KR20130033453A - Closure for a container - Google Patents

Abstract

In a closure for a container having a circular opening defining an axis and a lip around the opening, the closure extends from the collar over the top of the lip, with a collar disposed around the outside of the container under the lip of the container. Internal parts having seals; And an outer component fitted to the inner component and cooperating to releasably secure the collar portion below the lip, the outer component including a skirt portion positioned around the collar portion of the inner component, the collar portion comprising: And a plurality of radially moveable portions spaced about the circumference of the collar portion, which can be pivotally coupled at its lower end by a ring extending around the entire circumference. The seal can be formed of a flexible material or can be formed of a relatively rigid material with a flexible sealing member, for example an O-ring, carried by it.

Description

Container closures {CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER}

The present invention is a closure for a container, for example a container for containing a beverage or food. In particular, the present invention relates to a closure for a container having a lip and an opening, preferably without threaded features on the exterior of the container.

Applicants have proposed a number of different kinds of closures for containers, examples of which are WO2006 / 000774, WO2007 / 091008 and WO2007 / 057659, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. Such known closures include a cap fitted over a collar that fits around the outside of the container under the lip of the container, and a one-piece plastic 'crown' cap. While these are satisfactory in many cases, the present invention provides improvements that simplify the construction of closures and / or containers while maintaining or improving performance.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a circular opening defining an axis, and a closure for a container having a lip around the opening, comprising: a collar disposed around the outside of the container under the lip of the container, and an upper surface of the lip in use. An inner part having a seal extending from the collar portion upward; And a closure including an exterior component that is fitted with respect to the interior component and interacts to releasably secure the collar portion below the lip, the exterior component including a skirt portion positioned about the collar portion of the interior component, the collar The portion includes a plurality of radially movable portions spaced about the circumference of the collar portion that can be pivotally coupled at its lower end by a structure extending around the entire circumference of the collar portion.

Thus, the first aspect can provide a cap-on-collar closure in which the collar is engaged (and preferably integrally formed) with the sealing member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure for a container having an opening defining a shaft and a lip projecting outwardly around the opening, the closure comprising: an inner member having an expandable / shrinkable portion engaging the outer surface of the lip; And mounted over the inner member such that the axial and / or rotational movement of the outer member relative to the inner member when the inner member is fitted with respect to the lip holds the inflatable / contractable portion fixedly engaged with the container under the lip. A closure is provided including an outer member disposed to pressurize, and an inner surface of the inner member in contact with the outer surface of the container and / or the container has a property of providing a high friction bond between the inner member and the container, Relative rotation can be provided by the rotational force applied between the outer member and the container.

Thus, the second aspect can provide a cap-on-color closure in which high friction engagement between the collar and the container is provided in place of the anti-rotation feature.

The invention also relates to a container adapted to receive a closure as described in the first and / or second aspect of the invention, and a closure for closing the container opening when fitted to the container.

The invention also relates to a closure of the kind mentioned above which closes the container opening when fitted to the container. Preferred or optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

As used herein, the terms indicating the same direction as the top and bottom refers to the direction with respect to the container standing on the horizontal plane (unless the content clearly requires something else), and the axis through the opening is substantially vertical. .

One of the advantages of the present invention is that a closure can be provided in which the outer surface of the container need not have threaded and / or anti-rotational features. This allows the container to have a 'lip-friendly' form, for example a smooth outside. In addition, such a smooth exterior is highly desirable for aesthetic reasons, and such neck finish combined with a high performance closure is commercially pursued. In addition, in some embodiments, the present invention allows for the provision of closures that can be used with conventional standard containers or neck finishes, thereby avoiding investment in tooling for producing special types of neck finishes. .

The container is generally made of a plastic material, for example polyethylene terphthalate (PET), and may be formed by injection molding followed by blow molding, or may be made of glass. Such containers are very well known.

The present invention seeks to improve known closures for bottles and containers with wide mouths. One-piece metal closures known as 'crown caps' are widely known for closing bottles, eg beer bottles. The present invention seeks to provide a two-piece cap that can be used in place of a conventional crown cap. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a closure having a seal capable of withstanding the temperatures and pressures that occur when a beverage container, such as a beer bottle, is pasteurized. This presents more challenges when plastic closures are used instead of metal closures. In many cases, it is desirable for the containment to provide a hermetic seal, ie to seal the container from the inflow and outflow of gases, in particular the inflow of oxygen and the outflow of carbon dioxide. Acceptable standards for such seals to provide a satisfactory shelf life for the product and to maintain the desired quality of the product are well known in the food and beverage packaging industry.

In some embodiments of the invention, a two-piece closure is provided for a wide inlet container, as the collar and seal are provided in a single piece. In other arrangements, individual seal members (such as O-ring seals) may be carried by the seal.

The invention will be explained by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG.
1 and 2 are cross sectional views of a first embodiment of a closure according to the invention when applied to a bottle neck, FIG. 1 shows a portion located above the opening but before being attached thereto, FIG. The portion when the closure is moved in a fixed engagement with the bottleneck;
3A and 3B show side and cross-sectional views (taken at line EE of FIG. 3A) of the internal parts of the closure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
4a and 4b show perspective views of the inner part of FIG. 3 seen from above and below;
5a and 5b show a side view and a view from below of the outer part of the closure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
6a and 6b show perspective views of the outer part of FIG. 5 seen from above and below;
7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a second embodiment of a closure according to the invention when applied to the container neck, FIG. 7 shows a portion located above the opening but before being attached thereto and FIG. 8 shows the closure of the container The portion when moved in a fixed engagement with the neck;
9A and 9B show side and cross-sectional views (taken at line AA of FIG. 9A) of the internal parts of the closure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;
10A and 10B show perspective views of the inner part of FIG. 9 viewed from above and below;
11A, 11B and 11C are top, bottom and side views of a third embodiment of a closure according to the invention when applied to a container neck;
12A and 12B are perspective views from above and below the closure shown in FIG. 11;
13A and 13B are side and cut perspective views of the closure shown in FIG. 11 taken along line AA, and FIGS. 13C and 13D are side and cut perspective views of the closure shown in FIG. 11 taken along line BB;
14A, 14B and 14C are top, bottom and side views of the internal components of the closure shown in FIGS. 11 to 13;
15A and 15B are perspective views from above and below of the internal parts shown in FIG. 14;
16A and 16B are side and cutaway perspective views of the internal components shown in FIG. 14;
17A, 17B and 17C are top, bottom and side views of the external components of the closure shown in FIGS. 11-13;
18A and 18B are perspective views from above and below of the external component shown in FIG. 17;
19A and 19B are side and cutaway perspective views of the external component shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 20A is a cross sectional view taken on a plane similar to FIGS. 13A and 13C but showing a first type stop feature that may be used in the third embodiment, and FIG. 20B shows an enlarged perspective view of the portion of FIG. 20A showing the stop feature; Shows; And,
21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D show side, cross-sectional, perspective, and cut-away perspective views of another type of container that may be used with a third embodiment showing different kinds of stop features.

The closures shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in this case are bottlenecks having a container opening defining an axis A and are radially movable portions 3 spaced about to engage under the lip of the container 2. ) An inner part having a collar for fitting around the outside of the container 2 with an outer part and an outer part having a skirt part 4A for positioning around the radially movable part 3 of the inner part. .

In the present embodiment, the outer part 4 is designed to be positioned above the inner part 1 by substantial axial movement therebetween, and in a tight frictional engagement with the outside of the container under the lip 2A of the container 2. One or more cam surfaces 4B on the inner surface that engage with the upper end of the radially movable portion 3 as the parts are moved together axially to gradually press the furnace portion 3 inwardly. It includes. The cam motion is due to the axial movement between the inner part 1 and the outer part 4, and the further moving together in the axial direction, until the part 3 is moved in a tight frictional engagement with the container (Fig. As shown in 2, the movement towards the interior of the part 3 is greater.

The inner part is effectively fixed against rotation about the container by this means, so that the outer part can be rotated with respect to the inner part by simply applying a rotational force between the outer part and the container. This eliminates the need to hold the internal parts directly to prevent rotation on the container (which can be very difficult when the internal parts do not protrude past the external parts), and damages the smooth exterior of the container and allows standard containers to be used. Because it means that a high speed capping head can be used to apply the closure to the container without the need to provide anti-rotation features (such as one or more mutually engaging projections and depressions) between the inner part and the container This is very important.

In addition, while maintaining the container (or while the container remains stationary) without any need to interact with the internal parts, the closure can be removed and reapplied by applying the necessary force to the external parts of the closure, This is important for the end user.

The cam surface 4B may be provided by an annular portion of the external component at the point where its diameter changes as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the cam surface 4B is at the point where the cap transitions from the smaller diameter (upper) part to the larger diameter (lower) part.

As long as the outer part 4 is moved axially over the inner part 1 to press the radially movable part 3 inwardly, it releasably holds the inner part and the outer part together in this position. Twisted relative to the inner part 1 around the axis A to engage with the fastening means. In the present embodiment shown, the fastening means is provided at the lower end of the skirt portion 4A of the outer part of the radially movable portion 3 and the substantially upwardly facing surface 5A of the inwardly directed projection 5. It includes a substantially downward facing surface 3A. Surfaces 5A, 3A may provide bayonet-shaped couplings between internal and external components and / or threaded couplings therebetween.

Preferably, in order to releasably secure the inner and outer parts 1, 4 together in this way, a relatively small twist or rotation is required between them. At most, it is 360 degrees or less (as described below), preferably 180 degrees or less, 90 degrees or less, and most preferably 45 degrees or less.

Bayonet or threaded coupling is a multi-start type. The internal and external components may be provided with, for example, eight sets of threaded features around their circumference with four starting points, or nine sets of threaded features and three starting points. Thus, it will be appreciated that each threaded path may extend over two or three adjacent threaded features around the perimeter of the internal component.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner part 1 comprises a flexible seal 6 which extends above the opening in the bottleneck above the top of the container lip and extends below the outside of the bottleneck. Preferably, the flexible seal 6 is formed integrally with the radially movable portion, for example by a two-shot molding process. The radially movable portion is made of a relatively rigid material, for example polyethylene terphthalate (PET), and the flexible portion is made of a relatively flexible material, for example an elastomer. The function of the flexible seal 86 will be described later.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer part 4 comprises a top which is suspended by a skirt and extends over the top surface of the lip 2A and over the container opening.

The internal part 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As shown in these figures, the inner part comprises two main parts: a plurality of radially movable parts 3 which are upright from the ring 3B and spaced circumferentially about the ring 3B. Collar and flexible seal (described below) comprising a ring 83B with < RTI ID = 0.0 > Each of the movable portions 3 has a rounded upper end 3C for engagement with the cam surface 4B described above and for engagement with the lower side of the container lip 2A. Preferably, the upper end 83A of the movable portion 3 has a shape substantially coincident with the concave contour of the container on the underside of the lip 2A (as shown in FIG. 2).

Each outer surface 3D of the movable part is a snug fit in the skirt 4A of the outer part 4, when the closure is in a non-fixed position (as shown in FIG. 1). It is substantially flat so that Each movable portion 3 also has a lower substantially facing face 3A as described above. This acts to hold the inner part 1 in the outer part 4 in an unfixed position (as shown in FIG. 1) so that the inner and outer parts can be easily preassembled; The inner part 1 becomes a snap fit in the outer part 4 when provided together in the axial direction, and the movable part 3 is inwardly projected 5 until it snaps outwardly. The lower surface 3A of the movable part is engaged with the upper surface 5A of the protruding portion 5 facing inward as it is bent as it passes.

In the position shown in FIG. 1, the faces 3A, 5A are substantially horizontal, ie perpendicular to the axis A. FIG. However, when the inner and outer parts are moved axially with respect to each other with respect to the position shown in Fig. 2, the movable part 3 is bent inward. Accordingly, the lower surface 3A of the movable portion is inclined inward and inclined with respect to the horizontal. Thus, preferably, the top surface 5A has a similarly inclined shape with respect to the surface 3A when the outer part 4 is turned to the fixed position.

Also, in many cases, when the outer part 4 is rotated or turned about the axis A to the second position, the engagement between the faces 3A, 5A is such that the inner and outer parts are pulled together in the axial direction. Preferably, the outer part 4 is pulled downwards towards the top surface of the container lip 2A, and the movable part 3 is pulled tightly upwards below the lip 2A of the container. Thus, the faces 3A, 5A are inclined in a circumferential direction to provide a tight fixation of the closure to the container as the inner and outer parts are rotated relative to each other in the tightening or closing direction about the axis A. Lose. As the outer part is rotated relative to the inner part, the outer part is pulled to compress the flexible seal of the inner part against the upper surface of the container lip, and the movable member 3 is fixedly engaged with the container under the container lip. Is pressed upward in the state.

The ring 3B is relatively narrow in cross section (compared to the movable part 3) and serves to maintain the circumferential spacing of the movable part 3. In addition, the movable part 3 provides a pivot point which can be bent in the radial direction. In addition, the part 3 can be pivotally coupled at its lower end by another structure (instead of a ring) extending around the entire perimeter of the part.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ring 3B is visible from the outside by projecting down the skirt 4A of the outer part (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). However, in other embodiments, the ring may be covered by the skirt when at least in a fixed position corresponding to that shown in FIG. 2.

An important feature of the collar portion of the inner part is that the upper end of the movable part is freely bent inward and outward in the radial direction, and this movement takes place around the pivot at or towards the lower end of the collar (otherwise placed upwards). Ie in contrast to the collar in which the movable part extends downwardly from the ring part).

The function of the collar is somewhat similar to that of the collet chuck; The cam face engages with the arm of the collar and presses it inwards, while the other axial movement between them is tightly inserted (under the container lip) against the outside of the container so that the rotational force is applied (to clamp and loosen the closure). When applied between the closure and the container, the arm is further moved inwards until the frictional engagement therebetween is sufficient to prevent the collar from rotating relative to the container. Thus, the collar portion adheres to the container lip itself and becomes part of it efficiently, as if a securing feature carried by the collar that allows the closure to be secured to the container is provided on the container neck itself.

Another major part of the inner part is the flexible seal 6. In the embodiment shown, this takes the form of a cap in which the upper end 6A extends over the upper end of the container 2 and the upper surface of the lip, and the skirt extends to the ring 3B of the collar below the outside of the bottleneck.

The flexible part 6 performs several functions. First, it serves as a sealing component in that it is sandwiched between the outer component 4 and the upper surface of the lip portion 2A of the container and provides a gasket seal therebetween. In addition, in the arrangement shown, it extends over the inlet of the container, thus closing the container opening. In addition, the flexible part lies between the substantially rigid movable part 3 and the outer surface of the bottleneck and serves as a high friction part between these faces. In other arrangements (not shown), the seal extends over the lip of the container but does not extend over the inlet of the container and does not close the container opening.

Thus, when the outer part is rotated with respect to the inner part, the frictional engagement between the inner part and the container is larger than the frictional engagement between the inner part and the outer part.

The internal part thus does not need to provide anti-rotation features (which can damage the appearance of the container) and to the extent that the internal part can be gripped by the user's hand (to prevent rotation). Rotation to the container is prevented without the need for extension.

The flexible nature of the flexible part allows it to be bent by the movable portion as it is pressed inwards between the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, when the closure is to be removed, the flexible nature of the flexible part helps to press the movable part 3 back to its original outward facing position.

As shown, preferably, the collar and the flexible seal are integrally formed. This can be accomplished, for example, by a two-shot molding technique in which different materials are continuously injected to bond or connect integrally with each other. This also has the significant advantage that the closure comprises only two parts of the inner part and the outer part. In known cap-on-color closures, it is generally necessary for the sealing parts to be provided separately or to be fixed in a similar way to the underside of the external parts.

The external component 4 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B and 6A and 6B.

In the embodiment shown, the outer part has the form of a cap having an outer portion 4C extending over the top surface of the lip 2A and extending over the opening of the container 2, with a skirt portion 84A suspended therefrom. .

The skirt portion 4A is provided with a projection 85 extending inwardly at or towards the lower end thereof. As described above, the upper surface 5A of each projection 5 is preferably inclined in the circumferential direction, so as to correspond to the inclination of the lower surface 3A of the movable portion 3 which acts as a thread and to which it engages. Incline inward in the radial direction to the extent that increases with length. This threaded path may extend over two or three adjacent parts 3.

Also, as mentioned above, the closure is designed such that only a relatively small twist is needed to move it from an unfixed position (FIG. 1) to a fixed position (FIG. 2). In the embodiment shown, only about 60 degrees of twist is required. Thus, the inwardly directed protrusion 5 comprises six sections around the inner circumference of the skirt portion 4A as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5B.

As noted above, the external component engages with the downward facing face of the radially movable component to secure and / or clamp the internal and external component in the axial direction. This is an important feature since it can be made relatively short both in the inner and outer parts in an axial direction so as to resemble a closure such as a conventional cap. This also means that the threaded engagement between the inner and outer parts comprises features spaced apart in the circumferential direction (face 3A of each part 3). This causes the thread coupling between them to only require relatively small turns or twists (not several complete turns as required by the continuous spiral thread form). It also provides a very compact and powerful configuration. The upward face 5A of the external component applies upward force transmitted directly through the face 3A through the portion 3 shaped like a rigid strut to the lower side of the lip 2A.

In addition, the provision of high frictional contact of the internal and external components is an important feature. As mentioned above, this is facilitated by providing a high friction flexible part between the movable part 3 and the outer surface of the container. This is also improved by providing a large contact area contact between these parts, which is at least partly due to the radially inner surface of the movable part 3 having a shape that matches the shape of the outer surface of the container. The sealing surface may extend, for example, above the outer surface of the lip, below the lip and / or above the outer surface of the container below the lip.

In addition, such high friction bonds may be provided in other ways. The collar part may be provided with a lining of high friction material (regardless of whether it is connected to a sealing part passing over the top of the container lip) or the inner surface of the collar part is frictionally engaged with the container to the required level. Sufficient rough finish may be provided to increase this. In another alternative, a high friction sleeve of rubber, for example, may be fitted around the neck of the container, or a high friction finish may be provided on the neck of the container.

In addition, the flexible sealing member extends over the top surface of the lip portion 2A, providing a sealing member between the closure and the container. The provision of a single part that serves both as a collar for fitting around the outside of the container and as a sealing member between the closure and the container is also an important feature of the closure.

As described above, when the external component is moved relative to the internal component to press the movable part 3 inward, this movement is mainly axial. In another embodiment, this axial movement may be provided by a small torsional movement, even if it is an axial component that moves the cam downwards to press the component 3 inwardly. The torsional movement is preferably less than 360 degrees, more preferably less than 90 degrees or less than 60 degrees. This is compared to the arrangement where a small axial movement, for example as provided by a continuous helical thread path, is the result of several complete rotations of the outer part relative to the inner part.

In some cases, movement of the cam relative to the radially moveable portion deflects the moveable portion from the outer position to the inner position and keeps the portion in contact with the container body at the inner position. In other cases, the movement of the cam deflects the portion only a very small distance (e.g. when in a generally inwardly facing position) and keeps the portion in firm contact with the container body, e.g. internal parts and the container. Serves to increase the frictional bond between them. In other cases, the movement of the cam does not cause any noticeable deflection of the part, but merely serves to press the part into a rigid contact with the container body to hold it in this position. Even in this case, the manufacturing tolerances and / or creep of the plastic material over time cause the part to accept a slightly more outward position than intended, whereby the operation of the cam causes them to interact with the container body. It is pressurized to a tight contact to ensure it is held in this position. Herein, reference to a portion that is 'pressed' in engagement with the container should be understood to encompass all such possibilities. 7 to 10 show a second embodiment of the closure according to the invention. This is similar to that shown in Figures 1-6, but is modified for use with a container, such as a container with a wide mouth, and the outer wall of the container has a truncated conical face branching under the lip as shown in Figures 1 and 2 Otherwise, it is generally vertical (or only slightly tapered out) below the container lip. Parts corresponding to those of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals, but are further provided with (').

7 and 8 may be relatively wide in diameter of the vessel opening generally greater than 50 mm (for a large inlet vessel as described for example in WO2006 / 000774 and WO2007 / 091008), or a conventional 28 mm bottleneck It can be relatively narrow, such as For convenience, FIGS. 9 and 10 may be larger when used with a wide inlet container, but with an inner part 1 ′ having a diameter for use with a bottleneck (such as in FIGS. 1-6). Illustrated.

The inner and outer parts 1 ′, 4 ′ of the closure shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 are very similar to the inner and outer parts of FIGS. 1 to 6. The outer part 4 'is substantially the same, and when the ring 3B' of the inner part is in a fixed position (as shown in Figure 8) the skirt 4A 'of the outer part 4' is removed. Slightly shorter so as not to protrude past. In addition, the upper end 3C 'of the radially movable portion 3 has a shape that optimizes engagement with the lower side of the container lip 2A'.

The closures shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 are comfortable with respect to the outer wall of the container 2 'when the movable part 3' is in an inwardly facing position shown in FIG. 8 in view of the different shape of the container neck. Although not fitting, it operates in a manner very similar to that described above with respect to FIGS.

In both cases, removal of the closure from the container is achieved by rotation of the external component in the loosening direction so that it no longer presses or holds the radially movable portion of the collar portion below the container lip (this release is internal Due to axial and / or radial movement of the external component relative to the component). The radially movable portion moves outwardly by virtue of its elasticity and / or by the elasticity of the seal to a position that no longer interferes with the vertical movement of the internal component due to its engagement with the underside of the container lip. Also, in some arrangements, the radially movable portion may be driven outwardly by engagement with some other portion of the external component as it is rotated in the loosening direction.

The closure is then freely moved vertically to open the container. This is achieved by pulling the closure vertically, which may be helpful if the pressure in the container is raised, for example if it contains a carbonated beverage. In another arrangement (not shown), further rotation of the closure in the loosening direction helps to separate it from the container.

In all cases, it is preferable that the inner and outer parts are removed together. In the illustrated embodiment this is achieved by the engagement of the protrusions 3, 5 on the corresponding part as described above. Thus, upward movement of the outer part also provides upward movement of the inner part (as long as the radially movable part is no longer engaged under the lip of the container).

In other embodiments, particularly in closures for wide inlet containers, the inner and / or outer components may comprise bore features that protrude into the interior of the inlet through the inlet.

Preferably, the bore feature comprises a relatively rigid component, for example made of PET or metal, and can be integrally formed with or fixed to the external component. In a particularly advantageous arrangement, the external component can rotate about axis A with respect to the bore feature. The external component may cause it to rotate, for example, to clamp or loosen the closure while the bore feature moves axially within the bore without rotation therein.

In addition, the bore feature is provided with an O-ring seal that engages and seals with the interior of the container (or the top surface of the container lip). Bore features are commonly pending UK patent application no. Disclosed in GB1009429.0, the disclosure content of which is incorporated herein. It has the form of an elastomeric toroid located in a groove or gland on the outer surface of the bore feature. It also describes an O-ring that is part of an elastic member molded to fit under the bore feature. Thus, when the outer member shown in FIG. 2 protrudes into the bore of the container (rather than flat), and the elastic seal follows the lower side of this feature (also rather flat), the elastic component is O to provide a seal inside the container. It may be formed into a portion that mimics the function of the ring. It is to be understood that when the O-ring is a separate member it forms part of the part provided, while this comprises the third part of the closure.

In an embodiment employing an O-ring seal as described above, the seal provided by sandwiching the flexible portion of the inner part between the outer part and the top surface of the container lip may no longer be needed. In this case, the external component does not need to engage and / or compress the flexible sealing member with respect to the upper surface of the lip.

11 to 19 show a third embodiment of a closure according to the invention. It also includes an inner part 11 (see FIGS. 14-16) and an outer part (see FIGS. 17-19) for fitting to the neck (see FIGS. 11-13) of the container 12. The inner part 11 is similar to the inner part of the first and second embodiments, over a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially movable portions 13 upright from the ring 13B and over the lip portion 12A of the container. It has a seal extending from the collar (best shown in FIG. 13).

The seal includes a bore feature 17 that carries an O-ring seal 18 as mentioned in another embodiment described above. The bore feature 17 may be made of a relatively rigid material, for example a plastic material, such as PET, and is preferably formed integrally with the collar to move radially over the lip 12A of the container 12. Viewed down between the possible parts 3 are connected thereto by a plurality of connections 17A extending from the feature 17 to the ring 13B.

In this embodiment, the inner part 11 does not protrude past the skirt of the outer part 14, as long as it fits within the outer part 14, so that it is effectively covered by it (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). As designed).

In a preferred arrangement of this embodiment, and as shown, the radially movable portion 13 is molded so that, under no stress, it lies at a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the lip portion 12A of the container. The inner part 14 is snap-fitted against the lip portion 12A of the container; When axially fitted thereto, the radially movable portion 13 bends outward, causing the collar portion to fit over the lip portion 12A, and then snap back inward from under the lip portion 12A, so that the internal part 11 is retained (at least to some extent) on container 2 by engagement of radially movable portions 13 (or at least a portion thereof) below lip 12A. As in the previous embodiments, the first set of cam faces are external to interact with the radially moveable portion to press and / or hold them in a radially inward position when the closures are in a fixed position. Provided on the part.

As will be explained in more detail below, when the closure is to be removed from the container 12, this radially movable portion 13 is in a direction in which the outer component 14 is loosened relative to the inner component 11. As it is rotated, it is driven outwardly by engagement of the upright tam 13C with the second set of cam faces 15D on the outer component 14.

As shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A, the outer component 14 has a plurality of slots 14A around the upper periphery. In the arrangement shown, these are not functional features of the closure, but merely provided to facilitate the manufacture of other features of the external component 14. They provide access to the 'core through' used in the molding process to form features on the inner surface of the skirt of the outer part 4. If other methods of manufacturing the external component 14 are used, they can be omitted. However, in other arrangements, it is possible to provide at least part of the second set of cam faces described above and / or to provide a visual indication of the state of the closure, for example an anti-counterfeiting indication.

The cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B are taken through the connection 17A of the inner part 11, how they are seen by the ring 13B to be seen by the feature 17 and the bore feature 17. -Illustrates connection to ring seal 18. The cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D are taken through the radially movable portion 13 and illustrate how they engage under the lip 12A of the container.

These figures also show an O-ring seal 18 that engages with the inner surface of the container 12. In the arrangement shown, this surface lies just below the opening and has a parallel face.

The inner part 11 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11-16 (O-rings are omitted for clarity). The inner part 11 comprises a collar portion comprising a radially movable portion 13 upright with the ring 13B and a bore feature 12 (with an O-ring 18) and the It includes a seal that extends over lip 12A and is connected to ring 13B of collar by connection 17A. The radially movable arm 13 is spaced around the circumference of the collar and extends upwardly from the ring 13B. The outer surface of the radially movable portion 13 has a shape that interacts with the features on the inner surface of the outer component 11 as described below, and the tab 13C is formed of the outer component 14 as described above. It extends from the upper distal end of the radially movable portion 13 to engage two sets of cam faces.

As mentioned above, the radially movable portion 13 is biased to use a radially inwardly directed position to be snap fit under the lip portion 12A of the container. It may be designed to snugly join the outer surface of the container 12 or may be designed to be a slightly looser pit with the container 12 (and thus it may be pressurized with a tighter bond). However, some variation in their radial position is generally due to manufacturing tolerances and creep of the plastic material over time. Thus, in use, the radially movable portion is pressed and / or held in an internal position by interaction with the cam face of the first set of external components.

Preferably, as the lower end 13D of the ring 13B is provided together in the axial direction, the inner part 11 is inclined wider outward so that the inner part 11 becomes a snap fit with the outer part 14; The outer part 14 is provided with one or more inwardly directed projections 14B on the skirt that snap over the widened ring 13B as the parts are fitted together. This prevents the inner and outer parts 11, 14 from being disengaged from one another, but permits limited axial movement between them once assembled.

In the first and second embodiments, the snap fit between the inner and outer parts was provided by mutual coupling of features that also provide a threaded connection between the inner and outer parts. In this embodiment, the snaps in FIGS. 13B and 14B are separated from the threaded features (described below).

The connecting portion 17A is bent at its upper end, where they pass over the bend of the lip portion 12A of the vessel and by an annular ring 17B seated on the radially inner edge of the top surface of the vessel lip portion 12A. Connected, the bore feature extends downwardly from the annular ring 17B.

The outer surface of the bore feature 17 is shaped to provide a gland 17C for positioning the O-ring 18. In the illustrated configuration (suitable for use with a container to hold a beverage free of carbonic acid or carbonated), the gland 17C includes an upper surface 17D and a rear surface 17E, and an O-ring. It includes a small lower lip to help keep it in place. The spacing between the rear face 17E of the gland and the inner surface of the container 12 is zero when the inner part 11 is fitted to the container 12 and the bore features located therein (as shown in FIG. 13). The ring 18 is designed to be slightly compressed (or more precisely deformed).

Further details on sealing devices using O-rings are provided in the commonly pending applications PCT / GB2011 / 000846 and Dichtomatik North America and in the Dichtomatik O-Ring Handbook referred to therein.

In the above specification, the term 'O-ring' should be understood to include annular bodies of elastomeric material having a circular cross section (or other cross section) and other types of seals that mimic the function of the O-ring.

Preferably, the bore feature 7 has a convex shape (as seen from below) to reduce the 'head space' above the beverage held in the container 12. The convex shape also provides additional strength to resist upward forces due to elevated pressures within the vessel 12. Instead of generating bending of the bore features 17 (which can occur when having a flat shape), most of the upward force causes the arm 13 to be positioned more firmly under the container lip 12A, It can be transmitted to the collar portion via the connection portion 17A and the ring 13C. Thus, this arrangement is particularly beneficial for use with carbonated drinks.

7-19 provide a more detailed view of the external component 14. It takes the form of a cap having a substantially flat top 14C and a skirt portion 14D suspended around its periphery. As mentioned above, a plurality of slots 14A are provided around the periphery of the upper portion 14C so that the part of the mold has a top portion in the formation of a feature (for example a second set of cam faces) inside the part. Pass through 14C) to aid in the manufacture of parts.

The inner surface of the skirt portion 14D is provided with features around its perimeter. As described above, a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 14A are provided adjacent to the distal end of the skirt portion 14D so that the inner part 11 snaps to the outer part 14 when moved together in the axial direction. Can be. While a continuous circular protrusion is provided, a series of shorter protrusions 14A provide more flexibility to the skirt 14D, as necessary to snap fit against the widened ring 14A of the inner part 11. Can bend. It will be appreciated that various other features may be used to provide similar snap fit engagement between the inner and outer components 11, 14.

In addition, a number of features are provided on the inner surface of the skirt portion 14D for interaction with the radially movable portion 13 of the collar portion.

i) to receive each of the radially movable portions 13 when driven outwards to disconnect from the lip portion 12A of the vessel 12 and the internal parts removed from the vessel 12, Deep pocket 15A is provided.

ii) a first set of cam faces 15B so as to engage the outer surface of the radially movable portion 13 and press and / or hold it in the innermost position so that the lamp 15C is connected to each of the cam faces 15B. This is provided.

iii) the second, in combination with the tab 1C of the radially movable portion 13, so that the outer component 14 is driven radially outward as it is rotated in a loosening direction with respect to the inner component 11; The cam surface 15D of the set is provided.

iv) as long as the inner and outer parts 11, 14 are axially engaged, the downward movement of the radially movable part 13 is such that rotation in the clamping direction joins them together, for example by bayonet threads. Threaded features 15E are provided for interacting with face 13E (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Preferably, the one or more threads of the inner and / or outer parts 11, 14 cause the rotation of the outer part 14 relative to the inner part 11 in the tightening direction to further move it together in this axial direction so that the outer The part 14 is pulled down toward the lip 12A of the container and / or inclined such that the inner part 11 is pulled up below the lip 12A of the container.

The plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded features of the described type allow the rotation of the outer component 14 relative to the inner component 11 to approximately 45 degrees (if eight sets of features are provided around the circumference). It provides a multi start thread sufficient to move the closure from a fixed tightened position to vice versa (and vice versa). Different numbers of features and different arrangements can be used to achieve the same effect and preferably require a relative rotation of 180 degrees or less and preferably 90 degrees or less.

The aforementioned closure can be fitted to the container in various ways. A particularly advantageous way is to first fit the inner part 11 to the container before assembling the inner part and the outer part together. The inner part 11 becomes a snap fit over the lip portion 12A of the container at the bore feature 17 and the container with an O-ring 18 providing a seal between the inner part 11 and the container 12. Close the entrance of (12).

Thus, the inner part 11 can be fitted to the container 12 after the container 12 is filled and provides a temporary closure of the container 12. The outer surface of the inner part 11 and the container 12 are cleaned, for example, to remove residues of contents that may have spilled, overflowed or splashed when the container 12 is filled, and then over the inner part 11. It may be dried before fitting the outer part 14. This is desirable in an automatic filling line, for example when the container is filled with a beverage such as beer, it is desirable to ensure that the interaction between the features of the internal and external parts, such as threaded features, is not hindered by production residues. In this case, it is particularly beneficial.

The outer part 14 is fitted to the inner part 11 by moving them together in the axial direction, so that the widened ring 13D of the inner part 11 causes the protrusion 14B to rest on the skirt of the outer part 14. Snaps past. Preferably, the radially movable portion 13 is aligned with the deep pocket 15A of the outer component when engaged. The rotation of the outer component 14 relative to the inner component 11 then causes the first set of cam faces 15B to engage with the radially movable arms, forcing them down the container lip 12A and / or Or keep them in bond with them. Thus, the inner part is fixed to the container because the arm 13 cannot move radially outward so that the arm 13 remains engaged with the lower side of the lip and disengages therefrom.

In order to release the closure from the container, the outer part is rotated in the loosening direction so that the second set of cam faces 15D engages with the corresponding tab 13C and drives it outward. At the same time, the first set of cam faces emerge from their engagement with the radially movable arms, with the deep pockets aligned with them so that the arms can bend outward. Thus, the arm is disengaged from the lower side of the lip. The user can then pull the container upward in the axial direction to withdraw the bore component (and the O-ring) from the container. Thus, the inner and outer parts 11 and 14 are removed as one part, and the protrusion 14B of the outer part 14 is engaged with the lower side of the widened part 13D of the inner part and applied to the outer part. The upward force applied applies upward force to the internal parts.

The second set of cam faces are the upward faces of the features provided in the external component. As the external component is rotated in the loosening direction, the tab 13B of the radially movable arm 13 engages this feature and its cam surface 15D drives the arm 15 outwards, This is disengaged from the bottom of the container lip 12A. This provides for a secure and reliable disengagement of the arm 13 from the lip 12A as the closure is removed from the container and reduces any chance of any arm catching the lip.

If the container contains a carbonated beverage (or else the internal pressure of the container is elevated relative to the environment outside the container), the internal pressure helps to elevate the internal part 11 and thus the external part 14. It has been found that only a very small (if any) upward force needs to be applied to remove the container. Instead, it tends to open with a 'pop' sound when the O-ring is disengaged from the interior of the container. Thus, in such an environment, the closure may be designed to provide a substantial portion of the upward force necessary for the elevated internal pressure in the container to remove the closure. It will also be appreciated that the aeration of the vessel is obtained as the O-ring is disengaged from the vessel. For at least a wide inlet vessel, this provides an efficient way to vent the vessel as it is opened, so that no other venting mechanism is required.

In order to facilitate the operation, it is necessary to rotate the external component relative to the internal component. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by providing a container and an internal component having one or more interlockable stop features that limit the relative rotation therebetween. The stop feature on the container may include one or more protrusions, ribs, indents or grooves in or below the lip of the container, the stop feature of the inner part being one for engaging with the stop feature on the container. The radially reflective portions or features on the connections may be included.

20A and 20B illustrate one form of stop feature. It includes a semi-circular rib 19 protruding from the bottom of the container lip 12A. As shown in FIG. 20B, it protrudes into one of the spaces between one of the connections 17A and the radially movable arm 13 such that the rotation of the inner part 11 with respect to the container 12 results in a lip 19. ) And the side between the radially movable arm 13 or the side of the connecting portion 17A (depending on how the inner part 11 is rotated). Preferably, two ribs 19 are provided that are 180 degrees from each other.

Until the radially movable arm 13 is driven outwards far enough to disengage from the lower side of the lip 12A, the stop feature 19 of the internal part 11 with respect to the container 12 It is desirable to limit the rotation. Thus, the lip 19 is designed to protrude far enough from the lip 12A to obtain it.

21A-21D illustrate another form of stop feature on vessel 12. In this case, the stop feature includes one or more substantially vertical grooves 20 passing through the lip 12A. The cross sections shown in FIGS. 21B and 21D are taken through two such grooves positioned 180 degrees from each other. The inner part 11 is provided with one or more ribs (not shown) that engage with such grooves 20. Such a lip may be provided on the inside of one or more radially movable arms 13 or connections 17A. In the latter case, it will be appreciated that this lip needs to be aligned with the groove 20 when the inner part 11 is fitted onto the container 12.

Many other types of stop features can be used, including female and / or male features on the vessel and internal parts. Preferably, the stop feature on the container is provided in or on the container lip. Preferably, it is provided in or on the outside of the lip (as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21), but may also be provided on top or inside of the lip 12A. In some cases, the stop feature may also be provided on the wall of the container at a short distance below the lip 12A. Preferably, the stop feature is a portion of the vessel formed by injection molding, ie a portion of the vessel wall or lip portion 12A that is a short distance below the lip portion 12A as its shape can be accurately determined. (As opposed to being provided as part of the container 12 formed by blow molding, which tends to be less precise). The blow molded portion of the container can then be made into any shape as it is not involved in securing the closure to the container.

By this means, the required rotation of the external part relative to the internal part can be obtained by applying a rotational force between the external part and the container. This is clearly particularly important when the internal parts are recessed in the external parts so that they are not easily accessed by the user.

In other arrangements, if it is desirable to avoid any such feature on the lip of the container, as described above in connection with other embodiments, i.e. by providing the internal part and / or a high friction surface on the container, the internal part and the container High friction bonds may be provided between.

In other circumstances, the inner and outer parts can be preassembled by snap fitting the inner parts into the outer parts prior to the container. This assembly can then be fitted to the inlet of the container by pressing the closure axially onto the container such that the collar of the inner part is fitted against the lip (and preferably snaps in engagement with the underside of the lip) ), The bore feature (and the O-ring seal carried by it) is pressed into the interior of the container. The outer component is then rotated in the tightening direction to engage the first set of cam features with the radially movable arm as described above.

When the inner and outer parts are rotated relative to each other, they preferably move between three positions: a closed position in which the first set of cams is engaged with the radially movable arms and holds them in the inner position. In an open position in which the second set of cams pushes the radially movable arms outwards, and in a position in which the radially movable arms radially inwards or neither press nor radially into the radial position; Do not neutral position between open position and closed position. When the inner and outer parts are initially assembled with one another, they are preferably in a neutral position (although they can be assembled in any relative rotational position relative to one another). In addition, the internal and external components are preferably kept releasable in the open position. This can be achieved by providing one or more small protrusions (not shown) on the inner surface of the external component that one or more tabs 13C must bump in order to engage the second set of cam faces 15D with the tabs 13C. This protrusion then provides resistance to the tab 13C which slides back to the neutral position once driven outwardly by the second cam surface 15D, but is easy to manually rotate the external component towards the neutral position. Can be overcome.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 all have internal parts including seals and collars. As mentioned above, the seal relates to providing a seal against the container. In some cases, the seal is formed of a relatively flexible material that is sandwiched between the outer component and the container to provide a sealing function in use (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1-10). In other cases, the seal is formed of a relatively rigid material, for example a plastic material similar to the material of the collar, and carries an O-ring that provides a seal to the flexible seal, eg a container (eg, FIG. As shown in 11 to 19). Also, in both cases, the seal can extend over the opening, thereby closing the inlet of the container (as shown in the figure). However, in other embodiments, the seal extends over the lip of the container but does not extend over the inlet of the container. In this case, the outer part takes the form of a cap extending over the inlet of the container to close the container.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer part has the form of a cap extending over the inlet of the container to close the container (whether closed by the seal of the inner part). The cap may simply have a flat top and / or include bore features extending into the container (and closing the container). However, in other embodiments, it may have an annular shape (and a skirt portion suspended from it) with an upper portion overlying the lip of the container, but does not extend over the inlet of the container to close the container. Clearly, in this case, it is necessary for the seal of the internal part to extend over and close the inlet of the container.

Various modifications of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 19 are possible. In some arrangements, particularly for containers containing carbonated beverages or for containers having relatively narrow openings (e.g., diameters of 28 mm or less), relative to the upper surface of the container lip or that The seal can be arranged to seal against the edge of the encountering lip. In this arrangement, the bore feature may be omitted, for example replaced by a substantially flat portion extending over and closing the inlet or opening of the container (in this case, reference numeral 17 in FIGS. 15A and 15B is given). The portion may be a flat portion or an aperture). The seal may be an O-ring or other type of compressed seal.

In all the embodiments shown in the figures, the radially movable portion or arm of the collar portion of the inner part extends upwards. That is, it is coupled at the lower end (by a ring or other structure that extends around the circumference of the collar and serves to hold the arm in a position spaced in its circumferential direction), the upper end of which is coupled below the lip of the container. . This arrangement is movable in a radial direction where the closure or part of the closure extends downwards and for example extends over the inlet of the container and / or is connected at its upper end by the top of the part which closes the inlet of the container. It has particular advantages over known arrangements with parts or arms.

Another important feature of the arrangement shown in the figures is the provision of a seal extending from the collar over the lip of the container. Two specific arrangements are disclosed for obtaining this with a collar having an arm extending upwards. First, the flexible seal extends from the collar over the lip of the container (and may in some cases extend over the inlet of the container and / or close the inlet of the container). In a second arrangement, a rigid (and generally integrally formed) connection equal or similar to the collar portion extends from the ring of the collar portion and over the lip of the container. These connections are generally connected together by an annular ring at their upper end, and the bore features can extend therefrom into the interior of the container. Preferably, this kind of seal carries a flexible sealing member such as an O-ring or a compression seal for engaging the top or inner surface of the container.

If the inner part does not have a bore feature, for example if it has an outwardly projecting or outwardly protruding shoulder or lip, then by engaging the seal with the top of the lip and / or the lower end of the collar Sliding down the container (if not retained by external components) is prevented by engaging with the outside.

For the avoidance of doubt, the verb "comprise" as used herein has the usual dictionary meaning, indicating non-exclusive inclusion. Thus, the use of the word "include" (and any derivative thereof) does not exclude the possibility of additional features to be included.

All features disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings) may be combined in any combination (at least some of the features are not mutually exclusive combinations).

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings) may be replaced by other features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one series of generic examples of equivalent or similar features only.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the embodiments disclosed herein or the specific combination of features of the described embodiments. In particular, the present invention includes the arrangement described in the claims having any one or more features described or claimed herein, including exemplary generalizations of such feature (s).

Claims (31)

A closure for a container having a circular opening defining an axis and a lip around the opening,
An inner part having a collar portion disposed below the lip portion of the vessel around the outside of the vessel and a seal extending from the collar portion over the top surface of the lip portion in use; And
An external component that is fitted with respect to the internal component and that interacts to releasably secure the collar portion below the lip portion
/ RTI >
The outer part comprises a skirt portion positioned around a collar of the inner part,
The collar portion includes a plurality of radially movable portions spaced about the circumference of the collar portion, which can be pivotally coupled at its lower end by a structure extending around the entire circumference of the collar portion,
Obturator.
The method of claim 2,
The collar portion is relatively rigid, the seal portion is relatively flexible,
Obturator.
The method of claim 1,
The seal is relatively rigid and carries a relatively flexible sealing member such that when the closure is fitted to the container, the sealing member is positioned in contact with the lip or interior of the container,
Obturator.
The method according to claim 2 or 3,
The collar portion and the sealing portion are formed integrally with each other,
Obturator.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The outer part interacts with the radius in the axial direction and / or the rotation direction when the skirt portion of the outer part is fitted with respect to the collar portion of the inner part and is moved in the axial direction and / or relative thereto. Having at least one cam feature to press and / or hold a directionally movable feature below the lip to engage the exterior of the container,
Obturator.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The outer component is releasably fixed to the inner component by rotation about the axis by 180 degrees or less, preferably 90 degrees or less,
Obturator.
8. The method according to claim 6 or 7,
The outer component includes a plurality of first upward facing surfaces about an inner circumference of the skirt portion engaged with substantially downward facing second surfaces of the radially movable portion, thereby clamping against the inner component. Rotation of the external component of less than 180 in a direction and a resultant engagement of the first and second surfaces releasably secures the internal component and the external component together in an axial direction,
Obturator.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the first and / or second surfaces are shaped or inclined such that a relative rotation between the first and second components causes axial movement therebetween,
Obturator.
10. The method of claim 9,
The outer part has an upper portion overlying the upper surface of the container lip, and the axial movement moves the upper portion to engage with the upper surface directly or through the seal;
Obturator.
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The seal extends over the top surface of the container lip to close the opening,
Obturator.
11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Having an O-ring providing a seal between the closure and the top or inner surface of the container,
Obturator.
The method of claim 12,
The o-ring seal comprises a toroid of an elastomeric material carried by or part of the seal;
Obturator.
The method according to claim 12 or 13,
The O-ring is provided on a bore feature projecting through the opening into the interior of the container when in use,
The bore feature is part of the inner and / or outer component,
Obturator.
11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The seal does not extend over the inlet of the container and does not close the container opening,
Obturator.
16. The method of claim 15,
The outer part includes a bore feature that, when in use, protrudes therein through the inlet of the container.
Obturator.
17. The method of claim 16,
The bore feature includes a relatively rigid component and an O-ring carried by it,
Obturator.
18. The method according to claim 16 or 17,
The skirt portion of the outer component is rotatable relative to the bore feature,
Obturator.
The method of claim 5,
The at least one cam feature is arranged to press the radially movable feature to tightly frictionally engage the exterior of the container below the lip;
Obturator.
19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
The frictional engagement between the inner part and the outside of the container may be such that the relative rotation is effected by the rotational force applied between the outer part and the container.
Obturator.
21. The method of claim 20,
The inner surface of the radially movable portion provides high frictional engagement with the outside of the container,
Obturator.
The method of claim 21,
The radially movable portion is formed of a relatively rigid material and the high friction bond is provided by a relatively flexible material layer forming the inner surface,
Obturator.
The method of claim 22,
Wherein said relatively flexible layer of material is part of said seal that extends over the top surface of said container lip in use,
Obturator.
The method of claim 5,
A second set of cams configured to interact with the radially movable portion to drive the radially movable portion radially outward as the external component is rotated in a loosening direction Having wealth,
Obturator.
The method according to claim 3, 11, 12 and 13,
The inner part comprises a bore feature projecting through the opening towards the interior of the container when in use,
The bore feature carries an O-ring seal disposed to seal with an inner surface of the container,
Obturator.
According to claim 3 and 11,
Wherein said radially movable feature is biased toward a radially inwardly directed position such that said internal component snaps into said container as it fits against a lip of said container,
Obturator.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25,
The inner part is snap-fit in the outer part when assembled axially,
Obturator.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26,
The inner part has a stop feature that engages a feature of the container to prevent or limit rotation of the inner part relative to the container when the outer part is rotated,
Obturator.
A closure for a container having an opening defining an axis and a lip projecting outwardly around the opening,
An inner member having an expandable / shrinkable portion engaged with an outer surface of the lip portion; And
Mounted above the inner member such that the axial and / or rotational movement of the outer member relative to the inner member secures the expandable / contractable portion below the lip when the inner member is fitted relative to the lip. Outer member disposed to hold and / or pressurize to be engaged
Including,
The inner surface of the inner member in contact with the container and / or the outer surface of the container has the property of providing a high friction bond between the inner member and the container such that the relative rotation of the inner and outer members causes the outer member and the Which can be provided by the rotational force applied between the containers,
Obturator.
29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28,
Closing the vessel opening when fitted to the vessel,
Obturator.
A container adapted to receive the closure as claimed in claim 1.
31. The method of claim 30,
Having a stop feature interacting with a stop feature of the closure of claim 27 in or on the lip of the container,
Vessel.

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