ES1206311U9 - LID CLOSURE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

LID CLOSURE

TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE ART

The present invention generally relates to a closure.

In recent times container necks with shorter neck finishes have been introduced, for example to save on materials and costs. As a result, the closures that have been designed for such neck finishes have also become shorter. However, this creates a problem as a low height closure is more difficult to grasp when opening and closing (eg by screwing and unscrewing).

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to closures.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a closure is provided for a container neck, comprising a top wall and a generally cylindrical side wall, the closure comprising a stop for determining a maximum extent to which the container neck can be inserted into the closure, wherein the upper wall is axially spaced from the stop so that an axially extending portion is formed axially beyond the stop, wherein the closure comprises an intermediate wall between the upper wall and the side wall, providing the abutment on or next to the intermediate wall, the outer surface of the side wall is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs, each of the ribs extending along the side wall and the intermediate wall, ending in the upper wall .

Between the top wall and the side wall an intermediate wall can be provided. The middle wall can provide the stop.

The stop may be formed by one or more projections extending from the intermediate wall.

The stop may be formed by one or more projections extending from the side wall.

The stop can be formed by one or more projections depending on the top wall.

The projections may comprise one or more annular wall portions.

The closure may comprise an outer seal to seal against a container neck during use.

The closure may comprise an inner seal to seal against a container neck during use.

The stopper may form part of, extend from, or be provided on or adjacent to the outer and / or inner seal.

A plurality of external axial ribs can extend from the side wall.

A plurality of axial ribs can extend from the intermediate wall. The ribs can extend along at least part of the side wall and the intermediate wall.

The closure may further comprise a tamper evident band at one end of the side wall.

The present invention also provides a closure as described herein in combination with a container.

In some embodiments the present invention relates to a closure with a grip extension portion while retaining the ability to bond to a short neck finish.

In some embodiments the purpose of the closures is to allow attachment to short container necks, while maintaining a higher profile so that the closure can still be grasped.

The present invention may provide a closure with a top wall and a side wall depending on the periphery thereof, the top wall including a dependent outer seal and a dependent plug seal, wherein the top wall comprises one or more ribs of height extension that connect to the outer seal and plug seal to contact against the flange of the container neck during use.

The closure may comprise a generally cylindrical cover, with a cylindrical side wall closed at one end by a disc-shaped top wall.

The dependent top seal and / or dependent plug seal can be generally annular and can be circumferentially complete.

The outer surface of the side wall may be provided with one or more longitudinal ribs.

The closure of the present invention may be a tamper evident closure. For example, the closure may comprise a frangible tamper evident band connected to the free end of the side skirt.

In some embodiments the closure is formed as a child resistant closure, for example a push and twist closure or a push and turn closure.

The interior of the side skirt may be provided with mating formations to mate with corresponding formations of a container neck finish, for example screw thread formations (such as a single or multiple start thread and / or circumferentially discontinuous threads) and / or trim beads. In some embodiments the formations include a vent function, to allow pressure release of the product such as a carbonated beverage.

The present invention may also provide a closure with a top wall and a side wall, the closure comprising a radial step extending between the top wall and the side wall, the step providing a contact surface for receiving a container neck at one point. axially spaced from the top wall and a plurality of axial ribs extending from the step, whereby an axial grip extension portion is provided on the closure.

The present invention provides a container (such as a container or bottle) that comprises or includes a closure as described herein. The container can be filled with a product, for example a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention can be used separately or together.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is shown and described more particularly by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A to 1C show exterior and sectional views of a closure formed according to one embodiment (called Option 1, Version A);

Figure 1D shows a section of the closure of Figures 1A to 1C fitted over a container neck;

Figure 2 is an enlarged section of a lid extension region of the closure of Figures 1A through 1D;

Figure 3 is an alternative enlarged section of a lid extension region of the closure of Figures 1A through 1D;

Figure 4 is a section through a lid extension region of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 2);

Figure 5 is a section through a lid extension region of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 3);

Figures 6A to 6H illustrate a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 4);

Figure 7 is a section through a lid extension region of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 5);

Figure 8 is a section through a lid extension region of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 6);

Figures 9A and 9B are sections of a lid extension region of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 7);

Figures 10A to 10C are sections of a lid extension region of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 8);

Figures 11A to 11E illustrate a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 9);

Figure 12 is a section of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 10); and

Figures 13A and 13B are exterior and sectional views of a closure formed in accordance with a further embodiment (called Option 11).

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to incorporate and implement the systems and processes described. in the present document. It is important to understand that the embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, although the embodiment may be modified in various ways and take different alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no attempt to limit the particular forms disclosed. Rather, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Items in example embodiments are consistently indicated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this document are construed as common in the art. It will further be understood that the terms in common use should also be construed as customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless so expressly defined herein.

Figures 1A through 1D and Figures 2 and 3 show a closure 210 formed in accordance with one embodiment.

The closure 210 comprises a side wall 220 and a top wall 215. The open end of the side wall is linked with a tamper evident drop band 235. The opposite end of the side wall is linked with the top wall 215 by a middle wall section 275 generally L-shaped. Shorter leg 276 of section 275 extends radially inward from the inner wall and slopes slightly upward toward top wall 215. Longer leg 277 of section 275 it extends axially from leg 276 to top wall 215 and slopes slightly radially inward.

Side wall 220 is generally cylindrical and comprises an internal thread 230 (eg, a single or multiple entry thread) for joining the corresponding external shape of a container neck (not shown).

An outer seal 278 depends on the intersection of legs 276, 277.

An inner olive seal 245 depends on the top wall 215, radially inward of outer seal 278.

A plurality of ribs 280 are connected between leg 276 and inner seal 245. Ribs 280 are generally inverted in the shape of an L and at one end define a contact surface 282. Ribs 280 function as stops in use.

Ribs 265 extend to the side wall and also extend from the outside of section 275 (where they effectively fill the right angle "gap" formed by L-shaped section 275).

As shown in Figure 1D, when a container neck 285 is inserted, the top of flange 286 contacts surface 282 of rib 280. Leg 277 therefore provides a grip extension.

Figure 4 shows a portion of a closure 410 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

The closure 410 comprises a side wall 420 and a top wall 415 which are linked by a radial step provided by an L-shaped intermediate wall section 480. The long leg 482 of section 480 extends radially inward from a shoulder 426 at the end of the side wall 420 and the short leg 484 of the section 480 extends axially to connect with the top wall 415.

An inner olive seal 445 continues axially from the short leg 484 and an outer seal ring 478 depends on the long leg 482. Between seal 445 and ring 478, leg 482 defines a contact surface 483 against which a shoulder of the container neck will contact during use when the closure is fully screwed on.

Knots 465 are provided in the radial step defined by section 480.

Figure 5 shows a closure 510 formed in accordance with a further embodiment. The closure is similar to closure 210 of Figures 1, 2, and 3, also comprising a top wall 515, a side wall 520, an intermediate wall portion 575, ribs 587, an outer seal 578, and an inner seal 545. Although in closure 210, ribs 280 extend between section 275 and inner seal 245, in closure 510 ribs 587 depend on top wall 515 and extend radially outward from inner olive seal 545, but not they connect with intermediate wall section 575. Ribs 587 function as stops in use.

Figures 6A through 6H illustrate a closure 710 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

In this embodiment, side wall 720 is linked to top wall 715 by a double boss: a first boss 726 extends radially inward from side wall 720; and a second protrusion 727 extends radially inward to engage protrusion 726 with top wall 715.

An outer seal / contact member 755 depends on the boss 726 and comprises an outer seal 756 and a contact surface 757. An inner seal 745 depends on the boss 727. Full height ribs 765 extend on the side wall 720 and the bosses. 726, 727 which terminate at the top wall 715.

In use, closure 710 is screwed onto a container neck 785. Neck flange 786 contacts contact surface 757, which functions as a stop, thereby separating from top wall 715. Ribs 765 effectively shape the area between the top wall and the side wall.

Figure 7 shows a closure 810 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

The closure 810 is similar to the closure 210, providing an intermediate radial step 875 between the side wall 820 and the top wall 815, and contact ribs 880 that extend between the step 875 and the inner seal 845, and ending in contact surface 882. Seal 810 also comprises an outer seal 878 and outer ribs 865.

Figure 8 shows a closure 910 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

The closure 910 is similar to the closure 510, comprising a top wall 915, a side wall 920 and outer ribs 965, and providing a radial shoulder 975 with a dependent outer seal 978 and an inner seal 945 with contact ribs 987 extends from there (but not completely down the step). Ribs 987 function as stops during use.

Figures 9A and 9B show a closure 1010 formed in accordance with a further embodiment. Closure 1010 is similar to Closure 810, with its top wall 1015, its side wall 1020, its outer rib 1065, its inner seal 1045, and its outer seal 1078, except that although the closure 810 has a radial step 875 with a longer leg 877 inclined, the closure 1010 has a radial step. 1075 with a long leg 1077 that is generally axial (ie not inclined with respect to the main axis of the closure). In addition, the contact surface is provided by a continuous contact ring 1090 (rather than by separate contact ribs).

Figures 10A to 10C show a closure 1110 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

The closure 1110 is similar to the closure 810. Although the closure 810 comprises a plurality of mutually spaced contact ribs between the radial shoulder and the inner seal, the closure 1110 comprises a complete L-shaped contact ring 1190 between the outer seal 1178 and the inner seal 1145.

Figures 11A through 11E show a closure 1210 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

Closure 1210 is similar to closure 410 and comprises a side wall 1220 attached to a top wall 1215 by a radial step 1275, and an outer rib 1265. Step 1275 includes a radial leg 1282 with a dependent outer seal ring 1278, a V-bead seal ring 1292, and an axial leg 1284. A container neck engages between the outer seal ring and an inner seal and contacts against the V-bead seal ring to axially separate from the top wall 1215.

Figure 12 shows a closure 1310 formed in accordance with a further embodiment. Closure 1310 is similar to Closure 1210, except that specific dimensions are provided.

Figures 13A and 13B show a closure 1410 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

Closure 1410 is similar to closures 410 and 1210. In this embodiment, closure 1410 is formed with a radial step 1480 formed by a radial leg 1482 that extends from a boss 1426 that is attached to side wall 1420, and a axial leg 1484 (inclined radially inward) connecting leg 1482 to top wall 1415.

An outer seal ring 1478 depends on the boss 1426 and an inner seal 1445 depends on the intersection area of the legs 1482, 1484. An inner contact surface 1483 is defined between the seals 1445, 1478 to receive a container neck flange and separate it from the top wall.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications may be made therein by means of a skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. A closure (210, 410, 510, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410) for a container neck, comprising a top wall (215, 415, 515, 715, 815, 915 , 1015, 1115, 1215, 1415) and a side wall (220, 420, 520, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1420) generally cylindrical, the closure comprising a stop (280, 587, 757, 987 , 1090, 1190, 1292, 1483) to determine a maximum extent to which the neck of the container can be inserted into the closure, the top wall is spaced from the stop in an axial direction so that an axially extending portion is formed (277 , 484, 727, 1077, 1284, 1484) beyond the stop in said axial direction, wherein the closure comprises an intermediate wall (275, 480, 575, 875, 975, 1275, 1480) connecting the upper wall and the side wall, the stop being provided on or adjacent to the intermediate wall, the outer surface of the side wall is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs (265, 465, 765, 865, 965, 1 065, 1265, 1465), each of the ribs extends along the side wall and the intermediate wall, ending at the top wall, the closure comprising an outer seal (278, 478, 578, 755, 878, 1078 , 1478) to seal against a container neck during use, in which the outer seal depends on the intermediate wall. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate wall is L-shaped. A closure according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate wall has a long leg (482) that extends inwardly from one end of the side wall and a short leg (484) that extends axially and connects to the top wall. A closure according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the stop is formed by one or more projections extending from the intermediate wall. 5. A closure according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the ribs is a full height rib (765). 6. A closure according to any preceding claim, comprising an inner seal (245, 445, 745, 845, 945, 1045, 1145, 1445) to seal against a container neck during use. 7. A closure according to claim 6, wherein the inner seal depends on the intermediate wall. A closure according to any preceding claim, further comprising a tamper evident band (235) at one end of the side wall. 9. A container containing a closure according to any preceding claim.