thus urged by its resilience into contact with the side surface of the rim and thus forms a further seal. If the pressure in the bottle should rise to a high value sufficient to deform the cap away from the rim of the bottle, thereby breaking the first gas seal, pressurised gas will flow into the space defined by the outer surface of the rim, the skirt 18 and the flange 20. This pressure will act on the flange 20 to press it yet more firmly against the side surface of the rim, thereby increasing the integrity of the third gas seal.
- yet a further gas seal may be provided, as in the illustrated embodiment, between the surface 10 of the rim and the opposed surface 34 of the wall portion 30.
- these two surfaces are formed as complementary sealing surfaces in sealing engagement with one another.
- the beverage container in accordance with the invention therefore not only has both primary and secondary gas seals but also has a further gas seal.
- the integrity or sealing ability of this further seal increases as the gas pressure within the container increases.
- the user When it is desired to open the bottle, the user merely grasps the lower edge of the rupture tab 24 and pulls it outwardly.
- the lines of weakness 26 immediately rupture or stretch and the upper edge of the tab 24, which is connected to the web 16, rotates, thereby breaking the second and third gas seals. This rotation is transmitted to the web 16, which thus moves away from the rim of the bottle, thus breaking the first gas seal.
- This movement of the web 16 also causes the sealing surfaces 10 and 34 locally to move apart, thereby also breaking the further gas seal.
- the container is thus depressurised.
- the body of the bottle has one or more protuberances 4 whose contour extends beyond that of the lid, when viewed in the axial direction. This means that when a number of such bottles are packaged together side by side, they will contact one another only at the protuberances and the lids of adjacent bottles will not contact one another, thereby eliminating the risk that the lids may inadvertently become dislodged, thereby venting the interior of the associated containers.
- the base of the bottle also has a shape which is complementary to that of the upper surface of the lid so that bottles may be simply and securely stacked on top of one another.
- the outer surface of the wall portion 30 carries an annular protuberance 40, which engages the surface of a recess in the internal surface of the rim. If the gas pressure within the bottle should increase to a level sufficient to deform the lid upwardly to an extent sufficient to break the first gas seal, as is illustrated, the contact pressure of the upper portion of the protuberance with the surface of the recess will be increased, thereby increasing the integrity of the further gas seal, and compensate for the loss of the first gas seal.
- the protuberance could also be carried by the inner surface of the rim, in which case the recess will be formed in the wall portion 30. If the gas pressure in the container should increase substantially, it will be the contact pressure of the lower portion of the protuberance which will increase.
- the container described in the prior application is extremely effective and products a reliable gas seal, it is believed that failure may still be possible if the container is heated to an excessive temperature, e.g. as a result of being left in the sunshine, particularly if the beverage within it is carbonated. In this event, the gas pressure in the headspace of the container may rise to such a high level that the closure plate may be deformed upwardly by a significant distance.
- a beverage container comprises a receptacle which has a central axis and is sealed by a lid of resilient material, the receptacle including a neck defining an opening and the lid including a closure plate, integral with which is a depending skirt extending around the outer surface of the neck, the skirt carrying an annular flange, which is in sealing engagement with the underside of a downwardly directed annular shoulder on the outer surface of the neck, characterised in that the annular flange is connected to the skirt by a hinge connection, that the annular flange is elongate in axial sectional view, that the end surface of the free end of the annular flange is in sealing engagement with the underside of the shoulder, that the internal surface of the skirt carries an annular protuberance which is in sealing engagement with one side surface of the annular flange, the other side surface being in sealing engagement with the outer surface of the neck, whereby an annular chamber is defined by the inner surface of the skirt, the said one side surface of the annular f
- the container in accordance with the present invention is substantially the same as that in the prior application but includes two additional features.
- the first of these is the annular protuberance or ridge on the internal surface of the depending skirt which is dimensioned and positioned such that it is urged into contact with the outer side surface of the sealing flange and thus forms a gas seal with it. This will enhance the sealing integrity of the container yet further.
- the pressure exerted by the protuberance on the inner or one side surface of the sealing flange will further increase the contact pressure between the outer or other side surface of the sealing flange and the outer surface of the neck, thereby still further enhancing the integrity of the seal of the container.
- annular protuberance which forms a seal with the annular sealing flange also inherently means that an annular chamber is defined by the inner surface of the skirt, the inner or one side surface of the annular sealing flange, the protuberance and the hinge. This chamber is normally sealed from the interior of the container but is in communication with the atmosphere via one or more gas passages.
- the gas passage(s) can be provided in any of the components defining the annular chamber but are preferably provided in the form of one or more small holes in the integral hinge. If the gas pressure within the container should rise to an excessive level resulting in the depending skirt moving away from the neck of the container, in which event the lid will necessarily also have moved out of contact with the neck of the container, the protuberance on the interior of the skirt will move out of contact with the sealing flange and the annular chamber will come into communication with the interior of the chamber. However, the chamber is also in communication with the atmosphere and the interior of the container will therefore be vented to the atmosphere.
- the container pressure will therefore start to fall but once it reaches a certain lower level, the resilience of the lid will result in the various seals being recreated and, in particular, in the annular protuberance recreating its seal with the sealing flange. Venting of the container will then be terminated and the pressure within the container will be maintained, though at a lower and more acceptable level, and the risk of loss of the container lid or contents is eliminated.
- the integral hinge is resilient and its resilience urges its said other side surface against the outer surface of the neck.
- the closure plate is downwardly concave and thus extends into the neck and includes a base portion, integral with which is an upwardly extending wall portion, which is connected to the depending skirt. It is also preferred that the upwardly extending wall portion is connected to the depending skirt via an annular web, the underside of which extends over the surface of the neck and is retained in sealing engagement with it.
- Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 6 of one half of the lid of the container.
- Figure 9 is a similar diagrammatic view of one half of the lid, when applied to the container.
- the integral hinge 22 has one or more small holes 50 formed in it.
- an annular ridge or protuberance 52 is integrally formed on the inner surface of the depending skirt 18.
- the protuberance 52 is forced into contact with the inner surface of the sealing flange 20 and forms a seal with it.
- the force applied by the protuberance to the sealing flange also results in an increase in the contact pressure of the outer surface of the sealing flange against the outer surface of the neck 8 and the seal of the container is therefore enhanced in two separate areas simultaneously.
- annular chamber 54 is defined by the protuberance 52, the sealing flange 20, the integral hinge 22 and the depending skirt 18. This chamber communicates with atmosphere through the hole(s) 50 but is normally sealed from the interior of the container. If, however, the pressure within the container should rise to an exceptionally high level, the lid is deformed by the pressure and the seals at the top surface and internal surface of the neck of the container are broken. The skirt 18 is also deformed outwardly and the seal between the protuberance 52 and the sealing flange 20 is thus broken also. The interior of the container therefore communicates with atmosphere through the hole(s) 50 and is thus vented. The pressure then drops until it has reached a level at which the resilience of the lid is sufficient to restore its shape against the reduced pressure of the gas within the container. The various seals are then recreated and venting of the interior of the container is terminated with the container gas pressure still at a significant level. The contents of the container are thus maintained in the container and are still usable.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to containers for beverages, particularly carbonated beverages, according to the preamble of claim 1 and known from
US4,640,435 , and is concerned with that type of container which is described in International Patent Application No.WO 2005/092732 A1 (PCT/GB2005/000986 - Beverage bottles typically have a narrow mouth with a diameter in the region of only 28mm or less. Numerous ways of sealing the bottle top to the neck of the bottle are known but it will be appreciated that the problem of producing a seal on a container for a carbonated beverage increases exponentially as the diameter of the mouth increases because the area of the underside of the cap or top increases in accordance with the square of the radius. If the container cap or its seal should fail, the gas pressure will be released and the cap may even be projected explosively into the air with the resultant loss of the beverage and potential injury to bystanders. Similar sealing problems can arise also with uncarbonated beverages because if the container is subjected to an elevated temperature, e.g. it is exposed to direct sunlight, the gas pressure in the head space of the container will increase and if the container is inadequately sealed this will result in the leakage of gas to the atmosphere. This is not of itself inherently problematic, but when the container cools again, a subatmospheric pressure may be produced in the head space which results in the induction of atmospheric oxygen. This can result in oxidation of the container contents rendering them undrinkable.
- The beverage container described in
WO2005/092732 A1 (PCT/GB2005/00986 Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:- -
Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a first embodiment of a beverage bottle with the lid in an intermediate position whilst being applied to the bottle; -
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the container lid before application to the bottle; -
Figure 3 is a scrap sectional view of the upper portion of the bottle showing the lid in the applied and sealed position; -
Figure 4 is a side view of the upper portion of the bottle as seen inFigure 3 ; -
Figure 5 is a scrap view from below of part of the lid showing the rupturing tab; and -
Figure 6 is a scrap view of the lid and bottle in accordance with a second embodiment. - As seen in
Figure 1 , thebottle 2 is of generally cylindrical shape with anaxis 3 and at least oneportion 4 of increased size whose diameter is greater than that of thelid 6, for reasons which will be explained below. The bottle is in this case moulded from plastic material and it has a wide mouth, with a diameter of greater than 28mm defined by theneck 8 of the bottle. Theneck 8 terminates at a rim portion which is defined by aninternal surface 10, which is inclined upwardly and outwardly with respect to theaxis 3, and anexternal surface 12, which is inclined upwardly and inwardly with respect to theaxis 3. Thesurfaces annular shoulder 14 extending substantially perpendicular to theaxis 3. The internal diameter of the rim portion, however, initially decreases from the top downwards. - As best seen in
Figure 2 , the lid comprises a one-piece component, preferably integrally moulded from resilient plastic material, such as polypropylene. It comprises a shaped closure plate, integral with which is aweb 16 which extends, when the lid is connected to the bottle, over the rim of the bottle. Integral with theweb 16 is a dependingskirt 18, which extends downwardly around the exterior of the upper portion of the bottle. Integrally connected to the lower edge of theskirt 18 or to the inner surface of the skirt at a position adjacent its lower edge is anannular retaining flange 20. Theflange 20 is elongate in axial sectional view and is connected to theskirt 18 by a resilient connectingweb 22, which is of reduced thickness and thus constitutes an annular line of weakness or predetermined breaking point. Connected to the lid at one circumferential position is arupturing tab 24 which extends downwardly below the lower edge of theskirt 18. This tab is connected to theskirt 18 at its side by two lines ofweakness 26, i.e. regions of reduced thickness. - The closure plate of the lid is concave and thus extends into the neck of the bottle, when it is connected to the bottle. The closure plate comprises a
wall portion 30 which extends generally downwardly and inwardly and merges at its lower edge with abase portion 32, which is downwardly arcuate, that is to say is of downwardly curved convex shape. - The lid is shown in
Figure 2 in the configuration in which it is moulded. In this configuration, theflange 20 extends downwardly and inwardly and the diameter of its lower edge is less than that of the upper edge of the rim of the bottle whilst the diameter of its upper edge is greater than that of the upper edge of the rim of the bottle. - The lid is fastened and sealed to the bottle by a simple snap-fit procedure. This is effected simply by lowering the lid into the rim of the bottle and then applying pressure. As the lid is lowered, the lower edge of the
flange 20 comes into contact with the rim. This causes the flange to rotate inwardly about theweb 22. As downward movement of the lid continues, theflange 20 moves downwardly in contact with thesurface 12, as shown inFigure 1 , and the increasing diameter of this surface in the downward direction results in the rotation of the flange continuing, thus moving it ever closer to the inner surface of theskirt 18. The underside of theweb 16 then contacts the upper surface of the rim of the bottle. However, the pressure on the cap is maintained and this results in slight deformation of theweb 16. The cap and bottle are so dimensioned that the slight further downward movement of the cap caused by the deformation of theweb 16, is sufficient to permit the free end of theflange 20 to move past theshoulder 14. It is then rotated in the opposition direction, i.e. inwardly, by the resilience of theweb 22 and thus becomes locked behind the shoulder, as shown inFigure 3 . The lid is now retained in position on the bottle and cannot be removed without damaging or deforming it. The tension maintains the underside of theweb 16 in engagement with the upper surface of the rim with a contact pressure sufficient to ensure that a first gas seal is formed along the annular line of contact. The tension in theskirt 18 also maintains the free end of theflange 20 in engagement with the surface of theshoulder 14 with a contact pressure sufficient to ensure that a second gas seal is formed along the annular line of contact. Furthermore, the resilience of the connectingweb 22 forces the side surface of the free end of theflange 20 into contact with the side surface of the bottle and the contact pressure is preferably sufficient to form a third gas seal. The integrity of the first gas seal may be further enhanced, if required, by the provision of an annular bead orflange 17, which is shown in phantom lines only on the left-hand side inFigure 2 and which will engage the side surface of the rim of the bottle and constitute an additional lip seal. Thisbead 17 is positioned and dimensioned so that it is deformed laterally by contact with the rim of the bottle and thus urged by its resilience into contact with the side surface of the rim and thus forms a further seal. If the pressure in the bottle should rise to a high value sufficient to deform the cap away from the rim of the bottle, thereby breaking the first gas seal, pressurised gas will flow into the space defined by the outer surface of the rim, theskirt 18 and theflange 20. This pressure will act on theflange 20 to press it yet more firmly against the side surface of the rim, thereby increasing the integrity of the third gas seal. - If yet further sealing integrity is required, yet a further gas seal may be provided, as in the illustrated embodiment, between the
surface 10 of the rim and theopposed surface 34 of thewall portion 30. Thus in this embodiment, these two surfaces are formed as complementary sealing surfaces in sealing engagement with one another. If the pressure in the bottle should become super-atmospheric, either as a result of the liberation of carbon dioxide from a carbonated beverage or as a result of the expansion of gas in the head space of the bottle due to an increase in temperature, the centre of theconcave base portion 32 will be deformed upwardly and this will inherently result in the outer edge of thebase portion 32 and thus the lower edge of thewall portion 30 moving slightly outwards. This will result in an increase in the contact pressure between thesealing surfaces - When it is desired to open the bottle, the user merely grasps the lower edge of the
rupture tab 24 and pulls it outwardly. The lines ofweakness 26 immediately rupture or stretch and the upper edge of thetab 24, which is connected to theweb 16, rotates, thereby breaking the second and third gas seals. This rotation is transmitted to theweb 16, which thus moves away from the rim of the bottle, thus breaking the first gas seal. This movement of theweb 16 also causes thesealing surfaces tab 24 initiates tearing of the thin connectingweb 22, and once tearing has started it is a simple matter to keep it going by exerting upward and outward pressure on thetab 24 until the lid is completely disconnected from theflange 20, which remains in position around the neck of the bottle. The lid may now be discarded and the contents of the bottle dispensed or drunk. - As mentioned above, the body of the bottle has one or
more protuberances 4 whose contour extends beyond that of the lid, when viewed in the axial direction. This means that when a number of such bottles are packaged together side by side, they will contact one another only at the protuberances and the lids of adjacent bottles will not contact one another, thereby eliminating the risk that the lids may inadvertently become dislodged, thereby venting the interior of the associated containers. The base of the bottle also has a shape which is complementary to that of the upper surface of the lid so that bottles may be simply and securely stacked on top of one another. - In the modified embodiment illustrated in
Figure 6 , the outer surface of thewall portion 30 carries anannular protuberance 40, which engages the surface of a recess in the internal surface of the rim. If the gas pressure within the bottle should increase to a level sufficient to deform the lid upwardly to an extent sufficient to break the first gas seal, as is illustrated, the contact pressure of the upper portion of the protuberance with the surface of the recess will be increased, thereby increasing the integrity of the further gas seal, and compensate for the loss of the first gas seal. The protuberance could also be carried by the inner surface of the rim, in which case the recess will be formed in thewall portion 30. If the gas pressure in the container should increase substantially, it will be the contact pressure of the lower portion of the protuberance which will increase. - Although the container described in the prior application is extremely effective and products a reliable gas seal, it is believed that failure may still be possible if the container is heated to an excessive temperature, e.g. as a result of being left in the sunshine, particularly if the beverage within it is carbonated. In this event, the gas pressure in the headspace of the container may rise to such a high level that the closure plate may be deformed upwardly by a significant distance.
- This deformation could result in significant deformation of the depending skirt resulting in its moving a significant distance away from the neck of the container. The resilience of the integral hinge will then cause the annular sealing flange to rotate with respect to both the depending skirt and the container until the position illustrated in the scrap diagrammatic view of one half of the top portion of the container shown in
Figure 7 is reached. Any further movement beyond that point will result in the sealing flange being impulsively rotated downwardly by the substantial gas pressure acting on its upper surface and thus in explosive depressurisation of the container, possibly associated with projection of the lid into the air by the gas pressure. Quite apart from the risk of injury to passers-by, the contents of the container will be rendered unusable and very possibly forcibly expelled from the container. - It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a beverage container, particularly of wide mouthed type, with a reliably sealed lid which can contain the pressure normally generated by a carbonate beverage, even under relatively high ambient temperature conditions, but which, if an exceptionally high internal pressure should be generated, will vent the interior of the container to a lower pressure which can readily be contained, without loss of the lid or the container contents and without permitting the pressure to drop to atmospheric.
- According to the present invention a beverage container comprises a receptacle which has a central axis and is sealed by a lid of resilient material, the receptacle including a neck defining an opening and the lid including a closure plate, integral with which is a depending skirt extending around the outer surface of the neck, the skirt carrying an annular flange, which is in sealing engagement with the underside of a downwardly directed annular shoulder on the outer surface of the neck, characterised in that the annular flange is connected to the skirt by a hinge connection, that the annular flange is elongate in axial sectional view, that the end surface of the free end of the annular flange is in sealing engagement with the underside of the shoulder, that the internal surface of the skirt carries an annular protuberance which is in sealing engagement with one side surface of the annular flange, the other side surface being in sealing engagement with the outer surface of the neck, whereby an annular chamber is defined by the inner surface of the skirt, the said one side surface of the annular flange, the protuberance and the hinge, and that a gas passage is provided which extends between the annular chamber and atmosphere.
- Thus the container in accordance with the present invention is substantially the same as that in the prior application but includes two additional features. The first of these is the annular protuberance or ridge on the internal surface of the depending skirt which is dimensioned and positioned such that it is urged into contact with the outer side surface of the sealing flange and thus forms a gas seal with it. This will enhance the sealing integrity of the container yet further. Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the protuberance on the inner or one side surface of the sealing flange will further increase the contact pressure between the outer or other side surface of the sealing flange and the outer surface of the neck, thereby still further enhancing the integrity of the seal of the container. The provision of the annular protuberance which forms a seal with the annular sealing flange also inherently means that an annular chamber is defined by the inner surface of the skirt, the inner or one side surface of the annular sealing flange, the protuberance and the hinge. This chamber is normally sealed from the interior of the container but is in communication with the atmosphere via one or more gas passages.
- The gas passage(s) can be provided in any of the components defining the annular chamber but are preferably provided in the form of one or more small holes in the integral hinge. If the gas pressure within the container should rise to an excessive level resulting in the depending skirt moving away from the neck of the container, in which event the lid will necessarily also have moved out of contact with the neck of the container, the protuberance on the interior of the skirt will move out of contact with the sealing flange and the annular chamber will come into communication with the interior of the chamber. However, the chamber is also in communication with the atmosphere and the interior of the container will therefore be vented to the atmosphere. The container pressure will therefore start to fall but once it reaches a certain lower level, the resilience of the lid will result in the various seals being recreated and, in particular, in the annular protuberance recreating its seal with the sealing flange. Venting of the container will then be terminated and the pressure within the container will be maintained, though at a lower and more acceptable level, and the risk of loss of the container lid or contents is eliminated.
- It is preferred that the integral hinge is resilient and its resilience urges its said other side surface against the outer surface of the neck. It is preferred that the closure plate is downwardly concave and thus extends into the neck and includes a base portion, integral with which is an upwardly extending wall portion, which is connected to the depending skirt. It is also preferred that the upwardly extending wall portion is connected to the depending skirt via an annular web, the underside of which extends over the surface of the neck and is retained in sealing engagement with it.
- Further features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of one specific embodiment which is given by way of example with reference to
Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings, in which: -
Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view similar toFigure 6 of one half of the lid of the container; and -
Figure 9 is a similar diagrammatic view of one half of the lid, when applied to the container. - The container and lid in accordance with the present invention are substantially the same as those described with reference to
Figures 1 to 6 and the description will therefore not be repeated. However, there are two major differences. - Firstly, the
integral hinge 22 has one or moresmall holes 50 formed in it. Secondly, an annular ridge orprotuberance 52 is integrally formed on the inner surface of the dependingskirt 18. When the lid is snap-fitted to the container the sealingflange 20 is rotated upwardly through nearly 180° into the configuration shown inFigure 9 . Theprotuberance 52 is forced into contact with the inner surface of the sealingflange 20 and forms a seal with it. The force applied by the protuberance to the sealing flange also results in an increase in the contact pressure of the outer surface of the sealing flange against the outer surface of theneck 8 and the seal of the container is therefore enhanced in two separate areas simultaneously. Furthermore, anannular chamber 54 is defined by theprotuberance 52, the sealingflange 20, theintegral hinge 22 and the dependingskirt 18. This chamber communicates with atmosphere through the hole(s) 50 but is normally sealed from the interior of the container. If, however, the pressure within the container should rise to an exceptionally high level, the lid is deformed by the pressure and the seals at the top surface and internal surface of the neck of the container are broken. Theskirt 18 is also deformed outwardly and the seal between theprotuberance 52 and the sealingflange 20 is thus broken also. The interior of the container therefore communicates with atmosphere through the hole(s) 50 and is thus vented. The pressure then drops until it has reached a level at which the resilience of the lid is sufficient to restore its shape against the reduced pressure of the gas within the container. The various seals are then recreated and venting of the interior of the container is terminated with the container gas pressure still at a significant level. The contents of the container are thus maintained in the container and are still usable.
Claims (5)
- A beverage container comprising a receptacle (2) which has a central axis (3) and is sealed by a lid (6) of resilient material, the receptacle including a neck (8) defining an opening and the lid including a closure plate, integral with which is a depending skirt (18) extending around the outer surface (12) of the neck (8), the skirt (18) carrying an annular flange (20), which is in gas sealing engagement with the underside of a downwardly directed annular shoulder (14) on the outer surface (12) of the neck (8), characterised in that the annular flange (20) is connected to the skirt (18) by an integral hinge connection (22), that the annular flange is elongate in axial sectional view, that the end surface of the free end of the annular flange is in gas sealing engagement with the underside of the shoulder, that the internal surface of the skirt (18) carries an annular protuberance (52) which is in gas sealing engagement with one side surface of the annular flange (20), the other side surface being in gas sealing engagement with the outer surface of the neck (8), whereby an annular chamber (54) is defined by the inner surface of the skirt, the said one side surface of the annular flange, the protuberance (52) and the hinge (22), and that a gas passage (50) is provided which extends between the annular chamber and atmosphere.
- A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the gas passage comprises one or more holes (50) formed in the integral hinge (22).
- A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the integral hinge (22) is resilient and its resilience urges its said other side surface against the outer surface of the neck.
- A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the closure plate is downwardly concave and thus extends into the neck and includes a base portion (32), integral with which is an upwardly extending wall portion (30), which is connected to the depending skirt (18).
- A container as claimed in Claim 4 in which the upwardly extending wall portion (30) is connected to the depending skirt (18) via an annular web (16), the underside of which extends over the surface of the neck and is retained in sealing engagement with it.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2005/001624 WO2006114558A1 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2005-04-28 | Beverage containers |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1874644A1 EP1874644A1 (en) | 2008-01-09 |
EP1874644B1 true EP1874644B1 (en) | 2008-12-31 |
Family
ID=35448204
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05738084A Not-in-force EP1874644B1 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2005-04-28 | Beverage containers |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080190882A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1874644B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008539132A (en) |
CN (1) | CN100560437C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE419192T1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0520384A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005012159D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006114558A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0622398D0 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2006-12-20 | Carbonite Corp | Beverage containers |
DE102009003025A1 (en) | 2009-05-12 | 2010-11-18 | Ball Packaging Europe Gmbh | Method for filling food containers |
JP5485070B2 (en) * | 2010-08-10 | 2014-05-07 | ファーマパック株式会社 | Chemical container |
CA2848505A1 (en) * | 2011-09-13 | 2013-03-21 | Ignite Usa, Llc | Seal mechanism for beverage container |
EP3194284B1 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2020-01-01 | DSG Technology LLC | Cap assembly having inside seal |
CA3094701A1 (en) * | 2018-03-22 | 2019-09-26 | Bedford Systems Llc | Pod assembly for beverage machine |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS52101661U (en) * | 1976-01-29 | 1977-08-02 | ||
US4657153A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1987-04-14 | Anchor Hocking Corporation | Tamper-evident closure |
US4640435A (en) * | 1986-01-23 | 1987-02-03 | Sun Coast Plastics, Inc. | Plastic closure for beverage container |
FR2611184B1 (en) * | 1987-02-19 | 1989-05-26 | Rical Sa | WATERPROOF SEALING DEVICE FOR CONTAINERS CONTAINING PRODUCTS WHICH MUST BE KEEPED AWAY FROM OXYGEN |
JPH068030Y2 (en) * | 1988-10-26 | 1994-03-02 | 日本クラウンコルク株式会社 | Synthetic resin lid |
US5271517A (en) * | 1992-06-12 | 1993-12-21 | The Pillsbury Company | Tamper evident lid |
JPH0796953A (en) * | 1993-09-21 | 1995-04-11 | Broadway Co Inc | Paired container and pressure seal closure |
AUPN011594A0 (en) * | 1994-12-19 | 1995-01-19 | Amcor Limited | Tamper proof closure |
US5540342A (en) * | 1994-12-22 | 1996-07-30 | Rathbun Family Real Estate Group | Tamper resistant lid |
JP3136109B2 (en) * | 1996-11-22 | 2001-02-19 | 日本山村硝子株式会社 | Synthetic resin cap and manufacturing method thereof |
JPH11292112A (en) * | 1998-04-07 | 1999-10-26 | Ueno Hiroshi | Resin cap of easy-to-unseal capping type |
US6581792B1 (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2003-06-24 | Tjandra Limanjaya | Closure cap |
US6253940B1 (en) * | 1999-04-28 | 2001-07-03 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Tamper-indicating closure and method of manufacture |
US20050092750A1 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2005-05-05 | Lohrman Richard D. | Method of joining separable components and container closure system formed by the same |
GB0406762D0 (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2004-04-28 | Carbonite Corp | Beverage containers |
-
2004
- 2004-04-28 US US11/912,722 patent/US20080190882A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-04-28 BR BRPI0520384-8A patent/BRPI0520384A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-04-28 JP JP2008508273A patent/JP2008539132A/en active Pending
- 2005-04-28 AT AT05738084T patent/ATE419192T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-04-28 EP EP05738084A patent/EP1874644B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-04-28 DE DE602005012159T patent/DE602005012159D1/en active Active
- 2005-04-28 WO PCT/GB2005/001624 patent/WO2006114558A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-04-28 CN CNB2005800496434A patent/CN100560437C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE602005012159D1 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
EP1874644A1 (en) | 2008-01-09 |
JP2008539132A (en) | 2008-11-13 |
ATE419192T1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
CN100560437C (en) | 2009-11-18 |
US20080190882A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
CN101166671A (en) | 2008-04-23 |
WO2006114558A1 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
BRPI0520384A2 (en) | 2009-05-05 |
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