EP3126254A1 - Fermeture - Google Patents

Fermeture

Info

Publication number
EP3126254A1
EP3126254A1 EP15718800.4A EP15718800A EP3126254A1 EP 3126254 A1 EP3126254 A1 EP 3126254A1 EP 15718800 A EP15718800 A EP 15718800A EP 3126254 A1 EP3126254 A1 EP 3126254A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
closure
piercing
self
valve
closing
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15718800.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Martin Carey Bull
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Original Assignee
Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB201406129A external-priority patent/GB201406129D0/en
Priority claimed from GB201407398A external-priority patent/GB201407398D0/en
Priority claimed from GB201407399A external-priority patent/GB201407399D0/en
Priority claimed from GB201408702A external-priority patent/GB201408702D0/en
Application filed by Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH filed Critical Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Publication of EP3126254A1 publication Critical patent/EP3126254A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
    • B65D51/22—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure
    • B65D51/221—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening
    • B65D51/222—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure
    • B65D51/224—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being left inside the container after the opening the piercing or cutting means being integral with, or fixedly attached to, the outer closure the outer closure comprising flexible parts
    • 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
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/32—Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents
    • 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
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/061—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages with telescopic, retractable or reversible spouts, tubes or nozzles
    • 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
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • 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
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • B65D47/2031—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
    • B65D2251/0025—Upper closure of the 47-type
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0037—Intermediate closure(s)
    • B65D2251/0056—Intermediate closure(s) of the 47-type
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
    • B65D2251/0093—Membrane
    • 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
    • B65D2547/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D2547/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D2547/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts ot tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D2547/063—Details of spouts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a self-piercing closure suitable for use in conjunction with a container of the type having a laminar closing member such as a foil panel which must be breached in order to gain access to the contents of the container.
  • Containers which are used for holding and dispensing food products, such as ketchup, often have foil membranes affixed over the mouth of the container. It is known to provide self-piercing closures which include some means of breaching a laminar closing member, such as a cutting or piercing member which forms part of the closure and is suitable to cut or pierce the closing member.
  • EP 1234778 describes a closure which pierces and cuts a panel out of the closing member and also lifts and retains it in the closure. However, this closure does not subsequently have the ability to regulate and control the flow of product subsequently leaving the container through the breached closing member.
  • the present invention seeks to address the problems with known self-piercing closures.
  • a self-piercing closure for a container of the type having a laminar closing member, the closure comprising a closure body and having a piercing member for piercing a closing member in use, in which the piercing member comprises a depending skirt, and in which the closure further comprising a self-closing valve sub-assembly having a retaining member which retains a self-closing valve, the sub-assembly being located within the piercing member, whereby flowable media can be dispensed from a container through the self-closing valve following piercing of the closing member in use.
  • the term "within” may, for example, mean that the piercing member is generally annular and the valve assembly is positioned radially inside the member. In other words, the term does not have to mean that the assembly is enclosed, but merely "inboard” or bounded by the member, or that the periphery of the member is beyond the periphery of the assembly (for example when looking at the closure in plan view).
  • the assembly is formed separately from and is attachable to the piercing member.
  • the user can then squeeze the container and force the product through the valve and an associated spout or orifice situated in the closure.
  • the term "piercing" is intended to cover any mechanism for penetrating the laminar closure member including cutting, piercing, slicing, tearing, punching and the like.
  • the piercing member may therefore, for example, comprise cutting, piercing, slicing, breaking, rupturing, bursting or splitting means.
  • the closure body may be movable from a first position to a second position to activate the piercing member in use.
  • the body may include a spout movable from a raised, unactivated position to a depressed, activated position to move the closure from the first to the second position.
  • the closure body may comprise a deformable region for allowing it to move from the first to the second position.
  • the deformable region may form part of the body or may be formed separately from the body and be integrated therein, for example, using a sequential moulding process.
  • the closure may be formed in the second position or in a position intermediate the first and second positions, and is moved to the first position prior to activation of the piercing member in use.
  • the closure may be movable from a first position to a second position to activate the piercing means.
  • a push button or a bistable support part, panel, sleeve or the like may be used.
  • the deformable region may be thinned to assist movement.
  • the deformation may be achieved by a 'rolling' action in which part of the body turns in on itself, for example moving from an L-shape to a U- shape.
  • the closure may be formed in the second position or in a position intermediate the first and second positions, and then moved to the first position prior to activation. For example, if the closure is moulded from a thermoplastics material it can be moulded in the 'activated' position and then moved to the non-activated initial position before it has cooled. This sets the 'memory' of the material to the activated position so that in use it moves more easily away from the unpierced, rest position back to the activated position.
  • the closure may comprise a base and a lid.
  • the base and lid may be connected together by a hinge.
  • the piercing member may be provided on or by the base.
  • the sub-assembly is formed separately from the closure and also from the container.
  • the retaining member may comprise a body for receiving a self-closing valve, the body being receivable into the piercing member with the valve retained.
  • the valve may be retained in the retaining member by being crimped in place. Alternatively or addition, for example, the valve may be retained in the retaining member by being glued in place.
  • the retaining member body may have a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position to retain the valve in the device.
  • the crimping flange may comprise an upstanding wall.
  • the retaining member may comprise a circular upstanding wall and the crimping flange may comprise a circumferentially upstanding wall.
  • the crimping flange may be adapted to engage a flange of a valve.
  • the retaining member may comprise a bead for snap-fitting the sub-assembly into the piercing member.
  • the retaining member may be formed as a retaining ring.
  • the retaining member may be formed as a single-piece article.
  • the sub-assembly may be retained within the closure by means of a mechanical and/or a chemical fit.
  • the sub-assembly may be snap-fittable into the closure.
  • the retaining member and/or closure body may comprise a bead for snap-fitting the device into the closure.
  • the retaining member may comprise a seat and/or a sloping surface for receiving a self-closing valve flange.
  • the retaining member may be formed as a retaining ring.
  • the retaining member may, for example, be formed as a single-piece article.
  • the valve may be a non-laminar self-closing valve.
  • the valve may be formed from a thermoplastic vulcanisate (TPV) material.
  • the valve may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the valve may be formed from a rubber material, such as nitryl rubber.
  • the self-closing valve may comprise a flange, and the rigidity of the flange may be increased by the device.
  • the closure body may comprise an outer skirt and an inner skirt.
  • the piercing member may be provided within the inner skirt.
  • the piercing member may be formed as a piercing skirt.
  • the inner skirt may include formations for engaging a container neck, such as a screw thread and/or a snap bead.
  • the present invention also provides a container in combination with a closure as described herein.
  • the present invention also provide a method of forming a self-piercing closure as described herein, the method comprising the steps of: forming the closure body in the second position or in a position intermediate the first and second positions; and moving the closure body to the first position.
  • the method may further comprise the step of fitting a self-closing valve sub-assembly into the body.
  • the body is moulded from a thermoplastics material.
  • the body may be moulded in the activated position and then moved to the unactivated position before it has cooled.
  • the present invention combines a valve into a self-piercing closure arrangement so that once the laminar closing member is breached the flow of product from the container is under the control of the self-closing valve which has benefits including smooth product flow and prevention of leakage.
  • the piercing member may be provided as an integral part of the closure body or may be provided as a separate component which is attachable to the closure body. In some embodiments the piercing member is bi-injection moulded with the remainder of the body.
  • the piercing member may be formed separately from and be attachable to the closure body.
  • the member may be formed as a separate insert which can be clipped or otherwise connected into the body.
  • Closures according to the present invention are formed so that the closure does not have to be removed in order to pierce the closing member.
  • the closure may comprise a base and a lid, which may be connected together by a hinge such as a snap hinge.
  • a hinge such as a snap hinge.
  • the piercing means may be carried on or by the base and similarly the self-closing valve may be carried on or by the base.
  • Valves according to the present invention may be formed from silicon or a silicon-based material.
  • the present invention also provides a closure fitted with a self-closing valve assembly as described herein.
  • a closure as described herein in combination with a retaining device for retaining a self-closing valve in a closure comprising a body for receiving a self-closing valve and having a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position to retain the valve in the device, the body being receivable into a closure with the valve retained, in which the crimping flange has a length in the range 0.5mm to 4.0mm.
  • the crimping flange may have a length in the range 0.5mm to 4.0mm, for example 1.0mm to 2.50mm.
  • the overall height of the device may be in the range 6.30mm to 7.70mm. In one embodiment the height is approximately 5.95mm; in another the height is approximately 6.35mm.
  • a further aspect provides a closure as described herein in combination with a retaining device for retaining a non-laminar, flange-presenting self-closing valve in a closure for a container in which the closure is adapted for direct connection with the container, the device being separate from the closure for the container and separate from the container, the device having a crimping flange for engaging the said valve flange to retain the valve in the device, the crimping flange being separate from the closure for the container and separate from the container, so that the device is fitted into the said closure for the container with the retained valve, and the crimping flange having a height in the range 1.10mm to 2.50mm.
  • the crimping flange height may, for example, be approximately I . I , 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1 , 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 or 2.5mm.
  • the overall height of the device may be in the range 5mm to 8mm, for example 6.30mm to 7.70mm. In one embodiment the height is approximately 5.95mm; in another the height is approximately 6.35mm.
  • the overall height of the device may be in the range 6.30mm to 7.70mm.
  • a further aspect provides a closure as described here in combination with a self-closing valve sub- assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retention device comprising retaining means for retaining a valve therein, the self-closing valve comprising a valve head and a peripheral flange which is engaged by the retaining means, in which the height of the peripheral flange is in the range of 1.25mm to 2.5mm.
  • the valve flange height may, for example, be approximately 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7 1.75, 1.8, 1.85. 1.9, 1.95, 2.0, 2.05, 2.1 , 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, or 2.5mm.
  • the flange is approximately 1.52mm; in another embodiment the height is approximately 2.03mm
  • a further aspect provides a closure as described here in combination with a self-closing valve subassembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retention device comprising a single piece article having crimping means for crimping a valve into the device prior to assembly, the crimping means comprises a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position, the self-closing valve comprising a valve head and a peripheral flange which is engaged by the crimping flange in the crimped position, in which the height of the peripheral flange is in the range of 1.25mm to 2.5mm.
  • the valve flange height may, for example, be approximately 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7 1.75, 1.8, 1.85. 1.9, 1.95, 2.0, 2.05, 2.1 , 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, or 2.5mm.
  • the flange is approximately 1.52mm; in another embodiment the height is approximately 2.03mm
  • a further aspect provides a closure as described here in combination with a self-closing valve sub- assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retaining device the retention device comprising retaining means for retaining a valve therein, the self-closing valve having a weight in the range of 0.05g to 0.1 I g.
  • a further aspect provides a closure as described here in combination with a self-closing valve sub- assembly comprising a retaining device in combination with a self-closing valve, the retaining device comprising a single piece article having crimping means for crimping a valve into the device prior to assembly, the crimping means comprises a crimping flange capable of being bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position, the self-closing valve having a weight in the range of 0.05g to 0.1 I g.
  • the valve may, for example, have a weight of 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08g, 0.09, 0.10 or 0.1 I g.
  • the weight may, for example be in the range 0.05g to 0.08g, or 0.08g to 0.1 I g.
  • a further aspect provides a closure with a self-closing valve sub-assembly, comprising a valve retaining device a described herein and a flange-presenting self-closing valve as described herein, in combination with a closure for a container.
  • aspects and embodiments of the present invention may comprise or include some or all of the following features.
  • the crimping flange of aspects and embodiments of the present invention may comprise an upstanding wall.
  • the device may comprise a circular upstanding wall and the crimping flange may comprise a circumferentially upstanding wall.
  • the device may comprise a bead for snap-fitting the device into a closure.
  • the device may comprise a sloping surface for receiving a valve flange.
  • the device may be formed as a retaining ring.
  • the device may be formed as a single-piece article.
  • the crimping flange may be adapted to engage a flange of a valve.
  • Devices or sub-assemblies may further comprise a sealing bead.
  • the device may be snap-fittable into a closure.
  • the device and a closure may include co-operating sealing beads for fixing the device into the closure.
  • the valve may be a non-laminar self-closing valve.
  • the device may be formed separately from a closure and also from a container.
  • the valve may comprise a flange, and the rigidity of the flange may be increased by the device.
  • the device may be retained within a closure by means of a mechanical and/or a chemical fit.
  • the valve may be retained in the device by being crimped in place.
  • the valve may be retained in the device by being glued in place.
  • the present invention also provides a retaining device as described herein, in combination with a non- laminar self-closing valve.
  • the present invention also provides, in combination, a retaining device or assembly as described herein with a self-closing valve fitted and positioned in a closure.
  • the closure may comprise a wall for retaining the device in the closure.
  • the present invention also provides a method of forming a self-closing valve preassembly for a container closure as described herein, comprising the steps of:
  • valve retaining device as described herein which is separate from the container closure in which the closure is adapted for direct connection with the container, and also from the container, said device having a crimping flange;
  • the device may have an annular support surface and in which the flange is supported on the support surface such that after crimping the valve flange is trapped between the support surface and the crimping flange.
  • the crimping step may be performed without heating the crimping flange.
  • the crimping flange may be moveable from an uncrimped position.
  • the crimping flange may be moved in the range 80 degrees to 200 degrees, for example 90 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments the flange is moved substantially 90 degrees from said uncrimped position to said crimped position in the crimping set.
  • the method may further comprise the step of fitting the valve preassembly into a closure.
  • the method may further comprise the step of fitting the closure including the valve preassembly to a container.
  • Valves according to the present invention may be formed from silicon or a silicon-based material.
  • the valve may be formed from a thermoplastic vulcanisate (TPV) material.
  • the valve may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the valve may be formed from a rubber material, such as nitryl rubber.
  • the present invention also provides a closure fitted with a self-closing valve assembly as described herein.
  • Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.
  • a device with a crimping flange in the ranges specified in combination with a valve having a peripheral flange in the ranges specified and a weight in the ranges specified are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims.
  • Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.
  • Figure I is a section of a closure formed according to an embodiment of the present invention and shown in an as-moulded position;
  • Figure 2 is a section illustrating the piercing mechanism of the closure of Figure I ;
  • Figure 3 shows a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retaining member suitable for use with the closures of Figures I to 3;
  • Figure 5 is a section of the member of Figure 4 shown fitted with a valve and prior to retention;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sub-assembly of Figure 5 following retention of the valve in the member;
  • Figure 7 is a section of the sub-assembly of Figure 7;
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a device formed according to the present invention and without a valve in position
  • Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the device of Figure 8 with a valve loosely in position
  • Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the device with a valve crimped in position
  • Figure I I shows a cross-section through the device of Figure 10 with a valve crimped in position
  • Figure 12 shows a cross-section of one half of the device with a valve crimped into position and with the device positioned in a closure
  • Figure 13 is a section of a device formed accordingly to a further embodiment
  • Figure 14 shows a device of the type shown in Figure 13 fitted with a valve
  • Figure 15 is a section of a valve sub-assembly formed according to a further embodiment.
  • the closure 15 comprises a body including a generally cylindrical base 20.
  • the closure 15 is fittable to a container neck (not shown) which at its open end is sealed by a laminar foil panel.
  • the base 20 comprises a top deck 21 from which depends a generally cylindrical outer sidewall 22 and a generally cylindrical inner sidewall 23 which includes internal screwthread formations 24 for engaging corresponding external screwthread formations on the container neck.
  • a deformable spout 25 is provided at the centre of the top deck 21 .
  • a piercing member 35 is provided at the centre of the spout 25 .
  • Figure I shows the closure in a post-moulding state, in which the spout 25 is in a fully depressed position and forms an inclined annulus.
  • the piercing member 35 comprises an annular piercing skirt 36 which depends from the spout and the free end of which is inclined to form a cutting blade 37.
  • a retention bead 40 is formed on the inner surface of the piercing skirt 36.
  • a claw-like annulus 38 extends radially inwards and defines a dispensing orifice 39 at its centre.
  • a self-closing valve sub-assembly 50 is fitted into the piercing member 35, further details of which are given below.
  • the closure By moulding the closure in the activated, or as in this embodiment in a position intermediate the activated and unactivated positions, it can be moved before final cooling to the unactivated position, but the 'memory' of the material will be set to the activated position. This makes subsequent movement from the unactivated to the activated position much easier.
  • Figure 2 shows both the raised, unactivated (which in use would be how the closure would be provided on a product) and depressed, activated positions of the closure. In use the spout 25 is pushed down, carrying with it the piercing member 35 and the valve sub-assembly 50.
  • the piercing member blade 37 will pierce the seal, allowing product from a container to flow through the valve 2.
  • the spout wall 25' in the activated position the spout wall 25' is inclined towards the body and in the unactivated position the spout wall 25" is inclined away from the body.
  • FIG. 3 shows a closure 1 15 including a flexible spout 125 formed according to an alternative embodiment.
  • the spout 125 is shown in its moulded (down) position prior to pre-setting.
  • the spout has a generally corrugated form with two annular folds 126, 127.
  • annular folds are present in the spout wall in activated, unacvitated or intermediate positions.
  • FIG 3 also shows a lid 130 (only part of which is shown) connected to a base 120 by a hinge 1 5.
  • the lid 130 comprises a generally disc-shape top plate 131 from which depends a cylindrical sidewall 132.
  • a retaining member I which shall be referred to hereinafter as a retaining ring I .
  • the ring I consists of a moulded single-piece article/body with a so-called “chimney” in the form of a circular wall 10.
  • This chimney 10 provides a surface for assembly machinery to handle the retaining ring I .
  • another circular wall 12 which has the same rotational axis as chimney 10, extending upwards.
  • This end of the wall 10 also includes an inner ring 9 that forms a seat 7.
  • a projection in the form of an external sealing bead 13 is a projection in the form of an external sealing bead 13.
  • a crimping flange 14 which in its uncrimped condition is an upstanding wall.
  • a flexible self-closing valve 2 typically has the features shown in Figure 5.
  • a valve 2 has a head portion 3, which is thicker towards the edge than the centre and which has at least one slit 4 therein.
  • the head portion is concave with respect to a container (not shown). This pre-stresses the valve so that it self-closes more easily.
  • a side-wall or connecting wall portion 6 connects the head portion 3 with a flange 8.
  • Flange 8 is typically shaped such that it has a relatively substantial size in the form of a rim. It is this flange 8 which rests on the inner ring 9 and sits in the seat 7 of the retaining ring I when it is located correctly. This forms a self-closing valve sub-assembly 50 that can easily be manipulated.
  • the crimping flange 14 is bent over from the position shown in Figures 4 and 5 until it sandwiches the flange 8 between itself 14 and the sloping surface I I as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
  • the crimping flange 8 is shown as being bent over by 90 degrees radially inwards it should be understood that the angle through which it need be bent is not fixed.
  • the sub-assembly 50 can be fitted into a closure.
  • the assembly 50 is fitted into a movable section of closure (such a spout section) and then moved together with that section to cause a liner to be pierced.
  • the sub- assembly 50 is fitted into the piercing member 35 by engagement of the beads 13, 40, with the upper part of the assembly fitting up into and being retained by the claw-like annulus 38.
  • the ring 101 consists of a moulded single-piece article with a so-called “chimney” in the form of a circular wall I 10.
  • This chimney I 10 provides a surface for assembly machinery to handle the retaining ring 101.
  • a radially outwardly sloping surface I l i a provided on an annular wall I I I .
  • a seat is provided and then another circular wall I 12, which has the same rotational axis as chimney I 10, and extends upwards.
  • a projection in the form of an external sealing bead 1 13 is provided at the end of wall 1 12 which in its uncrimped condition is an upstanding wall which in this embodiment has a height H of approximately I . I mm. In a further embodiment a wall with a height of approximately 1.4mm is provided.
  • a flexible self-closing valve 102 typically has the features shown in Figure 9.
  • a valve 102 has a head portion 103, which is thicker towards the edge than the centre and which has at least one slit 104 therein.
  • the head portion is concave with respect to a container (not shown). This pre- stresses the valve so that it self-closes more easily.
  • a side-wall portion 106 connects the head portion 103 with a flange 108.
  • Flange 108 is typically shaped such that it has a relatively substantial size in the form of a rim. It is this flange 108 which rests on the sloping surface I I I of the retaining ring 101 when it is located correctly.
  • the crimping flange I 14 is bent over from the position shown in Figure 9 until it sandwiches the flange 108 between itself I 14 and the sloping surface I I I as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Also shown is a valve 102 with the crimping flange I 14 bent over.
  • the crimping flange 108 is shown as being bent over by 90 degrees radially inwards it should be understood that the angle through which it need be bent is not fixed. For instance, it has been found that the crimping flange I 14 need only be bent over by a few degrees in order that it hold the valve 102 in place within the retaining ring 101.
  • the crimping flange I 14 is bent over along the entire circumference of the retaining ring 101 and valve 102. Further, the crimping flange I 14 could be bent over by more than 90 degrees so that it lies against and substantially parallel with the surface of flange 108.
  • a retaining ring I is shown with a valve 102 crimped in place. Further, the retaining ring 101 is positioned within a closure 120.
  • the closure 120 has a circular wall 121 which has a rotational axis coincident with the axis of the retaining ring 101. Along the radially inner side of this wall 121 is a sealing bead 122 in the form of a projection.
  • wall 121 At the upper end of wall 121 is another wall 124 which lies perpendicular to wall 121. This wall 124 extends radially inward from wall 121.
  • sealing bead I 13, on the radially outer side of wall I 12 of the retaining ring 101 is provided such that it has an external diameter greater than that of the diameter of radially inner surface of sealing bead 122. Accordingly, the retaining ring 101 snap-fits into the closure 120 so that the two sealing beads 1 13, 122 form an interference seal in a manner well known in the art.
  • valve 102 has been shown in this embodiment to be crimped into the retaining ring I , in other embodiments it would be possible to glue or affix the valve 102 to the retaining ring 101 by other means such as by chemical means.
  • valve 102 has been discussed it would be possible to design a retaining ring 101 which could have more than one valve 102 crimped into it. This might be useful if it was desired to have a closure with more than one dispensing orifice.
  • valve and retaining ring may be pre-assembled on a different production machine than the machines which are used to produce the closures or assemble the closures, if different therefrom. Further, because the valves and retaining ring can be assembled more quickly than the closure can be produced or assembled, a stock of these pre- assembled valves and retaining rings can be maintained, with obvious benefits.
  • Another advantage of the invention is that the rigidity of the flange of the valve is increased.
  • a ring on 201 formed according to an alternative embodiment is shown.
  • the ring is generally the same as the ring 101 shown in Figures I to 5 except that the length H of the crimping flange I 14 is approximately 1.4 mm, with an overall ring height of approximately 6.40mm. It has been found that this flange length gives particular benefits to the force required to pull the valve out of a sub-assembly, by greatly increasing the force required, in some embodiments by in excess of a 300% increase in valve pull out force.
  • the ring benefits from several beneficial features: i) extended crimping profile design - this will improve component processing quality, and increased valve pull out forces to improve transportation quality; ii) side bead 213 vertical increase - this allows a better ring feed in to an assembly machine giving better processing efficiencies; and iii) redesigned chimney 210 inside diameter - this allows a greater flexibility for the valve sub-assembly to closure assembly machines.
  • a valve sub-assembly 320 is shown.
  • the retention ring 301 is generally the same as that shown in Figure 6.
  • the ring is combined with a valve 302 which is generally similar to the valve 102 shown in Figures 2 to 5.
  • the height F of the flange 308 is significantly less, being approximately 1.52 mm.
  • a reduced height flange may be used in combination with a retaining ring without an extended crimping flange.
  • FIG 15 a sub-assembly 420 formed according to an alternative embodiment is shown.
  • a valve 402 is fitted into a retention ring 401.
  • the valve has a weight of approximately 0.06g.
  • the ring has a crimping flange 414 having a height H of approximately 1.0mm.
  • the ring 401 has an overall height of approximately 6.05mm.
  • the ring is a retainer device for retaining a non-laminar, flange-presenting self-closing valve in a closure for a container.
  • the closure (not shown) is directly attachable to a container.
  • the valve is mounted within the retainer device by the crimping flange. In doing so, the crimping flange extends entirely around the outer flange of the valve.
  • the retainer device is separate from the closure which is used to close the container. As such, the closure is adapted for direct connection with the container.
  • a lid (not shown) may also be associated with the closure. This lid may be either separate from the closure or attached to the closure.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une fermeture à auto-perçage (15) pour un récipient du type ayant un élément de fermeture laminaire, laquelle fermeture (15) comprend un corps de fermeture et un élément de perçage (15) pour percer un élément de fermeture lors de l'utilisation, l'élément de perçage (15) comprenant une jupe pendante (36), et la fermeture comprenant de plus un sous-ensemble de vanne à auto-fermeture (50) ayant un élément de maintien qui maintient une vanne à auto-fermeture, le sous-ensemble étant disposé à l'intérieur de l'élément de perçage, ce par quoi un milieu pouvant s'écouler peut être distribué à partir d'un récipient à travers la vanne de fermeture après le perçage de l'élément de fermeture lors de l'utilisation.
EP15718800.4A 2014-04-03 2015-04-02 Fermeture Withdrawn EP3126254A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201406129A GB201406129D0 (en) 2014-04-03 2014-04-03 Valve retaining device
GB201407398A GB201407398D0 (en) 2014-04-28 2014-04-28 Valve retaining device
GB201407399A GB201407399D0 (en) 2014-04-28 2014-04-28 Valve retaining device
GB201408702A GB201408702D0 (en) 2014-05-16 2014-05-16 A closure
PCT/EP2015/057403 WO2015150558A1 (fr) 2014-04-03 2015-04-02 Fermeture

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3126254A1 true EP3126254A1 (fr) 2017-02-08

Family

ID=53008451

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15718800.4A Withdrawn EP3126254A1 (fr) 2014-04-03 2015-04-02 Fermeture

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20170183134A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3126254A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN106458389A (fr)
AU (1) AU2015239101A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2944538A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2016012990A (fr)
PH (1) PH12016501959A1 (fr)
RU (1) RU2016141545A (fr)
WO (1) WO2015150558A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2014225B1 (en) * 2015-02-03 2016-10-12 Plasticum Netherlands B V Dispensing closure with self-closing valve.

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1531130A (en) * 1920-08-30 1925-03-24 Petrus John Spark plug
CA2058874A1 (fr) * 1991-01-14 1992-07-15 Robert D. Rohr Fermeture munie d'une soupape controlee par la pression
US5676289A (en) * 1996-04-04 1997-10-14 Aptargroup, Inc. Valve-controlled dispensing closure with dispersion baffle
US6045004A (en) * 1998-03-20 2000-04-04 Aptargroup, Inc. Dispensing structure with dispensing valve and barrier penetrator
US6006960A (en) * 1998-10-28 1999-12-28 Aptargroup, Inc. Dispensing structure which has a lid with a pressure-openable valve
EP1531130A1 (fr) * 2004-08-26 2005-05-18 CROWN Packaging Technology, Inc Dispositif de retention d'une valve
US8070014B2 (en) * 2007-08-24 2011-12-06 Seaquist Closures L.L.C. Liner piercing twist closure
ES2382831T3 (es) * 2008-11-04 2012-06-13 Aptargroup, Inc. Cierre de torsión con perforación de revestimiento
GB201009427D0 (en) * 2010-06-04 2010-07-21 Obrist Closures Switzerland A closure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2016012990A (es) 2016-12-07
US20170183134A1 (en) 2017-06-29
WO2015150558A1 (fr) 2015-10-08
PH12016501959A1 (en) 2017-01-09
RU2016141545A (ru) 2018-05-03
AU2015239101A2 (en) 2016-11-17
CN106458389A (zh) 2017-02-22
CA2944538A1 (fr) 2015-10-08
RU2016141545A3 (fr) 2018-10-25
AU2015239101A1 (en) 2016-11-03

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