GB1589923A - Easy-open end closure for containers - Google Patents

Easy-open end closure for containers Download PDF

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Publication number
GB1589923A
GB1589923A GB5996/77A GB599677A GB1589923A GB 1589923 A GB1589923 A GB 1589923A GB 5996/77 A GB5996/77 A GB 5996/77A GB 599677 A GB599677 A GB 599677A GB 1589923 A GB1589923 A GB 1589923A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
closure
line
weakness
tear
panel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
GB5996/77A
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crown Packaging UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Metal Box PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Metal Box PLC filed Critical Metal Box PLC
Priority to GB5996/77A priority Critical patent/GB1589923A/en
Publication of GB1589923A publication Critical patent/GB1589923A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4011—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening completely by means of a tearing tab
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
    • B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00425—Lids or covers welded or adhered to the container
    • 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
    • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
    • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
    • B65D2577/2041—Pull tabs
    • B65D2577/205—Pull tabs integral with the closure
    • 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
    • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
    • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
    • B65D2577/2075—Lines of weakness or apertures
    • B65D2577/2091—Lines of weakness or apertures in cover

Landscapes

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

Description

(54) EASY-OPEN END CLOSURES FOR CONTAINERS (71) We, METAL Box LIMITED, of Queens House, Forbury Road, Reading RG1 3JH, Berkshire, a British Company, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to easy-open end closures for containers. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to such closures for containers which are destined to be heated after filling and closing to sterilize them and their contents, such containers being hereinafter referred to as "processable containers".
By "easy-open end closure" throughout the specification is denoted a container closure having a panel or tab which can be at least partially torn away by the user to provide access to the contents of the container.
In accordance with the invention there is provided an easy-open end closure, which is moulded from plastics material filled with an inorganic material and has a peripheral flange for attachment to a container to be closed, there being a line of weakness formed in a portion of the closure lying within the peripheral flange so as to define a tear-away panel which, by rupturing along the line of weakness, it at least partially severable from the closure to provide an access opening for the container, and a pull means attached to the closure at the tearaway panel for enabling such rupturing to be effected.
The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 shows an easy-open end closure embodying the invention, as seen in plan view and before fitting to a container body; and Fig. 2 shows the closure as seen in diametral section taken along the line Il-Il of Fig. 1 and when fitted to a container body.
Referring now to the drawings, an easyopen end closure 9 (Fig. 1) is injectionmoulded from filled polypropylene material.
The closure 9 is circular in plan view, and has a peripheral annular flange 10 surrounding a plane central closure panel 11. The closure panel is recessed in relation to the flange, being joined to the flange by a slightly tapering cylindrical wall 12.
A circular score line 13 centred on the closure axis is formed in the panel 11 at a small distance from the foot of the wall 12.
For manufacturing convenience this score line is formed in the under surface 14 (Fig.
2) of the end closure; in a modification a similar score line is alternatively or additionally formed in the upper surface 15 of the closure. The score line or lines 13 define a panel 30 which forms part of the closure panel 11 and which, as is later to be described, can be torn away to provide access to a container to which the closure is fitted.
A further circular score line 16 is formed in the panel 11, preferably in the top surface 15 as shown. The score line 16 has a diameter which is approximately two thirds of the radius of the score line 13. It is located within the score line 13 and offcentre of the closure so that its minimum spacing from the score line 13 is approximately the same as the spacing of the score line 13 from the wall 12.
A straight score line 17, preferably formed (as shown) in the upper surface 15 of the closure, links the two circular score lines 13, 16 operatively together. The score line 17 is normal (i.e. radially directed) in relation to the score line 16. It is offset from the common radial lines of the two score lines 13, 16 so as to be slanted in the clockwise direction in relation to the closure.
Together the score lines 13, 16 the score line 17 defines a rupture-initiating neck portion 31 of the tear-away panel 30.
A pull tab 18 is inetgrally formed on the closure to stand up from the supper surface 15 at the comer of the neck portion 31 formed between the score lines 15 and 17 on the clockwise side of the latter. The tab has a generally vertical post (not separately indicated) extending from the surface 15, and a generally horizontal gripping portion 20 (Fig. 1) which is curved towards its free end 21 so as to assist gripping by the user.
The portion 20 may have protrusions on its upper and/or lower surface to assist gripping.
For use, as depicted in Fig. 2, the closure 9 is fitted as shown into the open mouth of a tapered processable tub 23 after the latter has been filled with food contents 24, possible under aseptic conditions.
After filling, the annular flange 10 of the closure is heat-sealed to a similar flange 25 surrounding the tub mouth, and the completed container is then sterilized in a steam retort in a conventional manner.
For use the user may reheat the container or not, depending upon the nature of the contents 24. To gain access to the contents the user grips the pull tab 18 with the right hand while holding the tub in the left hand, and then pulls on the'tab upwardly and generally outwardly away from the container to rupture the closure material locally along the score lines 16, 17 at the corner on which the post of the pull tab stands. Further pulling; on the pull tab assisted by a generally clockwise twisting motion of the right hand then extends the tear along the score line 17 to the score line 13, and thence in a clockwise direction around the score line 13 until the central panel 11 is free of the closure and can be suitably disposed of.The clockwise movement of the tear around the score line 13 is accompanied by a large corresponding tearing movement in the clockwise direction around a major part of the score line 16. The panel 11 is therefore torn away as a strip rather than as a circle, thereby reducing the tearing forces needed, and furthermore reducing any tendency for the tearing around the panel 11 to depart from the score line 13.
In a modification of the arrangement shown the score line 16 is in the form of a semicircle rather than a full circle. Other configurations, dosed or otherwise, are also possible.
The choice of polypropylene for the closure 9 is made 'having particularly in mind the requirement to retort the finished container and, possibly, 'heat it for use. The polypropylene is filled with approximately 30% by weight of chalk in order to give the closure the required tear characteristio-- in the absence of a filler polypropylene tends to elongate rather than 'tear-and to facilitate the formation of the score lines 13, 16 and 17. The filler content of the closure may vary within wide limits, but approximately 30% -by weight is preferred. In addition, the filler inlay be of any suitable inorganic material. Chaik such as is sold by Chalk Products Ltd. under the type designation BW has been found to be particularly satisfactory.
The invention is not to be considered as limited to easy-open end closures for processable containers as particularly described, but may have application to easy-open end closures which are not intended or capable of withstanding sterilisation or pasteurization conditions. The end closure may be of a plastics material other than polypropylene homopolymer. In addition, it may be adapted for attachment other than by heatsealing as particularly described. It may, for example, have a peripheral flange arranged to be crimped by an inturned marginal end portion of a metal container body in the manner described in our British Patent Specification 1,361,415.
WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. An easy-open end closure, which is moulded from plastics material filled with an inorganic material and has a peripheral flange for attachment to a container to be closed, there being a line of weakness formed in a portion of the closure lying within the peripheral flange so as to define a tear-away panel which, by rupturing along the line of weakness, is at least partially severable from the closure to provide an access opening for the container, and a pull means attached to the closure at the tearaway panel for enabling such rupturing to be effected.
2. A closure as claimed in claim 1, which is moulded from polypropylene.
3. A closure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inorganic material is chalk.
4. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakness is continuous.
5. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pull means is integrally formed on the tear-away panel.
6. A closure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pull means comprises a post upstanding from the tear-away panel and a gripping portion attached to the post and extending in generally parallel and spaced relation to the tear-away panel.
7. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interior periphery of the peripheral flange is defined by a substantially cylindrical wall joining the flange to a recessed said portion of the closure which is formed with the tear-away panel.
8. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, which includes a second line of weakness arranged with the first said line of weakness to form the tear-away panel with a rupture-initiating neck portion of which the width progressively reduces towards a narrow end at which the pull means is attached.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (13)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. has a generally vertical post (not separately indicated) extending from the surface 15, and a generally horizontal gripping portion 20 (Fig. 1) which is curved towards its free end 21 so as to assist gripping by the user. The portion 20 may have protrusions on its upper and/or lower surface to assist gripping. For use, as depicted in Fig. 2, the closure 9 is fitted as shown into the open mouth of a tapered processable tub 23 after the latter has been filled with food contents 24, possible under aseptic conditions. After filling, the annular flange 10 of the closure is heat-sealed to a similar flange 25 surrounding the tub mouth, and the completed container is then sterilized in a steam retort in a conventional manner. For use the user may reheat the container or not, depending upon the nature of the contents 24. To gain access to the contents the user grips the pull tab 18 with the right hand while holding the tub in the left hand, and then pulls on the'tab upwardly and generally outwardly away from the container to rupture the closure material locally along the score lines 16, 17 at the corner on which the post of the pull tab stands. Further pulling; on the pull tab assisted by a generally clockwise twisting motion of the right hand then extends the tear along the score line 17 to the score line 13, and thence in a clockwise direction around the score line 13 until the central panel 11 is free of the closure and can be suitably disposed of.The clockwise movement of the tear around the score line 13 is accompanied by a large corresponding tearing movement in the clockwise direction around a major part of the score line 16. The panel 11 is therefore torn away as a strip rather than as a circle, thereby reducing the tearing forces needed, and furthermore reducing any tendency for the tearing around the panel 11 to depart from the score line 13. In a modification of the arrangement shown the score line 16 is in the form of a semicircle rather than a full circle. Other configurations, dosed or otherwise, are also possible. The choice of polypropylene for the closure 9 is made 'having particularly in mind the requirement to retort the finished container and, possibly, 'heat it for use. The polypropylene is filled with approximately 30% by weight of chalk in order to give the closure the required tear characteristio-- in the absence of a filler polypropylene tends to elongate rather than 'tear-and to facilitate the formation of the score lines 13, 16 and 17. The filler content of the closure may vary within wide limits, but approximately 30% -by weight is preferred. In addition, the filler inlay be of any suitable inorganic material. Chaik such as is sold by Chalk Products Ltd. under the type designation BW has been found to be particularly satisfactory. The invention is not to be considered as limited to easy-open end closures for processable containers as particularly described, but may have application to easy-open end closures which are not intended or capable of withstanding sterilisation or pasteurization conditions. The end closure may be of a plastics material other than polypropylene homopolymer. In addition, it may be adapted for attachment other than by heatsealing as particularly described. It may, for example, have a peripheral flange arranged to be crimped by an inturned marginal end portion of a metal container body in the manner described in our British Patent Specification 1,361,415. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-
1. An easy-open end closure, which is moulded from plastics material filled with an inorganic material and has a peripheral flange for attachment to a container to be closed, there being a line of weakness formed in a portion of the closure lying within the peripheral flange so as to define a tear-away panel which, by rupturing along the line of weakness, is at least partially severable from the closure to provide an access opening for the container, and a pull means attached to the closure at the tearaway panel for enabling such rupturing to be effected.
2. A closure as claimed in claim 1, which is moulded from polypropylene.
3. A closure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inorganic material is chalk.
4. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the line of weakness is continuous.
5. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pull means is integrally formed on the tear-away panel.
6. A closure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pull means comprises a post upstanding from the tear-away panel and a gripping portion attached to the post and extending in generally parallel and spaced relation to the tear-away panel.
7. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interior periphery of the peripheral flange is defined by a substantially cylindrical wall joining the flange to a recessed said portion of the closure which is formed with the tear-away panel.
8. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, which includes a second line of weakness arranged with the first said line of weakness to form the tear-away panel with a rupture-initiating neck portion of which the width progressively reduces towards a narrow end at which the pull means is attached.
9. A closure as claimed in claim 8,
wherein the second line of weakness lies within the tear-away panel at a non-uniform spacing from the first line of weakness of which the minimum value is small in comparison with the cross-sectional dimensions of the tear-away panel, there being a further line of weakness which operatively links the first and second lines of weakness so as with them to define the said narrow end of the rupture-initiating neck portion.
10. A closure as claimed in claim 9 which is circular, the first said line of weakness being circular and concentrically disposed in relation to the closure, the second line of weakness being circular, of substantially smaller diameter than the first line of weakness, and disposed off-centre of, and within, the first line of weakness at a said non-uniform spacing therefrom of which the minimum value is small in comparison with the diameter of the first line of weakness.
11. A closure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the third line of weakness is straight and slanted in the clockwise direction in relation to the closure.
12. A closure as claimed in any claim of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first line of weakness is formed by a score line formed in the opposite side of the closure to further score lines forming the second and third lines of weakness.
13. An easy-open end closure, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB5996/77A 1978-02-13 1978-02-13 Easy-open end closure for containers Expired GB1589923A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB5996/77A GB1589923A (en) 1978-02-13 1978-02-13 Easy-open end closure for containers

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB5996/77A GB1589923A (en) 1978-02-13 1978-02-13 Easy-open end closure for containers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB1589923A true GB1589923A (en) 1981-05-20

Family

ID=9806509

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB5996/77A Expired GB1589923A (en) 1978-02-13 1978-02-13 Easy-open end closure for containers

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB1589923A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2628071A1 (en) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-08 Alsacienne Aluminium OPENING FOR CLOSURE OF CONTAINERS SUCH AS POTS AND TRAYS
US6142334A (en) * 1998-06-15 2000-11-07 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Opening arrangement
WO2002004557A2 (en) * 2000-07-12 2002-01-17 Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc. Stiff and impact resistant compositions containing polypropylene or poly ethylene-propylene copolymer and calcium carbonate for closures

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2628071A1 (en) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-08 Alsacienne Aluminium OPENING FOR CLOSURE OF CONTAINERS SUCH AS POTS AND TRAYS
EP0334700A1 (en) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-27 SOCIETE ALSACIENNE D'ALUMINIUM Société Anonyme Method of closing and subsequently opening sterilizable container lids forthe execution of said method and method of producing said lids
US5145737A (en) * 1988-03-04 1992-09-08 Societe Alsacienne D'aluminium System for closure and subsequent opening of sterilizable containers
US6142334A (en) * 1998-06-15 2000-11-07 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Opening arrangement
WO2002004557A2 (en) * 2000-07-12 2002-01-17 Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc. Stiff and impact resistant compositions containing polypropylene or poly ethylene-propylene copolymer and calcium carbonate for closures
WO2002004557A3 (en) * 2000-07-12 2002-06-13 Alcoa Closure Systems Int Inc Stiff and impact resistant compositions containing polypropylene or poly ethylene-propylene copolymer and calcium carbonate for closures
US6544609B1 (en) 2000-07-12 2003-04-08 Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc. Stiff and impact resistant compositions containing poly(propylene) or poly(ethylene/propylene) and calcium carbonate for closures

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PS Patent sealed
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee