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
  • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
  • B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
  • B65D51/1688—Venting occurring during initial closing or opening of the container, by means of a passage for the escape of gas between the closure and the lip of the container mouth, e.g. interrupted threads
• • 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
  • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
  • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
  • B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
  • B65D41/06—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating
  • B65D41/065—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating with integral internal sealing means

Definitions

• This invention relates to a container and closure, in particular a container for housing a beverage.
• the container may be of a variety of sizes and may, for example, be a wide- mouth container or it may be a bottle. In some cases, it may be designed for containing a carbonated beverage.
• the invention also relates to the container and closure separately and together, the use of a container and closure and to methods of manufacturing the container and the closure.
• Containers and closures for wide-mouth containers and bottles are known such as those described in the applicants earlier applications, for example WO2006/000774 and WO2011/151630.
• a further development is disclosed in WO2014/006418. These seek to provide a closure capable of securely closing a container the contents of which may be at an elevated pressure, eg during transportation and/or when subject to elevated temperatures, whilst remaining relatively easy for a consumer to remove.
• a wide-mouth container can be used both to store a beverage (or other contents) and as a drinking vessel once the closure has been removed.
• the closure may also be designed so it can be used to re-close and/or re-seal the container.
• a typical wide-mouth container has a mouth with a diameter in the range 55 to 65 mm although the term also applies to containers having a mouth with a diameter in the range 45 to 80 mm..
• a bottle is typically used to store a beverage (or other contents) prior to pouring it into a drinking vessel.
• Commonly used bottles such as those used to store beer and other beverages, typically have a mouth with a diameter of around 28mm.
• the present invention seeks to provide improvements which enable the container and/or the closure to be further simplified, and to reduce the cost of materials and/or the cost of manufacture whilst maintaining the performance of the closure, in particular the ease and reliability of opening and closure, re-closure (if required) and venting (if housing a carbonated beverage).
• Co-pending application GB 1407157.5 provides more details of preferred materials used, in particular for the closure and the sealing member.
• a container and a closure therefor having an opening defining an axis and an outwardly projecting first member around an external surface of the container, said first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions, each first portion having elements with elongate upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces thereof being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, the closure having a top part and a skirt part, the skirt part comprising an inwardly projecting second member around an internal surface thereof, said second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart second portions, each second portion having elements with elongate upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces thereof being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, said elements of the second portions being of a length such that they can pass through spaces between the first portions and being locatable beneath the first portions so as to secure the closure to the container.
• the means for securing the closure to the container thus comprises a projection extending around the circumference of each part comprising a series of substantially horizontal, circumferentially spaced apart elements arranged such that the elements on the closure can pass though the spaces between the elements on the container and located beneath them to secure the closure to the container.
• the elements of the projection on the container are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
• the elements of the projection on the closure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
• each of the first portions has an upwardly inclined end at one end thereof and/or a downwardly inclined end at the other end thereof.
• the upwardly and/or downwardly inclined ends of the second portions preferably extend beyond said elongate upper and lower surfaces thereof, respectively
• said downwardly inclined ends acts to drive the second portions downwards relative to the first portions and in which upon rotation of the closure in a second direction about axis A, said upwardly inclined ends acts to drive the second portions upwards relative to the first portions.
• said top part of the closure has a bore component for extending into the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with an internal sealing surface of the container.
• said downwardly inclined ends act to drive the second portions
• the sealing member may comprises an o-ring mounted in a gland.
• the closure is movable between a first secured sealed position and a second secured venting position in which venting of the container is enabled.
• a container and a closure therefor having an opening defining an axis and an outwardly projecting first member around an external surface of the container, said first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions, each first portion comprising an element having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and said lower surface being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, the closure having a top part and a skirt part, said top part having a bore component for extending into the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with an internal sealing surface of the container, the skirt part comprising an inwardly projecting second member around an internal surface thereof, said second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart second portions, the closure being securable to the container by interaction between said first and second portions, the closure being movable between a first position in which at least part of said second portions engage the upper surfaces of said first portions, a second position, following rotation
• Such a closure and container can be arranged so that when the closure is initially placed on the container, it sits horizontally thereon with the second member resting on the first member. Following horizontal rotation of the closure, it moves to a position in which the sealing member rests on the mouth of the container. Further horizontal rotation results in the closure being driven downwards so the sealing member is moved downwards to a sealing position and the second member located beneath the first member to secure the closure to the container.
• Other preferred features are described below.
• first portions of the first member on the container are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
• second portions of the second member on the closure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
• said sealing surface is substantially parallel to said axis and the container has an inclined lead-in surface at the upper end thereof leading to said sealing surface.
• the sealing member contacts said lead-in surface.
• this is the venting position.
• said sealing member is compressed between the container and the bore component as the closure is moved downwards from said second position to said third position to move it into sealing engagement with said sealing surface.
• the closure may be arranged to be removed from the container by rotation about the axis in a second direction so as to move it from said third position to said second position and then to said first position, ie a reversal of the manner in which it is secured to the container.
• the skirt portion of the closure comprises a further inwardly projecting member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart third portions each of the third portions having an upper surface which is at a lower level than said upper surfaces of the second portions, said third portions being arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions when the closure is in a venting position, ie said third portions are arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions when the closure is in said second position.
• each of said second portions has a downwardly angled end arranged to engage a first end face of the first portions, or vice versa, and interact therewith so as to drive the closure downwards as the closure is rotated in the first direction from said second position.
• Simple rotation of the closure thus results in the closure being driven downwards onto the container so the sealing member moves from the venting position to the sealing position.
• each of said second portions preferably has an upwardly angled end arranged to engage a second end face of the first portions, or vice versa, and interact therewith so as to drive the closure upwards as the closure is rotated in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) from said second position so the sealing member moves from the sealing position to the venting position.
• the second portions may pass vertically through spaces between the first portions but are preferably arranged to be pass angularly through spaces between the first portions.
• the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is preferably at least 50% or at least 75%, of the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions.
• each first portion has a circumferential length substantially similar to the circumferential length of said elements of the second portions and preferably said elements of the second portions are in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of said lower surfaces of said first portions when the closure is secured to the container.
• circumferential lengths of the first portions is preferably substantially half the outer circumference of the container at the position at which the first portions are provided thereon.
• Said first member is preferably spaced from the upper end of the container, eg by a distance in the range 9 to 12 mm or in other cases in the range 6 to 16 mm.
• the container and closure described herein is particularly suitable for a widemouth container as defined herein but may also be used on container of other sizes, eg bottles having a relatively narrow opening.
• the container is preferably formed by an injection moulding process followed by a blow moulding process of the parts beneath the first member.
• a preferred form of the container has a groove in its external surface beneath said first member, said first member and/or the groove providing holding means by which the container can be held when being transferred from injection moulding apparatus to blow moulding apparatus and/or during said blow moulding process.
• the first member thus has a dual function: it serves both as part of the means for securing the closure to the container and as part of the holding means.
• the closure is formed of a plastics material having a tensile modulus (Young's modulus) of greater than 3000 MPa, a flexural modulus of greater than 3000 MPa, and a yield stress of greater than 70 MPa.
• a preferred material for such a closure is polyoxymethylene (POM).
• POM polyoxymethylene
• the container is preferably formed of a plastics material comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• the container and/or the closure may be formed of metal. This enables the wall thickness, and hence the amount of material used to form the closure and/or the container to be reduced, thus reducing its weight and/or cost.
• a metal closure can be formed and shaped by one or more pressing operations.
• the inner surface of the container preferably comprises a frusto- conical lead-in surface adjacent the mouth of the container, the surface of which is inclined, eg by 10 - 30 degrees, to the axis of the container, and typically has a vertical dimension of about 2 mm.
• the lead-in surface preferably leads to a substantially parallel-sided cylindrical surface, the surface of which lies substantially parallel to said axis.
• the diameter of the cylindrical surface is substantially the same as the smaller (lowermost) end of the frusto- conical surface.
• the sealing member is arranged to engage and to provide a liquid and air-tight seal between the closure and this substantially cylindrical surface
• the closure is preferably movable between a first secured position and a second secured position which is raised relative to the first position in which venting of the container is enabled.
• the sealing member is preferably an o-ring seal.
• o-ring as used herein is to be understood to include a toroid of elastomer material having a circular cross-section (or other cross-sections). Such o-rings are conventionally located in a gland (which may typically be defined by a groove or by a recess having two or more faces). The o-ring is preferably able to move or deform within the gland so as to be able to seal more tightly with the sealing surface in response to a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the container (as described in WO 2011/151630 referred to above).
• o-rings of this form are preferred, the term is also to be understood to cover other forms of seal which simulate an o-ring and other forms of flexible seal material provided between two relatively rigid components (of a different material to the seal), eg formed by an over-moulding of resilient material, said material being capable of providing a gas tight seal between those components.
• the o-ring is preferably formed of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). Further details are given in GB1407157.5 referred to above.
• Directional terms, such as upwards, downwards, upper and lower, as used herein are to be understood to refer to refer to directions relative to a container standing on a horizontal surface with the axis A passing through its opening being substantially vertical (unless the context clearly requires otherwise).
• the invention also relates to a container for use with a closure for providing a container and closure as described above and to a closure for providing a container and closure as described above.
• the invention also relates to the use of a container and closure as described above for containing a carbonated beverage.
• a method of manufacturing a container for use in providing a container and closure as described above comprising an injection moulding process followed by a blow moulding process.
• the container has a groove in its external surface beneath said first member, the first member and/or the groove being used as holding means by which the container can be held when being transferred from injection moulding apparatus to blow moulding apparatus and/or during said blow moulding process.
• the closure is formed by an injection moulding process. It may be formed from a variety of plastic materials but is preferably formed of polyoxymethylene (POM).
• POM polyoxymethylene
• a method of manufacture of a closure for a container having an opening defining an axis the closure having a top part and a skirt part, the top part having a bore component for extending into a container opening, a recess in a radially outwardly facing surface of the bore component for receiving a sealing member and the skirt part having an inwardly projecting retaining member around an internal surface thereof comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart portions
• the closure being formed by an injection moulding process which includes the followings steps: providing an injecting moulding tool having a mould cavity for forming outwardly facing features of the top part and the skirt part of the closure and a tooling core comprising an inner component for forming at least said recess of the bore component and an outer component for forming at least said retaining members of the skirt part,
• the inner component being arranged so that once the closure has been formed, it can be withdrawn therefrom substantially axially,
• the outer component comprising a collapsing core such that, once the inner component has been withdrawn, its parts can move radially inwards, at least partially into the space previously occupied by the inner component, to disengage it from said retaining portions, so that it can then be withdrawn substantially axially from the closure.
• said recess forms a gland for receiving an o-ring sealing member.
• a plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers are formed adjacent the recess for axially retaining the sealing member in the recess, the fingers being flexing radially inwards to permit the inner component to disengage therefrom when the inner component is withdrawn axially.
• the radial spacing between the radially outermost part of the bore component and the radially innermost part of said retaining member of the skirt part is 4.0 mm or less and most preferably 3.9 mm or less.
• the retaining portions project at least R mm from an inner wall of the skirt part, where R is at least 1.0 mm and preferably at least 1.3 mm.
• withdrawal of the inner component provides a space which permits said parts of the outer component to move radially inwards by at least R and preferably R plus at least 0.5mm to allow for shrinkage of the closure once formed.
• the closure is formed of a plastics material the rigidity of which is such as to require the use of a collapsing core to disengage the core from said retaining portions.
• the plastics material may comprise polyoxymethylene.
• said recess forms a gland for receiving an o-ring sealing member.
• a plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers are preferably provided adjacent the recess for axially retaining the sealing member in the recess.
• the radial spacing between the radially outermost part of the bore component and the radially innermost part of said retaining member of the skirt part may be 4.0 mm or less and preferably 3.9 mm or less.
• the retaining portions may project at least R mm from an inner wall of the skirt part, where R is at least 1.0 mm and preferably at least 1.3 mm.
• top part and skirt part may be integrally formed of a plastics material comprising polyoxymethylene.
• Figures 1 A and IB show a perspective view from above and side view of a container used in a first embodiment of the invention
• Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view from above and from below of a closure used in the first embodiment of the invention
• Figures 3 A shows the closure of Fig 1 as it is moved into engagement with the container of Fig 1 and Fig 3B shows the closure when secured to the container;
• Figures 4 to 6 show schematic and cross-sectional views of a simplified version of the container and closure shown in Figs 1 and 2 to illustrate the principal stages of the process of securing the closure to the container:
• Figures 4A and 4B relate to a pre-loading stage
• Figures 5 A and 5B relate to a loading (or venting) position
• Figure 6A and 6B related to a sealed position;
• Figures 7 to 12 illustrate a more detailed sequence of steps by which the closure of Fig 2 is secured to the container of Fig 1 and cross-sections showing the relative positions of the closure and container at each stage:
• Figures 7A and 7B relate to a first pre-load stage
• Figures 8A and 8B relate to a second pre-load stage
• Figures 9 relates to an initial load stage
• Figures 10A and 10B relate to an initial drive down stage
• Figure 11 relates to a sealed position
• Figures 12 A and 12B relate to a locked position.
• Figures 13 to 15 illustrate a sequence of steps by which the closure is removed from the container and a cross-section showing the relative positions of the closure and container at a venting stage:
• Figure 13 relates to an initial removal stage
• Figure 14 relates to a driving off stage
• Figures 15 A and 15B relate to a venting stage
• Figure 16, 17 and 18 relate to further drive out stages
• Figures 19 to 21 show schematic and cross-sectional views of a further simplified version of the container and closure similar to those of Figs 4 to 6 in relation to a container for a non-carbonated beverage:
• Figures 19A and 19B relate to a pre-loading stage
• Figures 20A and 20B relate to a loading position
• Figure 21 A and 21B related to a sealed position;
• Figure 22 is a cross-section of another embodiment of a closure according to the invention.
• Figure 23 is an enlarged portion of the closure of Fig to illustrate a method of manufacture of such a closure according to an another aspect of the invention
• Figures 24A and 24B are side views of part of a container showing alternative details of the container compared to that shown in Figure IB;
• Figures 25 A and 25B show cross-sectional views corresponding to Figures 22 of two further embodiments of a closure according to the invention.
• Fig 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a container for use with the closures of Fig 25.
• Figures 1 A and IB show a wide-mouth container 10 used in a first embodiment of the invention.
• the container has an opening 10A defining an axis A and has an outwardly projecting first member 11 around an external surface of the container 10, the first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions 11 A (four in the example shown), each first portion 11 A has an upper surface 1 IB, a lower surface 11C, a first end surface 1 ID and a second end surface 1 IE.
• the upper surface 1 IB is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction but may be curved or inclined in the radial direction.
• the lower surface 11C is also substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.
• the shape and function of the end surfaces will be described further below with reference to Figs 7 - 18.
• the spaced apart portions of the first member 11 form an intermittent, outwardly projecting lip which may be located at or near the upper end of the container 10 or, as in the embodiment shown, spaced from the upper end of the container 10, eg by a distance in the range 9 - 12 mm.
• the first portions 11 A are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
• the upper end of the container 10 has a lead-in surface 12 which is inclined to the axis A and leads to a substantially parallel sided, cylindrical portion 13 of the internal surface of the container 10 (see Figs 4, 5 and 6).
• the lead-in surface preferably has substantially frusto-conical shape and lies at and angle in the range 10 to 30 degrees to the axis A.
• a plurality of venting grooves 14 or passages are preferably provided at spaced apart positions around the circumference of the lead-in surface to facilitate venting of the container
• the container shown in Fig 1 also has a handling groove 15 in the external surface thereof to facilitate handling of the closure as it passes through automatic machinery, eg during manufacture and subsequent processes such as washing, filling, closing etc.
• the handling groove may not be required.
• the container is typically formed of a plastics material, eg polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is typically formed in a two-stage moulding process: forming a preform in a first injection moulding stage which forms the features above the groove 15 and then a second blow moulding stage in which the preform is blown to form the container shape beneath the groove 15.
• the intermittent lip 11 and/or groove may be used to hold the preform during the blow moulding stage.
• the PET container is typically provided with a barrier material, eg in the form of a thin coating of silica or carbon or in the form of a laminated structure to improve its resistance to gas permeability (particularly the ingress of oxygen or the egress of carbon dioxide).
• the container may also be formed of other materials, eg glass or metal or of a combination of materials.
• FIGs 2A and 2B show a closure used in a first embodiment of the invention.
• the closure comprises a top part 20 and a skirt part 21 therefrom.
• the top part 20 has a bore component 22 extending from the underside thereof and which, in use, extends into the container 10.
• the bore component 22 carries a sealing member 23, for example an o-ring (see Fig 4B), so that the sealing member 23 provides a seal between the internal sealing surface 13 of the container 10 and the bore component 22 when the closure is mounted on the container (see Fig 6B) 10.
• the o-ring is located in a groove or gland 23B provided on the outer surface of the bore component 22. Further details of a suitable form of o-ring and gland are provided in WO2011/151630 referred to above.
• the walls of the gland should be smooth to ensure a satisfactory seal and, in particular, should not include a mould shut line (which makes it difficult to provide a smooth surface).
• the o-ring for use with a wide-mouth closure would typically have a cross-sectional diameter of 2 to 3 mm.
• the sealing surface 13 has an axial length sufficient to accommodate some vertical movement of the o-ring relative to the container (eg due to pressure variations in the container) and typically has an axial length of at least 8 mm and in some cases up to 13 mm.
• the skirt part 21 of the closure is provided with an inwardly projecting second member 24 around an internal surface thereof, said second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart second portions 24A (four in the example shown).
• Each of the second portions has an upper surface 24B, a lower surface 24C, a downward angled end with a first end surface 24D and an upward angled end with a second end surface 24E.
• the upper surface 24B is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the
• a further inwardly projecting member is provided on the skirt portion comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart third portions 25A.
• Each of the third portions also has an upper surface 25B which is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.
• the upper surfaces 25B are at a lower level than the upper surfaces 24B (viewed when the top part 20 of the closure is uppermost), the vertical spacing between the upper surfaces 24B and 25B typically being around 2.5 - 4.0 mm.
• the third portions 25A also have angled side faces 25C and 25D.
• the second portions 24A are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
• the third portions 25A are also separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction, although they may overlap, at least to some extent, with the second portions 24A in the vertical direction.
• Figure 2B also shows small ribs 26 which help prevent the closure tilting when placed on the container and so assist in maintaining the closure horizontal.
• Figs 4 to 6 provide schematic illustrations of interactions between the first and second portions and the position of the o- ring seal as the closure is secured to the container.
• the closure is movable between a first position (Fig 4) in which the second portions 24A (or at least part of the second portions) engage the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A, a second position (Fig 5), following rotation and downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10, in which the sealing member 23 contacts the container 10 in a non-sealing position and the second portions 24 A are aligned with spaces between the first portions 11 A and a third position (Fig 6), following further rotation and further downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10, in which the sealing member 23 has been moved downwards to sealingly engage the sealing surface 13 of the container and the second portions 24 A are located beneath the first portions 11 A and in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of the lower surfaces l lC thereof.
• Maximising the contact between the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions and the lower surfaces 11C of the first portions in the third position is of importance.
• the embodiment shown in Figs 1 and 2 is designed for use with carbonated beverages.
• the desired minimum area of contact between the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions and the lower surfaces 11C of the first portions can be determined.
• this overlap area can be at least about 100 mm 2 .
• this can, for example, be achieved if they each have a length of 25mm so the combined circumferential length of the first portions 1 IB is about 100mm (which represents about 50% of the external
• first portions 1 IB are preferably avoided in order to minimise their contact and hence impact on the lip of a user drinking from the container.
• the impact of the first portions on the user's lip can also be reduced by locating the first portions 1 IB at a position spaced from the upper end of the container, for example 10 mm below the top of the container in the embodiment described.
• the upward pressure on the closure is smaller so the combined circumferential length of the first portions 1 IB can be reduced, eg by using four shorter first portions or by reducing the number of first portions, eg to three.
• the required combined circumferential length of the first portions is approximately proportional to the area of the closure (if their radial projections remains the same, eg 1 mm). For a 35% reduction in the area of the closure, the combined circumferential length of the first portions can thus be reduced by about 35%, ie to an overlap area of about 65 mm 2 . In the example given, this can be provided by four first portions having a length of around 16mm or three first portions having a length of around 22 mm.
• Figure 3 A illustrates movement of the closure towards the container. Initially the closure is moved axially towards the container but, as will be explained further below, is then rotated (about the axis A) relative to the container to secure it thereto.
• Figure 3B shows the closure once mounted upon and secured to the container.
• Figures 4 to 6 show schematic and cross-sectional views of a simplified version of the container and closure shown in Figs 1 and 2 to help illustrate the principal stages of movement involved in securing the closure to the container (whether this be for holding a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage).
• the same reference numerals are used although it should be noted that some of the features are shown in a highly schematic form in these figures compared to the features shown in the embodiments shown in subsequent figures.
• Figures 4A and B relate to a pre-loading stage in which the second portions 24A (or at least part of the second portions) of the closure rest upon the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A of the container.
• Figure 4B shows a cross-section taken along line B-B in Fig 4A. In this position, the o-ring seal 23 of the closure is spaced from the container. The closure is then rotated (in either direction) and moved downwards from the position shown in Fig 4 until the second portions 24A of the closure are aligned with spaces between the first portions 11 A of the container as shown in Fig 5.
• Figure 5 shows the second portions 24A once they have been moved to a position aligned with spaces between the first portions 11 A so they are then able to pass through those spaces.
• the circumferential length of the second portions 24A is smaller than the spaces between the first portions 11 A so they can pass through these spaces although, as shown, they are preferably of substantially similar length to these spaces.
• Figure 5B is a section taken on line C-C in Fig 5 A.
• the o-ring 23 is in contact with the lead-in surface 12 of the container 10 and supports (or helps support) the closure in this position.
• the closure is moved downwards further onto the container.
• the closure may be axially pressed further onto the container.
• the o-ring 23 is compressed between the bore component 22 and the container and moves from being in contact with the lead in surface 12 to sealingly engage the sealing surface 13 of the container.
• the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions are substantially level with (or slightly beneath) the lower surface 11C of the first portions 11 A.
• the closure is then rotated relative to the container about axis A so that the second portions of the container are positioned beneath the first portions of the container as show in Fig 6A.
• Figure 6B is a section taken on line D-D of Fig 6 A.
• the closure In this third position, the closure is secured on the container and cannot move upwards relative thereto unless it is rotated to a position in which the second portions can move back upwards through the spaces between the first portions.
• upward pressure on the closure eg by an elevated pressure within the container, does not have any tendency to rotate the closure relative to the container.
• the upper surface 1 IB of each of the first portions is also in contact with substantially the entire length of the respective first portion beneath which it is positioned. As mentioned above, this maximises the area of overlap therebetween and thus the area of overlap available to resist upward forces on the closure (eg due to elevated pressures in the container). Furthermore, this means that in order to release this engagement, it is necessary to rotate the closure relative to the container by distance sufficient to move the entire length of the second portions out of contact with the first portions.
• the second portions 24A are initially located above the first portions 11 A and are then moved so they pass through the spaces between the first and finally to a position in which they are located beneath the first portions 11 A.
• the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions 24A are substantially horizontal and substantially flat throughout their length (or at least between the inclined ends 24D and 24E of the second portions 24 A), so they can slide horizontally beneath the lower surfaces 11C of the first portions 11 A, the lower surfaces 11C also being substantially horizontal and substantially flat throughout their length (or at least between the ends 1 ID and 1 IE of the first portions 11 A).
• Figures 7 to 12 illustrate a more detailed sequence of steps by which a closure such as that shown in Fig 2 is secured to a container such as that shown in Fig 1 (which are designed for carbonated beverages) and cross-sections showing the relative positions of the closure and container at each stage, in particular, the position of the o-ring seal.
• the sequence of steps is based on the sequence described above in relation to the schematic diagrams of Fig 4 to 6 (although modified to some extent).
• the first portions 11A have inclined end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE. Preferably, these lie at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal.
• the end surface 1 ID may extend from the upper surface 1 IB to the lower surface 11C.
• the end surface 1 IE may not extend all the way from the lower surface 11C to the upper surface 1 IB.
• the end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE of the first portions may also have other forms (see Figs 24A-24C described below).
• the second portions 24A have inclined ends with end surfaces 24D and 24E which extend beyond the lower and upper surfaces 24C and 24B, eg as shown in Fig 2B and in Fig 7A. These will be described further below.
• Figures 7 to 12 also show the third portion 25A shown in Fig 2B.
• the third portion 25 A is provided in a closure intended for use with a container housing a carbonated beverage and its function is to retain the closure on the container when in a venting position (as described further below).
• FIGs 7 A, 8 A, 9, 10A, 11 and 12A the container and closure are schematically illustrated in dashed lines whereas the first portions 11 A, second portions 24 A and third portions 25 A are shown in solid lines in order to highlight the interactions therebetween.
• Figs 7B, 8B, 10B and 12B shows cross-sectional of the closure and container in positions corresponding to those of Figs 7 A, 8 A, 10A and 12 A.
• Figures 7A and 7B show the closure in a first pre-load stage in which the third portions 25A rest upon the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A (Fig 7A shows these portions overlapping in the vertical direction as the upper surface 1 IB of the first portion and the lower surface of the third portion 25A are angled or curved in the radial direction as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig 7B). In this position, the o-ring 23 is spaced from the container 10.
• Fig 9 shows the first and second portions overlapping to some extent in the vertical direction as the upper surface of the first portions and the lower surface of the second portions are curved or angles in the radial direction (as shown in Fig 7B). The second portions are, nevertheless, resting upon and supported by the upper surface of the first portions.
• the closure is slightly lower than in the position shown in Fig 8 A.
• the length of the second portions 24A (in the circumferential direction), or at least the horizontal part thereof, is preferably substantially similar to the length of the first portions 11 A.
• the second portions 24A slide along the upper surface of the first portions and the third portions 25 A slide along the underside of the first portions 11 A.
• This horizontal movement continues until the end surfaces 24D of the downwardly angled ends of the second portions (which, as mentioned above, preferably extend beyond the lower surfaces 24C) reach the end surfaces 1 IE of the first portions 11 A.
• the second portions 24A are then aligned with the gaps between the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig 10A. It should be noted that the relative vertical positions of the closure and container are substantially the same in Fig 9 and Fig 10A and, as shown, the third portions 25 A are still located beneath the first portions 11 A.
• Figure 1 OB is a cross-sectional view of the closure and container in the position shown in Fig 10A.
• the o-ring is in contact with the lead-in surface 12 of the container 10 and the first portion 11 A is sandwiched between the second portion 24 A and third portion 25 A.
• the position of the closure shown in Figs 10A and 10B corresponds to the second position referred to in relation to Fig 5. As will be described further below, this also corresponds to the vent position when the closure is being removed from the container.
• the length of the second portions is substantially similar to (and slightly less than) the length of the spaces between the first portions 11 A. This is necessary to enable the second portions 24A to move downwards through the space between the first portions 11 A as will be described below (even though, as will be described, they move downwards diagonally).
• the inclined end surface 24D of the downwardly angled end of the second portions slide down the inclined end surfaces 1 IE of the first portions so the closure is driven downwards relative to the container as it rotated.
• the end surfaces 24D and 1 IE are inclined at substantially the same angle, eg around 45 degrees in the embodiment shown, so the second portions 24A move downwards at this angle to the axis A. Rotation of the closure thus drives it downwards until the inclined end surface 24D of the second portions 24A disengage from the lower end of the inclined end surfaces 1 IE of the first portions 11 A.
• the upper surface 24B of the second portions 24A is then level with the underside 11C of the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig 11.
• the second portions 24 A slide horizontally along the underside of the first portions 11 A until the upwardly angled end having the end surface 24E (which extends beyond the upper surface 24A) engages the end surface 1 IE of the first portion and stops further rotation as shown in Fig 12A.
• the second portions 24A are located beneath the first portion 11 A and the substantially horizontal upper surface 24B of the second portion 24A is in contact with substantially the entire length (in the circumferential direction) of the substantially horizontal underside 11C of the first portion 11 A.
• the second portions 24A are thus securely located under the first portions 11 A and the area of contact therebetween (which resists upward movement of the closure due to elevated pressures within the container) is maximised.
• Figure 12B shows a cross-section of the closure and container in the position shown in Fig 12 A.
• the o-ring has been driven downwards from the lead-in surface 12 (the position shown in Fig 10B) to sealingly engage the substantially cylindrical sealing surface 13 around the interior of the container.
• Figs 12A and 12B corresponds to the third position described in relation to Fig 6.
• the vertical distance by which the closure is driven downwards is determined by the angle and length of the end surfaces 24D and extension of the end surfaces 24D beyond the lower surface 24C enables the closure to be driven down a sufficient distance so the o-ring 23 is driven down from the lead-in surface 12 and into sealing engagement with the sealing surface 13.
• Figures 13 to 18 illustrate a more detailed sequence of steps by which the closure of Fig 2 is removed from the container of Fig 1 and cross-sections showing the relative positions of the closure and container at each stage, in particular, the position of the o-ring seal. This is essentially the reverse of the loading sequence described above.
• the closure is rotated about the axis A in the loosening direction (anti-clockwise in the embodiment shown) relative to the container 10.
• the closure is rotated to the position shown in Fig 13 until the end face 24E of the upwardly angled end of the second portion 24A (which, as mentioned above extends beyond the upper surface 24B of the second portion 24A) contacts the end surface 1 ID of the first portions 11 A.
• the inclined end face 24E rides up the inclined end face 1 ID, as shown in Fig 14, until the third portions 25 A engage the underside of the first portions 11 A, as shown in Fig 15, to arrest the vertical movement of the closure.
• Fig 15A and Fig 15B The position shown in Fig 15A and Fig 15B is the vent position. Excess pressure within the container can be released by escape of gas between the o-ring seal 23 and the lead- in surface 12 and, in particular, through the venting grooves 14 in the lead-in surface (shown in Fig 1 A).
• the closure is, however, securely held on the container by the engagement of the third portions 25 A with the underside of the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig 15 A.
• the first portion 11 A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and third portion 25A.
• the third portions 25 A slide along the underside of the first portions 11 A and the second portions 24 A slide along the upper surface 24B of the first portions 11 A until the downwardly angled end of the second portion that extends beyond the lower surface 24C thereof reaches the inclined end surface 1 ID of the first portion 11 A.
• the third portions 25 A reach a position in which they disengage from the underside 11C of the first portions 11 A (so no longer resist upward movement of the closure). This is the position shown in Fig 16 (which corresponds to the position shown in Fig 9).
• the third portion 25A is able to move upwards through the space between the first portions 11 A and the closure is free to be lifted away from the container as shown in Fig 18.
• the inclined ends of the second portions 24A respectively serve to drive the closure downwards and upwards relative to the container and they also respectively act as stops to limit rotation of the closure clockwise and anti-clockwise relative to the container.
• Figures 19 to 21 show schematic and cross-sectional views of a simplified version of the container and closure similar to those of Figs 4 to 6 in relation to a container for a non- carbonated beverage. This is similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 4 to 6 except that the container has fewer first portions 11 A (two in the example shown rather than four) and the closure has fewer second portions 24A (again, two in the example shown rather than four).
• Figures 19A and 19B show a pre-loading stage in which the second portions (or at least a part of the second portions) rest on the first portions and the o-ring 23 is spaced from the container.
• Figures 20A and 20B show a loading position in which the o-ring 23 rests on the lead- in surface 12 of the container and the second portions 24 A are aligned with the spaces between the first portions 11 A.
• Figure 21 A and 21B show a sealed position in which the second portions 24A have been moved further downwards and beneath the first portions 11 A and the o-ring seal has moved downwards to sealingly engage the sealing surface 13 of the container.
• the area of overlap between the first and second portions in the secured position can be much reduced compared to embodiments for carbonated beverages as the upward pressure the closure needs to be able to withstand is much reduced. Nevertheless, it is still desirable to maximise the overlap between the first and second portions, ie by making them substantially the same length as each other in the circumferential direction, so the total circumferential length of the first portions can be minimised (and so minimise their impact on the user's lip) whilst still making full use of the amount of overlap possible (to ensure secure attachment of the closure and avoiding indentation damage to the first portions by the second portions.
• FIG. 22 A cross-section of another embodiment of the closure is shown in Fig 22. This is similar to the closure described above except that the downwardly and upwardly angled ends of the second portions and the end surfaces 24D and 24E thereof are longer and extend at a slightly shallower angle, eg in the range 30 - 40 degrees to the horizontal. This helps reduce the torque required to rotate the closure in the tightening and the loosening direction, particularly at the stage in which the o-ring is driven downwards into the container and when it is driven upwards for withdrawal from the container. The movement of the horizontal parts of the second portions, and their relationship to the spaces between the first portions remains as in the embodiments described above.
• Figure 23 shows an enlarged portion of the cross-section shown in Fig 22 to illustrate a method of manufacture of the closure (and of that of the embodiments described above).
• a collapsing core may have 4, 6 or 8 internal sliders which are moved radially inwards to evacuate the area above the internal threads.
• the use of such sliders then prevents other features being formed on the under-side of the top part of the closure, particularly at positions close to the skirt part as these may prevent the sliders moving inwards.
• another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacture of a closure having a top part 20 and a skirt part 21, the top part having a bore component 22 (which in use extends into the container opening), a recess 23B in a radially outwardly facing surface of the bore component 22 for receiving a sealing member, such as an o-ring 23, and the skirt part 21 having an inwardly projecting retaining member 24 around an internal surface thereof in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart portions 24 A.
• Such a closure can be formed by an injection moulding process which includes the followings steps: providing an injecting moulding tool having a mould cavity for forming outwardly facing features of the top part 20 and of the skirt part 2 land a tooling core comprising an inner component for forming at least said recess 23B of the bore component 22 and an outer component for forming at least said retaining members 24A of the skirt part, the inner component being arranged so that once the closure has been formed, it can be withdrawn therefrom substantially axially, the outer component comprising a collapsing core such that, once the inner component has been withdrawn, its parts can move radially inwards, at least partially into the space previously occupied by the inner component, to disengage it from said retaining portions 24A, so that it can then be withdrawn substantially axially from the closure.
• a mould core which has an inner, cylindrical component which is used to form the outer parts of the bore component 22, such as the recess 23B in which the o-ring will sit, and an outer cylindrical set of sliding cores, which are used to form the inner features of the skirt part 21, ie the second portions or retaining members 24 A.
• the mould core can be removed by the following sequence of steps:
• the inner cylinder is withdrawn axially from the closure as indicated by arrow Al . This leaves a space radially inward of the outer cylinder having a width CI, eg 2.4mm, into which the outer cylinder can 'collapse' .
• the outer cylindrical cores are 'collapsed' radially inwards, as indicated by arrow A2, into the space vacated by the inner cylinder of the mould core.
• the closure illustrated in Figs 22 and 23 also has a plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers 23C adjacent the lower edge of the recess 23B for axially retaining the o-ring in the recess (so the o-ring remains on the bore component 22 when the bore component is withdrawn from a container).
• the fingers 23C flex radially inwards to permit the inner component of the mould core to disengage therefrom when the inner component is withdrawn.
• this spacing corresponds to the thickness of the container wall which, when the closure is mounted on a container, occupies this space.
• this radial spacing may be 4.0 mm or less and preferably 3.9 mm or less.
• the retaining portions 24A project at least R mm from an inner wall of the skirt part 21, where R is at least 1.0 mm and preferably at least 1.3 mm.
• withdrawal of the inner component provides a space which permits the parts of the outer component to move or collapse radially inwards by at least R and preferably R plus 0.5mm or more (to allow for shrinkage of the closure once formed).
• the closure may be formed of a plastics material the rigidity of which is such as to require the use of a collapsing core to disengage the core from said retaining portions.
• a preferred material is a plastics material comprises polyoxymethylene (as described above)
• the outer cylindrical component of the mould core is relatively thin in the radial direction (corresponding to the dimension C2, eg 1.5 mm).
• a strengthening rib on the outer surface thereof.
• the embodiment shown in Fig 22 has a gap 24A in each of the retaining members 24A to accommodate such a rib so the rib can locally increase the thickness of the outer cylindrical components by R, eg 1.3 mm.
• the upper and lower surfaces 24B and 24C have this small gap within them, they still provide the functions described above in relation to the earlier embodiments.
• Figures 24A and 24B show side views of part of a container showing alternative shapes of the first portions provided thereon and shows the upper and lower surfaces 1 IB and 1 ID and the end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE.
• the first portion shown in Fig 24A comprises horizontal upper and lower surfaces and inclined end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE extending between these.
• the upper and lower surfaces and the end surfaces are shown as meeting at points although, in practice these may be slightly rounded due to manufacturing processes and tolerances.
• the upper and lower surfaces provide the functions described in the earlier embodiments and the inclined end surfaces act as drive down and drive up surfaces also as described above.
• the shape of the first portion shown in Fig 24B is similar to that of the first portion shown in Fig IB except that the end surface 1 ID is at a slightly shallower angle and slightly longer than that shown in Fig IB, eg to correspond with the shallower angle of the end surface 24E of the closure shown in Fig 22. This shape is shorter and more rounded than that shown in Fig 24A so has less impact on the user's lips yet the surfaces thereof provide the functions described.
• FIGS 25 A and 25B showing cross-sectional views corresponding to Figures 22 of two further embodiments of a closure formed of metal (instead of a plastic material).
• Fig 25 A has a concave bore feature 22 (when viewed from above).
• the outer surface of this bore feature has an indent 23B for holding an o-ring (not shown). Pressure within the container will act on the underside of the bore feature 22 to help press the o-ring against the sealing surface of the container.
• the closure can be formed in a pressing operation in which the bore feature 22 is formed by pressing an inverted shape.
• the side wall of the bore feature 22 is then rolled to form the indent 23B for the o-ring.
• Fig 25B The embodiment shown in Fig 25B is similar except that the bore feature 22 is then reverse formed (from the position shown in Fig 25 A), eg by stamping, so the upper surface of the closure has a more conventional convex form (when viewed from above).
• the reverse forming creates a double backed fold 22A at the base of the indent which provides additional hoop strength to resist inwards flexing of the bore feature 22 (which might impair the seal between the o-ring and the container).
• the skirt 21 of the metal closure has grooves rolled in its outer surface to form projections 24A on the inner surface which provide the second portions.
• the third portions 25A are formed in the lower lip of the closure, eg as it is turned upwards to provide a convex edge (as in conventional metal closures).
• the second and third portions 24A and 25A have substantially the same shape and function as those described in the earlier embodiments.
• the inner surface of the skirt of the metal closure is thus formed to have a shape which is similar to that of the inner surface of the embodiment described above formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials).
• the wall thickness (gauge) is substantially less, eg in the range 0.18mm - 0.22mm (compared to around 1.65mm for a plastic closure).
• the metal used may be similar to that used in conventional metal closures, eg as used for other types of twist off caps, such as tinplate (a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin).
• tinplate a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin. This material typically has a gauge of around 0.14 - 0.18 mm and a yield stress of around 580 - 620 MPa.
• the metal closure may be used to close a container formed of a plastics material (as described above) or other material, eg a metal container.
• Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a container formed of metal (instead of a plastic material) that may be used with the metal closures described in relation to Figs 25 A and 25B (or with plastics enclosures as described in the earlier embodiments).
• the metal container is designed to correspond to that shown in Fig IB.
• the metal is formed, eg by stamping from the interior, so that the outer surface of the container has projecting first portions 11 A which have substantially the same shape and function as those described in the earlier embodiments (the cross-section in Fig 26 shows these features as seen from the interior of the container).
• the outer surface of this part of the metal container is thus formed to have a shape which is similar to that of the outer surface of the corresponding part of the embodiment described above formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials).
• the wall thickness (gauge) is substantially less, eg in the range 0.14mm - 0.18 mm (compared to around 2.0 - 2.5 mm in the neck portion for a plastic container and around 0.7 - 1.0 mm in the portion of the container formed by blow moulding).
• the uppermost part of the metal container is formed so as to provide an inclined lead- in surface 12 for receiving an o-ring (as described in earlier embodiments) and venting channels 14 within this lead-in surface.
• the upper part of the container may have a rolled edge as shown and the lead-in surface and venting channels pressed or stamped on the inner surface of this.
• the inner surface of this part of the metal container is thus formed to have a shape which is similar to that of the inner surface of the corresponding part of the embodiment described above formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials). However, the wall thickness (gauge) is again substantially less (as described above).
• the metal container may be formed from a metal similar to that used in conventional steel beverage containers. Such materials typically have a gauge of around 0.20 - 0.25 mm and a yield stress of around 350 - 420 MPa.
• the weight and material cost of a metal closure or container may thus be less than the weight and material cost of a corresponding closure or container formed of a plastics material.
• first, second and third portions are each equi- angularly spaced around the circumference of the container and closure.
• these it would be possible for these to be non-uniformly spaced, eg if it is desired to provide a large spacing between the portions in one or more areas so as to provide a more comfortable are to drink from.
• the illustrated embodiments each have four first portions (and four second portions and four third portions) but, as indicated, a smaller or greater number may be used depending on the diameter of the closure and container and the pressure the closure is designed to withstand.
• the lower surfaces of the first portions and the upper surfaces of the second portions are, as described preferably substantially flat in the radial direction. However, in some embodiments, eg on a bottle neck, these surface may be angle or curved in the radial direction so long as the interaction between the surfaces in the vertical direction is sufficient to provide the required securement of the closure on the container in the vertical direction.
• the first portions preferably have a simple and relatively smooth shape so as to minimise their impact on the appearance of the container and their impact on the user's lips whereas the second (and optionally third) portions on the closure may have a more complex shape as they do not come into contact with the users lips and as they are concealed to some extent on the inner surface of the closure.
• the first portion may have a more complex shape.
• One possibility is for the downwardly and upwardly angled ends of the second portions to be provided instead on the first portions.
• Another possibility would be for the first portions to be provided on the closure and the second portions on the container.
• the upwardly angled ends may also be omitted if the pressure within the container is relied upon to assist the user in lifting the closure once the engagement of the third portions beneath the second portions has been released.
• circumferential length of the first portions is preferably about 50% of the external
• the second portions are in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of the lower surfaces of said first portions.
• the combined circumferential length of the first portions (and of the second portions) may be less but is preferably at least 15 - 25% of the external circumference of the container (or closure) to help ensure the closure is securely held on the container (as it may still be subject to a pressure differential due to temperature changes or to reduced external pressure).
• the gaps between the first portions or second portions become too large, there is a risk that the closure may distort to a non-circular shape which can prejudice the seal between the container and the closure.
• the second portions may be in contact with less than the entire
• the length of contact should be sufficient to enable the surfaces to slide over each other and sufficient to withstand the pressure to which the closure will be subjected to without the second portions becoming indented in, or otherwise damaging, the first portions.
• circumferential spacing between the first portions must be sufficient to allow the second portions to pass therebetween.
• the second portions may have one or more inclined ends, and these may pass ate an angle between the first portions, the horizontal elements of the second portions must be shorter than the circumferential spacing between the first portions (whether they pass vertically or at an angle through the gaps therebetween).
• the invention is not restricted to the details of the embodiments described.
• the invention extends to a container and/or closure which comprises one or more of the features referred to above, or any other novel concept, feature, or combination of the features disclosed herein.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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• Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-07-24 CN CN201580041041.8A patent/CN106660670A/zh active Pending
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  • 2015-07-24 CA CA2992817A patent/CA2992817A1/en not_active Abandoned
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