WO1997039955A1 - Capsules a vide et leurs receptacles, et leurs combinaisons - Google Patents

Capsules a vide et leurs receptacles, et leurs combinaisons Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997039955A1
WO1997039955A1 PCT/GB1997/000991 GB9700991W WO9739955A1 WO 1997039955 A1 WO1997039955 A1 WO 1997039955A1 GB 9700991 W GB9700991 W GB 9700991W WO 9739955 A1 WO9739955 A1 WO 9739955A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vacuum
closure
depression
panel
hole
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/000991
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Francisco Ascasibar Verdejo
Richard Mark Beaumont
Malcolm George Collins
Steven Gordon Robertson
Original Assignee
Carnaudmetalbox Plc
Carnaudmetalbox S.A.
Carnaudmetalbox N.V.
Carnaudmetalbox (Holdings) Usa Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carnaudmetalbox Plc, Carnaudmetalbox S.A., Carnaudmetalbox N.V., Carnaudmetalbox (Holdings) Usa Inc. filed Critical Carnaudmetalbox Plc
Priority to BR9702164A priority Critical patent/BR9702164A/pt
Priority to AU25150/97A priority patent/AU2515097A/en
Priority to EP97916528A priority patent/EP0842095A1/fr
Publication of WO1997039955A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997039955A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
    • B65D51/1677—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element by rupturing a portion of the closure
    • 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
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, preformed openings, e.g. tearable strips or plastic plugs
    • B65D17/506—Rigid or semi-rigid members, e.g. plugs
    • B65D17/507—Rigid or semi-rigid members, e.g. plugs moulded in situ, e.g. during production of container
    • B65D17/508—Rigid or semi-rigid members, e.g. plugs moulded in situ, e.g. during production of container and combined with a rigid or semi-rigid, e.g. metallic sheet and a moulded plastic body
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
    • B65D51/1683—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element by actuating a separate element in the container or closure
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2015—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in an at least partially rigid container
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, a preformed opening
    • B65D2517/504—Details of preformed openings
    • B65D2517/5043—Details of preformed openings provided with a flange
    • B65D2517/5051—Up-turned flange, i.e. extending away from container
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, a preformed opening
    • B65D2517/504—Details of preformed openings
    • B65D2517/5056—Details of preformed openings the edge of the preformed opening having a covering element or coating, e.g. to prevent cutting or for sealing purposes
    • 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
    • B65D2517/00—Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting, piercing or tearing of wall portions, e.g. preserving cans or tins
    • B65D2517/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, a preformed opening
    • B65D2517/504—Details of preformed openings
    • B65D2517/5059—Details of preformed openings provided with a plurality of openings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to vacuum closures for packaging containers, containers intended to be closed by such closures, and combinations of such closures with such containers.
  • the invention concerns containers of tinplate or other metal material, and closures which are substantially of metal or which have individually formed metal and plastics components assembled together.
  • Vacuum closures are so-called because they are required to hold and withstand a partial vacuum which is formed in the headspace of a container onto which the closure is fitted.
  • the partial vacuum is typically generated when the closed container is cooled to ambient temperatures after a product sterilising, pasteurising or hot-filling operation.
  • a primary use of vacuum closures is for food products for human consumption.
  • the partial vacuum may have a sufficient intensity to make first closure removal by the consumer difficult or impossible to achieve, even by use of a special implement such as a coin.
  • Proposals have therefore been made to enable the vacuum to be destroyed, by providing the closure with a vacuum release facility which can be operated before the closure is removed.
  • One such proposal is featured in British patent specification No. 1393875 published 14th May 1975 and granted to the present Applicants in a former name.
  • Figure 13 of that specification is reproduced as Figure 1 of the present Application, from which it will be seen that a metal closure A of the kind commonly referred to as a "slip lid" is used to close a metal container B for a tobacco product C onto a partial vacuum.
  • the closure is formed with two adjacent holes which are closed in an airtight manner by rivets D, E.
  • the rivets are integrally formed on the back of a plastics tab F and have their projecting free ends upset or reformed after insertion. Removal of the rivet D from its respective hole by pulling action on the tab allows air to enter the headspace of the container so as to destroy any partial vacuum, after which the closure can be removed from the container by continued pulling on the tab which is held captive by continued engagement of its rivet E in the second hole.
  • 2718115 shows an easy-opening facility which is similar to that of US 5275679 (above) but applied to a vacuum closure for a container which is of metal rather than of glass.
  • Specification 5275679 stands in the name of Metalgrafica Rojek Ltda as assignee.
  • a vacuum closure for sealing a container body
  • the closure including a circular metal panel, the panel having an area of sealing compound for forming a seal between the panel and the container body, the upper surface of the closure having a concave depression with at least one vacuum release hole extending through the metal panel in the region of the depression, and a removable sealing plug located within the depression adapted to close the vacuum release hole until the plug is removed in order to release a vacuum, characterised in that the vacuum release hole is formed with an upturned edge so as to form a convergent chimney around the hole.
  • the metal panel is coated on at least a part of its upper surface with a first lacquer coating, and at least a part of its lower surface with a second lacquer coating, the material of the removable plug and the first and second lacquer coatings being such that the plug material is adherent to the second lacquer coating but non-adherent to the first lacquer coating.
  • the concave depression is a kidney- shaped depression, offset from the centre of the metal panel. This allows a conventional tamper indicating button to be retained in the centre of the metal panel.
  • the concave depression conceivably includes at least first and second holes, the first for anchoring the sealing plug within the depression and the second constituting the vacuum release hole. Conveniently both first and second holes are each formed with an upturned edge so as to form a convergent chimney around each hole.
  • the invention further resides in a method of manufacturing a vacuum closure including the steps of:- i) stamping out a circular metal panel, ii) forming a concave depression in the panel, having at least one vacuum release hole, iii) applying a resinous compound to the concave depression to seal the vacuum release hole, such that at least some of the resinous compound extends through the hole to appear on the opposite side of the metal panel, and iv) pressing the metal panel with a forming tool in the region of the underside of the vacuum release hole so as to spread the resinous compound around the underside of the hole to ensure a gas tight seal until the compound is removed from the concave depression.
  • the forming tool may be conveniently be a heated forming tool.
  • the invention further resides in the combination of a metal container body and a vacuum closure for sealing the container body, the container body including a curl portion at its open end, the closure comprising a moulded plastics ring having an annular cover portion, a downwardly dependent skirt portion, a peripheral portion coupling together said cover portion and said skirt portion, and inwardly projecting means on the said skirt portion for engaging the curl portion of the container body, said cover portion, peripheral portion, skirt portion and inwardly projecting means cooperating to form an inwardly facing channel, a circular metal panel positioned within the plastics ring and having its periphery received within the said channel, the panel having an area of sealing compound for forming a seal between the panel and the container body, the upper surface of the closure having a concave depression with at least one vacuum release hole extending through the metal panel in the region of the depression, and a removable sealing plug located within the depression adapted to close the vacuum release hole until the plug is removed in order to
  • the periphery of the circular metal panel is provided with a curl, preferably an outwardly facing curl, adapted to be received in the inwardly facing channel .
  • a curl preferably an outwardly facing curl, adapted to be received in the inwardly facing channel .
  • FIG.2 shows, on an axially directed cross-section, a first package employing a closure/container combination in accordance with the invention, the closure having a vacuum release facility;
  • Fig.3 shows detail of the closure/container engagement to a larger scale than Fig.2;
  • Fig.4 likewise shows the vacuum release facility of Fig.2 to an enlarged scale;
  • Fig.4A shows the coated metal sheet of the closure;
  • Fig.5 shows another form of vacuum release facility
  • Fig.6 shows a further form of vacuum release facility
  • Fig.7 shows yet another form of vacuum release facility
  • Figs.8 and 9 are views corresponding to Fig.3 of the closure/container engagements of respective further packages in accordance with the invention but employing essentially all-metal closures rather than the composite metal/plastics closure of Fig.2;
  • Fig.10 shows a further form of vacuum release facility, shown in plan view.
  • Fig.11 is a cross section through the line A-A in Fig.10.
  • a package of a food product (not shown) has a metal container 10 with a tubular side wall 12 extending upwardly from a closure (not shown) at its bottom end.
  • the base closure may be formed integrally with the side wall, or it may be separately attached at a peripheral seam.
  • the free top end of the container 10 defines the container mouth, and is necked inwardly at an inwardly and upwardly inclined shoulder 14. Above the shoulder the container mouth is formed by a reduced diameter, generally cylindrical portion 16 which carries an outturned peripheral curl 18 of elongate form. As is clearly shown in Fig.3, the top of the curl 18 is generally semicircular in cross-section and forms a rounded free edge or rim 20 for the container 10. Below this rim the curl tapers downwardly and inwardly at an angle of approximately 15° to the vertical, that is to say, to the central axis XX of the container and closure.
  • This tapering, generally frustoconical, portion 22 in turn carries the base 24 of the curl, which extends inwardly substantially as far as the cylindrical portion 16 of the container neck.
  • the base is curled inwardly so as to form a substantially semi-circular (in cross- section) lower annular termination of the curl 18.
  • the container free edge 26 may, as shown, be located substantially at the innermost point of the base.
  • the base may be continued generally upwardly and outwardly on a generally circular locus to the free edge.
  • the latter arrangement may be preferred because the free edge, which is liable to corrosion, is hidden from view within the interior of the curl 18.
  • the free edge may be provided by the bottom end of the frustoconical portion 22, there being no base 24 as such.
  • the vacuum closure 30 by which the container 10 is closed onto a product is of composite construction, having a central, generally metal closure disc 32 and a moulded band 34 of a suitable plastics material into which the disc is fitted.
  • the band has a generally cylindrical body portion 36 and an inturned annular flange 38 formed at one end of the body portion, the top end as shown.
  • An inwardly projecting snap-engagement bead 40 is formed around the interior of the band 34 intermediate the ends of the body portion 36. With the flange 38 the bead forms an inwardly facing channel 120.
  • At the periphery of the disc 32 is a short, downturned, cylindrical flange 42 terminating in a curl 121 at the end of which is the free edge 43. The curl 121 is received and held captive in the channel 120.
  • the disc 32 is pressed from tinplate, TFS (tin free steel), blackplate, aluminium or other suitable metal sheet. As shown in Fig.4A, it is lacquered on both its surfaces.
  • the metal substrate is denoted 44, the upper and lower lacquer layers being denoted 45, 46 respectively.
  • the two lacquers may be the same, or they may differ.
  • a vacuum release facility generally denoted 48 is formed in the centre of the disc.
  • a shallow circular depression 50 having a flat base 52 and a sloping side wall 54 is formed in the disc 32, and a central hole 56 is formed through the disc in the centre of the base 52.
  • the hole is formed by piercing with an upward direction of movement (in relation to the disc as shown) with the result that an upstanding and convergent chimney 58 is formed around the hole.
  • a quantity of a polymeric material 60 such as a plastisol is located in the depression 50 as shown.
  • the material 60 is deposited into the depression 50 when in flowable form, and subsequently caused or allowed to harden. Before it hardens some of the material penetrates the hole 56 and forms a mushroom head 62 in free space on the underside of the disc.
  • Fig.4 shows the material 60 after it has hardened. It will be seen that the mushroom head 62 is joined through the hole 56 with the bulk of the material, which is received in, and fills, the depression 50.
  • the material accordingly forms a plug which closes the hole and is held releasably captive on the disc by the mushroom head beneath.
  • the plug is generally denoted by the reference numeral 64 in Figs. 2 and 4.
  • the material 60 and the lacquers 45, 46 are selected so that the plug 64 adheres with a predetermined peel strength to the upper and lower lacquers 45, 46 where it is in contact with them.
  • the adhesion is sufficient to ensure that in the closed package the plug seals the hole hermetically in a reliable manner, so that a partial vacuum can be retained within the package as required.
  • the adhesion is sufficiently weak, however, to enable a consumer wishing to open the package to separate it entirely from the disc, leaving the hole 56 open for air to pass into the package headspace.
  • the chimney 58 presents a smoothly curving constriction which progressively compresses the mushroom head 62 until it can pass through the hole in the upward direction.
  • the plug 64 is removed by the user by inserting a finger nail or sharp implement under its free edge, and levering the plug upwardly.
  • the material 60 may be adherent to the lower lacquer 46, but non-adherent to the upper lacquer 45.
  • Fig.4 illustrates a modification of the formation of the plug 64 in which the mushroom head 62 is shaped by a forming tool 66 which is held in contact with the underside of the disc 32 while the material 60 is being located in position.
  • the tool 66 may have a recess 68 which is shaped to form the mushroom head as required; alternatively, it may have a flat upper surface so as to form the material 60 with a lower surface which is generally flush with the lower surface of the disc. It may be heated if required.
  • the plug 64 is formed by compression-moulding a slug of a suitable molten polymeric material which is placed in the depression 50.
  • a compression-moulding tool 70 capable of making a peripheral seal with the disc around the depression is brought down against the slug and redistributes the material 60 as required to form the plug. If desired, the compression-moulding tool may be used in conjunction with a forming tool 66 as described in the last paragraph.
  • Fig.5 shows a further vacuum release facility which is similar in general arrangement to that of Fig.4 but which employs a different mode of vacuum release operation.
  • the vacuum release facility of Fig.5 has a unitary plug of plastisol material 60 disposed in a shallow, generally frustoconical depression 50 which is formed in the closure disc 32, and an upstanding chimney 58 is formed through the closure disc within the depression.
  • the material 60 is non-adherent to the upper surface of the disc, but adherent to its lower surface (including the inside of the chimney) .
  • the material 60 has a lower surface 106 which is generally flush with the surrounding lower surface 107 presented by the disc.
  • a hot forming tool similar to the forming tool 66 of Fig.4 and possibly having a flat upper surface may be used for this purpose. The tool may be already in position against the disc surface 107 when the material 60 is flowed into the depression 50, although for more viscous materials it may be appropriate to move the tool against the disc surface some time after the material has been applied.
  • the height H and internal width W of the chimney 58 are selected in relation to the physical characteristics of the material 60, in particular its tensile strength. As illustrated in Fig.5, when the user exerts an upward force on the plug of material for the purpose of releasing the container headspace vacuum, the material 60 ruptures internally along a generally conical break line indicated by broken line 108, leaving an annular part 109 which remains attached to the disc by adhesion with the inside surface of the chimney 58.
  • FIG. 6 Another form of vacuum release facility in accordance with the invention employs an injection- moulded plastics bung 64 (Fig.6) which is integrally formed with a rivet 72 on one side, the underside as shown. The rivet is forced through a hole 56 formed in the disc 32, and its projecting end is upset as shown so as to hold the bung releasably captive until opening is required.
  • the bung may have an integral finger ring 74 to assist grasping by the user; alternatively the bung may be designed for removal using an implement.
  • the bung preferably projects no higher than the annular top edge of the plastics band 34 - see Fig.3.
  • Fig.7 shows a further vacuum release facility which may be used in a container/closure combination in accordance with the invention and is as disclosed in US patent specification No. 5275679 previously mentioned.
  • a plastisol or similar material is again received in a shallow depression 50 which is formed in the closure disc 32 and has a central hole 56.
  • a thin film 80 with which the plastisol material is compatible is formed over the hole on the underside of the disc before the plastisol material is deposited.
  • the plastisol and thin film materials unite intimately with one another with the result that, when the plastisol material is removed in order to destroy the vacuum in the package, the part 82 of the film where it underlies the hole is torn away at the same time, thereby leaving a desired passage for air to flow.
  • the film 80 and the material 60 are formed in successive and essentially separate stages of operation, and a one-stage operation such as involved in the formation of the vacuum release plugs of the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 5 is preferred.
  • the metal of the disc 32 is formed with upper and lower lacquers 45, 46 the upper lacquer of which is nonadherent to the plastisol material 60, but the lower lacquer of which is adherent to the material of the film 80.
  • the closure 30 is assembled by forcing the disc 32 past the snap-engagement bead 40 until it, in particular the flange 42 and curl 121, adopt the position shown in relation to the band 34. In that position the lid is firmly held against relative axial movement between the flange 38 and the bead 40.
  • the disc has an annular liner 84 of a flowed-in plastisol sealing material formed, as shown, on its underside in the corner formed by its flange 42.
  • the closure is fitted onto the container 10 by downward movement at a time when the product in the container is hot or when steam exists in its headspace.
  • the downward movement of the closure forces the closure bead 40 resiliently over the curl 18 of the container, so that the closure comes to rest in approximately the relative position shown, with its liner 84 making sealing engagement with the container curl.
  • the package is thereafter cooled, possibly after pasteurisation or sterilisation, with the result that condensation of water vapour and thermal contraction of the food product generate a partial vacuum in the container headspace. Some further downward movement of the closure on the container may occur in response to this partial vacuum. Also, contraction of the body portion 36 of the closure will usually occur as the package cools, again tending to cause further settling of the closure on the container. In this condition the package is marketed for retail sale.
  • the consumer In order to remove the closure the consumer first operates the vacuum release facility as previously described, so destroying the vacuum in the consumer headspace.
  • the free edge 86 of the band 34 is spaced above the container shoulder 14 as shown, and an implement such as a coin or the handle of a spoon may then be inserted in the space and used to lever the closure over the curl 18 of the container.
  • an implement such as a coin or the handle of a spoon may then be inserted in the space and used to lever the closure over the curl 18 of the container.
  • the closure bead 40 rides up the curl 18, the small taper angle of the frustoconical portion 22 causing progressive expansion of the bead 40 and of the body portion 36 of the band 34 until the bead can move clear of the curl.
  • the bead may, if desired, be interrupted by one or more slits or gaps spaced around its periphery, as illustrated by the broken line 88 which indicates the outer end or face of one such interruption.
  • a feature of the closed package which is evident from Figure 3 is that the closure 30 lies wholly within the cylindrical vertical envelope of the container side wall 12. This assists handling and distribution by ensuring that adjacent packages will not snag against one another and possibly dislodge their closures or break their headspace vacuums.
  • Fig.8 illustrates the application of the invention to a package the closure of which is substantially of metal, rather than the composite metal/plastics closure 30 shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • the closure should be understood as having a vacuum release facility (not shown) formed in its closure panel 90.
  • the facility may be as described above with reference to any of Figs .4 to 7, although other arrangements are possible. In one such arrangement a flexible strip is adhered over a hole formed through the closure panel, and can be peeled away when it is required to destroy the vacuum in the package headspace.
  • the closure 30 is shown in relation to a metal container 10 which is similar to the container of Figs.
  • the closure 2 and 3 and likewise has a cylindrical side wall 12 which is inwardly necked at its open top end. As before, the necked region has a shoulder 14, reduced diameter cylindrical portion 16, and outturned curl 18 extending to the free edge 26 of the container.
  • the closure has a closure panel 90 (as previously mentioned) and a downturned cylindrical flange 92 terminating at an outturned curl 94. The curl lies wholly within the cylindrical envelope of the container side wall 12, for the purpose mentioned above.
  • the closure material may be tinplate, TFS, blackplate, aluminium or other metal, lacquered on one or both its sides.
  • An annular liner 84 of a plastisol material is formed around the closure 30 at the corner between the closure panel 90 and flange 92.
  • This liner makes sealing engagement with the container curl both above and to the side of the curl.
  • the liner may be of a foamed material which sets itself to the form of the container curl during thermal processing of the package.
  • opening of the closure by the consumer is achieved after the vacuum release facility has been operated, and may require use of an implement inserted in the space provided between the closure curl 94 and the container shoulder 14.
  • Fig.9 illustrates the invention as applied to a glass container 10.
  • the closure 30 is essentially of metal and has a downwardly facing, shallow annular channel 95 formed around its closure panel 90.
  • the channel merges at a radius 96 with a cylindrical flange 97 having an outwardly flared bottom free end at which it is formed with an inturned curl 98.
  • the free edge 99 of the closure as a whole is formed within the curl.
  • a sealing liner 84 is located in the peripheral corner of the closure 30 including its channel 95.
  • the liner is formed by compression-moulding a foamable plastisol compound using a heated punch, in the manner well known for PT (Press-on, Twist-off) closures.
  • the liner is able to conform itself to the finish of the container to which the closure is applied.
  • the container finish includes an annular top face 100 joined by a radius 101 to a cylindrical bore 102, and a bulbous outer rim 103 joining the top face with a cylindrical outer face 104.
  • the liner 84 is extended far enough down the flange 97 of the closure to form a latching projection 105 beneath the container rim 103. This projection assists vacuum in the container headspace to hold the closure on the container up to first use, and thereafter provides positive retention for the closure on reclosure after use.
  • Fig.9 should be understood as having a vacuum release facility formed in its closure panel 90.
  • the facility may be as described above with reference to any of Figs.4 to 7, but another suitable arrangement may be used if desired. Fitting and use of the closure is generally as described in relation to the previous embodiments.
  • Figs.10 and 11 show an alternative vacuum release design, including a kidney-shaped depression shown generally at 110, comprising a flat base 111 surrounded by a sloping side wall 112.
  • the base 111 has a first hole 113, having an annular raised side wall defining a chimney 114, the height H of the chimney being approximately 0.5mm and the width W of the chimney being approximately 2.1mm.
  • the chimney 114 and hole 113 are designed to provide an anchor for the plug of plastisol material (not shown) .
  • a second hole 115 also having an annular raised side wall 116, acts as a vacuum release hole.
  • the height H of the side wall 116 is typically 0.2mm and the width W of the hole is typically 1.9mm.
  • vacuum release facility of a vacuum closure in accordance with this embodiment of the invention may be located off-centre on the closure, it may be used in conjunction with a conventional tamper-indicating button,

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une capsule à vide comprenant un panneau métallique (32) entouré généralement d'une bande de plastique moulée (34), ce panneau présentant une dépression concave (50) pourvue d'un trou (56) pour laisser partir l'air. Un bouchon en plastisol (60) est placé dans la dépression de façon à former un joint d'étanchéité amovible sur le trou (56). Ce trou comporte une paroi latérale annulaire, recourbée vers le haut, qui forme une cheminée convergente (58), et le bouchon est choisi en fonction de sa capacité à adhérer sur la couche de vernis appliquée sur la surface inférieure du panneau métallique, et à ne pas adhérer à la couche de vernis appliquée sur la partie supérieure du panneau métallique. Le bouchon en plastisol (60) peut ainsi être retiré pour laisser partir l'air du réceptacle par le trou (56), ce qui facilite le dégagement de la capsule.
PCT/GB1997/000991 1996-04-25 1997-04-11 Capsules a vide et leurs receptacles, et leurs combinaisons WO1997039955A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR9702164A BR9702164A (pt) 1996-04-25 1997-04-11 Tampa a vácuo para selar o corpo de um recipiente processo de sua fabricação e combinação de tampa a vácuo e corpo de recipiente metálico
AU25150/97A AU2515097A (en) 1996-04-25 1997-04-11 Vacuum closures and containers therefor, and combinations thereof
EP97916528A EP0842095A1 (fr) 1996-04-25 1997-04-11 Capsules a vide et leurs receptacles, et leurs combinaisons

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9608531.1A GB9608531D0 (en) 1996-04-25 1996-04-25 Vacuum closures and containers therefor, and combinations thereof
GB9608531.1 1996-04-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997039955A1 true WO1997039955A1 (fr) 1997-10-30

Family

ID=10792595

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/000991 WO1997039955A1 (fr) 1996-04-25 1997-04-11 Capsules a vide et leurs receptacles, et leurs combinaisons

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0842095A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2515097A (fr)
BR (1) BR9702164A (fr)
CA (1) CA2225684A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB9608531D0 (fr)
PL (1) PL324249A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1997039955A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA973512B (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000064609A1 (fr) * 1999-04-22 2000-11-02 Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Procede de formation d'un corps de boite
DE10111828B4 (de) * 2001-03-13 2007-04-19 Cantec Gmbh & Co. Kg Metalldeckel zum Verschließen von Bechern und anderen Verpackungen für Nahrungsmittelkonserven unter Vakuum
WO2017066713A1 (fr) * 2015-10-16 2017-04-20 Zipz, Inc. Fermeture pour boisson gazeuse
JP2021532026A (ja) * 2019-06-28 2021-11-25 オネスト フード 水蒸気密閉容器

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2126212A (en) * 1935-11-06 1938-08-09 Baxter Don Inc Vacuum seal indicator
GB1393875A (en) * 1971-08-20 1975-05-14 Metal Box Co Ltd Container closures
US4526287A (en) * 1982-11-19 1985-07-02 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd. Shock-resistant easily-openable vessel closure
US5275679A (en) * 1991-09-10 1994-01-04 Metalgrafica Rojek Ltda. Process to form a pressure release hole with removable seal, for easy opening, on metal lids for vacuum sealing of glasses and other glass containers used to pack foodstuff
FR2718115A1 (fr) * 1994-03-29 1995-10-06 Rojek Metalgrafica Boîtes destinées à l'emballage de produits alimentaires.

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2126212A (en) * 1935-11-06 1938-08-09 Baxter Don Inc Vacuum seal indicator
GB1393875A (en) * 1971-08-20 1975-05-14 Metal Box Co Ltd Container closures
US4526287A (en) * 1982-11-19 1985-07-02 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd. Shock-resistant easily-openable vessel closure
US5275679A (en) * 1991-09-10 1994-01-04 Metalgrafica Rojek Ltda. Process to form a pressure release hole with removable seal, for easy opening, on metal lids for vacuum sealing of glasses and other glass containers used to pack foodstuff
FR2718115A1 (fr) * 1994-03-29 1995-10-06 Rojek Metalgrafica Boîtes destinées à l'emballage de produits alimentaires.

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000064609A1 (fr) * 1999-04-22 2000-11-02 Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Procede de formation d'un corps de boite
DE10111828B4 (de) * 2001-03-13 2007-04-19 Cantec Gmbh & Co. Kg Metalldeckel zum Verschließen von Bechern und anderen Verpackungen für Nahrungsmittelkonserven unter Vakuum
WO2017066713A1 (fr) * 2015-10-16 2017-04-20 Zipz, Inc. Fermeture pour boisson gazeuse
US10196189B2 (en) 2015-10-16 2019-02-05 Zipz, Inc. Carbonated beverage closure
JP2021532026A (ja) * 2019-06-28 2021-11-25 オネスト フード 水蒸気密閉容器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0842095A1 (fr) 1998-05-20
ZA973512B (en) 1998-03-23
BR9702164A (pt) 1999-03-02
AU2515097A (en) 1997-11-12
CA2225684A1 (fr) 1997-10-30
GB9608531D0 (en) 1996-07-03
PL324249A1 (en) 1998-05-11

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