KR20170038022A - Container and closure and manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

For example, containers and closures for containing carbonated beverages are described, along with methods of making containers and closures.
The closure is secured to the container by the means of protrusions extending about the circumference of each part, the protrusions being such that the elements on the closure can pass through the space between the elements on the container and underneath them to secure the closure to the container The protrusions comprise a series of circumferentially spaced apart elements. The elements of the protrusions on the container are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction and the elements of the protrusions on the closure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap each other in the vertical direction. The first portion has an end inclined upwardly at one end and / or an end inclined downward at the other end. In the rotation of the closure in one direction, the downwardly inclined ends act to drive the second portions (and therefore the closure) downward, and in the rotation in the other direction, the upwardly inclined ends, In the upward direction.
The closure extends into the container and has a bore component that carries a sealing member such as, for example, an O-ring, to provide a seal with the inner sealing surface on the container. The O-ring is driven down from the inlet surface and engages the sealing surface while the closure is rotating.

Description

CONTAINER AND CLOSURE AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF < RTI ID = 0.0 >

The present invention relates to a container and a closure, in particular a container for storing drinking water. The container can be of various sizes and can be, for example, a wide-mouth container or bottle. In some cases, it can be designed to include carbonated beverages. The present invention also relates to the use of containers and closures separately, to the use of containers and closures, and to a method of making containers and closures.

Containers and closures for wide mouse containers and bottles are known from the applicant's prior art, for example, as described in WO2006 / 000774 and WO2011 / 151630. Further development is disclosed in WO2014 / 006418. They provide closures that, when exposed to high temperatures during transport and / or at high temperatures, can safely close containers of contents that may be in a high pressure state, which is relatively easy for the consumer to remove.

The wide mouse container can be used to store drinks (or other contents) and can be used as a drinking vessel when the closure is removed. In some cases, the closure may be designed to be used to re-close and / or re-seal the container. Typical wide mouse containers also apply to containers with mouths having a diameter in the range of 45 to 80 mm, but have mouths with a diameter in the range of 55 to 65 mm.

The bottle is generally used to store beverages (or other contents) prior to pouring the beverage into the beverage container. Bottles generally used, such as those used to store beer and other beverages, typically have a mouth with a diameter of about 28 mm.

Closures described in this document are satisfactory in many cases, but the present invention can further simplify the container and the closure, and further improve the cost of materials and / or the performance of the closure, in particular reliability of opening and closing, re- venting, and carbonated beverage), while reducing manufacturing costs. The pending GB1407157.5 provides in particular the details of the sealing material and the preferred material used for the closure.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container and a closure for the container. The container having a first member projecting outwardly about an outer surface of the container and an opening defining an axis, the first member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions wherein the first portion comprises an element having long upper and lower surfaces, the upper and lower surfaces of the first portion being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, A skirt part having a top part and a skirt part, said skirt part including a second member projecting inward about an inner surface of said skirt part, said second member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced Each second portion having an element having long upper and lower surfaces, the upper and lower surfaces of the second portion being substantially < RTI ID = 0.0 > Wherein the elements of the second portions are formed in a length such that the elements can pass through the spaces between the first portions, Lt; / RTI >

The means for securing the closure to the container may thus include a series of substantially horizontally arranged arrangements such that the elements on the closure can pass through the space between the elements on the container and are positioned below to lock the closure against the container And includes protrusions extending around the circumference of each portion including circumferentially spaced apart elements. The elements of the protrusions on the container are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap each other in the vertical direction. Similarly, the elements of the protrusions on the closure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap each other in the vertical direction.

Preferably each of the first portions or each of the second portions comprises an upwardly inclined end and / or an end portion of each of the first portions, Wherein the upwardly inclined end portions and / or the downwardly inclined end portions of the second portions each extend beyond the long upper and lower surfaces of the second portions, do.

Preferably, when the closure rotates in the first direction relative to the axis A, the downwardly inclined end portions operate to drive the second portions downwardly relative to the first portions, and the upwardly inclined end portions act to move the second Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > portions < / RTI >

Preferably, the top part of the closure has a bore component for extending to the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with the inner sealing surface of the container.

Preferably, the downwardly inclined end portions are located at a position where the sealing member is sealingly engaged with the inner sealing surface of the container from the position at which the sealing member contacts the container at the non-sealing position, In a downward direction.

The sealing member includes an O-ring mounted on a gland.

Preferably, the closure is movable between a second stationary venting position and a first stationary sealing position capable of venting the container.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure for a container and a container, the container having a first member protruding outwardly about an outer surface of the container and an opening defining an axis, Wherein each first portion comprises an element having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, and the lower surface being substantially The closure having a top part and a skirt part, the top part having a bore component for extending to the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with the inner sealing surface of the container, And a second member protruding inwardly around the inner surface of the skirt part, The closure being rotatable in a first direction and a downwardly directed movement of the closure relative to the container, wherein the closure comprises a first portion and a second portion, Wherein at least a portion of the second portions engages the upper surfaces of the first portions and in the second position the seal member is movable between a first position and a second position, Wherein the second portion of the container is in contact with the container in the non-sealing position and the elements of the second portions are aligned with spaces between the first portions and the third position, the closure being configured to further rotate the closure in a first direction relative to the container, Following the further downward movement of the closure, in the third position, the sealing member is moved downwardly to engage sealingly with the sealing surface, Contact with the lower surface of and is located below the first portion.

Such closure and container may be arranged such that, when the closure is initially placed on the container, the closure with the second member resting on the first member lies horizontally on the container. After the horizontal rotation of the closure, the closure moves to a position where the sealing member rests on the inlet of the container. An additional horizontal rotation causes the closure to be driven downward so that the sealing member is moved downward to the sealing position and the second member is positioned below the first member to fix the closure to the container. Other preferred features are described below.

As above, the first portions of the first member on the closure 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 each other in the vertical direction.

Preferably, the sealing surface is substantially parallel to the axis, and the container has a lead-in surface that is sloped at the top of the container leading to the sealing surface.

Preferably, in the second position, the sealing member contacts the introduction surface. In the case of a container for containing carbonated beverages, this is the venting position.

Preferably, the sealing member is compressed between the container and the bore component when the closure is moved downward from the second position to the third position to sealingly engage the sealing surface and move the sealing member to the sealing surface.

The closure may be arranged to be removed from the container by rotating relative to the axis in the second direction so as to move the closure from the third position to the second position and then to the first position, Lt; / RTI >

In a preferred configuration, particularly for use to accommodate carbonated beverages, the skirt portion of the closure includes an additional inwardly projecting member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced third portions, each of the third portions Has a top surface at a lower elevation than the top surfaces of the second portions and the third portions are arranged to engage the bottom surfaces of the first portions when the closure is in the venting position. That is, the third portions are arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions when the closure is in the second position.

In a preferred configuration, each second portion has a downwardly inclined end arranged to engage a first end face of the first portions, or vice versa, and interacts with them So that the closure is driven downward when the closure is rotated in the first direction from the second position. Thus, a simple rotation of the closure causes the closure to be driven downwardly into the container so that the sealing member moves from the venting position to the sealing position.

Similarly, each of the second portions is also capable of upwardly angled ends arranged to engage with the second end surface of the first portions, or vice versa, and interacts therewith, such that the closure is moved from the second position (As opposed to the second direction). Thus, the sealing member moves from the sealing position to the venting position.

The elements of the second portions are arranged to pass angularly through the spaces between the first portions.

The circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is at least 50%, preferably 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 receiving carbonated beverages, the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is less than the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions Substantially the same.

Preferably, each of the first portions has a circumferential length that is substantially similar to the circumferential length of the elements of the second portions, and preferably when the closure is secured to the container, Of the lower surfaces of the first,

In a wide mouth container for containing carbonated beverages, the combined circumferential lengths of the first portions are preferably substantially half of the circumference of the outside of the container at the location where the first portions are provided over the container.

The first member is spaced from the top of the container by a distance of, for example, 6 mm to 15 mm, most preferably 9 mm to 12 mm.

The containers and closures described herein are particularly suitable for wide mouse containers as defined herein, but may also be used in containers of other sizes, for example, bottles having relatively narrow openings.

The container is preferably formed by an injection molding process followed by a blow molding process of the parts under the first member.

The preferred form of the container has a groove in the outer surface of the container below the first member and the first member and / or the groove is formed in the container when the container is transported from the injection molding apparatus to the suction molding apparatus and / Which can be held. Thus, the first member has two functions: it serves as means for securing the closure to the container and as part of the holding means.

Preferably, the closure or at least a part thereof is formed of a plastic material having a tensile modulus (Young's modulus) of greater than 3000 MPa, a flexural modulus of greater than 3000 MPa, and a yield stress of greater than 70 MPa. A preferred material for such closure is polyoxymethylene (POM). The container is preferably formed of a plastic material comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

In some applications, the container and / or the closure may be formed of a metal, which enables the wall thickness, and therefore the amount of ash used to form the closure and / or container is reduced, Or reduce costs. The metal closure may be formed and shaped by at least one or more pressing operations.

As described above, the inner surface of the container preferably includes a frusto-conical introducing surface adjacent the mouth of the container, the surface of which may be, for example, between 10 and 30 Is also inclined and has a vertical dimension of about 2 mm. The introduction surface preferably leads to a substantially parallel surface cylindrical surface whose surface lies substantially parallel to the axis. The diameter of the cylindrical surface is substantially the same as the small (lowermost) end of the frusto-conical surface. For closures used with carbonated beverages, the sealing member is arranged to be engaged and to provide a liquid and air-tight seal between the closure and the substantially cylindrical surface.

In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a plurality of spaced venting grooves in the inlet surface to assist in venting of the container. The grooves project from the inside of the container toward the mouth of the container.

As described above, in applications of carbonic acid, the closure is preferably movable between a first fixed position and a second fixed position raised relative to the first position where the container is bendable.

The sealing member is preferably an O-ring. The term "O-ring" as used herein should be understood to include toroids of an elatomeric material having a circular cross-section (or other cross-sections). Such an O-ring can generally be placed on a gland, which may be defined as a recess, typically a groove or two or more faces. The O-ring can be moved or deformed within the gland so that it can be sealed more tightly with the sealing surface, preferably in response to a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the container. (As described in WO 2011/151630, supra, above). Although this type of O-ring is preferred, the term refers to two relatively rigid components (formed by overmoulding of another material, for example, an elastomeric material for sealing, (Which may provide a hermetic seal between these components), as well as other forms of sealing that simulate O-rings. The material may provide a hermetic seal between these components. The O-ring is preferably formed of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). More details can be found in GB1407157.5 above.

As used herein, it should be understood that the directional terms such as shrinkage, downward, top, and bottom refer to the direction of the container passing through the opening and lying on a substantially vertical axis A and a horizontal surface Unless otherwise stated).

The invention also relates to a container for use with a closure for providing a container and closure, and a closure for providing the container and closure as described above, as described above.

The invention also relates to the use of containers and closures as described above for receiving carbonated beverages.

According to another aspect of the present 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 molding process followed by a suction molding process.

Preferably, the container has a groove in the outer surface of the container below the first member, and the first member and / or the groove may be positioned such that when the container is transferred from the injection molding apparatus to the suction molding apparatus and / And is used as a holding means which can be held.

Preferably, the closure is formed by an injection molding process. The closure may be formed from a variety of plastic materials, but is preferably formed from polyoxymethylene (POM).

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a closure for a container having an opening defining an axis, the closure having a top part and a skirt part, the top part having a bore component for extending to the container opening, With a recess in a radially outwardly facing surface of the bore component for receiving the skirt part, the skirt part having a recessed surface projecting inwardly about the inner surface of the skirt part including a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions Having a retaining member, formed by an injection molding process comprising steps.

The closure includes an injection molding tool having a mold cavity for forming features facing the skirt part of the closure and the exterior of the top part, and an injection molding tool having internal components for forming at least a recess of the bore component, Providing a tool punch core comprising external components for forming at least retaining members,

Once the closure is formed, the inner component is arranged such that the inner component can be withdrawn from the closure substantially axially,

Once the internal component is withdrawn, the parts of the external component may be moved into the previously occupied space by the internal component, at least partially, to separate the external component from the retaining portions, such that the external component may be withdrawn substantially axially from the closure. , And the external component includes a collapsing core so that it can move radially inward.

Preferably, the recess defines a gland for receiving the O-ring sealing member.

In a preferred method, a plurality of radially outwardly resilient fingers are formed adjacent the recess to axially hold the sealing member in the recess, and when the inner component is withdrawn axially, The fingers are bent radially inwardly to allow the inner component to separate from the fingers.

Preferably, the radial distance between the radially outermost part of the bore component and the radially innermost part of the retaining member of the skirt part is 4.0 mm or less, preferably 3.9 mm or less.

Preferably, the retaining portions protrude at least R mm from the inner wall of the skirt part, where R is at least 1.0 mm, preferably 1.3 mm.

In a preferred method, the withdrawal of the internal component permits the parts of the external component to move radially inwards by at least 0.5 mm plus at least R mm and preferably R mm, to allow contraction of the closure once formed Provide space.

In a preferred method, the closure is formed of a plastic material,

 The stiffness of the plastic material is like that which requires the use of a collapsing core to separate the core from the retaining portions. The plastic material may comprise polyoxymethylene.

According to another aspect of the invention, the closure has a top part and a skirt part, wherein the top part comprises a bore component for extending into the container opening and a radially outwardly facing surface of the bore component for receiving the sealing member The skirt part having a retaining member projecting inwardly about an inner surface of the skirt part including a plurality of circumferentially spaced parts, the closure being manufactured by a method according to the method described above.

Preferably, the recess defines a gland for receiving the O-ring sealing member.

A plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers are provided adjacent the recess to axially retain the sealing member in the recess.

The radial distance between the radially outermost part of the bore component and the radially innermost part of the retaining member of the skirt part is 4.0 mm or less, preferably 3.9 mm or less.

The retaining portions project at least R mm from the inner wall of the skirt part, where R is at least 1.0 mm, preferably 1.3 mm.

The top part and the skirt part are integrally formed of a plastic material containing polyoxymethylene.

Preferred and optional features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1A and 1B are perspective views from the top and side of the container used in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views from the top and bottom of the closure used in the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a shows the closure of Figure 1 when the closure of Figure 1 is moved to engage the container of Figure 1 and Figure 3b shows the closure when it is secured to the container.
Figures 4-6 show cross-sectional and schematic views of a simplified version of the container and closure shown in Figures 1 and 2 to illustrate key steps of the process of securing the closure to the container.
Figures 4a and 4b relate to the pre-loading phase, Figures 5a and 5b relate to the loading (or venting) position, and Figures 6a and 6b relate to the sealing position.
Figs. 7-12 illustrate a more detailed sequence of steps in which the closure of Fig. 2 is secured to the container of Fig. 1 and show cross-sectional views illustrating the relative positions of the container and closure in each step.
Figures 7a and 7b relate to a first pre-load step.
8A and 8B relate to a second pre-load step.
Figure 9 relates to an initial load step.
10A and 10B relate to an initial drive down stage.
11 relates to the sealing position.
12A and 12B relate to a locked position.
Figs. 13-15 illustrate a sequence of steps in which the closure is removed from the container and a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of the container and the closure in the venting step. Fig.
Figure 13 relates to an initial removal step.
14 relates to a driving-off step.
15A and 15B relate to the venting step.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 relate to additional drive-out steps.
Figures 19 to 21 illustrate cross-sectional and schematic views of a more simplified version of the closure and container similar to Figures 4 to 6 with respect to containers for beverages that are not carbonated beverages: Figures 19a and 19b illustrate cross- Figs. 20A and 20B relate to the loading position, Figs. 21A and 21B relate to the sealing position; Fig.
22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
23 is an enlarged view of a closure showing a method of manufacturing a closure according to another aspect of the present invention.
24A and 24B are side views of a portion of a container showing alternative details of the container compared to that shown in FIG. 1B.
25A and 25B show cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 22 of two further embodiments of the closure according to the invention.
Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a container for use with the closure of Figure 25;

1A and 1B show a wide mouse container 10 used in a first embodiment of the present invention. The container has an opening 10a defining an axis A and has a first member 11 protruding outwardly around the outer surface of the container 10 and the first member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart members 1 portions 11a (four in the illustrated example), each of the first portions 11a having a top surface 11b and a bottom surface 11c, a first end surface 11d and a second end 11b, And has a surface 11e. The upper surface 11b is substantially circumferentially horizontal but may be curved or tilted in a radial direction. The lower surface 11c is also substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the illustrated embodiment, substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular in the radial direction. The function and shape of the end surfaces will be further described below with reference to Figs.

The spaced apart portions of the first member 11 form an intermittently outwardly projecting lip that can be positioned near the top of the container 10 and allow the container 10 For example, in the range of 9-12 mm. The first portions 11a are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap each other in the vertical direction.

The upper end of the container 10 is inclined with respect to the axis A and has an introduction surface 12 (see FIG. 4, 5 and 6) leading to the cylindrical portion 13 on substantially parallel sides of the inner surface of the container 10 ). The introduction surface preferably has a substantially frusto-conical shape and lies at an angle in the range of 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the axis A. A plurality of venting grooves 14 or passages are preferably provided at spaced locations around the circumference of the inlet surface to facilitate venting of the container. (Described further below)

The container shown in Fig. 1 may also be provided on its outer surface to facilitate handling of the closure, for example, during manufacturing and subsequent processes such as cleaning, filling, closing, etc., And a handling groove 15. In another embodiment (not shown), a handling groove may not be necessary.

The container is typically formed of a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and is typically formed by a two-step molding process: after forming a preform in a first injection molding stage that forms a feature on the groove 15, The preform is blown, leading to a second blow molding stage which forms a container shape below the groove 15. Intermittent ribs 11 and / or grooves may be used to hold the preforms during the blow molding stage. The PET container is typically made of a barrier material in the form of a thin coating of silica or carbon or a laminated structure to improve the resistance to gas permeability (in particular, the inflow of oxygen or the release of carbon dioxide) barrier material.

The container may also be formed of other materials such as glass, metal or a combination of materials.

Figures 2a and 2b show the closure used in the first embodiment of the present invention. The closure includes a top part 20 and a skirt part 21 from it. The top part 20 extends from the underside thereof and has a bore component 22 that, in use, extends into the container 10. The bore component 22 is configured to allow the sealing member 23 to seal between the bore component 22 and the inner sealing surface 13 of the container 10 when the closure is mounted to the container 10 A sealing member 23, for example an O-ring (see FIG. 4B), is provided. The O-ring is positioned in the gland 23b or groove provided on the outer surface of the bore component 22. Additional details of suitable forms of O-rings and glands are provided in WO2011 / 151630 mentioned above. It should be noted that the walls of the gland should be smooth to ensure satisfactory sealing, and in particular should not include a mold shut line (which is difficult to provide a smooth surface). O-rings used with a wide mouth container typically have a cross-sectional diameter of 2 to 3 mm. The sealing surface 13 has an axial length sufficient to accommodate some vertical movement of the O-ring relative to the container (e.g., due to pressure changes in the container), and typically has an axial length of at least 8 mm In some cases up to 13 mm.

The skirt portion 21 of the closure is provided with a second member 24 projecting inwardly about its inner surface, and the second member is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced second portions 24a 4 in the example). Each second portion has an upwardly angled end with a top surface 24b, a bottom surface 24c, a downwardly angled end with a first end surface 24d and a second end surface 24e. The upper surface 24b is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, substantially horizontal in the radial direction and substantially flat in the illustrated embodiment. Further, the lower surface 11c is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, but may be curved or tapered in the radial direction, as shown in Figs. 7B and 12B. The end surfaces 24d and 24e are angled circumferentially, downwardly and upwardly, respectively, and in the illustrated embodiment, these surfaces extend beyond each of the lower and upper surfaces 24c and 24b of the second portion 24a Extend. The function of the angled ends and end surfaces 24e, 24d will be further described below with reference to Figures 7-18. In one embodiment, a further inwardly protruding member is provided on the skirt portion comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced third portions 25a. Each of the third portions is also substantially circumferential in the circumferential direction and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a substantially horizontal, substantially flat upper surface 25b in the radial direction. The top surfaces 25b are at a lower elevation than the top surface 24b (seen when the top part 20 of the closure is at the top side) and the vertical spacing between the top surfaces 24b and 25b is typically about < 2.5 - 4.0 mm. The third portions 25a also have angled side faces 25c and 25d.

The second portions 24a are circumferentially separated from each other and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.

The third portions 25a can be overlapped with at least some portions in the vertical direction together with the second portions 24A, but they are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap each other in the vertical direction.

2B also shows small ribs 26 that help to prevent tilting of the closure to help maintain the closure horizontally when placed on the container.

The closure may be secured to the container 10 by interaction between the first portions 11a and the second portions 24a. Figures 4 to 6 schematically illustrate the interaction between the first and second parts and the position of the O-ring seal when the closure is secured to the container (described further below).

The closure follows the rotation in the first direction and the downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10 and is movable between a first position (Fig. 4) and a second position (Fig. 5) At least a portion of the second portions 24A engage with the upper surfaces 11B of the first portions 11A and in the second position the sealing member 23 is in a non- 10 and the second portions 24A are aligned with the spaces between the first portions 11A and the third position (Fig. 6), and the closure is in contact with the container 10 in the first direction The sealing member 23 is moved downwardly to engage sealingly with the sealing surface 13, and in the third position, the sealing member 23 is moved downwardly to engage sealingly with the sealing surface 13, The second portions 24A are in contact with the lower surfaces 11C of the first portions 11A and are located below the first portions 11A. The.

It is important to maximize the contact between the upper surfaces 24b of the second portions and the lower surfaces 11c of the first portions on the third portion. First, it may be desirable to minimize the length of the first portions 11b so as to minimize contact with the lips of the drinking user from the container and to minimize the surgical impact of the container. Second, 24a so as to fix the closure to the container, and in particular to resist the upward pressure on the closure by the elevated pressure inside the container (for example, Beverage and / or high pressure).

The embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is designed for use with carbonated drinks. The minimum area of the desired contact between the upper surfaces 24b of the second portions and the lower surfaces 11c of the first portions is determined for the container of the given diameter (and thus the area of the closure exposed to the internal pressure) . For example, in the case of a wide mouse container having an inner diameter of about 62 mm (and an outer diameter of about 64 mm) that is capable of receiving carbonated beverages and is exposed to temperatures of up to 40 degrees C, this overlapping region is at least about 100 mm < . In an embodiment having four first portions (and four second portions), this means, for example, that they have a length of 25 mm each and that the combined circumferential length of the first portions 11b is about < 100 mm (representing about 50% of the outer circumference of the container at this point) and its radial projectioin is about 1.0 mm. The greater radial projection of the first portions 11b is preferably avoided in order to minimize their contact and thus impact on the wearer's lips from the container. The impact of the first portions on the wearer's lips can also be achieved by positioning the first portions 11b at a location spaced from the top of the container, e.g., 10 mm below the top of the container in the described embodiment, Can be reduced.

In an embodiment with a small inner diameter (about 50 mm), the upward pressure on the closure is reduced, so that the combined circumferential length of the first portions 11b is reduced (e.g., Or reducing the number of first parts to, for example, three).

The required combined circumferential length of the first portions is approximately proportional to the area of the closure (e.g., 1 mm if the radial protrusions remain the same). For a 35% reduction of the area of the closure, the combined circumferential length of the first parts can be reduced to an overlap area of about 35%, i.e. about 65 mm < 2 >. In the given example, this may be provided by four first portions having a length of about 16 mm or by three first portions having a length of about 22 mm.

Figure 3a shows the movement of the closure towards the container. First, the closure moves axially toward the container, but rotates about the container (centered on axis A) to secure it to it, as will be described further below. Figure 3B shows a closure secured to and mounted on a container.

As mentioned above, Figs. 4-6 illustrate schematic and cross-sectional views of simplified versions of the closure and container shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to illustrate the main steps of movement associated with locking the closure to the container (For holding carbonated or non-carbonated drinks). It should be noted that, although the same reference numerals are used, some of the figures are shown in a very schematic form in the figures in comparison with the features shown in the embodiments shown in the subsequent figures.

Figures 4a and 4b relate to a pre-loading stage in which the second portions 24a of the closure (at least a portion of the second portions) lie on the upper surfaces 11b of the first portions 11a of the container . Figure 4b shows a cross section taken along the line B-B in Figure 4a. In this position, the o-ring seal (23) of the closure is spaced from the container.

The closure is then rotated from the position shown in Fig. 4 until the second portions 24a of the closure are aligned with the space between the first portions 11a of the container, as shown in Fig. 5 Lt; / RTI > This schematic diagram shows the second portions 24a as they pass through the space between the first portions 11a. As further described below in conjunction with FIG. 10A, the vertical relationship between the first and second portions can be more complex, such as curved or angled in a radial direction, and the side view shows it as overlapping (E. G., FIG. 9). 5 shows that once the second portions 24a are moved to a position aligned with the spaces between the first portions 11a and then they pass through these spaces. As shown in Fig. 5A, the circumferential lengths of the second portions 24a are smaller than the spaces between the first portions 11a, so that they can pass through these spaces, but, as shown, It is preferable that the length is substantially similar. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 5A.

In this position, the O-ring 23 contacts the inlet surface 12 of the container 10 and supports (or assists) the closure at this position, as shown in Fig. 5b.

From the position shown in Fig. 5, the closure is moved downward on the container. In a simple arrangement as shown in the schematic, the closure can be further pressed onto the container in the axial direction. During this downward movement, the O-ring 23 is compressed between the bore component 22 and the container and the container moves to sealingly engage the sealing surface 13 of the container against contact with the inlet surface 12. [ In this position, the upper surface 24b of the second portions is substantially horizontal (or slightly below) the lower surface 11c of the first portions 11a. The closure is then rotated relative to the container about an axis A such that the second portions of the container are positioned below the first portions of the container, as shown in Figure 6A. In other configurations (described below), the movement of the second components may be substantially diagonal so that they rotate about the container while moving downward. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 6A. FIG.

In the third position, the closure is fixed on the container, and the closure is not allowed to move upwards relative to the container unless the second portions are rotated about a position capable of moving back upwards through the spaces between the first portions. Also, since the upper surfaces of the second portions and the lower surfaces of the first portions are substantially horizontal, the upward pressure of the closure due to the elevated pressure in the container has no tendency to rotate the closure relative to the container. As shown in this figure, the top surface 11b of each first portion also contacts the substantially entire length of each of the first portions located beneath it. As described above, this maximizes the area of overlap that can maximize the area of overlap between them and thus resist the upward forces of the closure (e.g., due to pressure build-up in the container) , Which means that it is necessary to rotate the closure relative to the container by a sufficient distance to move the entire length of the second portions away from the first portions to release the engagement.

Thus, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the second portions 24a are initially located above the first portions 1a and then move between and pass between the spaces between the first portions, and finally And moves to a position located below the first portions 11A. The upper surfaces 24B of the second portions 24A are substantially horizontal (or at least between the angled ends 24D, 24E of the second portions 24A), substantially flat So that they can slide horizontally below the lower surfaces 11C of the first parts and the lower surfaces 11C can also slide over the length (or at least the ends 11A of the first parts 11A) (Between the first and second end portions 11D and 11E), and substantially flat.

To release the closure from the fixed position shown in Fig. 6, it is rotated about the container to separate the second parts from the underside of the first parts, and then moves upwards to the position shown in Fig. 5 . In a simple arrangement without any additional means of holding the closure in the venting position, the closure can be lifted from the container. In other arrangements, additional rotation is required to release the closure from the venting position.

Figures 7 to 12 show a detailed sequence of steps in which a closure such as that shown in Figure 2 is fixed to a container such as that shown in Figure 1 (designed for a carbonated beverage) Showing a cross-section showing the relative position, in particular, the position of the O-ring seal. The sequence of steps is based on (but to some extent) the sequence described above with respect to the schematic of Figs.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the first portions 11A have inclined end surfaces 11D and 11E. In the wind, they lie at an angle of about 45 degrees to the horizontal. As shown in FIG. 1, the end surface 11D can extend from the top surface 11D to the bottom surface 11C. However, as shown in Fig. 1B, the end surface 11E may not extend completely from the lower surface 11C to the upper surface 11B.

The end surfaces 11D, 11E of the first portions have other shapes (see FIGS. 24A-24C, described below).

2B, the second portions 24A may extend beyond the lower surfaces and upper surfaces 24C, 24B, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 7A, And has angled ends with end surfaces 24D and 24E. These will be described below.

Figures 7 to 12 also illustrate the third portions 25A shown in Figure 2B. As described above, the third portion 25A is provided in a closure intended for use with a container that accepts carbonated beverages, the function of which is to keep the closure in the container when in the venting position ).

In Figures 7A, 8A, 9, 10A, 11 and 12A, the container and closure are shown schematically by dashed lines, but the first portions 11A, the second portions 24A and the third portions 25A, In order to emphasize the interaction between them. Figures 7B, 8B, 10B, and 12B

Sectional views of closures and containers corresponding to the positions of Figs. 7A, 8A, 10A and 12A.

Figures 7a and 7b show a closure in a first pre-load stage in which the third portions 25A lie on the upper surfaces 11B of the first portions 11A 7A illustrate those portions where the top surface 11B of the first portion and the bottom surface of the third portion 25A overlap in the radial direction, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 7B). In this position, the O-ring 23 is spaced from the container 10.

Following the rotation of the closure about the axis A in the tightening direction (clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) from the position shown in Fig. 7, the third portions 25A are shown in Figs. 8A and 8B As shown, the downwardly angled ends of the second portions 24A fall into spaces between the first portions 11A until they are placed on the upper surfaces 11B of the first portions 11A. In the second pre-load position, the O-ring 23 is still spaced from the container 10 (as shown)

In the further rotation of the closure from the position shown in Fig. 8 toward the closure direction, its downwardly angled ends fall to the ends of the upper surfaces 11B and the lower surfaces 24C of the second portions 24A The second portions 24A are slid along the upper surfaces 11B of the first portions 11A until they are placed on the upper surfaces 11B of the first portions 11A. Figure 9 shows first and second portions that partially overlap in a vertical direction (as shown in Figure 7B), such that the upper surface of the first portions and the lower surface of the second portions are angled and curved in a radial direction It should be noted that Nevertheless, the second portions are placed on and supported on the first upper surface of the first portions.

In this position, the closure is slightly lower than at the position shown in Fig. 9, the length (in the circumferential direction) of the second portions 24A, or at least the horizontal portion thereof, is preferably substantially similar to the length of the first portions 11A.

As shown in Fig. 9, in this position, the third portions 25A engage with the underside of the first portions 11A.

In further rotation of the closure in the tightening direction from the position shown in Fig. 9, the second portions 24A are slid along the upper surface of the first pairs, and the third portions 25A are slid along the first portions 11A As shown in Fig. This horizontal movement continues until the end surfaces 24D of the angled ends downwardly of the second portions reach the end surfaces 11E of the first portions 11. The second portions 24A are then aligned with the gaps between the first portions 11A, as shown in Fig. 10A. It should be noted that the relative resin locations of the closure and the container are substantially the same in Figures 9 and 10A. As shown, the third portions 25A are still located below the first portions 11A.

10B is a cross-sectional view of the closure and the container in the position shown in FIG. As shown, in this position, the O-ring contacts the inlet surface 12 of the container 10 and the first portion 11A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and the third portion 25A Loses. The position of the closure shown in Figs. 10A and 10 corresponds to the second position mentioned with reference to Fig. As further described below, this also corresponds to the vent position when the closure is removed from the container.

Thus, the vertical position of the closure relative to the container at both of the rotational positions shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is determined by the second portions 24A of the closure lying on the first portions 11A of the container and / (23) lying on the inlet surface (12) of the inlet (10).

As can be seen from FIG. 10A, the length (in the circumferential direction) of the second portions or at least the length of the horizontal portion thereof is substantially similar to the length of the spaces between the first portions 11A Slightly smaller). This is necessary to enable the second portions 24A to move downwardly through the space between the first portions 11A (as will be described later, as will be described later, they move diagonally downwards). ).

In further rotation of the closure in the tightening direction from the position shown in Fig. 10, the downwardly angled end inclined end surface 24D of the second portions slides on the inclined end surfaces 11E of the first portions The closure is driven downward relative to the container as it rotates. Preferably, the end surfaces 24D, 11E are inclined at substantially the same angle, such as about 45 degrees in the illustrated embodiment, such that the second portions 24A move downward at an angle relative to the axis A . The rotation of the closure thus drives it downward until the inclined end surface 24D of the second portions 24A is separated from the lower end of the inclined end surfaces 11E of the first portions 11A . The upper surface 24B of the second portions 24A is horizontal with the lower side of the first portions 11A, as shown in Fig. Upon further rotation from this position, the upwardly angled end (extending beyond the top surface 24A) with the end surface 24E is connected to the end surface 11E of the first portion, Similarly, until the additional rotation is stopped, the second portions 24A are horizontally slid along the lower side of the first portions 11A. In this position, the second portions 24A are positioned below the first portions 11A and the substantially horizontal upper surface 24B of the second portion 24A is located substantially below the first portion 11A (In the circumferential direction) of the horizontal lower side 11C. Thus, the second portions 24A are fixedly positioned below the first portion 11A and the area of contact therebetween (to resist upward movement of the closure by the elevated pressure in the container) is maximized.

Figure 12B shows a cross section of the closure and the container, in the position shown in Figure 12A. As shown, the O-ring is driven downwardly from the inlet surface 12 (the position shown in FIG. 10B) to sealingly engage a substantially cylindrical sealing surface 13 around the interior of the container. This includes the above configuration, which provides a considerable mechanical advantage in providing downward movement of the closure by compression of the O-ring and rotation of the closure to provide the force necessary to compress the O-ring. In particular, this is true of a wide mouth closure, where the closure has a relatively large diameter (e.g., as compared to the bottle cap).

The positions shown in Figs. 12A and 12B correspond to the third position described with reference to Fig.

From the above description, it can be seen that when the closure is rotated from the position shown in Fig. 10A to the position shown in Fig. 11, it is driven downward. This rotation is a relatively small angle (depending on the angle and length of the inclined multi-surfaces 11D) and may generally range from 5 to 15 degrees.

In addition, the vertical distance at which the closure is driven downward is determined by the length and angle of the end surfaces 24D, and the extension of the end surface 24D beyond the lower surface 24C allows the closure to be driven down to a sufficient distance Ring 23 is driven in sealing engagement with the sealing surface 13 from the inlet surface 12.

Further, from the above description, if the closure is driven down to the position shown in Fig. 11, the further rotation to the position shown in Fig. 12A does not involve any further reduction of the closure or further compression of the O-ring 23 , It is to be understood that it is tightly coupled with the second portions beneath the first portions by maximizing the area of the overlap therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure rotates at an angle in the range of 40 to 50 degrees between the positions shown in Figs. This also means that at the position shown in FIG. 12A, the closure needs to be held firmly in the container and rotated back at that angle (40 to 50 degrees) before the closure is removed from the container (described below) do. This rotation is horizontal (rather than tilted as in the case of helical threads), providing some detent or other function to be overcome (e.g., including vertical movement of the closure) before rotation occurs You do not have to.

Figures 13 to 18 show that the closure of Figure 2 has a more detailed sequence of steps taken from the container of Figure 1 and a cross section showing the relative positions of the container and closure in each step, Lt; / RTI > This is the reverse of the loading sequence described above.

To release the closure from the locked position shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the closure is rotated in a loosening direction (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) about the axis A with respect to the container 10 . First, the end portions 24E of the angled end upwardly of the second portion 24A (extending beyond the upper surface 24B of the second portion 24A, as described above) The closure is rotated relative to the position shown in Fig. 14, until the third portions 25A engage with the underside of the first portions to restrain the vertical movement of the closure, as shown in Fig. 15, As shown, the beveled end surface 24E rises up the inclined end surface 11D. During this upward movement of the closure, the O-ring 23 moves from a sealing engagement with the sealing surface 13 to a position located on the inlet surface 12, as shown in Fig. 15B. It should be understood that the positions shown in Figs. 15A and 15B correspond to the positions shown in Figs. 10A and 10B.

The position shown in Figs. 15A and 15BP is the vent position. Excess pressure in the container can be released by exhausting the gas between the O-ring seal 23 and the inlet surface 12, particularly through the venting grooves 14 in the inlet surface. However, as shown in FIG. 15A, the closure is held firmly on the container by the connection of the third portions 25A with the underside of the first portions 11A. As shown in Fig. 15B, the first portion 11A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and the third portion 25A.

When the closure is further rotated in the unwinding direction from the position shown in Fig. 15A, the downwardly angled end of the second portion extending beyond its lower surface 24C is offset from the angled end surface 11D of the first portion 11A The third portions 25A are slid along the lower side of the first portions 11A and the second portions 24A are slid along the lower surface 24B of the first portions 11A . At the same time, the third portions 25A reach positions where they are separated from the lower side of the first portions 11A (no longer resist the upward movement of the closure). This is the position shown in Fig. 16 (corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 9).

As the closure further rotates from the position shown in Fig. 16, the upwardly angled end of the second portion climbs the sloped end surface 11D of the first portions 11A, and the angled end of the third portion 25A The side faces up the inclined end face 11E of the first portion 11A so that the closure moves upward diagonally, as shown in Fig. If the container contains a carbonated beverage, the pressure created in the container will help the closure move upward.

From the position shown in Fig. 17, when the closure further rotates, the third portions 25A can move upward through the space between the first portions 11A, as shown in Fig. 18, .

As described above, the angled ends of the second portions 24A drive the closure downwardly and upwardly with respect to the container, respectively, and also stop the clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the closure relative to the container As shown in FIG.

Figures 19 to 12 show schematic and cross-sectional views of a simplified form of a container and closure similar to Figures 4-6, in relation to containers for beverages other than carbonated beverages. This means that the container has fewer first portions 11A (in the example shown, two than four), the closure has fewer second portions 24A (in the example shown, 2), which is similar to the configuration shown in Figs.

Figures 19a and 19b illustrate a pre-loading stage in which the second portions (or at least a portion of the second portions) rest on the first portions and the O-ring 23 is spaced from the container. In addition, it should be noted that these drawings represent schematic representations of components, and therefore, a one-to-one relationship with the components shown in the above-described drawings is not necessarily required.

Figures 20a and 20b show how the O-ring 23 is placed on the inlet surface 23 of the container and the second portions 24A are placed in a loading position where they are aligned with the spaces between the first portions 11A position.

21A and 21B show that the second portions 24A are moved further downwardly towards the first portions 11A and the O-ring seal is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface 13 of the container As shown in Fig.

If the container is not for carbonated beverages, the overlapping area between the first and second portions in the fixed position can be greatly reduced compared to embodiments for carbonated beverages, since the upward pressure the closure can withstand is much reduced have. Nonetheless, maximizing the overlap between the first and second portions (i.e., by having substantially the same lengths in the circumferential direction) allows the full use of the amount of overlap (ensuring closure of the closure (Thereby preventing indentation damage to the first portions by the second portions), thereby minimizing the circumferential length of the entire first portions (and minimizing the impact on the user's lips).

A cross section of another embodiment of the closure is shown in Fig. This is because the angled ends and their multi-surfaces 24D, 24E of the second portions are longer and extend, for example, at slightly shallower angles in the range of 30-40 degrees with respect to the horizontal Is similar to the closure described above. This helps to reduce the torque required to rotate the closure in the tightening and unwinding direction, particularly when the O-ring is retracted from the container, driven upwards and the stage where the O-ring is driven into the interior of the container. The movement of the horizontal parts of the second parts and the relationship with the spaces between the first parts remains the same as in the above embodiments.

Fig. 23 shows an enlarged portion of the short name shown in Fig. 22 to explain the method of manufacturing the closure (and the method of manufacturing the above-described embodiments).

When injection molded closures of known type are formed of a relatively flexible material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, the threads inside the skirt portion of the closure are typically bent or "bumped " from the mold forming these components However, if a stiff plastic material is used, this may no longer be possible, and instead the mold may include a collapsing core that forms such a thread. Generally, the collapsing core may have 4, 6, or 8 internal sliders, which are moved into the radial direction to empty the area above the internal threads. However, the use of such sliders prevents the formation of other features on the underside of the top part of the closure, especially at a location close to the skirt part, since it can prevent the slider from moving inward.

To overcome this problem, another aspect of the present invention provides a method of making a closure having a top part 20 and a skirt part 21, wherein the top part comprises a bore component 22, And a recess 23B on the radially outward facing surface of a bore component 22 for receiving a sealing member such as an O-ring 23, the skirt part 21 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart Having a retaining member 24 projecting inwardly about an inner surface in the form of four parts 24A, which can be formed by an injection molding process comprising the following steps.

An injection molding tool having a mold cavity for forming facets facing outwardly of the skirt part 21 and the top part 20 and an injection molding tool for forming at least the recess 23B of the bore components 22. [ A tooling core comprising inner components and outer components for forming at least the retaining members of the skirt part,

The inner component is arranged so that once the closure is formed, it can retract substantially axially therefrom.

Once the internal component has been withdrawn, the parts of the external component can be removed from the retained portion 24A, such that the external component can be withdrawn substantially axially from the closure, The outer component including a collapsing core so as to be able to move radially inward at least in part.

Thus, the internal cylindrical components used to form the outer parts of the bore component 22, such as the recess 23B in which the O-ring rests, and the inner features of the skirt part 21, A mold core having an outer cylindrical set of sliding cores used to form the grooves 24A is used.

Once the closure is formed, the mold core can be removed in the following order:

First, the inner cylinder is withdrawn axially from the closure, as indicated by arrow A1. This leaves the space with a width (C1, for example, 2.4 mm) inside the radial direction of the outer cylinder, and the outer cylinder can 'collapse' within it.

Second, the outer cylindrical cores collapse into the radial direction into the space emptied by the inner cylinder of the mold core, as indicated by arrow A2.

Finally, the inner cylindrical core, which is collapsed to separate from the retaining members 24A, can be retracted axially as indicated by arrow A3.

The closure shown in Figures 22 and 23 also includes a plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers 23C adjacent the lower edge of the recess 23B to axially hold the O- (So that when the O-ring is withdrawn from the container of the bore component 22, the O-ring remains on the bore component). Fingers 23C allow internal components of the mold core to be detached therefrom when the internal component is deflected into a radial direction.

The method described above is particularly suitable when the radial direction gap between the outermost part in the radial direction of the bore component 22 and the innermost part in the radial direction of the holding part 24A of the holding member 24 is small Do. In this case, when the closure is mounted on the container and occupies that space, the interval corresponds to the thickness of the container wall.

In this general example of a wide mouth closure, this radial directional spacing may be 4.0 mm or less, preferably 3.9 mm or less.

The retention portion 24A protrudes at least R mm from the inner wall of the skirt part 21, where R is at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 1.3 mm.

The retraction of the internal component provides a space that allows a portion of the external component to move or collapse into the radial direction at least to R and preferably to R + 0.5 mm or more (once formed to allow contraction of the closure) It can be seen.

As described above, the closure may be formed of a plastic material such as rigidity requiring the use of a collapsing core to separate the core from the retaining portions. A preferred material is a plastic material comprising polyoxymethylene (as described above).

It can be seen that the outer cylindrical component of the mold core is relatively thin in the radial direction (corresponding to dimension C2, for example 1.5 mm). In some cases, it may be desirable to strengthen these parts by providing strengthening ribs on their outer surface. The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 has a gap 24A in each of the retention members 24A to accommodate such ribs, the ribs having a thickness R of, for example, 1.3 mm, of the outer cylindrical components, Can be increased. The upper and lower surfaces 24B, 24C have a small gap therein but still provide the functions described above in connection with the previous embodiment.

24A and 24B show a side view of a portion of the container showing alternative shapes of the first portions provided in the container and show top and bottom surfaces 11B and 11D and end surfaces 11D and 11E.

The first portion shown in Figure 24A includes horizontal top and bottom surfaces and sloping end surfaces 11D and 11E extending therebetween. The top and bottom surfaces and end surfaces are shown as point-to-point, but may actually be slightly rounded due to manufacturing process and tolerances. The top and bottom surfaces provide the functionality described in the previous embodiments and the sloping end surfaces operate with drive down and drive up surfaces as described above.

The shape of the first portion shown in Fig. 24B is similar to that of the first portion shown in Fig. 1B except that the end surface 11D is slightly shallower than that shown in Fig. 1B, (E. G., Corresponding to a shallow angle of the end surface 24E of the closure shown in Fig. 22). This shape is shorter and rounder than that shown in Fig. 24A, so that the impact on the lips of the user is less, but its surfaces provide the described functions.

25A and 25B show cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 22 of two different embodiments of closures formed of metal (instead of plastic).

The embodiment shown in Figure 25a has a concave bore feature 22 (as viewed from above). The outer surface of this bore feature has a recess 23B for holding an O-ring (not shown). The pressure in the container will act on the lower side of the bore feature 22 to help push the O-ring against the sealing surface of the container.

The closure may be formed in a pressing process wherein the bore feature 22 is formed by being pressed into an inverted shape. The sidewall of the bore feature 22 is then rolled to form a recess 23B for the O-ring.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 25B shows that the bore feature 22 is reversed formed (from the position shown in Fig. 25), for example by stamping, (As viewed from above). ≪ / RTI > The inversion creates a double backed fold 22A at the base of the recess to provide additional hoop strength to resist bending into the bore feature 22.

In both embodiments, the skirt 21 of the metal closure has grooves rolled in its outer surface to form protrusions 24A on the inner surface providing the second portions. The third portions 25A are formed in the lower lip of the closure and, when oriented upward, for example, to provide a convex edge (such as a conventional metal closure)

The second and third portions 24A and 25A have substantially the same shape and function as those described in the previous embodiment. Thus, the inner surface of the skirt of the metal closure is formed to have a shape similar to that of the inner surface of the above-described embodiment formed of plastic (or other formable materials). However, the wall thickness (gauge) is substantially small, for example within the range of 0.18 mm - 0.22 mm (compared to 1.65 mm for plastic closures)

The metals used are similar to the metals used in conventional metal closures, such as the use of different types of twist off caps, such as tin plates (coated with low carbon mild steel with tin plating on both sides) can do. This material generally has a gauge of about 0.14 - 0.18 mm and a yield stress of about 580 - 620 MPa.

A metal closure can be used to close a container formed of a plastic material (as described above) or other materials, for example a metal container.

26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a metal-formed container (instead of a plastic material) that can be used with the metal closure described in connection with Figs. 25A and 25B (or a plastic enclosure as described in previous embodiments) With enclosures). The metal container is designed to coincide with that shown in Fig. 1B. The metal is formed, for example, by stamping from the inside, and the outer surface of the container has protruding first portions 11A having substantially the same shape and function as those previously described in the embodiment (Fig. 26 Sectional views of the functions shown from the inside of the container).

Thus, the outer surface of this portion of the metal container is formed to have a shape similar to the shape of the outer surface of the corresponding portion of the above-described embodiment formed of plastic (or other formable materials). However, the wall thickness (gauge) is substantially small, e.g. within the range of 0.14 mm to 0.18 mm (the neck portion of the plastic container is about 2.0-2.5 mm, the portion of the container formed by blow molding is about 0.7-1.0 mm)

The uppermost part of the metal container is formed to provide an inclined introduction surface 12 for receiving O-rings (as described in the previous embodiments) and venting channels 14 in the introduction surface. The top of the container may have a rolled edge as shown, and the inlet surface and venting channels are pressed or stamped onto the inner surface thereof. Thus, the inner surface of this portion of the metal container is formed to have a shape similar to that of the inner surface of the corresponding portion of the above-described embodiment formed of plastic (or other formable materials). However, the wall thickness (gauge) is substantially small (as described above).

The metal container may be formed of a metal similar to that used in conventional steel beverage containers. Such materials typically have a gauge of about 0.20 - 0.25 mm and a yield stress of about 350 - 420 MPa.

Thus, the weight and material cost of the metal closure or container may be less than the weight and cost of the closure or container formed of the plastic material.

In the above-described embodiment, the first, second and third portions are equi-angularly spaced about the circumference of the container and closure, respectively. However, they may be non-uniformly spaced, for example, it may be desirable to provide a large space between portions in at least one or more areas to provide for a more comfortable drinking.

Each of the illustrated embodiments may have four first portions (and four second portions and four third portions), but as indicated, the diameter of the closure and the container and the diameter of the container Depending on the pressure, smaller or greater numbers may be used.

As described above, the lower surfaces of the first portions and the upper surfaces of the second surfaces are flat in a substantially radial direction. However, in some embodiments, for example, on a bottle neck, the interaction between the surfaces in the vertical direction is sufficient to provide the required securement of the closure on the container in a vertical direction , These surfaces may be curved or angled in a radial direction.

In the described embodiments, the second portions (optionally the third portions) on the closure may have a more complex shape such that they are not in contact with the user ' s lips and are somewhat concealed on the inner surface of the closure, Preferably have a relatively smooth shape to minimize the appearance of the container and the impact on the wearer's lips. However, in situations where these facts are less of a concern, the first part may have a more complex shape. One possibility is that angled ends are provided instead on the first parts in the downward and upward directions of the second part. Another possibility is that the first part is provided on the closure and the second parts are provided on the container.

Especially in carbonic acid applications, the upwardly angled ends, depending on the pressure in the container, to help the user lift the closure by releasing the engagement of the third part beneath the second parts, Can be omitted.

As described above, for at least carbonic acid applications, the combined circumferential length of the first portions is preferably about 50% of the outer circumference of the container, and in the fixed position, the second portions are substantially So as to contact the entire circumferential length. In particular, the combined circumferential length of the first portions (and the second portions), when used for non-carbonic acid applications, as well as when both the cap and the container are made of a stronger material, (Or closure) of the outer circumference of the container (or closure), although it may be smaller than the outer circumference of the container (or closure), to help hold the closure firmly on the container (which may be affected by temperature variations or pressure differences due to external decompression) to be. Also, if the gap between the first or second portions is too large, there is a risk of being distorted into a non-circular shape that can invade the seal between the closure and the container

Similarly, the second portions may contact less than the entire circumference of the lower surface of the first portions. However, the length of the contact should be sufficient to allow the surfaces to withstand the pressure to which the closure will be subjected, without the second portions being recessed or damaged in the first portions.

Furthermore, it should be understood from the above-described embodiments that the circumferential spacing between the first portions should be sufficient to allow the second portions to pass therethrough. Although the second portions may have at least one or more angled ends and may pass an angle between the first portions, the horizontal elements of the second portions should be shorter than the circumferential spacing between the first portions Or through an angle through the gap therebetween).

To avoid doubt, the "include" verb used in the text refers to a general dictionary meaning, ie, a non-exclusive inclusion. Thus, the use of the word "include" (or any of its derivatives) does not exclude the possibility of including additional functionality.

All features disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings) may be combined in any combination (the features of which are mutually exclusive and unexpected)

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) may be replaced with alternative features that provide the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the disclosed features are but one example of a set of features that provide equivalent or similar functionality.

The present invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described. The invention extends to a container and / or closure comprising one or more of the features described above, or any other novel concept, feature, or combination of features disclosed herein.

Claims (55)

CLAIMS 1. A closure for a container and said container,
The container having a first member protruding outwardly about an outer surface of the container and an opening defining an axis,
The first member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first portions,
Each first portion having an element having long upper and lower surfaces,
The upper and lower surfaces of the first portion are substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction,
Wherein the closure has a top part and a skirt part, the skirt part including a second member protruding inward about the inner surface of the skirt part,
The second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced second portions,
Each second portion having an element having long upper and lower surfaces,
The upper and lower surfaces of the second portion being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction,
Wherein the elements of the second portions are formed in a length such that the elements can pass through the spaces between the first portions and can be positioned below the first portions to secure the closure to the container. And a closure for the container.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein each of the first portions or each of the second portions comprises an upwardly inclined end at one end of each of the first portions or each of the second portions and / A container having an end inclined downwardly at the other end of each of the portions, and a closure for the container.
3. The method of claim 2,
An upwardly inclined end portion and / or a downwardly inclined end portion of the second portions, a container extending over the long upper and lower surfaces of the second portions, respectively, and a closure for the container.
The method according to claim 2 or 3,
When the closure rotates in a first direction relative to the axis A, the downwardly sloping ends act to drive the second portions downward relative to the first portions, and a closure for the container.
5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
When the closure rotates in a second direction relative to the axis A, the upwardly inclined ends act to drive the second portions upward relative to the first portions, and a closure for the container.
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the top part of the closure comprises:
A bore component for extending to the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with the inner sealing surface of the container; and a closure for the container.
The method according to any one of claims 3, 4, and 6,
Wherein the downwardly inclined end portions are located at a position where the sealing member is sealingly engaged with the inner sealing surface of the container from a position at which the sealing member contacts the container at the non-sealing position, CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A container,
8. The method according to claim 6 or 7,
Wherein the sealing member comprises a container comprising an O-ring mounted to the gland and a closure for the container.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the closure is movable between a ventilated second stationary venting position and a first stationary sealing position of the container and a closure for the container.
CLAIMS 1. A closure for a container and said container,
The container having a first member protruding outwardly about an outer surface of the container and an opening defining an axis,
The first member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first portions,
Each first portion comprising an element having an upper surface and a lower surface,
Wherein the upper surface is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction,
Wherein the lower surface is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction,
The closure has a top part and a skirt part,
The top part having a bore component for extending to the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with the inner sealing surface of the container,
The skirt part including a second member projecting inward about the inner surface of the skirt part,
The second member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced second portions,
Wherein the closure is fixable to the container by interaction between the first and second portions,
The closure being movable between a first position and a second position following rotation in a first direction and downward movement of the closure relative to the container,
In the first position, at least a portion of the second portions engage the upper surfaces of the first portions,
In the second position, the sealing member contacts the container at the non-sealing position and the elements of the second portions are aligned with the spaces between the first portions and the third position,
Wherein the closure follows an additional rotation of the closure in the first direction relative to the container and an additional downward movement of the closure relative to the container,
Wherein in the third position the sealing member is moved downwardly to sealingly engage the sealing surface and the elements of the second portions are in contact with the lower surfaces of the first portions and below the first portions A container to be positioned and a closure for the container.
11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the sealing surface is substantially parallel to the axis,
The container having a guide surface inclined at an upper end of the container leading to the sealing surface and a closure for the container.
12. The method of claim 11,
In the second position, the sealing member has a container in contact with the introduction surface and a closure for the container.
The method according to any one of claims 10, 11 or 12,
When the closure is moved downward from the second position to the third position to sealingly engage the sealing surface and move the sealing member to the sealing surface, the sealing member is compressed between the container and the bore component And a closure for the container.
14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
The closure being arranged to be removed from the container by rotating about an axis in a second direction so as to move the closure from the third position to the second position and then to the first position, Closures for.
15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Wherein the skirt portion of the closure includes a further inwardly projecting member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced third portions,
Wherein each of the third portions has an upper surface that is lower in height than the upper surfaces of the second portions and wherein the third portions are located on the lower surface of the first portions when the closure is in the venting position And a closure for the container.
16. The method of claim 10 or 15,
And wherein when the closure is in the second position, the third portions are arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions, and a closure for the container.
17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Each of said second portions having a downwardly tapered end arranged to engage a first end surface of said first portions and vice versa and interacting therewith, To move the closure downward when the container is rotated in the first direction from the first direction, and a closure for the container.
18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein each of the second portions is also capable of upwardly angled ends arranged to engage the second end faces of the first portions and vice versa and interacts therewith such that the closure moves from the second position (Opposite to the direction of rotation), a closure for driving the closure upwardly and a closure for the container.
19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
Wherein the elements of the second portions are arranged to pass angularly through spaces between the first portions, and a closure for the container.
20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
The circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is at least 50%, preferably at least 75% of the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions, Closures.
21. The method of claim 20,
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 and the closure for the container.
22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
Each of the first portions having a circumferential length substantially similar to a circumferential length of the elements of the second portions, and a closure for the container.
23. The method of claim 22,
Wherein when the closure is secured to the container, the elements of the second portions are in contact with a substantially entire circumferential length of the lower surfaces of the first portions.
24. The method of claim 23,
Wherein the combined circumferential lengths of the first portions are substantially half the circumference of the outer portion of the container at a location where the first portions are provided over the container and a closure for the container.
25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24,
The first member is spaced from the top of the container by a distance of preferably 6 mm to 15 mm, most preferably 9 mm to 12 mm, and a closure for the container.
26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25,
A container comprising a wide mouse container as defined herein and a closure for said container.
21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the container is formed by an injection molding process followed by a suction molding process of parts under the first member and a closure for the container.
28. The method of claim 27,
The container having a groove in an outer surface of the container below the first member,
Wherein the first member and / or the groove provide a holding means by which the container can be held when the container is transferred from the injection molding apparatus to the suction molding apparatus and / or during the suction molding process, Closures for.
29. A container for use with a container according to any one of claims 1 to 28 and for use with a closure for providing a closure for the container
30. The method of claim 29,
The container includes a container made of metal
29. A closure for use with a container according to any one of claims 1 to 28 and a container for providing a closure for the container.
32. The method of claim 31,
The closure is a closure formed of a metal.
Substantially the same container and / or closure as herein depicted and / or illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings or as herein described with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings.
33. A method of using a container according to any one of claims 1 to 33 for containing carbonated beverages and a closure for the container.
29. A method of making a container for use in providing a container according to any one of claims 1 to 28 and a closure for the container, the method comprising an injection molding process followed by a suction molding process.
36. The method of claim 35,
The container having a groove in an outer surface of the container below the first member,
Wherein the first member and / or the groove are used as holding means by which the container can be held when the container is transferred from the injection molding apparatus to the suction molding apparatus and / or during the suction molding process.
37. The method of claim 35 or 36,
Wherein the closure is formed by an injection molding process.
39. The method of claim 37,
Wherein the closure is formed of polyoxymethylene.
A method of manufacturing a closure for a container having an opening defining an axis,
The closure has a top part and a skirt part,
The above-
A bore component for extending to the container opening and a recess at the radially outwardly facing surface of the bore component for receiving the sealing member,
The skirt part having a retaining member projecting inward about an inner surface of the skirt part including a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions,
Wherein the closure comprises an injection molding tool having a mold cavity for forming features facing the skirt part of the closure and the exterior of the top part and internal components for forming at least the recess of the bore component, Providing a tool punch core comprising external components for forming at least said retaining members,
Once the closure is formed, the inner component is arranged such that the inner component can be withdrawn from the closure substantially axially,
Wherein once the internal component has been withdrawn, parts of the external component are moved by the internal component to separate the external component from the retaining portions such that the external component can be withdrawn substantially axially from the closure. Wherein the external component comprises a collapsing core so as to be able to move radially inward at least partially into the occupied space.
40. The method of claim 39,
Said recess forming a gland for receiving an O-ring sealing member.
41. The method according to claim 39 or 40,
A plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers are formed adjacent the recess to axially retain the sealing member in the recess,
Wherein the fingers are bent radially inwardly to allow the inner component to separate from the fingers when the inner component is withdrawn in the axial direction.
42. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41,
Wherein the radial spacing between the radially outermost part of the bore component and the radially innermost part of the retaining member of the skirt part is 4.0 mm or less, preferably 3.9 mm or less.
43. The method of claim 42,
Said retaining portions protruding at least R mm from the inner wall of said skirt part, wherein R is at least 1.0 mm, preferably 1.3 mm.
44. The method of claim 43,
The withdrawal of the internal component may be accomplished by providing a space that allows the parts of the external component to move radially inward by at least 0.5 mm plus at least R mm and preferably R mm to allow contraction of the closure once formed How to provide.
45. The method of claim 39,
The closure is formed of a plastic material,
Wherein the rigidity of the plastic material requires the use of a collapsing core to separate the core from the retaining portions.
46. The method of claim 45,
Wherein the plastic material comprises polyoxymethylene.
A closure for a container having an opening defining an axis,
The closure has a top part and a skirt part,
The top part having a bore component for extending to the container opening and a recess at the radially outward facing surface of the bore component for receiving the sealing member,
The skirt part having a retaining member projecting inward about an inner surface of the skirt part including a plurality of circumferentially spaced portions,
Wherein the closure is made by the method according to any one of claims 39 to 46.
49. The method of claim 47,
Said recess forming a gland for receiving an O-ring sealing member.
49. The method of claim 48,
A plurality of radially outwardly projecting resilient fingers are provided adjacent said recess to axially retain the sealing member in said recess.
A method according to any one of claims 47 to 49,
Wherein the radial spacing between the radially outermost part of the bore component and the radially innermost part of the retaining member of the skirt part is 4.0 mm or less, preferably 3.9 mm or less.
51. The method of claim 50,
Said retaining portions protruding at least R mm from the inner wall of said skirt part, wherein R is at least 1.0 mm, preferably 1.3 mm.
52. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 51,
Wherein the top part and the skirt part are integrally formed of a plastic material comprising polyoxymethylene.
Substantially the same as herein described with reference to Figures 22 and 23 of the Figures.
CLAIMS 1. A closure for a container and said container,
The container having a first member protruding outwardly about an outer surface of the container and an opening defining an axis,
The first member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first portions,
Each first portion having long upper and lower surfaces,
The upper and lower surfaces of the first portion are substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction,
Wherein the closure has a top part and a skirt part, the skirt part including a second member projecting inwardly around an inner surface of the skirt part,
The second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced second portions,
Each second portion having a horizontal part having long upper and lower surfaces,
The upper and lower surfaces of the second portion being substantially horizontal at least in the circumferential direction,
Wherein the horizontal portions of the second portions are formed with a length such that the horizontal portions of the second portions can pass through spaces between the first portions, 1 < / RTI > parts,
Wherein the closure is fixable to the container by interaction of the first portion and the second portion,
Wherein when the closure rotates, the horizontal portions of the second portions are in contact with the lower surfaces of the first portions and the upper surfaces of the first portions positioned below the first portions, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > portions,
Wherein the downward movement of the closure relative to the container leads to a sealing engagement of the sealing member with the sealing surface and a closure for the container.
CLAIMS 1. A closure for a container and said container,
The container having a first member protruding outwardly about an outer surface of the container and an opening defining an axis,
The first member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first portions,
Each first portion having an upper surface and a lower surface,
Said upper surface being substantially horizontal in a circumferential direction, said lower surface being substantially horizontal in a circumferential direction,
The closure has a top part and a skirt part,
The top part having a bore component for extending to the container opening and a sealing member on the bore component for providing a seal with the inner sealing surface of the container,
The skirt part including a second member projecting inward about the inner surface of the skirt part,
The second member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced second portions,
Each second portion having a horizontal part having long upper and lower surfaces,
Wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the second portion are substantially horizontal at least in the circumferential direction,
Wherein the closure is fixable to the container by interaction between the first and second portions,
The closure being movable between a first position and a second position following rotation in a first direction and downward movement of the closure relative to the container,
In the first position, at least a portion of the second portions engage the upper surfaces of the first portions,
In the second position, the sealing member contacts the container at a non-sealing position, and the horizontal portions of the second portions are aligned with the spaces between the first portions and the third position,
The closure follows an additional rotation of the closure in a first direction relative to the container and further movement of the closure relative to the container downwardly,
Wherein the sealing member is moved downwardly in sealing engagement with the sealing surface and the second portions are in contact with the lower surfaces of the first portions and are located below the first portions, And a closure for the container.

Images