GB2529616A

GB2529616A - Container and closure

Info

Publication number: GB2529616A
Application number: GB1413249.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Hein; Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser
Original assignee: Threadless Closures Ltd
Current assignee: Threadless Closures Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-25
Filing date: 2014-07-25
Publication date: 2016-03-02
Also published as: GB201413249D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a container 10 and closure 20, the container having a series of horizontal, spaced apart first portions 11A and the closure having a series of horizontal, spaced apart second portions 11B. In a first aspect of the invention the second portions can pass though the spaces between first portions and locate beneath them to secure the closure to the container. The first and second portions may be upwardly inclined end at one end 24E and/or a downwardly inclined at the other end 24D. Preferably, upon rotation of the closure in one direction the downwardly inclined ends act to drive the second portions (and hence the closure) downwards, and upon rotation in the other direction the upwardly inclined ends acts to drive the second portions upwards. In a second aspect of the invention the closure is movable between a first position, in which at least part of the second portions engage the upper surfaces of the first portions; a second position, in which the second portions are aligned with spaces between said first portions; and a third position, in which the second portions are located beneath the first portions.

Description

CONTAINER AND CLOSURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a container and closure, in particular a container and closure 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, the use of a container and closure and a method of manufacturing the container and/or closure.

BACKGROUND ART

Containers and closures for wide-mouth containers and boftles are known such as those described in the applicants earlier applications, for example WO2006/000774 and WO201 1/151630. A further development is disclosed in W0201 4/006418. 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, In some cases, 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, 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.

Whilst the closures described in the above documents are satisfactory in many cases, the present invention seeks to provide improvements which enable the container and/or the closure to be frirther 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.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container and a closure therefor, the container 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 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 compri sing 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 elongate upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces thereof being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, said 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 th each other in the vertical direction. Similarly, 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.

Preferably, each of the first portions (or each of the second portions) has an upwardly inclined end at one end thereof and a downwardly inclined end at the other end thereof Preferably, upon rotation of the dosure in a first direction about axis A, 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. n

Preferably, 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.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a container and a closure therefor, the container 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 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 in a first direction and downward movement of the closure relative to the container, in which said sealing member contacts the container in a non-sealing position and said second portions are aligned with spaces between said first portions and a third position, following further rotation of the closure in the first direction relative to the container and further downward movement of the closure relative to the container, in which said sealing member has been moved downwards to sealingly engage said sealing surface and said second portions are located beneath said first portions in contact with said lower surfaces thereof 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.

As above, the 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. Similarly, the 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.

Preferably, 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.

Preferably, in said second position, the sealing member contacts said lead-in surface.

In the case of a container housing a carbonated beverage, this is the venting position.

Preferably, 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.

lii a preferred arrangement, particularly for use for housing a carbonated beverage, the skirt portion of the closure comprises a frirther 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.

In a preferred arrangement, 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.

Similarly, 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.

Most preferably, in the case of a container for housing a carbonated beverage, the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is substantially the same as the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions.

Preferably, each first portion has a circumferential length substantially similar to the circumferential length of the second portions and preferably said 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.

For a wide-mouth container housing a carbonated beverage, the combined 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.

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 transfered 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.

Preferably, the closure, or at least parts of it, is formed of a plastics material having a tensile modulus (Young's modulus) of greater than 3000 MIPa, 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). The container is preferaNy formed of a plastics material comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

As mentioned above, 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. For closures used with carbonated beverages, the sealing member is arranged to engage and to provide a liquid and air-tight seal between the closure and this substantially cylindrical surface In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a plurality of spaced apart venting grooves in the lead-in surface to assist venting of the container, the grooves extending from the interior of the container towards the mouth of the container.

As indicated above, for carbonated applications, 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. The term 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 0-rings are conventionally located in a gland (which may typically be defined by a groove or by a recess having two or more faces). Whilst o-rings of this form are preferred, the term is also to be understood to cover other forms of seal which simulate an 0-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 0-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 swface 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.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a container for use in providing a container and closure as described above, the method comprising an injection moulding process followed by a blow moulding process.

Preferably, 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.

Preferably, the closure is formed by an injection moulding process. It may be formed from a variety of plastic materials but is preferably formed of p&yoxymethylene (POMi.

Other preferred and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the

following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figures IA and lB 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 3A shows the closure of Fig 1 as it is moved into engagement with the container of Fig I 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 t 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 SA and SB relate to a loading (or venting) position and 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 I 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 1QA and lOB relate to an initial drive down stage; Figure ii relates to a sealed position; and Figures 1 2A and I 2B relate to a locked position.

Figures 13 to IS 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 ISA and 1SB relate to a venting stage; Figure 16, 17 and 18 relate to further drive out stages; and 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 and Figure 2tA and 21B related to a sealed position.

Figures 1A and lB 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 to, the first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions 11 A (four in the example shown), each first portion 1 1A has an upper surface 1 1B, a lower surface 1 1C, a first end surface lID and a second end surface lIE. The upper surface 1 lB is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction but may be curved or inclined in the radial direction. The lower surface 1 IC 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 1 1A 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 (described further below), 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 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.

Figures 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 0-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 0-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 W0201 1/151630 referred to above. It should be noted that 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 0-ring for use with a wide-mouth closure would typically have a cross-sectional diameter of 2 to 3 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 cnd with a second end surface 24E. The upper surface 24B is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.

The lower surface 1 IC is also substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction but may be curved or inclined in the radial direction, eg as shown in Fig 7B and Fig 12B. The end surfaces 24D and 24E are angled downwardly and upwardly, respectively, in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, these surfaces extend beyond the lower and upper surfaces 24C and 24B of the second portion 24k respectively. The function of the angled ends and end surfaces 24D and 24E will be described further below with reference to Figs 7-8. In the embodiment show, a frirther 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 substafflially horizontal in the circumferential direction arid, 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 ang'ed 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.

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.

The closure is securable to the container 10 by interaction between the first portions 1 1A and second portions 24A. Figs 4 to 6 (described further below) 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.

In the arrangement shown, the dosure 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 JIB of the first portions 11 A, a second position (Fig 3), following rotation and downward movement of the closure relative to the container O, in which the sealing member 23 contacts the container lOin a non-sealing position and the second portions 24A are aligned with spaces between the first portions I IA 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 24A are located beneath the first portions 1 1A and in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of the lower surfaces 11 C thereof Maximising the contact between the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions and the lower surfaces I IC of the first portions in the third position is of importance. First, it is desirable to minimise the length of the first portions B so as to minimise their impact on the appearance of the container and to minimise their contact with the lip of a user drinking from the container but, secondly, it is desirable to make full use of the contact between the first and second portions t tA, 24A in order to secure closure on the container and, in particular, to resist upward pressure on the closure due to elevated pressure within the container (eg if it contains a carbonated beverage and/or subject to an elevated pressure). The embodiment shown in Figs t and 2 is designed for use with carbonated beverages. For a given diameter container (and hence the area of the closure subject to the internal pressure), the desired minimum area of contact between the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions and the lower surfaces 1 1C of the first portions can be determined. For example, for a wide-mouth container having an internal diameter of about 62mm (and an external diameter of about 64mm) housing a carbonated beverage and subject to temperatures up to 40 degrees C, it is desirable for this overlap area to be at least about 100 mm2, For an embodiment having four first portions (and four second portions), this can, for example, be achieved if the combined circumferential length of the first portions 1 lB is about 100mm (which represents about 50% of the external circumference of the container at this point) and their radial projection is about 1.0 mm. Greater radial projection of the first portions 1 lB is 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 JIB 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.

Figure 3A 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, In IL) As mentioned above, 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 lB of the first portions I IA of the container. Figure 4B shows a cross-section taken along line B-B in Fig 4A. In this position, the 0-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 I IA of the container as shown in Fig 5, This schematic representation shows the second portions 24A as they are passing through the spaces between the first portions I IA. As will be described further below in relation to Fig bA, the vertical relationship between the first and second portions may be more complex as if they are angled or curved in the radial direction, a side view will show them as overlapping, eg as shown in Fig 9). Figure 5 shows the second portions 24A once they have been moved to a position aligned with spaces between the first portions I 1A so they are then able to pass through those spaces. As shown in Figs SA, the circumferential length of the second portions 24A is smaller than the spaces between the first portions 1 1A so they can pass through these spaces although, as shown, they are preferably of substantially similar length to these spaces. Figure SB is a section taken on line C-C in Fig 5A.

As shown in Fig SB, in this position, the 0-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.

From the position shown in Fig 5, the closure is moved downwards ftirther onto the container. In a simple arrangement as shown in this schematic drawing, the closure may be axially pressed further onto the container. During this downward movement, 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.

In this position the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions are substantially level with (or slightly beneath) the lower surface 1 1C of the first portions 1 1A. 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. In other arrangements (described below), movement of the second components may be substantially diagonal so they move downwards and rotate relative to the container simultaneously. Figure 6B is a section taken on line D-D of Fig 6A, 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. Also, as upper surfaces of the second portions and the lower surfaces of the first portions are substantially horizontal, 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. As shown in this Figure, the upper surface 1 1B 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 rotated 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.

To release the closure from the secured position shown in Fig 6, it is rotated relative to the container so as to disengage the second portions from the underside of the first portions and it then moved upwards to the position shown in Fig 5. In a simple arrangement without fUrther means to hold the closure in a venting position, the closure can then be lifted away from the container. In other arrangements, further rotation will be required to in order to release the closure from a venting position.

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 I (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 0-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).

Referring back to Fig 1, it will be noted that the first portions 1 1A have inclined end surfaces I ID and I I E, Preferably, these lie at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal.

As shown in Fig 1, the end surface 1 1D may extend from the upper surface 1 lB to the lower surface 1 Ic. However, as shown in Fig tB, the end surface tiE may not extend all the way from the lower surface c to the upper surface 11 B. And, as described in relation to Fig 2B, 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.

Figures 7 to 12 also show the third portion 25A shown in Fig 2B. As mentioned above, the third portion 25A 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).

lii Figures 7A, 8A, 9, 1 OA, ii and i2A the container and closure are schematically illustrated in dashed lines whereas the first portions II A, second portions 24A and third portions 25A are shown in solid lines in order to highlight the interactions therebetween.

Figs 7B, 8B, lOB and t2B shows cross-sectional of the closure and container in positions corresponding to those of Figs 7A, 8A, I OA and I 2A, Figures 7A and 7B show the closure in a first pre-load stage in which the third portions 25A rest upon the upper surfaces II B of the first portions I IA (Fig 7A shows these portions overlapping in the vertical direction as the upper surface 1 lB 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 0-ring 23 is spaced from the container 10.

Following rotation of the closure about the axis A relative to the container 10 in the tightening direction (clockwise in the embodiment shown) from the position shown in Fig 7, the third portions 25A drop down into the spaces between the first portions I IA until the downwardly angled ends of the second portions 24A rest upon the upper surfaces 1 lB of the first portions t tA as shown in Figs 8A and 8W In this second pre-load position, the 0-ring 23 is, as shown, still spaced from the container 10 (although only by a small distance). This position (or the position shown in Fig 7) corresponds to the first position mentioned above in relation to Fig 4.

Upon further rotation of the closure in the closing direction from the position shown in Fig 8, the second portions 24A slide along the upper surfaces 1 lB of the first portions I IA until the downwardly angled ends thereof drops off the end of the upper surface 1 lB and the lower surfaces 24C of the second portions 24A rest upon the upper surfaces 1 lB of the first portions I IA (as shown in Fig 9). It should be noted that 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 npon and supported by the upper surface of the first portions.

In this position, the closure is slightly lower than in the position shown in Fig 8A.

And, as will be seen from Fig 9, 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 HA, As will also be seen in Fig 9, in this position, the third portions 25A engage the underside of the first portions A. Upon further rotation of the closure in the tightening direction from the position shown in Fig 9, the second portions 24A slide along the upper surface of the first portions and the third portions 25A slide along the underside of the first portions II A. This horizontal movement continues until the end surfaces 24D of the downwardly angled ends of the second portions reach the end surfaces t tE of the first portions I IA. The second portions 24A are then aligned with the gaps between the first portions II A as shown in Fig IDA. It should be noted that the relative vertical positions of the closure and container are substantially the same in Fig 9 and Fig iDA and, as shown, the third portions 25A are still located beneath the first portions 1 1A.

Figure lOB is a cross-sectional view of the closure and container in the position shown in Fig IOA. As will be seen, in this position the 0-ring 5 in contact with the lead-in surface 12 of the container 10 and the first portion 1 1A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and third portion 25A, The position of the closure shown in Figs iDA arid lOB 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 vertical position of the closure relative to the container in both rotational positions shown in Figs 9 and lOis thus determined by the second portions 24A of the closure resting upon the first portions 1 IA of the container and/or the 0-ring 23 resting on the lead-in surface 12 of the container 10, It will also be noted from Fig IDA that that the length of the second portions (in the circumferential direction), or at least the horizontal part thereof, is substantially similar to (and slightly less than) the length of the spaces between the first portions 1 iA. This is necessary to enable the second portions 24A to move downwards through the space between the first portions I IA as will be described below (even though, as will be described, they move downwards diagonally).

Upon further rotation of the closure in the tightening direction from the position shown in Fig 10, the inclined end surface 24D of the downwardly angled end of the second portions slide down the inclined end surfaces lIE of the first portions so the closure is driven downwards relative to the container as it rotated. Preferably, the end surfaces 24D and 1 1E 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 1E of the first portions 1 1A.

The upper surface 24B of the second portions 24A is then level with the underside I IC of the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig IL Upon further rotation from this position, the second portions 24A slide horizontally along the underside of the first portions 1 1A until the upwardly angled end having the end surface 24E (which extends beyond the upper surface 24A) engages the end surface E of the first portion and stops further rotation as shown in Fig 12A. It will be seen that in this position, the second portions 24A are located beneath the first portion I IA 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 1 IC of the first portion 1 IA. 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 12k As will be seen the 0-ring has been driven downwards from the lead-in surface 12 (the position shown in Fig lOB) to sealingly engage the substantially cylindrical sealing surface 13 around the interior of the container. This involves compression of the 0-ring and the above arrangement in which the downward movement of the closure which causes this is effected by rotation of the closure provides a significant mechanical advantage in providing the force required to compress the 0-ring, particularly for a wide-mouth closure in which the closure has a relatively large diameter (eg compared to a bottle cap).

The position shown in Figs 12A and 12B corresponds to the third position described in relation to Fig 6.

It will be appreciated from the above description that the closure is driven downwards as it is rotated from the position shown in Fig IOA to the position shown in Fig 11 This rotation is through a relatively small angle (depending on the length and angle of the inclined end surface 1 1D) and may typically be in the rangeS to 15 degrees.

It will also be appreciated from the above description that once the closure has been driven down to the position shown in Fig II, the further rotation to the position shown in Fig 12A, does not involves further depression of the closure nor further compression of the 0-ring 23 but securely engages the second portions beneath the first portions by maximising the area of overlap therebetween, In the embodiment shown, the closure rotates through an angle in the range 40-50 degrees between the positions shown in Fig 11 and Fig 12A. This also means that once in the position shown in Fig 12A, the closure is securely held on the container and needs to be rotated back through this angle (40 -50 degrees) before it can be removed from the container (as will be described further below). As this rotation is horizontal (rather than being inclined as in the case of a helical thread) it is not necessary to provide any detent or other feature that needs to be overcome (eg involving vertical movement of the closure) before this rotation can occur.

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 0-ring seal, This is essentially the reverse of the loading sequence described above.

To release the closure from the locked position shown in Fig 12A and Fig t2B, the closure is rotated about the axis A in the loosening direction (anti-clockwise in the embodiment shown) relative to the container 10. Initially, 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 contacts the end surface t tD of the first portions t tA. Then, upon ifirther rotation from this position, the inclined end face 24E rides up the inclined end face I 1D, as shown in Fig 14, until the third portions 25A engage the underside of the first portions 1 IA, as shown in Fig 15, to arrest the vertical movement of the closure. During this upward movement of the closure, the 0-ring 23 moves from sealingly engaging the sealing surface t3 to a position in which it is located on the lead-in surface 12 as shown in Fig 15B. It will be appreciated that the position shown in Fig SA and Fig I SB corresponds to the position shown in Figs 1OA and Fig lOB.

The position shown in Fig ISA and Fig I SB is the vent position. Excess pressure within the container can be released by escape of gas between the 0-ring seal 23 and the lead-in surface 12 and, in particular, through the venting grooves t4 in the lead-in surface (shown in Fig IA). The closure is, however, securely held on the container by the engagement of the third portions 25A with the underside of the first portions I A as shown in Fig ISA. As shown in Fig 1 SB, the first portion 1 1A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and third portion 25A.

As the closure is rotated ifirther in the loosening direction from the position shown on Fig iSA, the third portions 25A slide along the underside of the first portions 1 1A and the second portions 24A slide along the upper surface 24B of the first portions I IA until the downwardly angled end of the second portion that extends beyond the lower surface 24C thereof reaches the inclined end surface I ID of the first portion 1 iA. At the same time, the third portions 25A reach a position in which they disengage from the underside tic of the first portions 1 1A (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), As the closure is rotated fbrther from the position shown in Fig 16, the upwardly angled end of the second portion rises up the inclined end surface lID of the first portions I IA and an inclined side face 25B of the third portion 25A rides up the inclined end face I I E of the first portion 1 1A so the closure moves diagonally upwards as shown in Fig 17. If the container houses a carbonated beverage, the pressure produced by this within container will assist this upward movement of the closure.

Upon further rotation of the closure from the position shown in Fig 17, the third portion 25A is able to move upwards through the space between the first portions t iA and the closure is free to be lifted away from the container as shown in Fig 18.

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 II 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 0-ring 23 is spaced from the container, Again, it should be noted that these figures show schematic representations of the parts so there is not necessarily a one-to-one relationship with the parts shown in the Figures described above.

Figures 20A and 20B show a loading position in which the 0-ring 23 rests on the lead-in surface 12 of the container and the second portions 24A are aligned with the spaces between the first portions 1 1A.

Figure 21 A and 2] B show a sealed position in which the second portions 24A have been moved further downwards and beneath the first portions 1 1A and the 0-ring seal has moved downwards to sealingly engage the sealing surface 13 of the container.

As the container is for a non-carbonated beverage, 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.

In the embodiments described above the first, second and third portions are each equi-angularly spaced around the circumference of the container and closure. However, 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 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.

However, in situations where these factors are of less concern, they 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.

For carbonated applications, 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.

For the avoidance of doubt, the verb "comprise" as used herein has its normal dictionary meaning, ie to denote non-exclusive inclusion. The use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) does not therefore exclude the possibility of frirther features being included.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, and drawings) may also be combined in any combination (other than combinations where the features are mutually exclusive).

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is just an example of a generic series of features providing an equivalent or similar function.

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. fin Li

Claims

CLAIMSA container and a closure therefor, the container 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 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 elongate upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces thereof being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, said second portions being of a length such that they can pass through spaces between the first portions and being locataNe beneath the first portions so as to secure the closure to the container.
2, A container and a closure as claimed in claim 2, in which each of the first portions, or each of the second portions, has an upwardly inclined end at one end thereof and a downwardly inclined end at the other end thereof 3, A container and a closure as claimed in claim 2 in which upon rotation of the closure in a first direction about axis A, 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.4, A container and a closure as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 in which 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.5. A container and a closure therefor, the container 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 circumferentiafly spaced apart first portions, each first portion 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 in a first direction and downward movement of the closure relative to the container, in which said sealing member contacts the container in a non-sealing position and said second portions are aligned with spaces between said first portions and a third position, following firther rotation of the closure in the first direction relative to the container and further downward movement of the closure relative to the container, in which said sealing member has been moved downwards to sealingly engage said sealing surface and said second portions are located beneath said first portions in contact with said lower surfaces thereof 6. A container and closure as claimed in claim 5 in which 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.7. A container and closure as claimed in claim 6 in which in said second position, the sealing member contacts said lead-in surface.8. A container and closure as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7 in which 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.9, A container and closure as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8 in which the closure is 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.10. A container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim in which 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.11. A container as claimed in claims 5 and 9 in which said third portions are arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions when the closure is in said second position.12. A container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim in which 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 dosure downwards as the closure is rotated in the first direction from said second position.13. A container and closure as claimed in claim 12 in which each of said second portions 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.14. A container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second portions are arranged to be pass angularly through spaces between the first portions.15. A container and a closure as claimed in any preceding claim in which the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is at least 50%, and preferably at least 75%, of the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions.16. A container and a closure as claimed in claim 15 in which the circumferential length of the substantiafly horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is substantially the same as the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions.17. A container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim in which each first portion, has a circumferential length substantially similar to the circumferential length of the second portions, or at least a substantially horizontal part thereof 18. A container and closure as claimed in claim 17 in which said 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.19. A container arid closure as claimed in claim 18 in which the combined circumferential lengths of the first portions is substantially half the outer circumference of the container at the position at which the first portions are provided thereon.20. A container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim in which said first member is spaced from the upper end of the container, preferably by a distance in the range 9 to 12 mm, 21. A closure and container as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a widemouth container as defined herein.22. A container and closure as claimed in claim 20 in which the container is fonned by an injection moulding process followed by a blow moulding process of the parts beneath the first member.23. A container and closure as claimed in claim 20 in which the container has a groove in its external surface beneath said first member, the 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.24. A container for use with a closure for providing a container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim, 25. A closure for use with a container for providing a container and closure as claimed in any of claims ito 23.26. A container and/or closure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to arid/or as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.27. The use of a container and closure as claimed in any preceding claim for containing a carbonated beverage.28. A method of manufacturing a container for use in providing a container and closure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, the method comprising an injection moulding process followed by a blow moulding process.29, A method as claimed in claim 28 in which 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.30, A method as claimed in claim 28 or 29 in which the closure is formed by an injection moulding process, 31. A method as claimed in claim 30 in which the closure is formed of polyoxymethylene.