ES2403830T3 - Closing - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure (2; 702) for closing an opening (28) of a container (22), the closure comprising: coupling means (8; 34) for coupling, during use, the closure with the container; a sealing surface (712; 812) inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a central axis (AA) of the closure, and located such that, when the closure is coupled with the container by means of the coupling means, the sealing surface can hook with the container; where the sealing surface is provided on a projection (710; 810) extending from the closure, where the projection comprises a cavity (705, 805); characterized in that the closure comprises a stop (707; 807), such that during use the stop limits the movement of the neck in relation to the closure; and the closure further comprising a groove (736; 836) disposed between the stop and the sealing surface of talmode that the neck is in contact with the sealing surface in a position separate from the stop.

Description

Closing

The present invention relates to a closure for closing an opening of a container. In particular, this refers to a closure device that is screwed onto a beverage container.

The packaging of drinking fluids, such as water, in a container having a removable closure for sealing the container is known. Typically, the container and the closure are molded. A groove or thread is formed on the bottle, around the opening, and a complementary groove or thread is formed on the inside of the closure. If there is any lack of precision in the molding of the groove and the thread, then the lid cannot form a fluid tight seal above the opening. This can result in a filtration of the vessel fluid.

US 2004/188375 discloses a lid and a container, wherein the lid comprises a portion of

15 annular skirt and an upper wall; the upper wall comprising rigid sealing members for engaging an edge of a container opening. A closure comprising the technical characteristics of the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 3281000.

The present invention provides a closure as set forth in claim 1.

The present invention provides a container combined with a closure as set forth in claim 7.

This has the advantage that a fluid tight seal is formed between the closure and the container, even if there is a lack of precision in the molding of the closure or container.

25 Optional features of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Preferably, the neck comprises a surface with radii for engagement with the second sealing surface. Therefore, the surface area of the neck in contact with the sealing surface is increased.

Preferably, the or each sealing surface is annular. Therefore, a uniform sealing surface is provided that can be easily hooked with the container.

Preferably, the coupling means comprise one or more slots or helical threads. Therefore, firm and releasable engagement means are provided.

Preferably, the or each projection comprises a cavity. Therefore, the projection is easily deformable when pushed against the neck of the container, to ensure that a good seal is formed even if there are lack of precision in the molding.

Preferably, the neck comprises one or more cavity or cavities. Therefore, the neck is easily deformable when pushed against the sealing surface of the closure, to ensure that a good seal is formed even if there are lack of precision in the molding.

Preferably, the closure comprises a stop to limit neck movement in relation to the closure. Therefore, the projection or neck does not deform so much that a breakage or plastic deformation takes place.

Preferably, the closure is molded in one piece. Therefore, the closure can be manufactured economically.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a closure for closing an opening of a container, where at least a portion of the closure is formed from a thermoplastic polymeric material comprising poly (lactic acid) (PLA) (which is also known as poly (lactide)) or a derivative thereof, and where the thermoplastic polymeric material is amorphous or, at least, partially amorphous.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a closure for closing an opening of a container, the closure comprising: a groove or thread that can be engaged with a corresponding portion of a container to provide the closure of the container, where the closure is dimensioned to interact with the container such that the closure is deformable when engaged with the container, such that the closure of the closure in relation to the container can flatten a curved external surface of the closure such that it is formed at least a flattened surface on the outer surface of the closure.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a closure for closing an opening of a container, the closure comprising: a groove or thread that can be engaged with a corresponding portion of a container to provide the closure of the container, where the closure is intended at least one flat surface

65 formed on an outer surface of a side wall of the container; where the side wall is formed of a material of a substantially uniform thickness.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a closure and a container;

5 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second version of the closure and the container; Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of a third version of the closure and the container; Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of a fourth version of the closure and the container; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth version of the closure and the container; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth version of the closure and the container; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh version of the closure and the container; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the closure and the container according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the closure according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a closure; Figure 10 is a plan view of a closure engaged with the container; Figure 11 is a cross section through the closure of Figure 10 along a line A-A; and Figure 12 is a cross-section through the closure of Figure 10 along a line B-B; Figure 13A is a schematic partial cross-section of a further embodiment of the closure; Figure 13B is a schematic cross section of an alternative part of the closure of Figure 13A.

Referring to Figure 1, a container 22 is shown having a neck 20. The rest of the container 22 is not shown, because the shape of its body can take any suitable form and can, for example, be of a section transverse square, rectangular or circular, or other geometric shape.

25 The neck 20 defines a circular opening 28 which has a central axis and is surrounded by a substantially smooth cylindrical inner surface 30. An inner edge 24 is formed at one end of the inner surface 30 away from the body of the container 22. A outer surface 32 of the neck 20 has an outer edge 26 at one end away from the body of the container 22, the outer edge 26 being radially out of the inner edge 24.

The outer surface 32 is provided with coupling means with which to engage complementary coupling means provided on a closure. The coupling means may take the form of a helical groove or thread 34. The groove or thread 34 may be a single groove or thread or, alternatively, be in the form of a plurality of grooves or threads having different starting points.

The closure 2 is also shown in Figure 1. The closure 1 has an upper part 4 which is circular in plan view, and is joined at an outer edge radially with a side annular side wall 6. The side wall 6 is provided, on its inner surface, with coupling means for a releasable hitch with the complementary coupling means provided on the neck 20. The coupling means can take the form of one or more slots or helical threads 8. The wall lateral 6 defines a central axis, which extends longitudinally along an axis of symmetry of the closure. The central axis is marked as line A – A in Figure 1.

The closure 2 is provided with an annular projection 10 extending from the upper part 4, the projection 10 extending from the same side of the upper part 4 as the side wall 6. The projection 10 is provided with a

45 angled, or sealing surface, 12, which is oriented radially outwardly and away from the upper part 4. The angled surface 12 preferably has an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the upper part 4 , and can have an angle between 10 and 80 degrees. It can be considered that the angled surface 12 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the closure. It could also be considered that the angled surface 12 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the grooves or threads 8 of the closure.

The annular projection 10 is circumferentially separated from the side walls 6. The angled surface 12 is located such that, when the closure 2 is coupled with the container 22 by the coupling means, the inner edge 24 of the neck 20 butt against the angled surface 12 in order to close the opening 28.

55 It is shown in profile that the angled surface 12 defines a straight line. The angled surface may also have an arched profile. The effect of the angle is that the angled surface 12 and / or the neck 20 undergo slight elastic deformation in a radial direction when pushed together.

Figure 2 shows a second version of the neck 20. The inner surface 30 has a surface with inner radii 224 at one end away from the body of the container 22. The closure 2 and the other characteristics of the container 22 are as described in the first version.

The inner radius surface 224 has a curved profile with a constant radius, or the surface 224 can take any arcuate shape. The angled surface 12 may also have an arcuate profile, which may be complementary to the radius surface 224. The radius surface 224 and the angled surface 12 may

butt to seal the opening 28. Alternatively, the inner surface 224 may be beveled at a complementary angle to the angle of the angled surface 12, as shown in Figure 2. The radius surface 224 provides a larger surface area in contact with the angled surface 12 than that provided by the edge 24.

5 Figure 3a shows an additional version of the closure 2. The closure 2 is provided with a second projection 310. The second projection 310 is an annular projection extending from the top 4 substantially in the same direction as the projection annular 10 and the side walls 6. The second projection 310 is located radially outwards and separated from the projection 10. The second projection 310 is provided with a second angled surface 312. The second angled surface 312 is oriented radially inward, and away from the top 4. It is shown in profile that the angled surface 312 defines a straight line. The angled surface 312 may also have an arched profile.

The second angled surface 312 is positioned to abut the outer edge 26 of the neck 20, in order to aid in the sealing of the opening 28.

The second projection 310 may be the same size, or larger or smaller than the projection 10. The angled surface 312 may be oriented at the same angle with respect to the top 4 as the projection 10, or alternatively, the Second angled surface may be arranged at an angle larger or smaller than the angled surface 12.

Figure 3a shows the annular projection 10 abutting the inner radius surface 224 of the second version. Alternatively, the inner surface 30 may end at an inner edge, for example the inner edge 24 as described in the first embodiment.

25 Figure 3b indicates that the outer surface 32 of the neck 20 has an outer radius surface 326 at one end away from the body of the container 22. The outer radius surface 326 may have a curved profile with a constant radius, or the surface 326 You can have a profile of any arched shape. The surface 326 can also have an arcuate profile, which can be complementary to the radius surface 312. The radius surface 326 and the angled surface 310 can butt one another to help seal the opening 28.

Alternatively, the radiused surface 326 may be beveled at a complementary angle to the angle of the angled surface 312, as shown in Figure 3b. The radiused surface 326 provides a larger surface area in contact with the angled surface 310 than that provided by the edge 26.

35 The contact of the outer radius surface 326 with the second angled surface 312 helps seal the opening 28.

Figure 4 shows a version with differences with respect to the second version described above and shown in Figure 2. An annular projection 410 is provided on top 4, the annular projection 410 having an angled surface 412 as described above. The annular projection 410 is not a solid projection, but comprises a cavity. The annular projection 410 is hollow and defines an annular groove 405 on the upper part 4. The annular projection 410 may alternatively comprise a cavity that does not have an opening. The hollow projection 410 results in that the angled surface 412 is elastically deformable more easily than the angled surface 12 when it is pushed by the neck 20.

45 It is shown in profile that the angled surface 412 defines a straight line. The angled surface 412 may also have an arcuate profile, which can be convex or concave.

The inner surface 30 may have an inner radius surface 424 at one end away from the body of the container 22. The closure 2 and the other characteristics of the container 22 are as described in the first version.

The interior radius surface 424 may have a curved profile with a constant radius, or the surface 424 may take any arcuate shape. The inner radius surface 424 may take the form of a bevel, which has a profile of a straight line. The inner radius surface 424 may be an edge. The angled surface 412

55 may have an arcuate profile or a straight line profile complementary to the surface with radii 224.

The closure 2 may optionally be provided with a stop 407, the stop 407 being an annular projection on the upper part 4 and next to the side wall 6. The stop 407 is positioned so as to be able to engage with the end of the neck 20 away of the body of the container 22, when the closure 2 is coupled with the neck 20. The stop 407 has a height chosen to allow some elastic deformation of the angled surface 412, but limits the movement of the neck 20 to avoid excessive deformation of the ring overhang 410.

Figure 5 shows an additional version of the neck of the container. The neck 520 is provided with an annular cavity 505 that extends around the neck. The cavity 505 opens on the end of the neck 20 away from the body of the

Container 22, but alternatively it can be opened on the inner surface 530 or the outer surface of the neck. The inner edge 524 of the neck 520 is able to engage with the angled surface 512 on the closure 2.

When the inner edge 524 is pushed on the angled surface 512, the part of the neck that supports the inner edge 524 can be elastically deformed inwards, into the cavity 505. The present embodiment therefore allows a relatively elastic deformation Large neck in order to create a good seal to close the opening.

5 The angled surface 512 and the projection 510 may be any of the surfaces or projections described in any of the embodiments. The inner edge 524 can be a radiused edge, or bevelled or arched, as described in any of the versions.

The closure 2 for use with the neck 520 may be provided with a stop as described in the embodiment of Figure 4, in order to limit the deformation of the neck 520.

The neck may optionally be provided with a second cavity (not shown) next to an outer edge of the neck. The second cavity may allow a larger elastic deformation of the neck with a

15 second angled surface in the version of figures 3a or 3b. A third and / or more cavities may be provided for the same purpose.

Figure 6 shows an additional version of the closure 2. The neck 620 is the same as that described in Figure 5, which has a cavity 605. The edges 611 are formed at the end of the annular cavity 605 away from the container.

The closure 2 is provided with a projection 610, which has two sealing surfaces at an angle 612. An angled surface 612 is oriented radially outward, and an angled surface 612 is oriented radially inward. Each angled surface is inclined at an angle of approximately 10 to 80 degrees with respect to the central axis of the closure.

The projection 612 can be hollow, comprising a cavity to allow it to deform elastically with ease. Alternatively, the projection 612 can be solid.

The angled surfaces 612 are located to engage each with an edge 611 of the neck 620. The apex of the projection 610 therefore extends into the interior of the cavity 605. As the edges 611 are pushed against the surfaces in angle 612, the edges 611 can be pushed radially separately and / or the sealing surfaces 612 can be pushed radially together.

The edges 611 may have radii, or they may have an arched profile or bevelled. The angled surfaces 35 612 may have a straight profile, or have a concave or convex arched profile.

The closure 2 may comprise more than one projection 610, each projection comprising two sealing surfaces 612. The neck 620 may comprise a corresponding number of cavities 605 having edges for sealing against the surfaces 612. For example, the neck 630 may comprise three cavities 605, which extend in parallel to each other and separated in a circumferential direction. The three cavities 605 will form a total of six edges 611. The closure 2 would comprise three projections 610, which have a total of six sealing surfaces 612. All of the sealing surfaces 612 would be simultaneously engaged against the edges 611 to seal the opening of the container. In addition, the or each projection 610 may have one, two or more sealing surfaces 612.

The closure 2 can be formed in one piece as a single piece, for example by molding. Alternatively, the closure 2 can be formed in two or more pieces, for example with the angled surface formed on an insert that is fixed to the inside of the upper part 4.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention related to the version shown in Figure

4. A closure 702 comprises an annular projection 710 provided on a top portion 704. The annular projection 710 has an angled surface 712 analogous to the versions described previously. The angled surface 712 is oriented approximately 45 ° with respect to the flat surface of the upper part 704. The annular projection 710 and the upper part 704 are formed in a piece of a material having a substantially uniform thickness above the top 704.

55 The annular projection 710 defines an annular groove 705 over the top 704. The groove 705 allows the annular projection 710 to be elastically deformable with ease when a neck 720 of the container is pushed against the angled surface 712.

The upper part 704 is shaped to form a stop 707. The stop 707 is an annular projection formed in one piece with the upper part 704, and next to a side wall 706 of the closure. The stop 707 is positioned so as to be able to engage with the end of the neck 720 away from the body of the container, when the closure 702 engages with the neck 720.

65 The stop 707 is arranged in such a way that the neck 720 can be in contact with the angled surface 712, and when the neck 720 is pushed against the angled surface 712, the annular projection 710 can be elastically deformed by the neck 720. The stop 707 is located to limit the movement of the neck 720 in relation to the angled surface 712 to prevent excessive deformation of the annular projection 710. The stop 707 also helps prevent the annular projection 710 from extending out the neck 720. The stop 707 can also prevent the closure 702 from tightening excessively on the neck 720.

5 An internal groove 736 is located between the stop 707 and the angled surface 712. When the neck 720 is engaged with the stop 707, the inner annular groove 736 allows for an improved elastic deformation of the projection 710, allowing the annular projection 710 to undergo a larger deformation for the same force with respect to the edge 724 of the neck 720. The location of the internal groove 736 means that the edge 724 of the neck 720 is in contact with the annular shoulder 710 in a line separated from the edge outward in the direction radial of the annular projection 710. The annular projection 710 can more easily deform when it comes into contact with it away from a fixed end, that separation being provided by the internal groove 736.

The inner surface edge 724 of the neck 720 may have radii or bevelled similarly to the surface 15 424 described with reference to Figure 4.

The upper part 704 is shaped to provide an annular flange 738. The flange 738 is located between the stop 707 and the side wall 706. The flange 738 extends from the restriction surface 744 at an angle to the plane of the top 704. When the neck 720 is engaging with the closure 702, the flange 738 is adjacent to an outer surface 732 of the neck 720. The flange 738 is arranged to guide the neck 720 towards the stop 707 as needed. The restriction surface 744 may alternatively have an angular inlet for the stop 707, that is to say at an angle with respect to the side wall. The input may alternatively have radii next to stop 707.

An annular restriction surface 744 extends substantially parallel to the side wall 706. The restriction surface 744 is located between the stop 707 and the flange 738, radially outward from the sealing surface 712. The restriction surface 744 is oriented radially inwardly, which is oriented substantially towards the sealing surface 712.

The restriction surface 744 limits the radial movement of the neck 720. The restriction surface 744 is radially separated from the external surface 732 of the neck 720 when the closure 702 is initially engaging with the container. The neck 720, when coupled with the closure 702, preferably deforms the annular shoulder 710 a distance in a radial direction. This deformation distance is preferably larger than the radial distance between the restriction surface 744 and the external surface 732 of the neck 720.

The neck 720 is in contact with the angled surface 712, with the annular projection 710 deformed, even when the neck 720 extends outward. Preferably, there is an initial radial clearance of 0.05 mm between the restriction surface 744 and the external surface 732.

The restriction surface 744 joins the stop 707 in a corner. The profile of the restriction surface 744 and the stop 77 preferably supports the neck 720. The corner preferably has a radius of curvature equal to or smaller than the radius of curvature of the corresponding outer edge of the neck 720 of the container.

The upper part 704 is preferably formed of a thicker material at its radial periphery 740. This may increase the strength of the upper part 704 in this area.

Alternatively, the top portion 704 may be formed of a material having a substantially uniform thickness. An embodiment of this type is shown with part of the upper part 704 shown by the dashed line 760 in Figure 7.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the present invention of a closure. The upper part 804 defines an annular projection 810 having an angled surface 812. A groove 805 allows the annular projection 810 to elastically deform when a neck of a container is pushed against it.

The upper part 804 defines a stop 807. The stop 807 is located between the annular shoulder 810 and the side wall

55 806. The stop 807 extends substantially parallel to the top 804. A groove 805 allows elastic deformation of the projection 810 when a neck engages with the stop 807. An internal groove 836 allows the neck of the container to be in contact with the annular projection 810 away from the end of the projection 810 connected to the stop 807. This allows the projection 810 to deform more easily when the neck is pushed against the projection 810.

Figure 9 shows a schematic plan view of one embodiment of the closure 2. The side walls 6 of the closure 2 in the present embodiment are circular in plan view when the closure 2 does not engage with the container.

The closure 2 is provided with groups of the grooves or threads 34 arranged symmetrically around the

65 side wall 6 of the closure 2. Preferably, there are four groups of the grooves or threads 34. Between each group is a region 46 of the side wall 6 which is not provided with a groove or thread 34. The threads 34 extend in radial inward direction with respect to the side wall 6 farther than the side wall 6 in the regions 46. Each group of grooves or threads may comprise one, two or more substantially parallel ridges or grooves that form a helical thread.

5 The discrete groups of the grooves or threads 34 are separated by smooth regions 46. The regions 46 can improve the manufacturing of the closure by molding. The closure 2 can be ejected from a mold using a local expansion. This allows a faster cycle time and / or a cheaper mold.

With reference to Figure 10, the closure 2 and the neck of the container are sized such that, when the closure 2 is coupled with the neck, the threads 34 are forced radially outwardly by the neck. This pushes the parts of the side wall 6 that have threads out. The regions 46 of the side wall 6 not provided with threads are drawn radially inwardly, because the circumference of the side wall 6 is substantially constant. Therefore, the closure 2 deforms when it is engaged with the container by relative rotation between the closure 2 and the container.

15 When the closure is secured to the container, the closure 2 deforms from a circular shape in a plan view to the approximately square shape shown in Figure 10. The side walls 6 in a non-deformed state have a radius of curvature constant. The outer part of the side wall 6 in the deformed state defines areas 50 that have a larger radius of curvature, which can be considered as flattened portions. The flattened portions 50 are still, in general, curved, that is, not flat, with a radius of curvature larger than the original non-deformed closure 2.

Between each flattened portion 50 is an area 52 of a reduced radius of curvature. The areas of reduced radius of curvature can be considered as areas with peaks 52. The areas with peaks 52 coincide with the

25 groups of threads 34.

The presence of flattened portions 50 and areas with peaks 52 improves the ease of purchase of closure 2 by a user. The flattened portions 50 and the areas with peaks 52 allow a better grip on the side wall 6 by a user than on a cylindrical closure. This allows the force to be applied more easily by a user to rotate the closure in relation to the container. This can be of a particular benefit for the elderly, or for anyone who has difficulties in getting a grip on a cylindrical exterior of a conventional closure.

The closure 2 may retain nothing, part or all of its deformity after its removal from the neck of the container.

35 Figure 11 shows a cross-section through the closure 2 along a line A-A through the regions 46 shown in Figure 10. The top portion 4 of the closure retains a generally circular shape as that the closure 2 is coupled with the neck. The side wall 6 in the flattened portions 50 is forced inward. The amount of deviation from side 6 is the largest in the center of the flattened portions 50. The diametrically opposed distal ends 64 of the closure 2 have a smaller separation than the diametrically opposite points on the side wall 6 next to the top 4 .

Figure 12 shows a cross-section through the closure 2 along a line B-B through the threads

34. The upper part 4 of the closure retains a generally circular shape as the closure 2 engages with

45 the neck The side wall 6 in the areas 52 is forced out. The amount of deviation from side 6 is the largest in the center of the areas with peaks 52. The diametrically opposite distal ends 64 of the closure 2 are more spaced than the diametrically opposite points on the side wall 6 next to the top 4 .

The closure 2 is typically formed of a polymeric material, and in particular PLA. The material may have a cellular microstructure, for example a closed cell structure. A closed cell structure can be achieved by using a blowing agent, to create a foamed material.

The person skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of polymers can be used as the polymeric material in the present invention. Some other examples of polymeric materials have been listed previously.

55 The polymeric material of the closure may be foamed in particular next to the upper part 4 in the outer areas radially of the closure, where the upper part 4 and the side wall 6 are joined. This region may be thicker than others. parts of the closure 2, for example for part 704. However, the closed cell structure can be applied to all of the embodiments of the closure.

Foaming increases the resistance of the closure 2 to breakage with an impact. Foamed material may be less fragile than an unfoamed material, increasing its ability to withstand a shock load.

The closure may be provided with tamper-proof means. The means to test

Improper handling may be a ring that separates from the closure when the closure is first removed from the container. A retractable sleeve can be applied and heated on the container. Any known tamper-proof means can be used with the closure.

The upper part 704 has been described as molded in one piece. Alternatively, the top portion 704 may be formed of a material of a substantially uniform thickness as indicated by line 760. The

The volume indicated between line 760 and line 740 can be filled with a separate piece of material. The separate piece of material can be inserted or pressed on top 704. The separate piece of material can be rubber, polyethylene, polyethylene foam or other material. The upper part 704 may have characteristics to help the separate piece of material adhere.

Figure 13A shows a further embodiment of the closure 1302. The closure 1302 has an upper portion 1304 that is domed, centered the domed section on the central axis of the closure. The domed section has its convex side towards the side wall 1306. The closure 1302 can be used with a container that stores carbonated beverages. The domed section can exert a force on the sealing surface at an angle when pushed by pressure in the container, produced by carbonation or by other pressurized gas.

15 Figure 13B shows an alternative embodiment of part of the closure of Figure 13A. The upper part 1304 of Figure 13B has a flattened section 1360 on the periphery of the vaulted section. The flattened section 1360 can control the transfer of force from the domed section to the angle sealing surface.

The groove 405, 705, 805, and the equivalents in other embodiments, has been described as an opening for the flat surface of the top of the closure. Alternatively, the groove can be filled with a separate filling material. Filling material can prevent dirt from accumulating in the groove. The filling material is preferably deformable to allow the annular projection to deform.

The filling material can be easily deformable such that the annular projection is easily deformable. An example of a suitable material is polyethylene foam, although any suitable material can be used. Alternatively, a filling material may be provided that requires more force to deform. Such a material would result in the annular projection requiring more force to deform. This can be advantageous for controlling the deformation of the annular projection. An example of such a material is rubber, although any suitable material can be used.

The following is relevant to any aspect or embodiment of the invention.

The closure or, at least, part of the closure, will typically be formed from a polymeric material such as a

35 thermoplastic or thermosetting material. However, a thermoplastic material is preferred. Advantageously, the thermoplastic polymeric material comprises poly (lactic acid) (PLA) (also known as poly (lactide) or polylactic acid) or a derivative thereof. This material has adequate mechanical, chemical and barrier properties and is also a material that respects the environment.

The expert will recognize that many suitable polymers can be used together with the present invention, either by themselves or as a mixture. Some other examples of polymeric materials include PHA (poly hydroxy-alkanoate, which is also a biodegradable polymer), polyethylene (including high density polyethylene (HDPE)), polypropylene and poly (ethylene terephthalate).

The inventor of the present invention has discovered that it is advantageous if the polymeric material (for example PLA) is amorphous or, at least, partially amorphous. It has been found that this results in improved mechanical properties. In particular, it has been found that a closure formed from a polymer having a high degree of crystallinity can be difficult to remove from the container, for example a plastic bottle with a threaded coupling. In addition, a closure of a highly crystalline polymer can break when it is coupled with the container. An extremely crystalline polymer can also result in the closure being locked or locked on the bottle. Having identified this problem, the inventor of the present invention has discovered that improved mechanical properties can be achieved if the degree of crystallinity (volume) in the polymeric material is preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 30%, even more preferably less than 20%.

55 The degree of crystallinity in the polymeric material that forms the closure can be reduced in a number of ways. For example, if the closure is formed by injection molding or compression molding, then desirable results can be achieved by ensuring that the mold cavity is filled relatively quickly, for example in ≤ 1 second, preferably ≤ 0.5 seconds. In addition, it is preferable that the heat is removed from the closure, once molded, as quickly as possible. Heat can be conducted away from the molded seal through the mold parts, for example the mold cavity and the metal core. Preferably, cooling means are provided to cool the mold cavity and the metal core. It is also preferable if the wall section of the molded closure is ≤ 2 mm, preferably ≤ 1 mm.

The closure is preferably formed in one piece from the polymeric material (for example PLA).

As regards manufacturing, the closure can, for example, be injection molded or compression molded.

During use, the closure 2 is screwed onto the neck 20 of the container 22. The closure 2 is coupled with the neck 20 by

5 means of threads and grooves 8, 34. One or more edge or edges or surface or surfaces with radii of the neck engages against one or more surface or angled surfaces provided on the inside of the closure. The end of the neck does not engage directly against the top 4 of the closure. The closure then seals the opening 28. If a second angled surface is provided on top 4, then the second angled surface simultaneously engages with a second edge or beveled neck surface 20. The surface in

10 angle 12, 412 and / or neck 520 can be elastically deformable to improve the seal around the opening

28.

Although the closure has been described in one embodiment as having a single angled surface that is partly oriented radially outwardly, the closure may alternatively have a single angled surface of any one of the embodiments that is radially oriented inwards. A radiused surface may be provided in place of the edge 26, in combination with an edge 24. Therefore, any combination of one or two angled surfaces, of which one or both may be hollow, and the edges or surfaces may be used with radii of the neck. Any combination of concave or convex arched angled surfaces, or angled surfaces with a straight line profile, can be used with any surface with

20 spokes or bevel or neck edge. In particular, a closure with an angled surface having a straight line profile can be used in combination with a neck with a radiused edge.

Although the closure is described as provided with an annular angle surface, the angled surface can be any shape to fit the neck of the container, for example substantially square, oval or

25 rectangular.

The coupling means can be a joint that pivotally connects the closure and the container, that is to say a hinged lid. The coupling means may also comprise a projection that extends radially inwardly with respect to the side wall of the closure that can be engaged with a projection that is

30 extends outwardly with respect to the neck of the container, ie a pressure lid.

The closure has been described as deformable when it is screwed onto a container to give the shape illustrated in Figure 10. Alternatively, the closure 2 can be formed in the state illustrated in Figure 10. In the present embodiment, the closure 2 does not deform when coupled with the neck, but rather maintains

The permanent shape illustrated in Figures 10 to 12.

The closure 2 has been described as deformable to give the shape illustrated in Figure 10 when coupled with a container. Alternatively, the closure and the container can be sized so that there is substantially no deformation of the closure with the coupling to a container. Alternatively, the closure may be

40 permanently formed, as shown in Figures 10 to 12. Flattened surfaces improve the ease with which the closure can be removed from the container. The side wall of this closure is preferably formed of a material having a uniform thickness.

Claims (6)

1. A closure (2; 702) for closing an opening (28) of a container (22), the closure comprising: 5 coupling means (8; 34) for coupling, during use, the closure with the container; a sealing surface (712; 812) inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a central axis (A-A) of the closure, and located such that, when the closure is coupled with the container by means of coupling means, the sealing surface can be hooked with the container; where the sealing surface is provided on a projection (710; 810) extending from the closure, 10 where the projection comprises a cavity (705, 805); characterized in that the closure comprises a stop (707; 807), such that during use the stop limits the movement of the neck in relation to the closure; and the closure further comprising a groove (736; 836) disposed between the stop and the sealing surface such that the neck is in contact with the sealing surface in a position separate from the stop. A closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing surface is oriented radially outwardly with respect to the central axis of the closure. 3. A closure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the coupling means (8; 34) They comprise one or more slots or helical threads. twenty 4. A closure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises a restriction surface (744) that is substantially oriented towards the sealing surface, such that, when the neck is in contact with the surface sealing, the restriction surface is located next to the neck to avoid substantial radial movement of the neck. 5. A closure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the closure is formed from a polymeric material, and the polymeric material comprises poly (lactic acid) (PLA) or a derivative thereof. A closure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises a top portion that is in the shape of a vault. 7. A container (22) combined with a closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a neck (20; 720) defining an opening (28); closing the closure the opening with the neck 35 engaging with the sealing surface of the closure. 8. A closure and a container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the neck (20; 720) of the container (22) comprises a radius surface, the surface with radii can be engaged with the sealing surface of the closure.