NZ553850A - Sealing means for a closure, closure and process - Google Patents

Abstract

A sealing means for sealing of a neck (25) of a container is disclosed. The sealing means comprises a radially deformable outer sealing means (20) suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface of the neck. The outer sealing means (20) has an in general P-shaped cross-section with an annular base (22) and an annular sealing ring (23) arranged at a free end of the annular base, protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base and forming in engaged position with the neck a first sealing area with the outer free surface. The annular sealing ring (23) and the base (22) extend freely in a radial direction while the sealing means is applied to the neck (25).

Description

P553850 WO 2006/117024 PCT/EP2005/053777 SEALING MEANS FOR A CLOSURE, CLOSURE AND PROCESS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a sealing means for closures, especially sealing means for closures for packages for liquids such as beverages. In particular the invention relates to a sealing means for containers for carbonated liquids such as soft drinks but is well adapted to seal other containers such as glass or PET containers with contents at above or below atmospheric pressure or having gaseous components or requiring a hermetic seal. The invention further relates to a closure and a process for making and applying of a sealing means, respectively a closure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Seals of closures are generally manufactured from several types of plastic, such as Polyethylene (from now on PE) or Polypropylene (from now on PP) or EVA-based materials such as Da rex™ liner material. The latter is mainly used for the manufacture of liner closures; the material is less hard and less durable than PE. Softer material such as Low density PE (LDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or compounds based on polyolefine raw materials are often used as sealing material. More rigid materials such as Polypropylene are often used as a shell material of closures.

From prior art a vast amount of documents is available which are directed to closures and caps for sealing of containers. A selected range is explained subsequent. 2 EP0076778 of Albert Obrist AC was filed in 1982 and is directed to a closure cap made of plastics material which has a circular outer sealing lip having a thickness which continuously decreases versus its free end. The outer sealing lip is arranged in the region of the joint between an outer vertical skirt and a disc like top portion and points obliquely inwards. At its smallest diameter, the sealing lip has a rounded sealing portion. Below the sealing portion the sealing lip is widened outwards in the manner of a funnel to receive a container opening. However, due to the obliged arrangement of the sealing lip the sealing lip often tends to be distorted during application, especially crooked application onto a neck of a container. A further disadvantage consists in that due to the inclined arrangement this seal is relatively rigid and therefore not veiy good in adjusting in lateral direction.

US4489845 was filed in 1984 and assigned to Albert Obrist AG. US4489845 is directed to a screw-cap for closing a container opening. "The cap has a sealing lip which is affixed to the cap top. The inner side-wall of the outer sealing lip has a diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the container outer wall. A clamping device, which can be designed as an inner seal, creates a contraction of the cap top when the screw-cap is screwed onto the container due to deformation of the outer shell of the closure, by which means the sealing lip shall be pressed against the container mouth. In this manner the sealing lip is only pressed radially against the container mouth during the course of the screwing-on process. Thereby over-stretching and damage to the material of the sealing lip shall be prevented. In an engaged position the sealing lip engages around the upper outer rim of the neck of a container opening. One disadvantage is that the described deformation of the closure is related to extensive operating forces. A further disadvantage consists in that the outer shell tends to break due to extensive stress and deformation (stress cracking) which results in complete failure of the closure and loss of the product. 3 EP0114127, filed in 1984, of Continental Whitecap and EP0176205, filed in 1985, of Sun Cost Plastic both disclose a seal having two sealing flaps arranged in general V-shape. When the closure is drawn down onto a container, the flaps will deform in accordance with the cross section of the sealing surface area of the container including down inside of the mouth of the container and down along-side the exterior surface of the neck finish to provide effective sealing contact with the container sealing area. The sealing flaps are in engaged position laterally supported and pressed against the neck of the closure.

EP0529383, filed in 1992 by Jacob Berg GmbH, is directed to a plastic screw cap for containers, in particular pressurised beverage containers. The closure comprises an annular sealing strip which is integrally moulded with the shell of the closure. Adjacent to the sealing strip a bead is arranged pressing the sealing strip against an upper outer edge of the neck of a container. One disadvantage consists in the reduced lateral adjustability.

EP0770559, filed in 1996 by Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici, is directed to a plastic screw cap with a liner made by compression moulding. The closure comprises an annular lip that is designed to support a liner and protrudes from the disk-like portion concentrically with respect to the cylindrical outer wall. The annular lip is acting as a shoulder for a sealing liner, so that the liner, when the cap has been applied to the container, engages to the rim of the mouth of the container.

US4489844 was filed in 1982 and assigned to Charles A. Breskin Assoc. Inc. is directed to a reusable cap for closing carbonated beverage containers or the like. The closure consists of an internally threaded shell having a fitment therein which sealingly engages the neck of the beverage container at the free edge thereof. The shell and the fitment are constructed of different plastic materials and are injection moulded in different portions of the same moulding cavity. First, the fitment is formed and then, without moving the fitment from the 4 position in which it was formed, the shell is formed, to produce a unitary structure in which substantia! portions of the fitment are imbedded in the shell.

US5447674 filed in 1993 by Frank Schellenbach is directed to a method and a mould core for the production of two-component injection moulded plastic closure. A mould core for use in a two-component injection moulding method is presented for two-component injection moulding of plastic closures for containers. The mould core consists of first and second sub-core. After injecting the first substance, one sub-core or tool element is displaced by a predetermined amount relative to the first moulding. One disadvantage of the described procedure is that displacement of the core can only take place when the material of the first stage has sufficiently congealed which results in a significant delay. A further disadvantage consists in that the geometry of the closure and the seal is significantly restricted due to the mould function. A still further disadvantage is that the seal may not comprise a radial protrusion which would result in an undercut the mould because displacement of the mould core would not be possible anymore.

W003011699 filed in 2002 by Bericap is directed to a closure cap comprising an internal sealing skirt which is substantially truncated and converges from the sealing skirt base towards the free end of the sealing skirt. The inside of the sealing skirt is designed to cooperate with the outside of the neck. The internal diameter of the sealing skirt towards its free end portion is designed smaller than the external diameter of the neck. As described the closure can comprise an annular v-notch designed to improve attachment of a liner to the rim of the neck or contact between the liner and the rim.

From the inventor of the herein disclosed invention a series of closures for carbonated beverage containers is known and described among others in W099/03746 (1998), W099/03747 (1999), W089/12584 (1989), W003/022701, WOOO/56616, P553850 WO/56615. The seals of these closures are all having in common that an annular sealing rib, which initially is projecting downwardly and inwardly with respect to the top portion of the closure, is turned inside-out during application onto a neck of a container.

A problem of closures known from prior art is that the seal of these closures often fails at high internal pressure and content leaks due to doming or lift-off of the top portion of the cap. Especially with caps which seal primarily on the inner peripheral surface or on the annular top surface of the neck of the container this problem may occur. A further problem often occurring with closures known from prior art is leakage of the seal due to high internal pressure in the container and additional top load applied to the top of the closure, e.g. due to stacking of several containers. The reason for this can be found in deformation of the closure and therewith related displacement of the seal. A further problem of the closures known from prior art is that the seal fails due to crooked application of the closure onto a neck of a container.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a sealing means for closures, especially closures for containers for carbonated beverages and other hot or cold liquids, which has an improved capability to adapt to necks of containers, especially necks of containers having a certain imperfection or damage, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

It is a further object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a sealing device and closure suitable for carbonated beverages and other hot or cold liquids, to offer advantages in production such as low cycle time and less material consumption and to be still pressure tight at high internal pressures and top load, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect according to the invention, there is provided a sealing means for sealing of a neck of a container, said sealing means comprising: a) a radially deformable outer sealing means suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface of 2602371_1.DOC P553850 the rieck, whereby b) the outer sealing means has an in general P-shaped cross-section with c) an annular base and d) an annular sealing ring arranged at a free end of the annular base, protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base and forming in engaged position with the neck a first sealing area with the outer free 5 surface, wherein the annular sealing ring and the base extend freely in a radial direction while the sealing means is applied to the rack.

In a second aspect according to the invention, there is provided a process for applying a closure comprising a sealing means according to the first aspect onto a neck of a container wherein the following steps: a) Aligning the closure above the neck; b) 10 Moving the closure relatively to the neck until a contact between the outer sealing means and the edge surface of the neck is established; c) Further moving the closure relatively to the neck such that the annular sealing ring is circumferentially stretched until it slips onto an outer free surface of the neck and a first sealing area is established.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term 'comprising', features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprises' are to be interpreted in the same manner.

The closure having a sealing device according to at least preferred embodiments of the present invention is suitable to be engaged with containers comprising a standardized neck of a container. The standardized neck comprises an outer peripheral surface with an external thread. The outer peripheral surface blends by an edge surface into an annular top surface which forms the upper end of the container when it is standing 25 upright. Between the annular top surface and the external thread an outer free surface extends over a length of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm of the neck which is not covered by the thread and suitable for sealing purposes. Furthermore the neck of the container comprises a cylindrical, inner peripheral surface adjacent to the annular top surface. 2602371_1.DOC P553850 Beside a sealing means according to at least preferred embodiments of the present invention the closure comprises in general a base with a disc like top portion and a therewith adjacent outer skirt with retaining means, such as an internal thread, suitable to be engaged with corresponding retaining means such as an external thread 5 of the standardized neck of a container as described above. If appropriate the closure may have a hinged lid which is interconnected to the base of the closure and suitable to sealingly close an orifice.

Preferably the plastics material of the closure is high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene or a combination thereof. Where the container is to be 10 used for gaseous liquids, the plastics material preferably has a very low porosity to the gas.

The herein described sealing means comprises in a first embodiment an essentially P-shaped cross-section. The sealing means preferably comprises a cylindrical skirt extending in general perpendicular from the disk like top portion of the closure into the 15 closure inside radially distanced to the outer skirt of the closure by a gap having a defined width and depth. The inner skirt, which in general has with respect to its cross section the form of a free standing lateral adjustable downward leg, is at its base preferably interconnected directly to the top portion of the closure. Preferably, in the area of its opposite lower free end the inner skirt turns into at least one toroidal 20 sealing ring which protrudes above the side surface of the cylindrical skirt. The toroidal sealing ring preferably interacts in closed position radially from the outside with the outer free surface of the neck of the container via a designated contact surface, whereby this contact surface is arranged preferably as far down onto the free surface of the neck of the bottle as possible to reduce influence of known problems, e.g. 25 doming, bottle finish damage at the upper outside rim, lifting of closure, which might occur. The cylindrical skirt preferably acts as a base for the toroidal sealing ring and has a length which avoids negative interaction of the toroidal sealing ring with the thread of the neck of the container. The at least one toroidal sealing ring is preferably shaped such that it seals primarily due to annular tension. Therefore the sealing means 30 is preferably freestanding even in radially deformed position when applied onto the neck of a container. In a preferred embodiment the gap between the inner and the 26Q2371_1.DOC P553850 outer skirt is designed such that no contact occurs between the sealing means and the outer skirt at any time.

The toroidal sealing ring preferably comprises a protrusion which is arranged in engaged position towards the neck of the container and defines a contact zone. In 5 difference to seals known from prior art which are mainly subject to annular pressure or bending forces in the root, the in general perpendicularly freestanding sealing means according to at least preferred embodiments of the present invention mainly seals due to annular tension forces occurring in the toroidal sealing ring when applied onto the neck of a container. Preferably, the sealing means is designed such that it is 10 capable to adjust/compensate a certain amount of lateral and/or radial offset or distortion of the neck of the container. Preferably, the cylindrical skirt, which acts as the base, provides a certain flexibility in lateral/radial direction. Good results are achieved by at least preferred embodiments of the invention in that the proportion ratio vertical length to radial thickness of the base of the sealing means, which is 15 arranged between the top portion of the closure and the toroidal sealing ring, is at least 1:1 preferably 4:1. Depending on the field of application further aspect ratios are relevant such as the radial thickness and shape of the base of the sealing means and the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring and the aspect ratio of the vertical length to the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring and the gap between the 20 inner and the outer skirt.

In a further embodiment the seal has an in general R-shaped cross-section whereby the P-shaped cross-section blends at the inside into an inner top surface of the closure. Preferably, said blend is shaped such that it forms a second sealing region with the edge surface of the neck of the container which causes, when the edge surface 25 presses onto the blend, the annular sealing ring to be pulled, due to controlled deformation of the base, inwardly onto the outer free surface of the neck of the container. Depending on the field of application the blend may interconnect the base and the top surface smoothly by a concave shape having a radius or by a ramp like shape or by a convex shape protruding locally outwardly. 2602371_1.DOC P553850 In a preferred embodiment the aspect ratio between the radial thickness of the annular sealing ring and the base is in the range of 2:1 and 3:1 (depending on the field of application other aspect ratios may be appropriate). The aspect ratio between the vertical free length of the annular sealing ring and its radial thickness is preferably in 5 the range of 1:1 and 4:1. Depending on the field of application other aspect ratios are appropriate. The shape of the cross section of the annular sealing ring and the eccentricity of the contact surface with respect to the base of the sealing means is of further relevance for the field of application because these parameters influence the distribution of annular tension forces.

The shape and the alignment of the base of the sealing means is relevant for the performance and the physical behavior of the sealing means. E.g. if the base of the sealing means is inclined (conically) at an angle with respect to the top of the closure, the pop on of the closure onto the orifice (opening) of the container becomes more difficult and failures due to mismatch are more likely. One reason for this is that the 15 distribution of forces and the initial widening of the seal become more difficult.

A preferred embodiment of the sealing means and the closure are made by an injection moulding process, respectively two-component injection moulding process, in a multi-component mould whereby a sealing liner is made in that a first plastic material is injected in liquid form into a first cavity onto a core of a mould cavity where the first 20 material forming the liner congeals. Afterwards the liner may be displaced with the first core into a second cavity position wherein a second material for an outer shell of the closure is injected into the second cavity. The material of the sealing liner and the material of the outer shell are thereby integrally joined to each other.

In at least preferred embodiments, to optimize the production process the area in the 25 cavity of the sealing-liner which is not in contact with the first core is preferably shaped such that the sealing-liner can be taken out of the first cavity without retaining forces. Therefore hindering undercuts mainly extending perpendicularly with respect to the displacing direction or the core are avoided. By the described injection moulding process a firm bonding is obtained between the liner and the shell material. In 30 difference to the two-component closures as known from prior art made by a 2602371_1.DOC P553850 (followed by page 10a) compression moulding process, at least preferred embodiments of the herein disclosed invention results in more reliable seal. Problems which typically occur when demoulding of closures made by compression moulding, where the shell of the closure is made first and the sealing liner second, do not occur with at least preferred 5 embodiments of the herein described invention. The outer shell is preferably made out of Polypropylene (PP) or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) whereby the liner is formed out of a softer material such as EVA, LDPE or a compounded material based on polyolefinic raw materials. The embodiment of the closure further comprises a sealing means which interacts with an outer thread-free peripheral cylindrical surface arranged 10 between the thread and the annular top surface of the neck of the container.

A preferred embodiment of the sealing means for sealing of a neck of a container comprises a radially deformable outer sealing means suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface of the neck, whereby the outer sealing means has an in general P-shaped cross-section with an annular base and an annular sealing ring arranged at a 15 free end of the annular base, protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base and forming in engaged position with the neck a first sealing area with the outer free surface.

In a further preferred embodiment the sealing means has an outer sealing means with an in general R-shaped cross-section. A blend is arranged at the base and 20 interconnects the base with a vertical top surface of the closure. The blend may form in engaged position of the sealing means and the neck a second sealing area between an edge surface of the neck and the outer sealing means. The outer sealing may be shaped such that by interaction between the edge surface and the blend the outer sealing means controllably deforms such that the annular sealing ring is pressed more 25 firmly against the outer free surface of the neck. The blend may have, depending on the field of application, different shapes: e.g. a ramp-like cross-section, a convex cross-section or concave cross-section. When the blend is designed a smooth interconnection, it preferably has a radius R which is larger than the radius of the edge surface of the neck of the container. 2602371J.DOC P553850 - 10a- (followed by page 11) In a further embodiment the sealing means, respectively the closure may comprises a liner made out of a liner material. Thereby the liner may comprise an inner skirt which extends vertically along an outer downward leg. An annular sealing ring, made out of liner material, may be arranged at the end of the inner skirt.

In addition the sealing means may comprises a bore seal whereby the bore seal may be made out of liner material and may have a core made out of shell material. 2602371_1.DOC P553850 WO 2006/117024 PCT/EP2005/053777 11 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The sealing means and the closure according to the present invention are explained in more detail according to preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a closure with a sealing means in a perspective view from below; Fig. 2 shows the closure according to Figure 1 in a perspective view from above; Fig. 3 shows a closure with a first embodiment of a sealing means in a side view; Fig. 4 shows a cross cut through the closure according to Figure 3 along line AA; Fig. 5 shows detail B of Figure 4; Fig. 6 shows a closure with a second embodiment of a sealing means in a side view; Fig. 7 shows a cross cut through the closure according to Figure 6 along line CC; Fig. 8 shows detail D of Figure 7; Fig. 9 shows a closure with a third embodiment of a sealing means in a side view; Fig. 10 shows a cross cut through the closure according to Figure 9 along line EE; Fig. 11 shows detail F of Figure 10.

P553850 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 is showing a closure 1 comprising a sealing means 2 according to the present invention in an isometric side view from below and Figure 2 the same closure 1 from a perspective side view from above. The closure 1 comprises an outer skirt 3 extending in general perpendicular from a disc-like top portion 4. The outer skirt 3 has on its outside vertically arranged knurls 5 which provide a better grip while operating the closure. On the inside the outer skirt 3 comprises a thread 6 consisting of thread segments 7. At its lower end the outer skirt is interconnected to a tamper band 8. The tamper band 8 of the displayed embodiment has in general the same outer diameter as the outer skirt 3 of the closure. On its inside the tamper band 8 comprises undercut segments 9 protruding radially inwardly and having a in general spherical lower part 10. During application of the closure onto the neck of a container (not visible) the spherical undercut segments support centering and alignment of the sealing means with respect to the neck of the container. Thereby failure due to tilt application can be significantly reduced. Above the undercut segments 9 centering elements 11, which protrude radially above the inner surface 15 of the tamper band 8, are arranged which are aligned to the closure axis z and which help to centre the closure 1 with respect to a locking bead of the neck of a container. Thereby tilting of the tamper band during opening of the closure 1 is reduced.

The tamper band 8 is interconnected to the outer skirt 3 of the closure 1 by frangible bridges 12 which are destroyed while initial opening of the closure 1. The tamper band 8 is distanced from the closure skirt 3 by a gap 13. The bridges 12 are arranged in the shown embodiment in recesses 14 which extend the length of the bridges 12 and thereby help to avoid unwanted disrupting of the bridges 12 during application of the closure 1.

Figure 3 is showing a further embodiment of a closure 1 in a side view. The closure 1 comprises a tamper band 8 with an in general smaller outside diameter than the skirt 3 of the P553850 WO 2006/117024 PCT/EP2005/053777 13 closure 1. The tamper band 8 comprises a shoulder 16 which suits as a contact point during ejection of the closure 1. The bridges 12 are similar to the closure according to Figures 1 and 2 arranged in recesses 14. The crosscut along line AA is shown in figure 4.

Figure 4 is showing a cross cut through the closure 1 and the sealing means 2 along line AA of Figure 3 and Figure 5 is showing detail B of the sealing means 2 of Figure 3 in a magnified manner. In figure 5 a neck 25 (dashed line) of a container is schematically displayed. The sealing means 2 of the shown embodiment is displayed in an undeformed manner and comprises an outer side seal 20 and an in general V-shaped top seal 21 protruding from the inner surface of the disk like top portion 4 of the closure 1 in a generally perpendicular way inside the closure 1 and arranged such that it interacts in a closed position with the annular end surface 27 of the neck 25. The side seal 20 has an in general P-shaped cross-section and comprises a base 22 and an annular sealing ring 23 laterally protruding radially inwardly above the base 22 suitable to seal on an outer peripheral surface 17 of the neck 25 in a thread free area above thread 26. The side seal 20 is arranged radially distanced to the outer skirt 3. In the shown embodiment an annular gap 24 with in undeformed stage in general parallel side walls extends vertically between the side seal 20 and the outer skirt 3 of the closure 1 defining the outer free length L of the side seal 20. The thickness t of the annular gap 24 is chosen such that the annular sealing ring 23 and the base 22 may extend freely in radial direction r+ while the closure is applied onto the neck 25. The vertical length L of the base 22 of the side seal 20 is here chosen such that the annular sealing ring 23 is arranged as far as possible down along the free length of the outer vertical surface 17 of the neck 25 in the shown embodiment just above the start of the outside thread 26 container. The contact zone is on a PET-container, depending from the thread start, typically positioned about 0.5 mm to 2 mm below the annular end surface of the neck. By this arrangement the influence of doming or other deformation of the closure 1 may be minimised such that the seal 2 becomes over all more reliable. The laterally flexibly adjust P553850 14 able and vertically stiff base 22 of the side seal 20 guarantees that the annular sealing ring 23 may sideways adjust even while pop-on of the side seal 20 onto a neck of a container which is eccentric, especially in radial direction. The radial protrusion p of the annular sealing ring 23 over its base 22 is relevant for the interference with the neck 25. To obtain a radial sealing force the inner diameter D of the annular sealing ring 23 is smaller than the outer diameter Da of a neck of the container. If appropriate the vertical position of the sealing means 2 with respect the neck 25 is defined by an additional stop element Figure 6 is showing a further embodiment of a closure 1 in a side view, Figure 7 is showing a cross cut through the closure according to Figure 6 along line CC and Figure 8 is showing detail D of Figure 7 in a magnified manner. The general setup of the closure 1 corresponds to the closure as described according to the Figures 1 to 5. The explanation of similar details such as outer skirt, tamper band and thread are therefore not repeated again and reference is made to these drawings.

As it can be seen in Figure 8 the side seal 20 which has in the here shown embodiment of the sealing means 2 an in general R-shaped cross-section and is arranged radially distanced to the outer skirt 3. An annular gap 24 with in undeformed stage in general parallel side walls extends vertically between the side seal 20 and the outer skirt 3 of the closure 1. The annular gap 24 is chosen such that the annular sealing ring 23 and the base 22 may deform at least initially free in radial direction r while the seal is applied onto a neck 25 (schematically indicated by dashed line). The vertical length L of the base 22 of the side seal 20 is adjusted such that the annular sealing ring 23 is arranged as far as possible down along the free length 17 of the outer vertical surface of the neck 25 in the shown embodiment just above the start of the thread 26. In applied position a first sealing zone 30 is developed between the sealing means 2 and the neck 25 in that the annular sealing ring 23 is pressing against the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 due to lateral stretching. As it can P553850 be seen base 22 blends on the inside by a blend 34 having here a radius R into a vertical top surface 35 of the closure 1. The blend 34 is shaped such that it is forming a second sealing area/contact region 31 in that it is in closed position in tight contact with an edge surface 28 interconnecting the outer free surface 17 and the annular top surface 27 of the neck 25. The radius R is in general larger than the radius of the edge surface 28 such that a precise interaction zone is determined. During the application process of the sealing means 2 onto the neck 25, the annular sealing ring 23 of the outside seal 20 is first in contact with the annular top surface 27 and/or the edge surface 28 of the neck 25. During further application the annular sealing ring 23 is circumferentially stretched until it slips onto the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 establishing a first contact zone 30. During the further procedure the annular sealing ring 23 and the first contact zone 30 slips down along the outer free surface 17 of the neck 25 until the blend 34 is getting in contact with the outer edge surface 28 of the neck 25 establishing the second contact zone 31. In that the edge surface presses against the inner root (blend 34) of the outside seal 20, schematically indicated by arrow F, it is achieved that because of the geometry the annular sealing ring 23 is due to controlled deformation of the closure pulled inwardly (schematically indicated by arrow rp) and thereby pressed more firmly against the outer free surface 17 such that the sealing performance is improved. This fiinctional interconnection between the first and the second contact zone is schematically indicated by arrow a. Before the second contact zone 31 is established the base 22 of the outside seal 20 is laterally adjustable and is locked in its final position due to the functional interconnection, when the second contact zone 31 is established. Thereby it is achieved that during application of the sealing device 2, before the second contact zone 31 is established, all advantages of the embodiment as described according to figures 3 to 5 are maintained and in the final position, when the second contact zone is established and the outer seal 20 thereby locked 31, a further improved overall sealing performance results.

P553850 16 As it can be seen the annular sealing ring 23 protrudes locally above the inner side surface of the base 22. The protrusion 33 has in the shown embodiment an in general circular cross section which forms an appropriate first contact zone between the annular sealing ring 23 and the outer free surface 17 and still allows demoulding of the undercut The annular sealing ring 23 further comprises a funnel shaped first lead in surface 29 suitable to establish a first contact between the outside seal 20 and the neck 25 and acting as a ramp for the annular sealing ring 23 such that it slides easily onto the outer free surface 17.

The shown sealing means 2 is further equipped with a bore seal 36 which reaches in a closing position down into the orifice of the neck 25. The bore seal 36 has an in general conical shape extending from it's root, where it is interconnected to the disk like top portion 4 of the closure 1, versus it's free end radially outwardly at an angle a. The cross section of the base 37 of the bore seal 36 is in general V-shaped at an angle J3 having it's apex in the region of the free end. The bore seal 36 further has a funnel shaped second lead in surface 38 which guarantees easy plug in of the bore seal 36 into the orifice of the neck 25. Adjacent to the second lead in surface 38 the bore seal is equipped with a here toroidal contact surface 39 forming in closed position a third contact zone 32 between the sealing means 2 and the inner side surface 41 of the neck 25. As it can be seen the sealing means 2 is shown in an undeformed stage and is due to that overlapping with the geometry of the neck 25. However, it is clear that the closure 1 adjusts during operation to the neck 25 due to elastic deformation of the closure material. The root diameter Dr of the bore seal 36 is chosen such that the bore seal 36 does not interact with the neck of the closure in the area of it's base. During application of the toroidal sealing means 20 onto the neck 25 the bore seal 36 is bent inwardly in the direction r- such it adjusts to the inner diameter Di of the orifice of the neck 25. In the herein described embodiment of the invention the in the closed position established third contact zone 32 is arranged approximately at the same vertical level (z-direction) as the first contact zone 30 of the outside seal 20. By this opposite arrangement P553850 17 at the same level the neck 25 is firmly hold which results in an increased tightness and sealing performance. The vent angle of the closure can be adjusted by the active length Lb which corresponds to the distance between third contact zone 32 and root of bore seal 36. To obtain a longer vent angle the active length Lb of the bore seal 36 is increased and to reduce a lower vent angle reduced (the vent angle corresponds to the angle the closure has to be turned until venting occurs). Depending on the field of application the bore seal can be avoided.

If the sealing means comprises in the area or adjacent to the intermediate top surface 35 an in general v-shaped protrusion (not shown in detail) which forms a top seal (fourth contact zone/sealing region) and interacts in the closing position with an annular top surface 27 of neck 25.

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a closure 1 comprising a sealing device according to the present invention in a side view made by two-component injection moulding. Figure 10 is showing a cross cut through the closure according to Figure 9 along line EE and Figure 11 is showing detail F of Figure 10 in a magnified manner.

A detailed explanation of how a sealing means as shown in the Figure 9 to 11 can be best made is explained in full detail in the international patent application PCT/EP2005/051559 of the same inventor as the herein disclosed invention which is now incorporated in full and with all embodiments into the present patent application.

The attention is now directed to Figure 11. The cross section and the functionality of the sealing means 2 as shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the sealing means shown in Figure 8 with the only difference that the sealing means 2 is made here out of two materials (shell material and liner material). With respect to the functionality it is therefore referred to Figure 8 and the explanation belonging to it.

P553850 18 In difference to the closures described according to the previous Figures 1 to 8 the sealing means 2 of the closure according to the Figures 9 to 11 is made out of two materials preferably by two-component injection moulding having an outer shell 45 (disk like top portion 4 and outer skirt 3) made out of a shell material and a sealing liner 46 made out of liner material which covers here ail surfaces exposed to the good stored in the container to be sealed. The outer shell 2 of the closure 1 is preferably made out of Polypropylene (PP) or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) whereby the sealing liner 46 is preferably formed out of a softer liner material such as Darex™. The outer shell 45 and the sealing liner 46 are, as shown here, firmly bonded to each other along their boundary surfaces 49, 50 such that a save application and positioning of the sealing means 2 becomes possible.

The base 22 of the sealing means 20 comprises an outer downward leg 47 made out of shell material which supports an inner skirt 48 made out of liner material. The downward leg 47 supports and stabilizes the inner skirt 48 and the toroidal sealing ring 23 made partially out of liner material and arranged at the end of the base 22 in lateral and vertical direction. As it can be seen the liner 46 is formed such that it extends in xy-direction along the inner top surface 35 of the closure 1 and down along the outer downward leg 47 (-z-direction). The inner skirt 48 blends by blend 34 into the vertical top surface 35. Both the inner skirt 48 and the inner base 22 are shown in an undeformed manner but will be extended radially outwardly during application onto a neck of a closure. The vertical boundary surface 49 between the outer downward leg 47 of the sealing liner 46 and the inner skirt 48 of the shown embodiment is in general straight and slightly tapered such that the liner 46 can easily be taken out of the mould after moulding in the first stage. Depending on the field of application the boundary surface can have a different shape such as indicated by line s such that the lower end of the outer seal 20 is made completely out of shell material and supported only in it's lower end by the outer downward leg 47.

P553850 19 As explained in connection with Figure 8 the sealing means may comprise in the area or adjacent to the intermediate top surface 35 an in general v-shaped protrusion (not shown in detail) which forms a top seal (fourth contact zone) and interacts in the closing position with an annular top surface 27 of neck 25 (see Figure 8).

The sealing means 2 further comprises in the shown embodiment a bore seal 36 which has, in difference to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, an in general olive shaped cross section. As it can be seen the bore seal 36 is integrated into liner disc 46. If appropriate the bore seal 36 may comprise a section made out of shell material to obtain increased lateral support Alternatively or in addition the bore seal may be supported by lateral ribs (not shown in detail).

P553850 Received at IPONZ on 29 July 2010

Claims (24)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Sealing means for sealing of a neck of a container, said sealing means comprising: a) a radially deformable outer sealing means suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface of the neck, whereby b) the outer sealing means has an in general P-shaped cross-section with c) an annular base and d) an annular sealing ring arranged at a free end of the annular base, protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base and forming in engaged position with the neck a first sealing area with the outer free surface, wherein the annular sealing ring and the base extend freely in a radial direction while the sealing means is applied to the neck.

2. Sealing means according to claim 1, wherein the outer sealing means has an in general R-shaped cross-section whereby a blend is arranged at the base and interconnects the base with a vertical top surface.

3. Sealing means according to claim 2, wherein the blend is forming in engaged position of the sealing means and the neck a second sealing area between an edge surface of the neck and the outer sealing means.

4. Sealing means according to claim 3, wherein the outer sealing means is shaped such that by interaction between the edge surface and the blend the outer sealing means controllably deforms such that the annular sealing ring is pressed more firmly against the outer free surface of the neck.

5. Sealing means according to either one of the claims 3 or 4 wherein the blend has a ramp-like cross-section.

6. Sealing means according to either one of the claims 3 or 4 wherein the blend has a convex cross-section.

7.

8.

9.

10

11.

12

13

14,

15,

16

17 P553850 Received at IPONZ on 29 July 2010 - 21 - Sealing means according to either one of the claims 3 or 4 wherein the blend has a concave cross-section. Sealing means according to claim 7 wherein the blend has a radius which is larger than the radius of the edge surface. Sealing means according to any one of the previous claims further comprising a liner made out of a liner material. Sealing means according to claim 9, wherein the outer sealing means comprises an inner skirt which extends vertically along an outer downward leg. Sealing means according to claim 10, further comprising an annular sealing ring, made out of liner material, arranged at the end of the inner skirt. Sealing means according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sealing means comprises, in addition to the outer sealing means, a bore seal. Sealing means according to claim 12, wherein the bore seal is made out of liner material. Sealing means according to claim 13, wherein the bore seal has a core made out of shell material. Sealing means according to any one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the bore seal has an in general conical shaped base protruding radially outwardly at an angle and an in general funnel shaped lead-in surface which are interconnected by a toroidal contact surface arranged in the area of the largest diameter of the bore seal, said base having a continuously decreasing thickness versus it's lower free end. Sealing means according to any one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the bore seal has an in general oval-shaped cross-section. Closure comprising a sealing means according to any one of the previous claims. P553850 Received at IPONZ on 29 July 2010 22 -

18. Closure according to claim 17 wherein the closure comprises a liner made out of liner material which is firmly bonded to a closure shell made out of a shell material by a two-component injection moulding process.

19. Process for applying a closure comprising a sealing means according to any one 5 of the claims 1 to 8 onto a neck of a container comprising the following steps: a) Aligning the closure above the neck; b) Moving the closure relatively to the neck until a contact between the outer sealing means and the edge surface of the neck is established; c) Further moving the closure relatively to the neck such that the annular 10 sealing ring is circumferentially stretched until it slips onto an outer free surface of the neck and a first sealing area is established.

20. Process according to claim 19 wherein the closure is moved relatively to the neck until a second sealing area is established between the edge surface and a blend.

21. Process according to claim 20 wherein the edge surface is pressed against the 15 blend, thereby the outer sealing means controllably deforms such that the annular sealing ring is pressed more firmly according to the outer free surface.

22. Sealing means according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

23. Sealing means for sealing of a neck of a container substantially as herein 20 described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

24. Process according to claim 19, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.