US20150284149A1 - Package closure and a device and a method for producing a package closure and use of such a device - Google Patents
Package closure and a device and a method for producing a package closure and use of such a device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150284149A1 US20150284149A1 US14/649,664 US201314649664A US2015284149A1 US 20150284149 A1 US20150284149 A1 US 20150284149A1 US 201314649664 A US201314649664 A US 201314649664A US 2015284149 A1 US2015284149 A1 US 2015284149A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- neck
- tool core
- package closure
- forming
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3423—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3423—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt
- B65D41/3428—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/0053—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor combined with a final operation, e.g. shaping
- B29C45/006—Joining parts moulded in separate cavities
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/03—Injection moulding apparatus
- B29C45/04—Injection moulding apparatus using movable moulds or mould halves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/26—Moulds
- B29C45/2618—Moulds having screw-threaded mould walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
- B29C45/44—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles
- B29C45/4407—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles by flexible movement of undercut portions of the articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/74—Spouts
- B65D5/746—Spouts formed separately from the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/0053—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor combined with a final operation, e.g. shaping
- B29C45/0055—Shaping
- B29C2045/0056—Shaping folding back undercut forming parts, e.g. tabs of closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/0053—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor combined with a final operation, e.g. shaping
- B29C45/006—Joining parts moulded in separate cavities
- B29C2045/0065—Joining parts moulded in separate cavities the parts being interconnected before assembling by a breaking or shearing point
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
- B29C2045/4078—Removing or ejecting moulded articles using stripping means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/0081—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor of objects with parts connected by a thin section, e.g. hinge, tear line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/03—Injection moulding apparatus
- B29C45/04—Injection moulding apparatus using movable moulds or mould halves
- B29C45/0408—Injection moulding apparatus using movable moulds or mould halves involving at least a linear movement
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/26—Moulds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C45/40—Removing or ejecting moulded articles
- B29C45/44—Removing or ejecting moulded articles for undercut articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/56—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures
- B29L2031/565—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures for containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/64—Lids
- B65D5/643—Lids held in closed position by application of separate elements, e.g. clips, straps
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53991—Work gripper, anvil, or element
Definitions
- the invention relates to a package closure and a method for producing a package closure.
- the present invention further relates to a device for producing a package closure and use thereof.
- This type of package closures comprises a neck having an opening and a cap.
- One such type of caps is a screw cap.
- Package closures of this type are arranged in plastic materials having an inherent flexibility, such as thermoplastic materials or other plastic materials having similar properties.
- Package closures of this type are generally used in connection with packages for liquid foodstuff, such as milk, juice, water, yoghurt and similar but can be used for any type of package.
- WO2009136836 There are a plurality of different types of package closures in the prior art.
- One such type of device is for example disclosed in WO2009136836.
- the package closure disclosed in WO2009136836 comprises a neck provided with external threads and a screw cap being connectable with the neck through the threads of the neck.
- An object of the invention is to avoid the above mentioned drawbacks and problems of the prior art.
- the invention results in a simplified and more cost efficient production method, in which the entire package closure can be produced in a single tool without subsequent mounting of different parts of the package closure, while the package closure according to the invention simultaneously can be arranged tamper-proof and resealable.
- the present invention relates to a method for producing a package closure having a neck and a cap, comprising the steps of
- the neck and the cap By forming the neck and the cap as a single integrated unit of, for example, plastic materials, after which the neck and cap are displaced in the axial direction in relation to each other, the production of the package closure can be provided in a quick and efficient manner in a single tool without the need for subsequent mounting of the cap on the neck.
- the cap can be a screw cap with threads for interaction with threads on the neck. Surprisingly it has been found that a threaded neck and a threaded cap in a method according to one embodiment of the invention can be displaced axially in relation to each other, so that the threads of the cap are pushed over the threads of the neck and the threads engage each other due to an inherent flexibility of the threads.
- the threads of the cap can be interior threads. Alternatively, the cap is arranged with exterior threads.
- the package closure is produced in a heated process, such as a moulding process, compression moulding process or similar, wherein the plastic material is heated and thereby softened.
- a heated process such as a moulding process, compression moulding process or similar
- the jaws are heated. While the plastic material still is heated to a predetermined temperature, which is dependent on the plastic material used, the plastic material is soft enough for the threads to be pushed into each other by axial displacement without screwing and without permanent deformation of the plastic material.
- the cap can be formed with a radially extending top portion and an axially extending and tubular portion having an interior thread.
- the tubular portion has larger diameter than at least a top portion of the neck.
- the outer tool core is arranged with larger diameter at an end portion for producing the cap than at a portion for producing the neck.
- the end portion of the outer tool core is consequently forced to pass at least the top portion of the neck, which is possible by the inherent flexibility of the plastic material, for example when the plastic material is heated. For example, one or more of steps d-f are performed within a few seconds after step c, such as 2-3 seconds, so that the plastic material has not cooled too much.
- the method can comprise the step of forming a tamper-evident ring (also called tamper ring, tamper-proof ring, etc.).
- the tamper-evident ring can be formed between the cap, such as an end of the tubular portion of the cap, and the notch.
- the tamper-evident ring can be formed at the same time as the cap and the neck.
- the invention also relates to a package closure comprising a neck provided with an opening, and a cap for closing the opening, wherein the cap comprises a top portion extending across the opening and in the radial direction in relation to a centre axis of the package closure, and a tubular portion extending axially and being provided with a thread, characterised in that an interior side of the cap is provided with a flexible projection for interaction with an inner tool core in a device for producing the package closure, so that the cap is connected to the inner tool core during production thereof.
- a package closure with a screw cap can be produced in a quick and efficient manner by means of the projection.
- the projection results in that the cap can be retained in the inner tool core and enables axial relative displacement between the cap and the neck when the threads of the cap are pushed over the threads of the neck.
- the thread of the cap can be an interior thread
- the neck can be arranged with an exterior thread for interaction with the thread of the cap.
- the cap is arranged with a larger diameter than at least a top portion of the neck, where the cap is mounted.
- the tubular portion of the cap can be provided with a tamper-evident ring, for example at an end of the tubular portion.
- the top portion of the cap can be arranged with radially extending stiffening ribs for reinforcement in the radial direction. Hence, deformation of the cap during opening thereof is prevented or reduced, wherein easier opening of the cap is provided.
- a package closure having a screw cap and a tamper-evident ring can be obtained in a joint tool and in a single production step in which both the neck and the screw cap with the tamper-evident ring can be formed simultaneously and the screw cap can be mounted during ejection of the package closure.
- the invention also relates to a device for producing a package closure having a neck and a cap, comprising a movable first jaw, a movable second jaw and a tool core interacting with the jaws to form a mould for the package closure, and an ejector for ejecting the produced package closure, wherein the tool core comprises an outer tool core and an inner tool core being movable in relation to the outer tool core, characterised in that the outer tool core is arranged for forming, together with the jaws, a notch between the neck and the cap, and that the inner tool core comprises a portion for forming and interaction with a projection on the interior side of the cap, so that the neck, by means of the ejector, is displaceable in relation to the cap while breaking the notch when the cap is connected to the inner tool core through the projection.
- the outer tool core can be arranged with an end portion for forming the cap, and a portion for forming the neck or at least a portion thereof, wherein the end portion is arranged with larger diameter than the portion for forming the neck.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic section view illustrating a part of a device for producing a package closure, and a package closure during production according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the device is in a position for moulding the package closure,
- FIG. 2 is a schematic section of the package closure during production as illustrated in FIG. 1 , in which jaws and a counterpart of the device have been removed,
- FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic section views of the package closure during production and a part of the device of FIG. 2 , showing displacement of an outer tool core
- FIG. 5 is schematic section view of the package closure and a part of the device, in which a neck and a cap of the package closure are displaced in relation to each other during finishing of the package closure,
- FIG. 6 is a schematic section view of the package closure and a part of the device, in which the cap has been displaced in relation to an inner tool core of the device during disengagement of the package closure from it,
- FIG. 7 is a schematic section view of a part of the package closure according to one embodiment, in which the package closure is in closed position and a tamper-evident ring of the package closure is intact,
- FIG. 8 is a schematic section view according to FIG. 7 , wherein the package closure has been moved from its closed position by screwing and the tamper-evident ring is broken,
- FIG. 9 is a schematic section view according to FIG. 8 , wherein the cap has been removed from the neck by screwing,
- FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a package closure and different details thereof according to one embodiment when the package closure is under production and the neck has not been displaced into the cap
- FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a package closure and different details thereof according to one alternative embodiment when the package closure is under production and the neck has not been displaced into the cap
- FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a package closure and different details thereof according to another alternative embodiment when the package closure is under production and the neck has not been displaced into the cap.
- the package closure 10 is arranged in a flexible material, such as a suitable plastic material.
- the package closure 10 is formed in a suitable thermoplastic, such as polyethylene.
- the device comprises a movable first jaw 11 , a movable second jaw 12 , a counterpart 13 and a tool core 14 interacting with the jaws 11 , 12 and the counterpart 13 to form a mould for receiving an amount of plastic material for producing the package closure 10 .
- the device further comprises a movable ejector 15 for ejecting the produced package closure 10 , which is described in more detail below.
- the device is arranged as a moulding tool for moulding plastic materials.
- the device is arranged for moulding plastic materials, wherein the jaws 11 , 12 and/or the tool core 14 can be heated and/or cooled in a conventional manner.
- the jaws 11 , 12 and the tool core 14 are arranged with a particular form for providing the mould for producing the package closure 10 according to the invention, which form is evident by the description of the special features of the package closure 10 below.
- the package closure 10 according to the invention is, for example, moulded in a single piece, wherein the cap 19 and the neck 18 are an integrated unit.
- the jaws 11 , 12 and the tool core 14 form a continuous mould for forming the neck 18 and the cap 19 in a single piece.
- the tool core 14 comprises an outer tool core 16 and an inner tool core 17 .
- the outer tool core 16 and the inner tool core 17 are displaceable in relation to each other.
- the outer tool core 16 and/or the inner tool core 17 is/are movable and displaceable in the axial direction.
- FIG. 1 the device is illustrated in a position in which the jaws 11 , 12 interact with the counterpart 13 and the tool core 14 to form the mould for moulding the package closure 10 and in which a package closure 10 is in the mould, i.e. in contact with the jaws 11 , 12 , the counterpart 13 and the tool core 14 .
- the jaws 11 , 12 are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a centre axis X of the package closure 10 , such as in the radial direction, which direction is illustrated by means of the arrow A in FIG. 1 , between a position for forming the package closure and a position in which the package closure 10 is disengaged from the jaws 11 , 12 .
- the counterpart 13 is movable in a direction along the centre axis X of the package closure, as illustrated by means of the arrow B in FIG. 1 , between a position for forming the package closure and a position in which the package closure 10 is disengaged from the counterpart 13 .
- the jaws 11 , 12 and the counterpart have been removed, wherein the package closure 10 is illustrated during production thereof together with the outer tool core, the inner tool core 17 and the ejector 15 .
- the ejector 15 and the outer tool core 16 are displaceable in relation to each other in the axial direction, as illustrated by means of the arrow C in FIG. 2 . Further, the ejector 15 and the inner tool core 17 are displaceable in relation to each other in the axial direction.
- the package closure 10 can, for example, be brought forwards in the axial direction by means of the ejector 15 in a direction along the centre axis x of the package closure, as described in more detail below.
- the package closure 10 is substantially cylindrical having a circular cross section.
- the package closure 10 comprises a neck 18 with an opening, and a cap 19 for closing the opening.
- the neck 18 comprises an axially extending tubular first portion 20 and a radially extending thread 21 , such as an external thread.
- the first portion 20 is arranged with a second portion 22 arranged in an angle to the first portion 20 to facilitate connection to a package.
- the second portion 22 is arranged for connection to a package by melting, welding, gluing or in any other suitable manner.
- the second portion 22 projects substantially radially in relation to the first portion 20 .
- the cap 19 is connected to the neck 18 , wherein the neck 18 and the cap 19 are formed in a single piece as one integrated unit of continuous plastic. At that time the cap 19 is connected to the neck 18 through a notch 23 .
- the notch 23 extends continuously between the cap 19 and the neck 18 .
- the neck 18 and the cap are formed in a single piece having openings between the neck 18 and the cap 19 , wherein a plurality of notches 23 are distributed around the package closure 10 between the cap 19 and the neck 18 .
- the cap 19 comprises a radially extending top portion 24 and an axially extending and cylindrical or tubular portion 25 connected thereto.
- the tubular portion 25 is arranged with a thread 26 , such as an internal thread, for interaction with the thread 21 of the neck 18 .
- the package closure 10 is formed without any thread, wherein the cap 19 , for example, is arranged for connection to the neck 18 through a snap-on function.
- the cross section of the package closure 10 then is elliptic, triangular, rectangular or arranged with other shape, with or without rounded corners.
- the package closure 10 comprises a tamper-evident ring 27 .
- the tamper-evident ring 27 is arranged between the cap 19 , such as the tubular portion 25 of the cap 19 , and the notch 23 .
- the cap 19 is provided with a projection 28 projecting from an interior side of the cap 19 , such as the top portion 24 .
- the projection 28 extends substantially axially.
- the projection 28 is arranged between the centre axis X and the tubular portion 25 .
- the projection 25 is flexible and arranged for interaction with the inner tool core 17 , so that the cap 19 is connected to the inner tool core 17 through the projection 28 during the production of the package closure 10 .
- the projection 28 is arranged with a radially extending flange 29 .
- the inner tool core 17 is, in the illustrated embodiment, provided with a recess 30 for receiving the projection 28 or the flange 29 of the projection 28 .
- the recess 30 extends radially inwards for receiving the projection 28 .
- one end of the tubular portion 25 of the cap 19 or one end of the temper-evident ring 27 is connected to the neck 18 through a folding portion 31 .
- the folding portion 31 is connected to the neck 18 through the notch 23 .
- the folding portion 31 is connected to the cap 19 through the notch 23 .
- the folding portion 31 is, for example, arranged continuously in the circumference of the package closure. Alternatively, a plurality of folding portions 31 are distributed around the circumference of the package closure with openings between them to provide for easier folding and material savings.
- displacement of the outer tool core 16 in relation to the package closure 10 and the inner tool core 17 is illustrated schematically during a part of the production of the package closure 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
- the outer tool core 16 is arranged with an end portion 32 for forming the cap 19 and a portion 33 for forming the neck 18 or at least a part thereof.
- the end portion 33 is arranged with larger diameter than the portion for forming the neck 18 .
- the neck 18 or a portion thereof, is arranged with smaller diameter than the cap 19 , so that the cap 19 can be brought onto and to enclose at least a part of the neck 18 .
- the package closure 10 is made of.
- FIG. 4 the neck 18 is illustrated disengaged from the outer tool core 16 .
- the neck 18 and the cap 19 are displaced in relation to each other in the axial direction.
- the neck 18 is displaced into the tubular portion 25 of the cap 19 , as illustrated in FIG. 5 , while the cap is kept in position by means of the projection 28 .
- the ejector 15 is displaced in relation to the inner tool core 17 while bringing the neck 18 along therewith and breaking along the notch 23 .
- the notch 23 connecting the cap 19 and the neck 18 is broken to form the cap 19 as a first piece and the neck as a second piece, wherein the first piece is not integrated with the second piece.
- the folding portion 31 is folded inwards during displacement of the neck 18 in relation to the inner tool core 17 , wherein further displacement results in that the notch 23 is broken and further displacement results in that the neck 18 is brought into the cap 19 to be partially enclosed by the tubular portion 25 of the cap 19 .
- the neck 18 is pushed into the cap 19 , so that the thread 21 of the neck 18 is pushed over the thread 26 of the cap 19 , wherein the cap 19 is mounted on the neck 18 by axial displacement without any screwing.
- the neck 18 is displaced into the cap 19 to a final position, as illustrated in FIG.
- FIGS. 3-6 illustrate schematically an ejection process in which a moulded package closure 10 is ejected from the device while being finished by applying the cap 19 onto the neck 18 .
- both the ejector 15 and the inner tool core 17 is brought axially forward while bringing along the package closure 10 in the same direction, so that the cap 19 and the neck 18 is disengaged from the outer tool core 16 .
- the inner tool core 17 and the ejector 15 are displaceable in the axial direction in relation to the outer tool core 16 .
- the outer tool core 16 is pulled backwards in relation to the ejector 15 , the inner tool core 17 and the package closure 10 .
- the ejector 15 is displaced axially forward in relation to the inner tool core 17 while the inner tool core 17 interacts with the projection 28 to retain the cap 19 in position, so that the neck 18 , by means of the ejector 15 , is displaced in relation to the cap 19 while folding along the notch 23 and breaking thereof.
- the ejector 15 is displaceable in the axial direction in relation also to the inner tool core 17 .
- the recess 30 engages the projection 28 or the radially inwards extending flange 29 of the projection 28 .
- the projection 28 is more rigid than the notch 23 , wherein the notch 23 is folded and/or broken when the ejector 15 is displaced axially while the projection 28 not bends. After that the ejector 15 is brought further forward in the axial direction while bringing along therewith the package closure 10 in the same direction, so that the projection 28 , by its inherent flexibility, is disengaged from the inner tool core 17 and can leave the device for production of the package closure 10 . For example, after that the projection 28 returns to its original position by its flexibility.
- the application of the cap 19 on the neck 18 and the ejection of the package closure 10 is, for example, performed within one or a few seconds after the moulding thereof, wherein the temperature of the material in the package closure 10 is above room temperature and, for example, above 40° C. or about 60° C., so that the material is semi liquid during the ejection.
- FIG. 7 a part of the package closure 10 is illustrated in its closed and intact position, wherein the thread 26 of the cap 19 interacts with the thread 21 of the neck 18 and the optional tamper-evident ring 27 is intact and not broken.
- the cap 19 is screwed, i.e. turned or rotated, around the centre axis in a conventional manner, so that the tamper-evident ring 17 breaks and the cap 19 , by the threads 21 , 26 , is forced in the axial direction, usually upwards, from the neck 18 , as illustrated in FIG. 8 , until the cap 19 is disengaged from the neck 18 , as illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the package closure 10 can be resealed in a conventional way by screwing the cap 19 onto the neck 18 again, wherein the tamper-evident ring 27 remains broken.
- FIGS. 10-14 show a package closure 10 and different details thereof according to one embodiment in which the package closure 10 is under production and the neck 18 not has been displaced into the cap 19 .
- the cap 19 is arranged as a screw cap having the top portion 24 , the tubular portion 25 and the thread 26 .
- the neck 18 is arranged with the tubular first portion 20 , the thread 21 and the second portion 22 .
- FIGS. 15-18 show a package closure and different details thereof according to one alternative embodiment.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 show more in detail an alternative locking portion 34 , wherein FIG. 17 shows the locking portion 34 in a position before the cap 19 has been brought onto the neck 18 and FIG. 18 show the locking portion 34 in a position after the cap 19 has been brought onto the neck 18 .
- the top portion 24 of the cap 19 is arranged with radially extending stiffening ribs 35 for reinforcement in the radial direction.
- the stiffening ribs 35 coincide with ridges 36 on an exterior side of the tubular portion 25 of the cap.
- the stiffening ribs 35 extend at least 1-3 mm in the radial direction from a circumference of the top portion 24 , such as 2-5 mm or 3-4 mm.
- the stiffening ribs 35 extend along at least 20% of a radius of the top portion, such as 20-50%.
- FIGS. 19-24 a package closure 10 and different details thereof is illustrated according to another embodiment in which the package closure 10 is under production and the neck 18 has not been displaced into the cap 19 .
- the projection 28 is arranged for interaction with an end of the neck 18 when the package closure 10 is entirely closed, so that the end of the neck 18 then is arranged between the tubular portion 25 of the cap 19 and the projection 28 .
- the projection 28 is formed with the radially extending flange 29 , wherein the flange 29 extends radially inwards and, for example, extends substantially in parallel with the top portion 24 .
- a more rigid cap 19 is obtained with improved deformation resistance, for example, when the flange 29 interacts with the recess 30 of the inner tool core 17 during the relative displacement of the neck 18 and the cap 19 during production of the package closure 10 . Simultaneously, material savings are obtained.
- the neck 18 is provided with supporting elements 37 to reinforce the neck 18 and prevent the neck 18 from folding when the cap 19 is brought onto the neck 18 while folding the folding portion 31 .
- the supporting elements 37 extend axially, for example along a part of the interior side of the neck 18 in the lower portion of the neck 18 , such as in connection with the radially extending second portion 22 of the neck 18 .
- a plurality of supporting elements 37 is distributed around the interior side of the neck 18 .
- the supporting elements 37 are triangular having their apexes directed towards the top of the neck 18 .
- the folding portion 31 is inclined radially outwards in a direction towards the cap 19 during production of the package closure 10 and the neck 18 has not been displaced into the cap 19 .
- an angle between the centre axis X and the folding portion 31 is relatively large, such as at least 30 degrees, to ensure that the folding portion 31 is folded outwards and downwards when the cap 19 is brought onto the neck 18 or the neck 18 is brought into the cap 19 .
- the folding portion 31 is bent outwards in the radial direction in a corresponding manner.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a package closure and a method for producing a package closure. The present invention further relates to a device for producing a package closure and use thereof.
- This type of package closures comprises a neck having an opening and a cap. One such type of caps is a screw cap. Package closures of this type are arranged in plastic materials having an inherent flexibility, such as thermoplastic materials or other plastic materials having similar properties. Package closures of this type are generally used in connection with packages for liquid foodstuff, such as milk, juice, water, yoghurt and similar but can be used for any type of package.
- There are a plurality of different types of package closures in the prior art. One such type of device is for example disclosed in WO2009136836. The package closure disclosed in WO2009136836 comprises a neck provided with external threads and a screw cap being connectable with the neck through the threads of the neck.
- One problem with such prior art package closures is that they are complex and expensive to produce and consequently require expensive and advanced equipment for production thereof. The production requires at least two moulding tools, i.e. one for the cap and one for the neck, wherein the cap, in addition, must be mounted on the neck. Hence, a plurality of production steps is required to produce such prior art package closures.
- An object of the invention is to avoid the above mentioned drawbacks and problems of the prior art. The invention results in a simplified and more cost efficient production method, in which the entire package closure can be produced in a single tool without subsequent mounting of different parts of the package closure, while the package closure according to the invention simultaneously can be arranged tamper-proof and resealable.
- The present invention relates to a method for producing a package closure having a neck and a cap, comprising the steps of
- a) by means of movable jaws and an outer tool core forming the neck and the cap in one single integrated piece, wherein the neck is connected to the cap through a notch,
- b) by means of an inner tool core forming a flexible projection on an inner side of the cap for interaction with the inner tool core,
- c) removing the jaws from the formed package closure,
- d) displacing the outer tool core in relation to the package closure and the inner tool core to at least partially disengage the package closure from the outer tool core,
- e) by means of the inner tool core retaining the cap by the projection formed on the interior side of the cap and simultaneously, by means of an ejector, displacing the neck in relation to the cap and thereby breaking the notch and to form a package closure having a cap mounted on the neck, and
- f) by means of the ejector displacing the package closure in relation to the inner tool core, so that the projection by its flexibility is disengaged from the inner tool core.
- By forming the neck and the cap as a single integrated unit of, for example, plastic materials, after which the neck and cap are displaced in the axial direction in relation to each other, the production of the package closure can be provided in a quick and efficient manner in a single tool without the need for subsequent mounting of the cap on the neck.
- The cap can be a screw cap with threads for interaction with threads on the neck. Surprisingly it has been found that a threaded neck and a threaded cap in a method according to one embodiment of the invention can be displaced axially in relation to each other, so that the threads of the cap are pushed over the threads of the neck and the threads engage each other due to an inherent flexibility of the threads. The threads of the cap can be interior threads. Alternatively, the cap is arranged with exterior threads.
- For example, the package closure is produced in a heated process, such as a moulding process, compression moulding process or similar, wherein the plastic material is heated and thereby softened. For example, the jaws are heated. While the plastic material still is heated to a predetermined temperature, which is dependent on the plastic material used, the plastic material is soft enough for the threads to be pushed into each other by axial displacement without screwing and without permanent deformation of the plastic material.
- The cap can be formed with a radially extending top portion and an axially extending and tubular portion having an interior thread. Hence, the tubular portion has larger diameter than at least a top portion of the neck. Hence, the outer tool core is arranged with larger diameter at an end portion for producing the cap than at a portion for producing the neck. The end portion of the outer tool core is consequently forced to pass at least the top portion of the neck, which is possible by the inherent flexibility of the plastic material, for example when the plastic material is heated. For example, one or more of steps d-f are performed within a few seconds after step c, such as 2-3 seconds, so that the plastic material has not cooled too much.
- The method can comprise the step of forming a tamper-evident ring (also called tamper ring, tamper-proof ring, etc.). The tamper-evident ring can be formed between the cap, such as an end of the tubular portion of the cap, and the notch. The tamper-evident ring can be formed at the same time as the cap and the neck.
- The invention also relates to a package closure comprising a neck provided with an opening, and a cap for closing the opening, wherein the cap comprises a top portion extending across the opening and in the radial direction in relation to a centre axis of the package closure, and a tubular portion extending axially and being provided with a thread, characterised in that an interior side of the cap is provided with a flexible projection for interaction with an inner tool core in a device for producing the package closure, so that the cap is connected to the inner tool core during production thereof. Surprisingly it has been found that a package closure with a screw cap can be produced in a quick and efficient manner by means of the projection. The projection results in that the cap can be retained in the inner tool core and enables axial relative displacement between the cap and the neck when the threads of the cap are pushed over the threads of the neck.
- The thread of the cap can be an interior thread, and the neck can be arranged with an exterior thread for interaction with the thread of the cap. Hence, the cap is arranged with a larger diameter than at least a top portion of the neck, where the cap is mounted.
- The tubular portion of the cap can be provided with a tamper-evident ring, for example at an end of the tubular portion.
- The top portion of the cap can be arranged with radially extending stiffening ribs for reinforcement in the radial direction. Hence, deformation of the cap during opening thereof is prevented or reduced, wherein easier opening of the cap is provided.
- Hence, by the invention a package closure having a screw cap and a tamper-evident ring can be obtained in a joint tool and in a single production step in which both the neck and the screw cap with the tamper-evident ring can be formed simultaneously and the screw cap can be mounted during ejection of the package closure.
- The invention also relates to a device for producing a package closure having a neck and a cap, comprising a movable first jaw, a movable second jaw and a tool core interacting with the jaws to form a mould for the package closure, and an ejector for ejecting the produced package closure, wherein the tool core comprises an outer tool core and an inner tool core being movable in relation to the outer tool core, characterised in that the outer tool core is arranged for forming, together with the jaws, a notch between the neck and the cap, and that the inner tool core comprises a portion for forming and interaction with a projection on the interior side of the cap, so that the neck, by means of the ejector, is displaceable in relation to the cap while breaking the notch when the cap is connected to the inner tool core through the projection.
- The outer tool core can be arranged with an end portion for forming the cap, and a portion for forming the neck or at least a portion thereof, wherein the end portion is arranged with larger diameter than the portion for forming the neck. Surprisingly, it has been found that the wider end portion of the outer tool core can be forced to pass the thinner neck due to that the plastic material in the neck is flexible. Hence, a wider cap and a thinner neck can be produced simultaneously and by means of the same tool core. By the device a package closure with a screw cap can be produced in an efficient manner.
- Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims.
- The invention will now be described more in detail with the aid of embodiment examples and with reference to the appended drawings, in which
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic section view illustrating a part of a device for producing a package closure, and a package closure during production according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the device is in a position for moulding the package closure, -
FIG. 2 is a schematic section of the package closure during production as illustrated inFIG. 1 , in which jaws and a counterpart of the device have been removed, -
FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 are schematic section views of the package closure during production and a part of the device ofFIG. 2 , showing displacement of an outer tool core, -
FIG. 5 is schematic section view of the package closure and a part of the device, in which a neck and a cap of the package closure are displaced in relation to each other during finishing of the package closure, -
FIG. 6 is a schematic section view of the package closure and a part of the device, in which the cap has been displaced in relation to an inner tool core of the device during disengagement of the package closure from it, -
FIG. 7 is a schematic section view of a part of the package closure according to one embodiment, in which the package closure is in closed position and a tamper-evident ring of the package closure is intact, -
FIG. 8 is a schematic section view according toFIG. 7 , wherein the package closure has been moved from its closed position by screwing and the tamper-evident ring is broken, -
FIG. 9 is a schematic section view according toFIG. 8 , wherein the cap has been removed from the neck by screwing, -
FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a package closure and different details thereof according to one embodiment when the package closure is under production and the neck has not been displaced into the cap, -
FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a package closure and different details thereof according to one alternative embodiment when the package closure is under production and the neck has not been displaced into the cap, -
FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a package closure and different details thereof according to another alternative embodiment when the package closure is under production and the neck has not been displaced into the cap. - Referring to
FIG. 1 apackage closure 10 during production and a part of a device for producing saidpackage closure 10 is illustrated schematically. Thepackage closure 10 is arranged in a flexible material, such as a suitable plastic material. For example, thepackage closure 10 is formed in a suitable thermoplastic, such as polyethylene. The device comprises a movable first jaw 11, a movablesecond jaw 12, acounterpart 13 and atool core 14 interacting with thejaws 11, 12 and thecounterpart 13 to form a mould for receiving an amount of plastic material for producing thepackage closure 10. The device further comprises amovable ejector 15 for ejecting the producedpackage closure 10, which is described in more detail below. The device is arranged as a moulding tool for moulding plastic materials. For example, the device is arranged for moulding plastic materials, wherein thejaws 11, 12 and/or thetool core 14 can be heated and/or cooled in a conventional manner. Thejaws 11, 12 and thetool core 14 are arranged with a particular form for providing the mould for producing thepackage closure 10 according to the invention, which form is evident by the description of the special features of thepackage closure 10 below. - The
package closure 10 according to the invention is, for example, moulded in a single piece, wherein thecap 19 and theneck 18 are an integrated unit. Thejaws 11, 12 and thetool core 14 form a continuous mould for forming theneck 18 and thecap 19 in a single piece. - The
tool core 14 comprises anouter tool core 16 and aninner tool core 17. Theouter tool core 16 and theinner tool core 17 are displaceable in relation to each other. Hence, theouter tool core 16 and/or theinner tool core 17 is/are movable and displaceable in the axial direction. - In
FIG. 1 the device is illustrated in a position in which thejaws 11, 12 interact with thecounterpart 13 and thetool core 14 to form the mould for moulding thepackage closure 10 and in which apackage closure 10 is in the mould, i.e. in contact with thejaws 11, 12, thecounterpart 13 and thetool core 14. - The
jaws 11, 12 are movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a centre axis X of thepackage closure 10, such as in the radial direction, which direction is illustrated by means of the arrow A inFIG. 1 , between a position for forming the package closure and a position in which thepackage closure 10 is disengaged from thejaws 11, 12. Further, thecounterpart 13 is movable in a direction along the centre axis X of the package closure, as illustrated by means of the arrow B inFIG. 1 , between a position for forming the package closure and a position in which thepackage closure 10 is disengaged from thecounterpart 13. - With reference to
FIG. 2 thejaws 11, 12 and the counterpart have been removed, wherein thepackage closure 10 is illustrated during production thereof together with the outer tool core, theinner tool core 17 and theejector 15. Theejector 15 and theouter tool core 16 are displaceable in relation to each other in the axial direction, as illustrated by means of the arrow C inFIG. 2 . Further, theejector 15 and theinner tool core 17 are displaceable in relation to each other in the axial direction. When thejaws 11, 12 and thecounterpart 13 are disengaged from thepackage closure 10 thepackage closure 10 can, for example, be brought forwards in the axial direction by means of theejector 15 in a direction along the centre axis x of the package closure, as described in more detail below. - In the illustrated embodiment the
package closure 10 is substantially cylindrical having a circular cross section. Thepackage closure 10 comprises aneck 18 with an opening, and acap 19 for closing the opening. Theneck 18 comprises an axially extending tubularfirst portion 20 and aradially extending thread 21, such as an external thread. In the illustrated embodiment thefirst portion 20 is arranged with asecond portion 22 arranged in an angle to thefirst portion 20 to facilitate connection to a package. For example, thesecond portion 22 is arranged for connection to a package by melting, welding, gluing or in any other suitable manner. For example, thesecond portion 22 projects substantially radially in relation to thefirst portion 20. - During production the
cap 19 is connected to theneck 18, wherein theneck 18 and thecap 19 are formed in a single piece as one integrated unit of continuous plastic. At that time thecap 19 is connected to theneck 18 through anotch 23. In the illustrated embodiment, thenotch 23 extends continuously between thecap 19 and theneck 18. Alternatively, theneck 18 and the cap are formed in a single piece having openings between theneck 18 and thecap 19, wherein a plurality ofnotches 23 are distributed around thepackage closure 10 between thecap 19 and theneck 18. - In the illustrated embodiment the
cap 19 comprises a radially extendingtop portion 24 and an axially extending and cylindrical ortubular portion 25 connected thereto. Thetubular portion 25 is arranged with athread 26, such as an internal thread, for interaction with thethread 21 of theneck 18. Alternatively, thepackage closure 10 is formed without any thread, wherein thecap 19, for example, is arranged for connection to theneck 18 through a snap-on function. Alternatively, the cross section of thepackage closure 10 then is elliptic, triangular, rectangular or arranged with other shape, with or without rounded corners. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
package closure 10 comprises a tamper-evident ring 27. During forming of thepackage closure 10 the tamper-evident ring 27 is arranged between thecap 19, such as thetubular portion 25 of thecap 19, and thenotch 23. - The
cap 19 is provided with aprojection 28 projecting from an interior side of thecap 19, such as thetop portion 24. For example, theprojection 28 extends substantially axially. Theprojection 28 is arranged between the centre axis X and thetubular portion 25. Theprojection 25 is flexible and arranged for interaction with theinner tool core 17, so that thecap 19 is connected to theinner tool core 17 through theprojection 28 during the production of thepackage closure 10. In the illustrated embodiment theprojection 28 is arranged with aradially extending flange 29. To temporarily fasten thecap 19 theinner tool core 17 is, in the illustrated embodiment, provided with arecess 30 for receiving theprojection 28 or theflange 29 of theprojection 28. For example, therecess 30 extends radially inwards for receiving theprojection 28. - In the illustrated embodiment one end of the
tubular portion 25 of thecap 19 or one end of the temper-evident ring 27 is connected to theneck 18 through afolding portion 31. The foldingportion 31 is connected to theneck 18 through thenotch 23. Alternatively, the foldingportion 31 is connected to thecap 19 through thenotch 23. The foldingportion 31 is, for example, arranged continuously in the circumference of the package closure. Alternatively, a plurality offolding portions 31 are distributed around the circumference of the package closure with openings between them to provide for easier folding and material savings. - With reference also to
FIGS. 3 and 4 displacement of theouter tool core 16 in relation to thepackage closure 10 and theinner tool core 17 is illustrated schematically during a part of the production of thepackage closure 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. After forming thepackage closure 10 in a single piece and the cap is displaced axially in relation to theneck 18 and not mounted on theneck 18 theouter tool core 16 is displaced in the axial direction, wherein thecap 19 and theneck 18 are disengaged from theouter tool core 16. - The
outer tool core 16 is arranged with anend portion 32 for forming thecap 19 and aportion 33 for forming theneck 18 or at least a part thereof. Theend portion 33 is arranged with larger diameter than the portion for forming theneck 18. Hence, theneck 18, or a portion thereof, is arranged with smaller diameter than thecap 19, so that thecap 19 can be brought onto and to enclose at least a part of theneck 18. During displacement of theouter tool core 16 it is forced to pass theneck 18, which is made possible by an inherent flexibility of the plastic material thepackage closure 10 is made of. InFIG. 4 theneck 18 is illustrated disengaged from theouter tool core 16. - After the
neck 18 has been disengaged from theouter tool core 16 theneck 18 and thecap 19 are displaced in relation to each other in the axial direction. For example, theneck 18 is displaced into thetubular portion 25 of thecap 19, as illustrated inFIG. 5 , while the cap is kept in position by means of theprojection 28. For example, theejector 15 is displaced in relation to theinner tool core 17 while bringing theneck 18 along therewith and breaking along thenotch 23. Hence, thenotch 23 connecting thecap 19 and theneck 18 is broken to form thecap 19 as a first piece and the neck as a second piece, wherein the first piece is not integrated with the second piece. For example, the foldingportion 31 is folded inwards during displacement of theneck 18 in relation to theinner tool core 17, wherein further displacement results in that thenotch 23 is broken and further displacement results in that theneck 18 is brought into thecap 19 to be partially enclosed by thetubular portion 25 of thecap 19. In the illustrated embodiment theneck 18 is pushed into thecap 19, so that thethread 21 of theneck 18 is pushed over thethread 26 of thecap 19, wherein thecap 19 is mounted on theneck 18 by axial displacement without any screwing. For example, theneck 18 is displaced into thecap 19 to a final position, as illustrated inFIG. 6 , after which further displacement results in that also thecap 19 is displaced in the same direction, for example by a portion, such as an end portion of theneck 18, engages a suitable portion of thecap 19, so that a force transferred from theneck 18 to thecap 19 exceeds the force with which theprojection 28 holds thecap 19 to theinner tool core 17, whereby thepackage closure 10 is finished and disengaged from both theouter tool core 16 and theinner tool core 17. Hence,FIGS. 3-6 illustrate schematically an ejection process in which a mouldedpackage closure 10 is ejected from the device while being finished by applying thecap 19 onto theneck 18. After moulding thepackage closure 10, when the material in thepackage closure 10 still is soft and not yet entirely has solidified or crystallized, both theejector 15 and theinner tool core 17, for example, is brought axially forward while bringing along thepackage closure 10 in the same direction, so that thecap 19 and theneck 18 is disengaged from theouter tool core 16. Hence, theinner tool core 17 and theejector 15 are displaceable in the axial direction in relation to theouter tool core 16. Alternatively, theouter tool core 16 is pulled backwards in relation to theejector 15, theinner tool core 17 and thepackage closure 10. Then, theejector 15 is displaced axially forward in relation to theinner tool core 17 while theinner tool core 17 interacts with theprojection 28 to retain thecap 19 in position, so that theneck 18, by means of theejector 15, is displaced in relation to thecap 19 while folding along thenotch 23 and breaking thereof. Hence, theejector 15 is displaceable in the axial direction in relation also to theinner tool core 17. To temporarily retain thecap 19 therecess 30 engages theprojection 28 or the radially inwards extendingflange 29 of theprojection 28. Hence, theprojection 28 is more rigid than thenotch 23, wherein thenotch 23 is folded and/or broken when theejector 15 is displaced axially while theprojection 28 not bends. After that theejector 15 is brought further forward in the axial direction while bringing along therewith thepackage closure 10 in the same direction, so that theprojection 28, by its inherent flexibility, is disengaged from theinner tool core 17 and can leave the device for production of thepackage closure 10. For example, after that theprojection 28 returns to its original position by its flexibility. - The application of the
cap 19 on theneck 18 and the ejection of thepackage closure 10 is, for example, performed within one or a few seconds after the moulding thereof, wherein the temperature of the material in thepackage closure 10 is above room temperature and, for example, above 40° C. or about 60° C., so that the material is semi liquid during the ejection. - With reference to
FIG. 7 a part of thepackage closure 10 is illustrated in its closed and intact position, wherein thethread 26 of thecap 19 interacts with thethread 21 of theneck 18 and the optional tamper-evident ring 27 is intact and not broken. To open thepackage closure 10 thecap 19 is screwed, i.e. turned or rotated, around the centre axis in a conventional manner, so that the tamper-evident ring 17 breaks and thecap 19, by thethreads neck 18, as illustrated inFIG. 8 , until thecap 19 is disengaged from theneck 18, as illustrated inFIG. 9 . After that thepackage closure 10 can be resealed in a conventional way by screwing thecap 19 onto theneck 18 again, wherein the tamper-evident ring 27 remains broken. -
FIGS. 10-14 show apackage closure 10 and different details thereof according to one embodiment in which thepackage closure 10 is under production and theneck 18 not has been displaced into thecap 19. In the illustrated embodiment thecap 19 is arranged as a screw cap having thetop portion 24, thetubular portion 25 and thethread 26. Theneck 18 is arranged with the tubularfirst portion 20, thethread 21 and thesecond portion 22. -
FIGS. 15-18 show a package closure and different details thereof according to one alternative embodiment.FIGS. 17 and 18 show more in detail analternative locking portion 34, whereinFIG. 17 shows the lockingportion 34 in a position before thecap 19 has been brought onto theneck 18 andFIG. 18 show the lockingportion 34 in a position after thecap 19 has been brought onto theneck 18. - In the illustrated embodiment the
top portion 24 of thecap 19 is arranged with radially extending stiffeningribs 35 for reinforcement in the radial direction. For example, the stiffeningribs 35 coincide withridges 36 on an exterior side of thetubular portion 25 of the cap. For example, the stiffeningribs 35 extend at least 1-3 mm in the radial direction from a circumference of thetop portion 24, such as 2-5 mm or 3-4 mm. For example, the stiffeningribs 35 extend along at least 20% of a radius of the top portion, such as 20-50%. - With reference to
FIGS. 19-24 apackage closure 10 and different details thereof is illustrated according to another embodiment in which thepackage closure 10 is under production and theneck 18 has not been displaced into thecap 19. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 19-24 theprojection 28 is arranged for interaction with an end of theneck 18 when thepackage closure 10 is entirely closed, so that the end of theneck 18 then is arranged between thetubular portion 25 of thecap 19 and theprojection 28. Theprojection 28 is formed with theradially extending flange 29, wherein theflange 29 extends radially inwards and, for example, extends substantially in parallel with thetop portion 24. Hence, a morerigid cap 19 is obtained with improved deformation resistance, for example, when theflange 29 interacts with therecess 30 of theinner tool core 17 during the relative displacement of theneck 18 and thecap 19 during production of thepackage closure 10. Simultaneously, material savings are obtained. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 19-24 theneck 18 is provided with supportingelements 37 to reinforce theneck 18 and prevent theneck 18 from folding when thecap 19 is brought onto theneck 18 while folding thefolding portion 31. The supportingelements 37 extend axially, for example along a part of the interior side of theneck 18 in the lower portion of theneck 18, such as in connection with the radially extendingsecond portion 22 of theneck 18. For example, a plurality of supportingelements 37 is distributed around the interior side of theneck 18. In the illustrated embodiment the supportingelements 37 are triangular having their apexes directed towards the top of theneck 18. - As is evident from the illustrated embodiments the folding
portion 31 is inclined radially outwards in a direction towards thecap 19 during production of thepackage closure 10 and theneck 18 has not been displaced into thecap 19. For example, an angle between the centre axis X and thefolding portion 31 is relatively large, such as at least 30 degrees, to ensure that thefolding portion 31 is folded outwards and downwards when thecap 19 is brought onto theneck 18 or theneck 18 is brought into thecap 19. Alternatively, the foldingportion 31 is bent outwards in the radial direction in a corresponding manner.
Claims (18)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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SE1251378A SE538614C2 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2012-12-05 | Apparatus and method for making packaging closure and use of such apparatus |
SE1251378-4 | 2012-12-05 | ||
PCT/SE2013/051439 WO2014088500A1 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2013-12-03 | A package closure and a device and a method for producing a package closure and use of such a device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150284149A1 true US20150284149A1 (en) | 2015-10-08 |
Family
ID=50883787
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/649,664 Abandoned US20150284149A1 (en) | 2012-12-05 | 2013-12-03 | Package closure and a device and a method for producing a package closure and use of such a device |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150284149A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2928662B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104903068B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2645133C2 (en) |
SE (1) | SE538614C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014088500A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023132779A1 (en) * | 2022-01-10 | 2023-07-13 | Petro-Pack Ab | Package closures and methods and devices for producing package closures |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE538508C2 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-08-23 | Petro-Pack Ab | A method and a device for producing a package closure |
DE102019215330A1 (en) * | 2019-10-07 | 2021-04-08 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Process for the production of a dispensing closure |
SE544254C2 (en) * | 2019-10-24 | 2022-03-15 | Petro Pack Ab | A package closure and a method for producing a package closure |
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WO2012033451A1 (en) * | 2010-09-07 | 2012-03-15 | Petro Pack Ab | A package closure and a device and a method for producing a package closure |
US8152015B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2012-04-10 | Deltona Innovations Ag | Semi-finished product for producing a plastic closure from two parts |
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US5711441A (en) * | 1996-09-04 | 1998-01-27 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | One-piece fitment having reclosure cap |
GB9806911D0 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 1998-05-27 | Dudzik Henryk | Moulding method and container cap |
SE0001147L (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2001-10-01 | Modulpac Ab | Ways to manufacture a closure device and closure devices manufactured according to the method |
SE0801018L (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-08 | Petro Pack Ab | Packaging Closure |
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- 2012-12-05 SE SE1251378A patent/SE538614C2/en unknown
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- 2013-12-03 EP EP13861098.5A patent/EP2928662B1/en active Active
- 2013-12-03 US US14/649,664 patent/US20150284149A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-12-03 CN CN201380069705.2A patent/CN104903068B/en active Active
- 2013-12-03 RU RU2015126102A patent/RU2645133C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2013-12-03 WO PCT/SE2013/051439 patent/WO2014088500A1/en active Application Filing
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US3957944A (en) * | 1973-03-30 | 1976-05-18 | Angelo Guala S.P.A. | Method of making closure device for cans and other containers |
US5512228A (en) * | 1991-03-05 | 1996-04-30 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Unitary tamper-evident fitment and closure assembly |
WO1994014588A1 (en) * | 1992-12-22 | 1994-07-07 | Sdt Technologies, Inc. | Closure for dispensing produce from a container |
US20060124575A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2006-06-15 | Portola Packaging Limited | Integrally moulded closure system |
US8152015B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2012-04-10 | Deltona Innovations Ag | Semi-finished product for producing a plastic closure from two parts |
WO2012033451A1 (en) * | 2010-09-07 | 2012-03-15 | Petro Pack Ab | A package closure and a device and a method for producing a package closure |
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WO2023132779A1 (en) * | 2022-01-10 | 2023-07-13 | Petro-Pack Ab | Package closures and methods and devices for producing package closures |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2015126102A (en) | 2017-01-13 |
CN104903068B (en) | 2017-07-18 |
WO2014088500A1 (en) | 2014-06-12 |
SE1251378A1 (en) | 2014-06-06 |
RU2645133C2 (en) | 2018-02-15 |
EP2928662A1 (en) | 2015-10-14 |
SE538614C2 (en) | 2016-10-04 |
CN104903068A (en) | 2015-09-09 |
EP2928662A4 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
EP2928662B1 (en) | 2019-10-16 |
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