WO2004080814A2

WO2004080814A2 - Beverage container and method of filling it

Info

Publication number: WO2004080814A2
Application number: PCT/EP2004/050263
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew John Searle; David Wheelwright; Carden Harper Taft
Original assignee: Style Innovations Limited
Priority date: 2003-03-11
Filing date: 2004-03-05
Publication date: 2004-09-23
Also published as: WO2004080814A3

Abstract

A beverage container comprising a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, such as a carbonated beverage, e.g. beer, said receptacle having a wide open mouth (30); a removable cap (40) which fits said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, said removable cap defining a second relatively narrow opening (50); means (70) for tightly securing said cap to said receptacle in the fitted position; sealing means (52) for forming a seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are secured together with the cap in the fitted position; manually operable means for releasing said securing means to enable said cap to be removed from said wide open mouth; and a closure (60) adapted to seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle in the fitted position, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap. Preferably said sealing means are adapted to form a gas-tight seal between the cap and the eceptacle, and said closure is adapted to form a gas-tight seal with said cap. Also disclosed is a method of charging such a container with liquid, wherein said method comprises charging said receptacle with said liquid via said second opening, and thereafter closing said second opening with said closure.

Description

Improvements in or relating to beverage containers

The present invention relates to beverage containers, and has particular reference to beverage containers of the kind which can be used for storing carbonated beverages such, for example, as beer and carbonated soft drinks for extended periods of time, and which can be converted at a point-of-sale, or by a consumer, into a wide-mouth receptacle for drinking the beverage from the container. Such beverage-containers are particularly convenient for use in situations where it is required to dispense many individual units of a liquid beverage in a relatively short space of time, thereby advantageously avoiding the pouring time that is involved in pouring individual units of liquid beverage into receptacles as they are required. This is a particular problem in the case of many kinds of beer which form a frothy head when they are dispensed into a receptacle, thus increasing the time taken to dispense an individual unit in view of the need to allow the beer to stand such that the head settles sufficiently to allow filling of the receptacle to be completed.

Such beverage containers may be fabricated from synthetic resin materials, making them suitable for use in venues where the use of glass or metal receptacles is prohibited, e.g. at sporting events or pop concerts, although the present invention also comprehends the use of containers that are made at least partially from glass.

Beverage containers of the kind described above are disclosed by WO 92/17376 Λl, GB 2349874 Λ, US 6039090, and US 6398050 Bl. WO 92/17376 Λl discloses a beverage container which is preferably fabricated from a composite of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon, and comprises a wide mouth receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, and a cap for the receptacle, which cap is adapted for closing the wide mouth. The receptacle and cap are adapted to form a substantially air-tight seal therebetween, and the materials used to fabricate the container are sufficiently strong to withstand internal pressures up to about

420 kPa, such that the container is suitable for the storage of carbonated beverages, such as beer.

GB 2349874A and US 6039090 also disclose containers comprising wide-mouth receptacles and cooperating sealing caps, in which the receptacles are configured to facilitate the drinking of a beverage therefrom.

The beverage containers disclosed by the above-mentioned documents suffer from a number of disadvantages which render them unpractical. The difficulties associated with sealing a receptacle having a wide mouth with a removable closure are well known to those skilled in the art. In general, the wider the aperture to be sealed, the greater the sealing force that is required between the receptacle and closure. WO 92/17376 Al, for example, discloses a receptacle and closure which are provided with cooperating screw-threads for removably securing the closure to the receptacle and forming a substantially air-tight seal therebetween. However, in order to make an effective seal between the receptacle and closure, the closure must be screwed onto the receptacle with a sufficiently high torque that makes manual removal of the closure for drinking liquid beverage from the receptacle difficult.

Other problems associated with the beverage containers known in the art pertain to filling. Owing to their non-standard configurations and/or dimensions, the known wide-mouth beverage containers require customised handling, filling and/or sealing equipment which necessitates substantial capital investment in machinery. Another problem is that the seal between receptacle and closure is made after filling the receptacle with a liquid beverage which, as mentioned above, is typically a carbonated drink. During the course of filling, there is a significant risk that some of the liquid beverage will contact and leave traces on parts of the receptacle which are used to mate and form a seal with the closure. The presence of traces of beverage on such parts increases the risk of making a bad seal between the receptacle and closure, resulting in a product which must be discarded. This problem is exacerbated in the case of carbonated drinks which are typically sugary, and thus leave sticky residues on the parts of the receptacle which cooperate with the closure.

Furthermore, the parts of the receptacle which cooperate with the closure for securing and sealing the closure to the receptacle typically include a rim portion which is configured to facilitate drinking from the receptacle when the closure is removed. The presence of unwanted traces of liquid beverage on such parts where they may be exposed to the atmosphere after attachment of the closure, and possibly during extended periods of storage, may encourage the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms on such parts which, during use, will come into contact with a consumer's mouth. This clearly represents an undesirable biohazard, and it is an object of the present invention to alleviate this problem, as well as the other problems outlined above.

BE 541474 A discloses beverage container for beer or similar drinks, which container comprises a receptacle having a wide mouth and a cap therefor. The cap is adapted to form an hermetic seal with the receptacle and has a central ajutage that can be sealed with a suitable closure such as a crown cap. According to BE 541474 A, once the contents of the container have been dispensed therefrom via the ajutage, the cap may be removed from the receptacle, allowing the latter to be used as an ordinary drinking glass. Λ problem with the container of BE 541474 Λ is that in order to form an effective seal between the receptacle and the cap, the cap must be tightly secured to the receptacle, which, for the reasons mentioned above, makes it difficult to remove the cap once the contents of the container have been dispensed.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage container comprising a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth; a removable cap which fits said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, said removable cap defining a second relatively narrow opening; means for tightly securing said cap to said receptacle in the fitted position; sealing means for forming a seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are tightly secured together with the cap in the fitted position; manually operable means for releasing said securing means to enable said cap to be removed from said wide open mouth; and a closure adapted to seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle in the fitted position, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap.

Preferably, the sealing means are adapted to form a gas-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle. Furthermore, said closure preferably forms a gas-tight seal with the cap.

The present invention thus provides a beverage container comprising a receptacle having a wide mouth which can be reversibly closed and sealed with a cap prior to filling with a liquid beverage. In this way, the risk of contamination of the seal between the receptacle and cap is reduced. The cap is provided with a second relatively narrow opening through which the container may be filled with the liquid beverage and, being substantially narrower than the wide-mouth, the second opening can readily be closed and sealed after filling using the closure. When it is desired to consume the beverage, the cap can be manually removed from the receptacle by using said releasing means to release the securing means. The beverage can then be drunk from the receptacle via the wide mouth. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of charging a container with liquid, which container comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive said liquid, said receptacle having a wide open mouth, a cap for said receptacle, which cap defines a second relatively narrow opening and is releasably secured to said receptacle for closing said wide open mouth, a liquid-tight seal having been pre-formed between said cap and said receptacle, and a closure adapted to close said second opening after charging; wherein said method comprises charging said receptacle with said liquid via said second opening, and thereafter closing said second opening with said closure.

Preferably the seal between the receptacle and the cap is gas-tight, and said container further comprises manually operable releasing means for releasing the cap from the receptacle when desired. Furthermore, the closure preferably forms a gas-tight seal with the cap.

Said receptacle may be charged with a carbonated liquid, such, for example, as a carbonated beverage, e.g. beer, sparkling water, or a carbonated soft drink.

Advantageously, the receptacle may be charged with said liquid on an automated filling machine. In accordance with the present invention therefore, the receptacle and/or cap may be configured to cooperate with the automated filling machine to facilitate conveying of the container, charging of the receptacle via the second opening, with the cap fitted to the receptacle, and/or closing of said second opening by said closure. Said cap may comprise a necked portion. Said necked portion may suitably be shaped to cooperate with said filling machine. Preferably said necked portion may be adapted, for example by virtue of its configuration, to be engaged by handling equipment provided on said automated filling machine for supporting and/or conveying said container. In some embodiments, the receptacle and/or cap may be adapted to cooperate with equipment for supporting the container whilst said closure is applied automatically. This may be particularly important in filling lines where substantial force is applied to the container for fitting the closure, e.g. where the closure comprises a crown cork as mentioned below. It will be appreciated however that where the container is intended to be filled on an automated filling line, or sealed automatically, the container should be free from any encumbrances which might cause snagging on a container handling equipment. Thus the cap of the container in accordance with the present invention may define a necked portion. Said necked portion may be shaped to assist in handling the container. Said second opening may be adapted for charging said container. Said necked portion may be configured to assist in handling said container during conveying, charging and/or closing on a filling line.

Said necked portion may comprise one or more external formations for assisting in handling said container. Advantageously, said one or more external formations may comprise a circumferential handling ring which is adapted to be engaged by handling equipment on a filling line.

Thus, a container in accordance with the present invention may advantageously be charged with liquid on a standard bottling line, thereby obviating the need for customised equipment for handling the container according to the present invention.

A standard bottling line typically comprises handling equipment which is adapted to engage a series of bottles by their necks for supporting and conveying the bottles through the bottling line. In accordance with the present invention, the bottling line may be adapted to include automated means for applying the closure to the cap after charging the receptacle with said liquid.

Said closure may comprise any suitable closure known to those skilled in the art for closing a relatively narrow opening. By way of example, said closure may comprise a crown cork or cap or a plastic cap, e.g. a twist-off cap. Preferably, the closure comprises a liner or wad adapted to form an effective air-tight seal between the cap and closure. Said liner or wad may, in some embodiments, be formed from polyethylene or foamed PVC.

Numerous methods of securing and sealing the cap to the receptacle will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, clipping or clamping means may be provided for releasably securing the cap to the receptacle. In particular said securing means may comprise means for circumferentially clamping the cap to the receptacle. In some embodiments, said receptacle and cap may comprise respectively first and second circumferential mating portions, said first and second mating portions being configured to engage one another when the cap is in said fitted position so as to form a radially extending protrusion, said clamping means comprising a circumferential band that is adapted to engage opposite surfaces of said protrusion for securing the cap to the receptacle.

Said protrusion may extend circumferentially of the cap and receptacle.

Said band may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs adapted to engage said opposite surfaces. In order to release said clamping means when desired, said band may comprise one or more frangible lines of weakness that are adapted to be broken manually for releasing the band from the protrusion, thereby allowing the cap to be removed manually from the receptacle. Conveniently, said band may be provided with a manually engagable tab to assist in breaking said one or more lines of weakness. Where the container is to be filled on an automated filling line, said tab may suitably be configured to lie flat against the receptacle, or said receptacle may be shaped to form a rebate for accommodating said tab, such that the tab does not form an undesirable excrescence that might snag the handling equipment. Alternatively, said band may comprise a flexible strip having first and second ends, which strip is configured to encircle said protrusion, and a deployant clasp attached to said first and second ends, which deployant clasp is selectively movable between a secured position for tightly securing the strip around said protrusion for clamping the cap and receptacle together, and a released position for releasing said band. Suitably said deployant clasp may comprise a three-folding clasp.

Optionally said band may be secured to said cap, typically at a point diametrically opposite said clasp.

In another alternative said securing means may comprise one or more formations on the receptacle, engaging means on said cap, which engaging means are adapted to engage releasably said one or more formations for clipping the cap to the receptacle, and releasable locking means for releasably locking the engaging means in engagement with the one or more formations.

Said engaging means may comprise one or more formations that are configured to overlap radially with the one or more formations on the receptacle for securing the cap to the receptacle. In particular said engaging means may be adapted to form a snap-fit with said one or more formations.

Said locking means may comprise a substantially non-expandable retaining ring which is adapted to encircle said engaging means, the ring and engaging means being configured such that the retaining ring can be moved relative to said engaging means to a locking position in which said retaining ring prevents said engaging means from expanding radially sufficiently to disengage from said one or more formations.

In some embodiments, said engaging means may define a substantially cylindrical outer surface over which the retaining ring can slide, or the retaining ring and the engaging means may define interengaging screw threads to enable the retaining ring to be advanced to the locking position by rotation relative to the engaging means.

Advantageously said cap may comprise stiffening means that are arranged to be inserted into the receptacle when the cap is fitted thereto, said stiffening means being configured to engage the receptacle generally behind said one or more formations to stiffen the receptacle against flexing inwardly and prevent inadvertent disengagement of said engaging means.

In yet another alternative, said engaging means may comprise a plurality of hook- shaped members that are hingedly attached to the cap for movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and said locking means may comprise a locking ring and connecting means for rotatably connecting said locking ring to said hook-shaped members, said connecting means comprising cam means that are adapted to cause movement of the hook-shaped members between said engaged and disengaged positions upon corresponding rotation of the locking ring. Said cam means may comprise a lug or slot on each hook-shaped member, and a plurality of corresponding slots or lugs on the locking ring, wherein each lug engages in a respective slot, and the lugs and slots are configured such that rotation of the locking ring relative to the hook-shaped members causes said lugs to slide in said slots, thereby to move the hook-shaped members between said engaged and disengaged positions, according to the direction of said rotation.

Suitably said connecting means may further comprise detent means for releasably retaining the hook-shaped members in the engaged position.

In yet another alternative, said securing means may comprise a ring of intumescent material between said cap and said receptacle, which intumescent material, when expanded, acts to form a seal between the cap and receptacle. In order to release the cap from the receptacle when desired, said cap may comprise one or more lines of weakness which are frangible to enable the cap to be removed from the receptacle. As mentioned above the cap may comprise a tab associated with the one or more lines of weakness to assist in manually breaking the same to remove the cap. Said receptacle may comprise an upstanding rim, and said cap may define an annular recess adapted to receive said rim with a clearance, said intumescent material being disposed within said clearance. Said cap may comprises one or more formations arranged around an inner circumference of said recess, which one or more formations are adapted to engage behind said rim when the cap is fitted to the receptacle, thereby to resist inward flexing of the rim which would act undesirably to weaken the bond between the cap and the receptacle made by the intumescent material.

Suitably said rim may comprise a radially protruding lip, and said intumescent material may be disposed within said recess so as to cover said lip.

In a particular embodiment, advantage may be taken of the well-known property of moulded plastic components to shrink slightly during cooling after moulding. The cap and receptacle may comprise cooperating engaging parts which may be assembled during such cooling, and the natural shrinkage of the components may serve to make a tight joint. In order to form a seal between said cap and said receptacle, the cap and the receptacle may define respective first and second opposing sealing faces, which first and second sealing faces may be arranged to engage one another contiguously when the cap is fitted to the receptacle. In some embodiments, each of said first and second faces may be oriented substantially orthogonally to the direction of fitting the cap to the receptacle to form part of a face seal.

Any suitable means may be employed for forming a seal between said sealing faces. For instance, said sealing means comprise an O-ring interposed between said first and second sealing faces. Alternatively, said first and second sealing faces may be configured to form an interference fit seal therebetween. In some embodiments, one of said faces may be formed with a protruding annular ridge, and the other face may define a corresponding annular indentation that is adapted to accommodate the ridge therein to form a pressure resistant seal. In yet another alternative, said sealing means may comprise a sealing element interposed between said first and second faces, which sealing element comprises a sealing compound, a gasket, a compressible wad, an adhesive sealant, or another elastomeric sealing material capable of forming a gas-tight seal.

In yet another alternative, said sealing means may comprise a bore seal. In some embodiments, said bore seal may comprise a flexible, annular sealing vane that is joined to said cap and is configured and arranged to be inserted into the receptacle when the cap is fitted thereto, said vane having a circular outer edge that is adapted to engage sealingly with an inner surface of said receptacle in the fitted position.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to make the receptacle from glass, but it is well known to be difficult to manufacture a glass shape to a high tolerance. Accordingly, it may be difficult to form a glass receptacle with a sufficiently accurate shape to form a seal with a cap. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing a receptacle comprising a drinking vessel formed of glass that is adapted to receive a beverage, said drinking vessel having an upstanding rim portion, an annular collar that is configured to fit over said rim portion, and means for fixedly joining said collar to said vessel. Typically said collar may be formed from a synthetic resin material, which can be made with an accurate, predetermined shape suitable for forming a seal with the cap.

Thus, in a different aspect of the present invention there is provided a container comprising a receptacle portion, said receptacle portion comprising a vessel that is formed from glass, or another relatively low tolerance material, and has an upstanding rim defining a mouth, an annular sleeve that is configured to fit over said rim, and means for securing said sleeve to said vessel, said sleeve being formed from a relatively high tolerance material, and being formed with a relatively high tolerance configuration according to the desired end use of the container.

Said sleeve may define an annular recess adapted to accommodate said rim. Preferably the rim is received snugly in the recess to assist in retaining the sleeve on the vessel.

Said sleeve may be configured to define a sealing face for a face seal or a bore seal. In some embodiments, said sealing face is adapted to mate with a cooperating sealing face on a removable cap portion for said receptacle, which cap portion is configured to fit said receptacle portion in a fitted position for closing said mouth.

Said mouth may be a wide open mouth.

Suitably said joining means may comprise an adhesive.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an empty, partially assembled beverage container comprising a receptacle having a wide open mouth, a cap that is fitted to the receptacle so as to close said wide open mouth, said cap defining a second relatively narrow opening that is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough, securing means for tightly securing the cap to the receptacle in the fitted position, sealing means forming a liquid-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle, manually operable means for releasing the securing means to allow the cap to be removed from the receptacle, and a separate closure which is adapted for sealing said second opening after charging; wherein said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received in said body to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap. In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pallet or carton containing an assemblage of empty, partially assembled beverage containers in accordance with the present invention, and corresponding closures.

Advantageously, said assemblage may be delivered to a filling plant for charging each of said receptacles with a liquid beverage, and thereafter each receptacle may be sealed with a closure.

It will be appreciated that the receptacle which is pre-assembled with the cap prior to charging must be filled no higher than the level of, or just below, the level of the wide open mouth, so that the cap can be removed prior to consumption of the liquid beverage without spillage.

Suitably, the receptacle may comprise a lip portion around said wide mouth, which lip portion is shaped to facilitate drinking of the liquid beverage from the receptacle after removal of the cap.

The cap may be manufactured from the same or a different material from the receptacle depending on the required shape and flexibility. Said receptacle (and the cap) may be made from any suitable material, such as glass, or a synthetic resin material so that the container may be employed in situations where glass and/or metal containers are prohibited. Said synthetic resin material is preferably adapted to impart structural rigidity to the receptacle and, where the container is to be used for storing carbonated liquids, it is desirable that synthetic resin material should also be able to withstand pressure, for example, pressures of up to about 420 kPa. Advantageously, the synthetic resin material may also provide a barrier to the passage of gas.

Said synthetic resin material may be a thermoplastics resin material. In some embodiments, said resin may comprise PET, or a composite of PET and nylon. The container in accordance with the present invention may be manufactured by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the receptacle may be formed by stretch blow moulding.

In some embodiments, said cap may be fabricated from polypropylene; preferably a substantially gas-impermeable polypropylene In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid beverage container assembly comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle comprising an hollow body having a first mouth portion, which first mouth portion defines a first relatively wide opening which communicates with the interior of said body, said body portion being configured to enable a liquid beverage received in the body portion to be drunk therefrom via said first opening; a cap for said receptacle, which cap is configured to be applied to the receptacle in a fitted position for closing the first opening, said cap having a second mouth portion defining a relatively wide orifice, which second mouth portion is configured to engage said first mouth portion for closing said first opening of the receptacle, such that said orifice communicates with said first opening, and a second relatively narrow opening that is configured for receiving said liquid beverage for charging the receptacle, and defining a liquid path between said second opening and said orifice, such that liquid beverage received in said second opening can pass into the receptacle via the orifice and the first opening; one or more securing elements adapted for tightly securing said cap to said receptacle in the fitted position; one or more sealing elements adapted to form a releasable seal between the cap and the receptacle when the cap is applied to the receptacle in the fitted position; a manually operable releasing device for releasing said one or more securing elements to allow said cap to be removed from said wide open mouth; and a closure adapted to seal said second opening after charging the receptacle via said second opening.

Preferably, the receptacle is configured to be held in a consumer's hand such that when it is desired to consume the contents of the container, the consumer can easily operate the releasing device with his or her other hand, and then remove the cap; after removal of the cap, the consumer can then present the receptacle to his or her lips and drink the liquid beverage from the receptacle by tipping up the receptacle in the normal way.

Advantageously, the first mouth portion comprises a lip portion that is configured to facilitate drinking of the liquid beverage from the receptacle via said first opening.

Said body portion may be configured to allow said liquid beverage received therein to flow smoothly towards and out of the first opening when the receptacle is tipped-up for drinking therefrom. Preferably, said body portion is configured to allow substantially all of the liquid beverage received therein to drain uninterrupted from the body portion when the receptacle is tipped-up for drinking therefrom. Wide-mouth receptacles are well known to those skilled in the art. A vessel may be generally considered to have a 'wide mouth' if its mouth is sufficiently large that at least part of a consumer's nose enters into the receptacle when drinking. Said first mouth portion may be dimensioned such that it is too large to be enclosed completely by the consumer's mouth for drinking. The first mouth portion may comprise a rim, and may be dimensioned and configured such that, upon drinking the liquid beverage from the receptacle by tipping, the liquid beverage is poured smoothly over a circumferentially discreet section of the rim, i.e. an arc of the rim.

The cap may comprise a necked portion that surrounds and defines at least part of the liquid path, which necked portion is externally configured to assist in handling said liquid beverage container assembly for charging and/or closing. In some embodiments, said necked portion may comprise one or more external formations that are configured to be engaged by handling equipment for supporting and conveying the container assembly for charging or supporting the container for closing. In some embodiments, the necked portion may have a generally cylindrical outer surface, and a circumferential ring that protrudes radially from said outer surface, and said cap may define a clearance beneath the ring for accommodating handling equipment adapted to engage the ring.

Following is a description by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation of a beverage container in accordance with the present invention, comprising a receptacle, a cap member, a closure, and a circumferential crimped band for securing the cap member to the receptacle, with the closure and cap member assembled, and the cap member removed from the receptacle. FIG. 2 is another schematic side elevation of the beverage container of FIG. 1, showing the cap member fitted to the receptacle, and the closure removed.

FIG. 3 is another schematic side view showing the beverage container of FIGS. 1 and 2 as fully assembled.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view, partly in cross-section, of an upper portion of the container of FIGS. 1 - 3 with the closure removed, showing a first manner of forming a seal between the cap member and the receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a further enlarged view of part of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is another side view of the upper portion of the container of FIGS. 1 - 3, showing a tear-strip for releasing the crimped band from the cap member and receptacle when desired to allow removal of the cap member.

FIG. 7 is another side view of the upper portion of the container of FIG. 6, showing how the crimped band may be applied to the receptacle and cap member.

FIGS. 8Λ - D show different, alternative manners of forming a seal between the cap member and the receptacle of the container of FIGS. 1 - 3.

FIGS. 9Λ - 9B show how a ring of intumescent material may be used for securing the cap member to the receptacle of the container of FIGS. 1 - 3 and for forming a seal therebetween.

FIGS. 10A - 10B show an alternative manner of securing the cap member to the receptacle of the container in accordance with the present invention, including a slidable locking ring shown respectively in a released position and in a locking position.

FIGS. 11A - 1 IB show yet another manner of securing the cap member to the receptacle of the container, including a threaded locking ring shown respectively in a released position and in a locking position.

FIGS. 12A - 12B are cross-sectional views of the rim of the receptacle and a corresponding engaging portion of the cap member of another beverage container in accordance with the present invention, showing respectively the engaging portion engaged and disengaged from the rim.

FIG. 13 is a view from above of the beverage container of FIGS. 12A - 12B, with the engaging portion engaged with the rim.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of part of FIG. 13, partly in cross-section.

FIGS. 15Λ - 15B are two side views of the upper portion of yet another beverage container in accordance with the invention comprising an inelastic band of synthetic resin material for securing the cap member to the receptacle, and having a tear-strip with a tab for removing the band when desired.

FIGS. 16Λ - 16B are two side views of the upper portion of yet another beverage container in accordance with the invention comprising an inelastic band of synthetic resin material for securing the cap member to the receptacle, and a tear-strip with a tab for removing the band when desired, wherein the receptacle is formed with a recess to accommodate the tab. FIGS. 17A - 17C are side views of the upper portion of yet another beverage container in accordance with the invention comprising an inelastic band of synthetic resin material for securing the cap member to the receptacle, and a tear-strip with a tab for removing the band when desired, wherein the tab is rotatable between a flush position as shown in FIGS. 17A - 17B and a protruding position as shown in FIG. 17C.

FIG.18 is a side view of the upper portion of yet another beverage container in accordance with the invention comprising yet another manner of securing the cap member to the receptacle with an inelastic circumferential band including a deployant clasp.

FIGS. 19Λ - 19B are views from above the beverage container of FIG. 18 showing respectively the deployant clasp released, allowing the cap member to be removed from the receptacle, and closed for tightly securing the cap member to the receptacle.

A beverage container 10 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, which beverage container is adapted for storing a carbonated liquid beverage such, for example, as beer, sparkling water, or a carbonated soft drink. Said beverage container 10 comprises a receptacle 20 having a wide mouth 30, which receptacle 20 is configured to facilitate drinking of the liquid beverage therefrom, a cap member 40 for closing the wide mouth 30 of the receptacle 20, said cap member 40 having a second narrow opening 50 for charging the container 10 with the liquid beverage, and a closure member 60 for closing said narrow opening 50. Means are provided for tightly securing the cap member 40 to the receptacle 20 in a fitted position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in which the cap member 40 closes said wide mouth 30, and for forming a substantially air-tight seal therebetween, and manually operable releasing means are provided for releasing the cap member 40 from the receptacle 20 when it is desired to consume the liquid beverage within the container, so that the liquid beverage can be drunk from the wide mouth 30. FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the general structure of a beverage container of the present invention, showing schematically one exemplary means 70 for tightly securing the cap member 40 to the receptacle 20 and for forming a seal therebetween. This is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. Other examples of such securing and sealing means are shown in FIGS. 8Λ - 8D , FIGS. 9Λ - 9B, FIGS. 10Λ - 10B, FIGS. 11Λ-1 IB, FIGS. 12Λ - 12B, 13 and 14, FIGS. 15Λ - 15B, FIGS. 16Λ - 16B, FIGS. 17Λ - 17C, and FIGS. 18 and

19Λ - 19B, all of which are described in more detail below.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of a suitable releasing means for releasing the seal between the cap member 40 and receptacle 20. Other examples are shown in FIGS. 10A - 10B, FIGS. 11A - 1 IB, FIGS. 12A - 12B, 13 and 14, FIGS. 15A - 15B, FIGS. 16A - 16B, FIGS. 17A - 17C, and FIGS. 18 and 19A - 19B.

Whilst the present invention is described herein with reference to particular combinations of said securing, sealing and releasing means, without prejudice to the generality of the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims, it is envisaged that other combinations of the securing, sealing and releasing means described herein may be made as desired.

Said receptacle 20 may be formed as a single piece from a thermoplastic synthetic resin material as described in more detail below, and has a circular bottom portion 22, and a side wall 24 of circular cross-section which extends from the bottom portion 22 to define an interior recess 26, which is adapted to receive the liquid beverage, and terminates at an upper end, remote from the bottom portion 22, in a first mouth portion 28 having a radially protruding, circumferential lip 29. Alternatively, said receptacle 20 may be fabricated from any other suitable material, e.g. glass as described in more detail below. The receptacle 20 may have any desired shape, but in the embodiment shown in

FIGS. 1 to 3 it has the configuration of a conventional 'pub glass'. In other embodiments, the receptacle 20 may have a 'champagne' or 'petaloid' base as disclosed for example in USD 415030. The receptacle 20 is configured such that it can stand stably upright on its bottom portion 22on a flat surface. Suitably, the receptacle 20, and in particular the side wall 24 and mouth portion 28, are configured to facilitate drinking of the liquid beverage from the receptacle 20 by tipping up the receptacle 20 when presented to a consumer's mouth in the normal manner. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20 defines a relatively wide opening 30, in the style of a normal beer glass, which is dimensioned such that is generally too large to be enclosed completely by the consumer's mouth for drinking; generally the opening 30 is sufficiently large that, during drinking, at least part of the consumer's nose enters into the mouth portion 28. As in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the receptacle 20 is preferably configured to allow substantially all of the liquid beverage received therein to be readily drained from the interior recess 26, when the receptacle 20 is tipped up for drinking therefrom. In normal use, the receptacle is presented to the consumer's mouth and tipped up to discharge the liquid beverage portion-wise into the consumer's mouth, and the lip 29 is configured such that, upon drinking, the liquid beverage is poured smoothly over a circumferentially discreet section or arc of the lip 29. The side wall 24 is configured to allow the liquid beverage received therein to flow uninterrupted smoothly towards and out of the first opening 30, over the lip 29, when the receptacle is tipped up.

The receptacle 20 may be made from any suitably rigid or substantially rigid thermoplastic synthetic resin material and, where the container 20 is adapted for storing a carbonated beverage, the thermoplastic synthetic resin material used to fabricate the receptacle 20 should also be able to withstand pressures of up to about 420 kPa or more. In order to provide air-tight storage of the liquid beverage, the thermoplastic synthetic resin material should also provide a barrier to the passage of gas. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a suitable resin material to impart structural rigidity and the ability to withstand pressure to the receptacle 20. Nylon is a suitable resin material for forming a gas-impermeable or substantially impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, the receptacle 20 may be manufactured from a composite thermoplastic synthetic resin material such, for example, as a composite of PET and nylon. The receptacle 20 may be formed from a layered construction of the two resin materials. For example a laminated composite material may be used which comprises a plurality - e.g. 5 or 6 - of plies. The laminated construction may comprise one or more nylon inner layers. Advantageously one or more of the layers may contain integral oxygen scavengers or passive gas barriers. An example of such a material is 'ΛctiTUF'®, a PET resin that is commercially available from M&G Polimeri Italia, SpΛ.

The receptacle 20 may be fabricated by forming a pre-form of the selected thermoplastic synthetic resin material and then stretch blow moulding the pre-form into the desired shape in the manner well known to those skilled in the art.

The first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20 is adapted to mate intimately with a second corresponding mouth portion 48 of said cap member 40. The second mouth portion

48 is formed with a protruding circular flange portion 47, which flange portion 47 extends around the inner circumference of the second annular sealing face, said flange portion 47 being configured and arranged to engage the receptacle 20 inside the first mouth portion 28 for locating the cap member 40 in the fitted position. In some embodiments, the flange portion 47 may also assist in stiffening the first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle against unwanted deformation in the radially inwards direction.

Said cap member 40 is preferably fabricated from the same material as the receptacle 20. Alternatively, the cap member 40 may be fabricated from a different material according to its required shape and flexibility. In some embodiments a barrier polypropylene material or composite material may be employed.

An advantage of manufacturing the receptacle 20 and cap member 40 from synthetic resin materials is that it is possible to form the first and second mouth portions 28, 48 to a sufficiently high tolerance for the purposes of forming a seal between the first and second mouth portions 28, 48 as described in more detail below.

The cap member 40 comprises a shallowly sloping annular crown 43 which extends radially inwards and away from the second mouth portion 48 to meet a central necked portion 42, which necked portion 42 extends substantially orthogonally away from said second mouth portion 48. The second mouth portion 48 defines a relatively wide orifice 49 which communicates with the interior 41 of the crown 43. Said necked portion 42 is generally cylindrical, and is formed with an external screw thread 44 as shown in FIG. 3, which screw thread 44 is disposed above a radially protruding, circumferential ring portion 45. As best seen in FIG. 4, the ring 45 is positioned on the necked portion 2 so as to define a clearance 46 beneath the ring, between the ring 45 and the crown 43.

Said necked portion 42 defines a second relatively narrow opening 50 which communicates with the interior 41 of the crown 43, such that the cap member 40 defines an interior liquid path between said second opening 50 and the orifice 49 defined by the second mouth portion 48. The screw thread 44 on the necked portion 42 is configured to mate tightly with a corresponding internal screw thread (not shown) on said removable closure member 60. In FIGS. 1 to 3, said closure member 60 is shθ¥/n as a plastic twist-off cap of standard design which may, for example, be fabricated from compound polyethylene. However, any other suitable closure may be used for closing and sealing the second relative narrow opening 50 defined by said necked portion 42. Such, for example, as a tin plate or tin-free steel crown cork or cap. The closure member 60 includes an internal liner (not shown) such, for example, as a foamed PVC or polyethylene liner for forming an effective air-tight seal between the closure member 60 and the necked portion 42 of the cap member 40.

The necked portion 42 of the cap member 40 may have any specific dimensions as required, but in accordance with the present invention, the second opening 50 defined by the necked portion 42 is relatively naπow to facilitate sealing. Advantageously, the necked portion 42 may have an external diameter of 28 or 38 millimetres, which dimensions are standard for such necks in the bottling industry. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 4 in particular, the first relatively wide opening 30 defined by the receptacle 20 may have a diameter in the range two to five times greater than the diameter of the second opening 50, preferably about three to four times. Thus, said lip 29 on the first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20 may have a diameter of about 40 to 120mm, preferably 50 to 100mm.

Numerous manners of effecting a gas-tight joint between the cap member 40 and receptacle 20 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the examples shown in FIGS.4 and 5, FIGS. 6 and 7, FIGS. 8Λ - 8D, FIGS. 9Λ - 9B, and FIG. 18 of the accompanying drawings, the lip 29 of the first mouth portion 28 and the second mouth portion 48 define mutually complementary, opposing, annular sealing faces 29a, 48a that are aπanged to abut one another contiguously in said fitted position.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIG. 18, the first and second sealing faces 29a, 48a are circumferentially channelled to accommodate an O-ring 52 therebetween. In FIG. 8Λ, the cap member 40 is formed with a flexible, annular sealing vane 152 that is configured and arranged to be inserted into the first opening 30 of the receptacle 20 when the cap member 40 is fitted thereto, said vane 152 having a circular outer edge 153 that is adapted to engage sealingly with an inner surface 154 of the first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20 in the fitted position, so as to form a bore seal therewith. In FIG. 8B, the first and second sealing faces 29a, 48a are configured to form an interference fit seal therebetween. The first face 29a is formed with a small protruding annular ridge 252, and the second face 48a defines a coπesponding annular indentation 253 adapted to accommodate the ridge therein to form a pressure resistant seal Of course this arrangement may be reversed with the ridge 252 on the second face 48a, and the indentation on the first face 28a.

In FIGS. 8C and 8D, a sealing element 352 is interposed between said first and second faces 28a, 48a, which sealing element 352 comprises a layer of a suitable sealing compound, a gasket, a compressible wad, an adhesive sealant, or another elastomeric sealing material capable of forming a gas-tight face seal. In FIG. 8D the receptacle 20 comprises a vessel 321 made of glass, said vessel 321 comprising a side wall 324 having a rim 325 at its upper end. As is well known, it is difficult to form glass into a desired shape with a sufficiently high tolerance to form an accurate sealing face, and accordingly glass and other similar materials are referred to herein as "low tolerance" materials. In accordance with the present invention, therefore, the receptacle 20 further comprises an annular collar 326 formed from a synthetic resin material that is configured to fit over said rim 325. Said collar 326 defines an annular recess 327 adapted to accommodate said rim 325, and a lip 329 having a first sealing face 328a that mates with said second sealing iace 48a. By forming said collar 326 from a synthetic resin material it is possible to form said first sealing face 328a to a sufficiently high tolerance. An adhesive 330 may be used for fixedly securing said collar 326 to said vessel 321.

In FIGS. 9Λ and 9B, said cap member 40 defines an annular recess 449 that is shaped to receive the lip 29 of the receptacle 20 with a clearance 450. Λ ring of intumescent material is applied to the cap member 40 within said recess 449 as shown in FIG. 9A. The cap member 40 is then applied to the receptacle 20 in the fitted position, and the intumescent material 452 is heated, causing it to expand so as to cover said lip 29, and fill the clearance 450 between the lip 29 and the cap member 40 as shown in FIG. 9B. The intumescent material 452 not only serves to form a gas-tight seal between the receptacle 20 and the cap member 40, but also serves to secure the cap member 40 tightly to the receptacle 20. The cap member 40 may be formed with one or more lines of weakness (not shown) which is or are frangible to enable the cap member 40 to be removed from the receptacle 20 when desired. A non-toxic sealing compound may be interposed between the cap member 40 and receptacle 20 in some embodiments to form or improve the seal therebetween.

As with the sealing means between the cap member 40 and receptacle 20, numerous different manners of tightly securing the cap member 40 to the receptacle 20 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIGS. 8Λ - 8D the cap member 40 is tightly secured to the receptacle 20 by means of a crimped, circumferential metal band 70.

With the cap member 40 applied to the receptacle 20 in the fitted position, the first and second mouth portions 28, 48 form a radially extending circumferential protrusion 55 having two opposite surfaces 29b, 48b. One of said opposite surfaces is constituted by a first reverse surface 29b of the lip portion 29 of the receptacle, and the other opposite surface is defined by a circumferential extremity 48b of the crown 43.

In order to fit the metal band 70 to a container in accordance with the present invention, the band may be pre-formed with a first circumferential fold 71 to form a first inwardly directed circumferential flange 74 as shown in FIG. 7. The band is then applied to the container 10 with the cap member 40 applied to the receptacle in the fitted position, such that the first circumferential flange 74 engages the second reverse surface 48b of the crown 43. The band 70 is then crimped to form a second circumferential fold 72 and a second circumferential flange 75 that engages the first reverse surface 29b as shown in

FIG. 6. The band 70 thus forms a circumferentially extending clamp between the receptacle 20 and cap member 40 for tightly securing the cap member 40 to the receptacle 20. Where required, the lip 29 and crown 43 may be formed with respective circumferential grooves (not shown) for engaging corresponding circumferential cams formed on the opposing flanges 74, 75 in order to anchor the band 70 securely to the rim

29 and crown 43. Advantageously the crimped band can be applied by a canning line seamer.

In order to provide means for manually releasing the band 70 from the protrusion to allow the cap member 40 to be removed from the receptacle 20, the band 70 may be formed with one or more frangible lines of weakness 81 that are capable of being broken manually. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, said lines of weakness 81 may form a tear-strip 80 extending transversely across the band. Said tear strip 80 is advantageously equipped with a manually engagable tab 82 to assist in rupturing said lines of weakness 81. Alternatively a single line of weakness extending circumferentially around the band 70 may be provided as per the example shown in FIGS. 16Λ - 16B, described in more detail below.

Instead of a metal band 70, a strong, inelastic band 270; 370; 470; 570 formed of a synthetic resin material may be used as shown in FIGS. 15A - B, FIGS. 16A - B, FIGS. 17A - C and FIGS. 18 and 19A - B. Said band 270; 370; 470; 570 may comprise circumferentially spaced fingers 271; 371; 471; 571 for engaging the first and second reverse surfaces 29b, 48b of the circumferential protrusion 55. As with the example of

FIGS. 6 and 7, said band 270; 370; 470 may include a frangible portion to facilitate removal of the band when required in order to allow removal of the cap member 40 from the receptacle 20. In particular, said band 270; 370; 470 may be formed with one or more frangible lines of weakness 281; 381; 481 to facilitate manual removal of the cap member 40 from the receptacle 20. In FIGS. 15Λ - 15B and FIGS. 17Λ - 17C, two lines of weakness 281; 481 form a tear-strip 280; 480 as described above, said tear-strip 280; 480 being provided with a tab 282; 482. In FIGS. 16A - 16B, a single line of weakness 381 extends circumferentially around substantially the whole circumference of the band 370, the band 370 being provided with a manually engagable tab 382 to assist in rupturing said line of weakness 381. Juxtaposed the tab 382, the line of weakness 381 comprises a tail portion 381a which extends to the edge of the band 370, the line of weakness 381 extending from said tail portion 381a around the band 370 and terminating a short distance from said tail portion 381a.

Where the container 10 is intended to be handled by automated handling equipment as described below, it is important that the exterior of the container should be free of any encumbrances which might cause snagging on the equipment. Accordingly, in the example of FIGS. 16Λ - 16B, the side wall 24 of the receptacle 20 is formed with a rebate 327, which rebate 327 is shaped and positioned to accommodate the tab 382, such that the tab

382 does not protrude from the receptacle 20 in such a manner as might cause snagging on automated handling equipment for handling, filling or closing said container 10. As can be seen best in FIG. 16B, the rebate 327 is dimensioned to allow sufficient space around the tab 382 within the rebate 327 to enable a user to grasp the tab 382 and pull it to rupture the line of weakness 381.

In accordance with the example shown in FIGS. 17A - 17C, the band 470 may be equipped with a tear-strip 480 formed by two lines of weakness 481 as described above, and a tab 482 that is connected to said tear-strip via a flexible connecting portion 483. Said tab 482 is formed such that the tab 482 normally lies substantially flat against the side of the side wall 24 of the receptacle 20, as shown in FIGS. 17Λ and 17B. The connecting portion 483, however, allows the tab 482 to be rotated relative to the cap member 40, as shown in FIG. 17C, making the tab 482 easier to hold and pull for rupturing the lines of weakness 481 connecting the tear strip 480 to the rest of the band 470.

Λ different approach to securing a circumferential band 570 to the container 10 for clamping together the cap member 40 and receptacle 20 in such manner that the band 570 can be easily removed by hand is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19A - 19B. In this example, the band 570 comprises a flexible strip 570a having first and second ends 576, 577, which strip 570a is formed of a suitably strong synthetic resin material, and is configured to encircle said protrusion 55 as described above for clamping together the first and second mouth portions 28, 48. The strip 570a may be joined to the cap member 40 as shown in FIGS. 19Λ - 19B at 578 intermediate the two ends 576, 577. Each of said ends 576, 577 is attached to a deployant clasp 579 of the kind well known for use in watch-straps, bracelets, and the like. Said deployant clasp 579 may be a three-folding clasp as shown in FIGS. 19A - 19B, having two limbs 579a, 579b which are attached respectively to said first and second ends 576, 577 of the strip 570a, such that the deployant clasp 579 is selectively movable between a secured position for tightly securing the strip 570a around said protrusion 55 for clamping the cap member 40 and receptacle 20 together as shown in FIG. 19B, and a released position for releasing said band 570 as shown in FIG. 19A. Upon moving the clasp 579 from the released position to the secured position, the clasp 579 acts to draw said first and second ends 576, 577 together, thereby effectively shortening the length of the band 570, drawing it tightly around the protrusion 55 formed by the first and second mouth portions 28, 48. As a further alternative, the receptacle 20 and cap member 40 may be provided with mutually cooperating engaging portions, and the cap member 40 may be assembled with the receptacle 20 shortly after fabrication of the receptacle 20 and cap member 40, before those components have cooled completely. It is well known that during cooling a plastics moulded component may shrink by about 1% dimensionally, and such shrinkage may assist in forming a secure, gas-tight seal between the cap member 40 and receptacle

20 of the container in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 10A - 10B and FIGS. 11A - 1 IB, for example, in some embodiments the cap member 40 may comprise a skirt portion 670; 770 which extends circumferentially around the second mouth portion 48, and extends therefrom in the opposite direction to said necked portion 42. The skirt portion 670; 770 defines a substantially cylindrical outer surface 671 ; 771 , and has a rib 672 proximate its extremity, which rib 672; 772 has an inwardly directed engaging face 673; 773.

Radially inwardly of the skirt portion 670; 770, the cap member 40 comprises a circumferential flange portion 647; 747 of the kind described above, which flange portion 647; 747 defines an annular recess 650; 750 with the skirt portion 670; 770. Said flange portion 647; 747 defines a shoulder 651; 751 with the second mouth portion 48, said shoulder 651; 751 carrying a annular sealing wad 652; 752.

Said annular recess 650; 750 is configured to receive the lip 29 of the receptacle 20. Said lip 29 is formed with a sealing surface 629a; 729a that is arranged to engage said shoulder 651 ; 751 , and an engaging surface 629b; 729b that is arranged to engage the corresponding engaging face 673; 773 of the skirt portion 670; 770.

The skirt portion 670; 770 is sufficiently resilient to form a snap-fit with the mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20, such that in the fitted position, the lip 29 of the receptacle is received in the annular recess 650; 750 with the engaging face 673; 773 of the skirt portion 670; 770 overlapping radially with the engaging surface 629b; 729b of the lip 29 to secure the cap member 40 releasably to the upper end of the receptacle 20, and the sealing surface 629a; 729a compressing the sealing wad 652; 752 against the shoulder 651; 751 to form a gas-tight seal between the receptacle 20 and the cap member 40. As mentioned above the shoulder 651; 751 also serves to stiffen the mouth portion 28 of the receptacle against flexing radially inwards, so as to ensure the skirt portion 670; 770 remains stably engaged with the lip 29.

The skirt portion 670; 770 carries a substantially non-expandable locking ring 680; 780 having an inner diameter such that the ring 680; 780 forms a close fit with the cylindrical outer surface 671; 771 of the skirt portion 670; 770. The ring 680 and skirt portion 670 may have smooth cooperating surfaces such that the ring 680 can slide over the cylindrical outer surface 671 as shown in FIGS. 10Λ - 10B, or the ring 780 and outer surface 771 may be formed with cooperating screw threads as shown in FIGS. 11 A - 1 IB, such that in either case the ring 680; 780 can be advanced relative to the skirt portion 670;

770 from a released position as shown in FIGS. 10A or 11 A, to a locking position as shown in FIGS. 10B or 1 IB in which the ring 680; 780 is positioned around the skirt portion 670; 770 so as to prevent the rib 672; 772 formed thereon from expanding radially sufficiently to disengage from the lip 29. In some embodiments, the skirt portion 670; 770 may be discontinuous so as to form a plurality of circumferentially spaced lug members (not shown), each lug member having a rib at its extremity that is adapted to engage the engaging surface 629b; 729b of the lip 29 in the manner described above, the lug members collectively defining a cylindrical outer surface adapted to cooperate with said locking ring 680; 780 as described above.

Yet another means for securing the cap member 40 to the receptacle 20 is shown in FIGS 12Λ -12B, 13 and 14. In this arrangement, the second mouth portion 48 of the cap member 40 is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced hook-shaped members 870 that are attached to the cap member 40 by plastic hinges 871 for movement between an engaged position as shown in FIG. 12Λ and a disengaged position as shown in FIG. 12B.

Each hook-shaped member 870 is configured to engage the lip 29 of the receptacle 20 in the engaged position for securing the cap member 40 thereto, and is formed with a spigot 872 that is received in a respective slot 873 formed in a radially inwardly directed, annular shoulder portion 881 of a locking ring 880 that is rotatably disposed circumferentially around said hook-shaped members 870. Each slot 873 is angled with respect to a tangent to the locking ring 880 as best shown in FIG. 14, such that rotation of the locking ring 880 with respect to the hook shaped members 870 causes the spigots 872 to slide within their respective slots 873, and thus move in the radial direction, thereby causing corresponding radial movement of said hook-shaped members 870 between said engaged and disengaged positions.

In the example shown in FIGS. 12Λ - 12B, the cap member 40 is also formed with formed with a flexible, annular sealing vane 852 that is configured and arranged to be inserted into the first opening 30 of the receptacle 20 when the cap member 40 is fitted thereto, said vane 852 having a circular outer edge 853 that is adapted to engage sealingly with an inner surface 854 of the first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20 in the fitted position, so as to form a bore seal therewith. As described above, other means of forming a seal between the cap member 40 and the receptacle 20 may be employed. In order to secure the cap member 40 to the receptacle 20 in the fitted position, the locking ring 880 is twisted relative to the cap member 40 in a first direction, for example clockwise, to engage the hook-shaped members 870 with the lip 29 of the receptacle 20. The locking ring 880 may be formed with a detent or the like (not shown) within each slot 873 for retaining the spigots 873 in the slots 873 in the engaged position, thereby to retain the locking ring 880 in the engaged position. Alternatively, the assembled cap member 40 and receptacle 20 may be treated, for example by heating, to form weak welds or bonds between the spigots 872 and the locking ring 880, thereby to retain the locking ring 880 in the engaged position.

In order to release the cap member 40 from the receptacle when desired, the locking ring 880 is twisted manually relative to the cap member 40, for example counterclockwise, to return the spigots 872 to the disengaged position, thereby to disengage the hook-shaped members 870 from said lip 29, allowing the cap member 40 to be removed. Advantageously the locking ring 880 has a substantially cylindrical portion 882, which may have a rough or knurled outer surface, to be gripped by a user for twisting the locking ring 880 to release the cap member 40.

In use, the cap member 40 is assembled with the receptacle 20 in the manner described above to form a gas tight or substantially gas-tight seal between the receptacle 20 and cap member 40, and such that the cap member 40 is removable from the receptacle when required. The cap member 40 is preferably assembled with the receptacle 20 under hygienic, dust-free conditions to ensure a good joint between the two components.

The container 10 may then be charged with a liquid beverage on a standard bottling line. In some embodiments, the pre-assembled receptacles 20 and cap members 40 may be cartonned or palleted for delivery to a bottling plant. A bottling line typically includes bottle handling equipment which is adapted to engage the circumferential ring 45 around the necked portion 42 of the cap member 40 for supporting and conveying the container 10 through a charging station. At the charging station, the liquid beverage is charged into the container 10 through the second opening 50 in the cap member 40. The liquid beverage travels through the interior of the cap member 40 into the interior recess of the receptacle

20 via the orifice 49 defined by the second mouth portion 48 of the cap member 40 and the first wide opening 30 defined by the first mouth portion 28 of the receptacle 20. When the receptacle has been charged with a predetermined volume of liquid beverage no higher than the upper end of the receptacle 20, typically to a level just below the lip 29, the delivery of liquid beverage at the charging station is discontinued, and the container 10 is conveyed by the handling equipment to a closing station where the closure member 60 is automatically applied to close and seal the second opening 50. The necked portion 42 may be engaged by handling equipment at said closing station for supporting the container during closure. This is particularly important where the closure member 60 comprises a crown cork type closure which may be applied to the cap member 40 using considerable pressure.

A plurality of charged beverage containers 10 in accordance with the present invention may then be labelled, packaged, palleted or cartonned as required.

The charged containers may be stored and delivered to a point-of-sale, where a container may be obtained by a consumer.

When the consumer wishes to drink the contents of the receptacle 20, the cap member 40 is removed and discarded and, as described above, the receptacle 20 provides a convenient vessel from which the liquid beverage may be drunk in the normal manner by presenting the receptacle to the consumer's mouth and tipping it up in the normal manner. In some embodiments, partial or complete prior removal of the closure member 60 may be necessary to release pressure within the container 10 sufficiently to allow or facilitate removal of the cap member 40 from the receptacle 20. Advantageously therefore, the present invention provide a beverage container 10 for containing and storing a liquid beverage, including a carbonated beverage, and which provides a wide-mouth receptacle from which the liquid beverage may be conveniently consumed. The receptacle 20 may be styled in the shape of a conventional beer glass. The cap member 40 is assembled with the receptacle 20 prior to charging the container 10 with the liquid beverage, thereby allowing an effective seal to be made between the cap member 40 and the receptacle 20, and reducing the risk of contamination of the rim 29 of the receptacle 20 which, during consumption, will come into contact the consumer's mouth. The container 10 is charged with liquid beverage through a relatively small opening 50 which can be easily closed and sealed after charging using well known closures such as crown corks or caps or twist-off caps and the like, and the necked portion 42 of the cap member 40 is configured to cooperate with an automatic charging machine for charging said receptacle 20 with liquid beverage through said small opening 50 and/or closing.

Claims

1 A beverage container comprising a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth; a removable cap which fits said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, said removable cap defining a second relatively narrow opening; means for tightly securing said cap to said receptacle in the fitted position; sealing means for forming a seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are secured together with the cap in the fitted position; manually operable means for releasing said securing means to enable said cap to be removed from said wide open mouth; and a closure adapted to seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle in the fitted position, , and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap.

2 A beverage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing means are adapted to form a gas-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle.

3 A beverage container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said closure is adapted to form a gas-tight seal with said cap.

4 A beverage container as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the securing means comprise means for circumferentially clamping the cap to the receptacle. 5 Λ beverage container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said receptacle and cap comprise respectively first and second circumferential mating portions, said first and second mating portions being configured to engage one another when the cap is in said fitted position so as to form a radially extending protrusion, said clamping means comprising a circumferential band that is adapted to engage opposite surfaces of said protrusion for securing the cap to the receptacle.

6 A beverage container as claimed in claim 5, wherein said protrusion extends circumferentially of the cap and receptacle.

7 A beverage container as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said band comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs adapted to engage said opposite surfaces.

8 A beverage container as claimed in claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said band comprises one or more frangible lines of weakness that are adapted to be broken manually for releasing the band from the protrusion, thereby allowing the cap to be removed manually from the receptacle.

9 A beverage container as claimed in claim 8, wherein said band comprises a manually engagable tab to assist in breaking said one or more lines of weakness. 10 A beverage container as claimed in claim 9, wherein said tab is configured to lie flat against the receptacle, and said receptacle is shaped to form a recess for accommodating said tab.

11 Λ beverage container as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein said band comprises a flexible strip having first and second ends, which strip is configured to encircle said protrusion, and a deployant clasp attached to said first and second ends, which deployant clasp is selectively movable between a secured position for tightly securing the strip around said protrusion for clamping the cap and receptacle together, and a released position for releasing said band.

12 A beverage container as claimed in any of claims 5 to 11, wherein said band is secured to said cap.

13 A beverage container as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said securing means comprise one or more formations on the receptacle, engaging means on said cap, which engaging means are adapted to engage releasably said one or more formations, and releasable locking means for releasably locking the engaging means in engagement with the one or more formations.

14 A beverage container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said engaging means comprise one or more formations that are configured to overlap radially with the one or more formations on the receptacle for securing the cap to the receptacle.

15 A beverage container as claimed in claim 14, wherein said engaging means are adapted to form a snap-fit with said one or more formations.

16 A beverage container as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein said locking means comprise a substantially non-expandable retaining ring which is adapted to encircle said engaging means, the ring and engaging means being configured such that the retaining ring can be moved relative to said engaging means to a locking position in which said retaining ring prevents said engaging means from expanding radially sufficiently to disengage from said one or more formations.

17 A beverage container as claimed in claim 16, wherein said engaging means define a substantially cylindrical outer surface over which the retaining ring can slide, or the retaining ring and the engaging means define interengaging screw threads to enable the retaining ring to be advanced to the locking position by rotation relative to the engaging means.

18 A beverage container as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, wherein said cap comprises stiffening means that are arranged to be inserted into the receptacle when the cap is fitted thereto, said stiffening means being configured to engage the receptacle generally behind said one or more formations to stiffen the receptacle against flexing inwardly and prevent inadvertent disengagement of said engaging means.

19 Λ beverage container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said engaging means comprise a plurality of hook-shaped members that are hingedly attached to the cap for movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position, antl said locking means comprise a locking ring and connecting means for rotatably connecting said locking ring to said hook-shaped members, said connecting means comprising cam means that are adapted to cause movement of the hook-shaped members between said engaged and disengaged positions upon corresponding rotation of the locking ring.

20 A beverage container as claimed in claim 19, wherein said cam means comprise a lug or slot on each hook-shaped member, and a plurality of corresponding slots or lugs on the locking ring, wherein each lug engages in a respective slot, and the lugs and slots are configured such that rotation of the locking ring relative to the hook-shaped members causes said lugs to slide in said slots, thereby to move the hook-shaped members between said engaged and disengaged positions, according to the direction of said rotation.

21 A beverage container as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein said connecting means comprise detent means for releasably retaining the hook-shaped members in the engaged position. 22 A beverage container as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said securing means comprise a ring of intumescent material between said cap and said receptacle, which intumescent material, when expanded, acts to form a seal between the cap and receptacle. 23 Λ beverage container as claimed in claim 22, wherein said cap comprises one or more lines of weakness which are frangible to enable the cap to be removed from the receptacle. 24 A beverage container as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein said receptacle comprises an upstanding rim, and said cap defines an annular recess adapted to receive said rim with a clearance, said intumescent material being disposed within said clearance.

25 A beverage container as claimed in claim 24, wherein said cap comprises one or more circumferential formations around said recess, which one or more formations are adapted to engage behind said rim when the cap is fitted to the receptacle.

26 A beverage container as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein said rim comprises a radially protruding lip, and said intumescent material is disposed within recess so as to cover said lip. 27 A beverage container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said cap and receptacle define respective first and second opposing sealing surfaces, which first and second sealing surfaces are arranged to engage one another contiguously when the cap is fitted to the receptacle.

28 A beverage container as claimed in claim 27, wherein each of said first and second surfaces is oriented substantially orthogonally to the direction of fitting the cap to the receptacle to form part of a face seal.

29 A beverage container as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein said sealing means comprise an O-ring interposed between said first and second sealing surfaces.

30 Λ beverage container as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein said first and second sealing surfaces are configured to form an interference fit seal therebetween.

31 A beverage container as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein said sealing means comprises a sealing element interposed between said first and second surfaces, which sealing element comprises a sealing compound, a gasket, a compressible wad, an adhesive sealant, or another elastomeric sealing material capable of forming a gas-tight seal.

32 A beverage container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein said sealing means comprise a bore seal.

33 A beverage container as claimed in claim 32, wherein said bore seal comprises a flexible, annular sealing vane that is joined to said cap and is configured and aπanged to be inserted into the receptacle when the cap is fitted thereto, said vane having a circular outer edge that is adapted to engage sealingly with an inner surface of said receptacle in the fitted position. 34 A beverage container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 34, wherein said receptacle comprises a drinking vessel formed of glass that is adapted to receive a beverage, said drinking vessel comprising an upstanding rim portion, an annular sleeve that is configured to fit over said rim portion, and means for fixedly joining said sleeve to said vessel, said sleeve being configured to participate in securing or sealing the cap to the receptacle.

35 Λ beverage container as claimed in claim 34, wherein said sleeve is formed from a synthetic resin material.

36 Λ beverage container as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, wherein said sleeve defines an annular recess adapted to accommodate said rim portion. 37 A beverage container as claimed in claim 34, claim 35 or claim 36, wherein said sleeve has a sealing surface adapted to form part of a seal with said cap.

38 A beverage container as claimed in any of claims 34 to 37, wherein said joining means comprise an adhesive.

39 A beverage container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said cap defines a necked portion, said necked portion being shaped to assist in handling the container, and said second opening is adapted for charging said container.

40 A container as claimed in claim 39, wherein said necked portion comprises one or more external neck formations for assisting in handling said container.

41 A container as claimed in claim 40, wherein said one or more external neck formations comprise a circumferential handling ring which is adapted to be engaged by handling equipment on a filling line.

42 A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said closure comprises a crown cork or cap or plastic cap.

43 A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said receptacle is configured to enable a liquid beverage received in said body portion to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of said cap.

44 A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said receptacle comprises a lip portion around said wide mouth, which lip portion is shaped to facilitate drinking a liquid beverage from said receptacle after removal of said cap. 45 Λ container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said cap is fabricated from the same material as said receptacle. 46 A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said receptacle is fabricated from a glass or a synthetic resin material which is adapted to impart structural rigidity and withstand pressure, and provides a barrier to the passage of gas.

47 A container as claimed in claim 46, wherein said synthetic resin material is adapted to withstand pressures of up to approx. 420kPa.

48 Λ container as claimed in claim 46 or claim 47, wherein said plastics material comprises PET.

49 A container as claimed in any of claims 46 - 48, wherein said receptacle is formed by stretch blow moulding. 50 A liquid beverage container assembly comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle comprising a hollow body having a first mouth portion, which first mouth portion defines a first relatively wide opening which communicates with the interior of said body portion, said body portion being configured to enable a liquid beverage received in said body portion to be drunk therefrom via said first opening; a cap for said receptacle, which cap is configured to be applied to the receptacle in a fitted position for closing said first opening, said cap having a second mouth portion defining a relatively wide orifice, which second mouth portion is configured to engage said first mouth portion for closing said first opening of the receptacle, such that said orifice communicates with said first opening, and a second relatively naπow opening that is configured for receiving said liquid beverage for charging the receptacle, and defining a liquid path between said second opening and said orifice, such that liquid beverage received in the second opening can pass into the receptacle via the orifice and first opening; one or more securing elements adapted for tightly securing said cap to said receptacle in the fitted position, one or more sealing elements adapted to form a releasable seal between the cap and the receptacle when the cap is applied to the receptacle in the fitted position; a manually operable releasing device for releasing said one or more securing elements to allow said cap to be removed from said wide open mouth, and a closure adapted to seal said second opening after charging the receptacle via said second opening. 51 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein said first mouth portion comprises a lip portion that is configured to facilitate drinking of said liquid beverage from said receptacle via said first opening.

52 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein said body portion is configured to allow said liquid beverage received therein to flow smoothly towards and out of said first mouth when said receptacle is tipped up for drinking therefrom.

53 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 52, wherein said body portion is configured to allow substantially all of the liquid beverage received therein to be readily drained from the body portion when the receptacle is tipped up for drinking therefrom.

54 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein said first mouth portion is dimensioned such that it is too large to be enclosed completely by a consumer's mouth for drinking. 55 Λ liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 54, wherein said first mouth portion comprises a rim and is dimensioned and configured such that, upon drinking said liquid beverage from the receptacle by tipping, the liquid beverage is poured smoothly over a circumferentially discrete section of said rim.

56 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein said cap comprises a necked portion that suπounds and defines at least part of said liquid path, which necked portion is externally configured to assist in handling said liquid beverage container assembly for charging.

57 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 56, wherein said necked portion comprises one or more external neck formations that are configured to be engaged by handling equipment for supporting and conveying said container assembly for charging.

58 A liquid beverage container assembly as claimed in claim 56, wherein said necked portion has a generally cylindrical outer surface and a circumferential ring that protrudes radially from said outer surface, and said cap defines a clearance beneath said ring for accommodating handling equipment adapted to engage said ring. 59 Λ method of charging a container with liquid, which container comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive said liquid, said receptacle having a wide open mouth, a cap for said receptacle, which cap defines a second relatively naπow opening and is releasably secured to said receptacle for closing said wide open mouth, a liquid-tight seal having been pre-formed between said cap and said receptacle, and a closure adapted to close said second opening after charging; wherein said method comprises charging said receptacle with said liquid via said second opening, and thereafter closing said second opening with said closure. 60 A method as claimed in claim 59, wherein said seal between said receptacle and said cap is gas-tight, and said container further comprises manually operable releasing means for releasing the cap from the receptacle.

61 A method as claimed in claim 59 or claim 60, wherein said receptacle is charged with a carbonated liquid such as a carbonated beverage, e.g. beer. 62 A method as claimed in claim 59, claim 60 or claim 61, wherein said receptacle is charged on an automated charging machine.

63 A method as claimed in claim 62, wherein said cap comprises a necked portion that is shaped to be engaged by handling equipment provided on said automated charging machine for supporting and conveying said container. 64 A method as claimed in any of claim 59 - 63, wherein said closure forms a gas-tight seal with said cap.

65 A method as claimed in any of claim 59 - 64, wherein said receptacle is charged up to the level or just below the level of said wide open mouth.

66 An empty, partially assembled beverage container comprising a receptacle having a wide open mouth, a cap that is fitted to the receptacle so as to close said wide open mouth, said cap defining a second relatively naπow opening that is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough, securing means for tightly securing the cap to the receptacle in the fitted position, sealing means forming a liquid- tight seal between the cap and the receptacle, manually operable means for releasing said securing means to allow the cap to be removed from the receptacle, and a separate closure which is adapted for sealing said second opening after charging; wherein said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received in said body to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap.

67 An assemblage of empty, partially assembled beverage containers, and coπesponding closures, wherein each beverage container comprises a receptacle having a wide open mouth, a cap that is fitted to the receptacle so as to close said wide open mouth, said cap defining a second relatively naπow opening that is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough, securing means for tightly securing the cap to the receptacle in the fitted position, sealing means forming a liquid- tight seal between the cap and the receptacle, and manually operable means for releasing said securing means to allow the cap to be removed from the receptacle, wherein said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received in said body to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap, and each closure is adapted for sealing the second opening of a respective cap after charging

68 A beverage container comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth, and defining a first circumferential mating portion circumjacent said wide open mouth, said first mating portion having a first reverse surface; a removable cap which is configured to fit said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, and defines a second relatively naπow opening and a second circumferential mating portion, said second mating portion having a second reverse surface and being configured and arranged to engage said first mating portion when the cap is in said fitted position so as to form a radially extending protrusion extending circumferentially of the receptacle, said first and second reverse surfaces being disposed on opposite sides of said protrusion; a clamping device comprising a circumferential band that is adapted to engage said first and second reverse surfaces when the cap is in the fitted position, thereby to clamp circumferentially the cap to the receptacle for securing the cap to the receptacle, said band comprising one or more frangible lines of weakness that are adapted to be broken manually for releasing the band from the protrusion, thereby allowing the cap to be removed manually from the wide open mouth. a sealing device for forming a gas-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are secured together with the cap in the fitted position, and a closure adapted to form a gas-tight seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap.

69 A beverage container comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth, and defining a first circumferential mating portion circumjacent said wide open mouth, said first mating portion having a first reverse surface; a removable cap which is configured to fit said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, and defines a second relatively naπow opening and a second circumferential mating portion, said second mating portion having a second reverse surface and being configured and arranged to engage said first mating portion when the cap is in said fitted position so as to form a radially extending protrusion extending circumferentially of the receptacle, said first and second reverse surfaces being disposed on opposite sides of said protrusion; a clamping device comprising a circumferential band that is adapted to engage said first and second reverse surfaces when the cap is in the fitted position, thereby to clamp circumferentially the cap to the receptacle for securing the cap to the receptacle, said band comprising a flexible strip having first and second ends, which strip is configured to encircle said protrusion, and a deployant clasp attached to said first and second ends, which deployant clasp is selectively movable between a secured position for tightly securing the strip around said protrusion for clamping the cap and receptacle together, and a released position for releasing said band, thereby to allow the cap to be removed manually from the wide open mouth. a sealing device for forming a gas-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are secured together with the cap in the fitted position, and a closure adapted to form a gas-tight seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap. 70 Λ beverage container comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth and one or more first formations circumjacent said wide open mouth; a removable cap which is configured to fit said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, and defines a second relatively naπow opening, said cap comprising one or more second formations that are configured to engage releasably the one or more first formations by overlapping said one or more first formations radially, thereby to secure releasably the cap to the receptacle; a releasable locking device for releasably locking the first and second formations in interengagement, said locking device comprising a substantially non-expandable retaining ring which is configured to encircle said one or more second formations, the ring and the one or more second formations being configured such that the retaining ring can be moved reversibly relative to said one or more second formations to a locking position in which said retaining ring prevents said one or more second formations from expanding radially sufficiently to disengage from said one or more first formations, said retaining ring being manually removable from said locking position when desired, to allow said one or more second formations to expand radially to disengage from said one or more first formations, thereby to allow the cap to be removed manually from the wide open mouth; a sealing device for forming a gas-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are secured together with the cap in the fitted position, and a closure adapted to form a gas-tight seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap. 71 A beverage container comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth, and one or more radial protrusions circumjacent said wide open mouth; a removable cap which is configured to fit said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, and defines a second relatively narrow opening; a plurality of hook-shaped members that are hingedly attached to the cap for movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which said hook- shaped members engage said one or more protrusions, thereby to secure releasably the cap to the receptacle; a releasable locking device for releasably locking the hook-shaped members in engagement with the one or more protrusions, said locking device comprising a rotatable locking ring which is connected to said hook-shaped members by a plurality of cam devices that are configured to cause movement of the hook-shaped members between said engaged and disengaged positions upon corresponding rotation of the locking ring, each cam device comprising a lug or slot on a respective one of the hook-shaped members, and a coπesponding slot or lug on the locking ring, the lug engaging in the coπesponding slot, and the lug and slot being configured such that rotation of the locking ring relative to the hook-shaped members causes said lug to slide in said slot, thereby to move the hook- shaped member between said engaged and disengaged positions, according to the direction of said rotation; a sealing device for forming a gas-tight seal between the cap and the receptacle when they are secured together with the cap in the fitted position, and a closure adapted to form a gas-tight seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap.

72 A beverage container comprising: a receptacle which is adapted to receive a liquid beverage, said receptacle having a wide open mouth, and an upstanding rim circumjacent said wide open mouth, which rim comprises a radially protruding lip; a removable cap which is configured to fit said receptacle in a fitted position for closing said wide open mouth, said cap defining an annular recess adapted to receive said rim with a clearance, and a second relatively naπow opening, and having one or more lines of weakness which are frangible; a ring of expanded intumescent material disposed within said clearance between said cap and said receptacle so as to cover said lip, which expanded intumescent material forms a substantially gas-tight seal between the cap and receptacle, and releasably secures the cap to the receptacle; and a closure adapted to form a gas-tight seal said second opening; wherein said second opening is configured to enable the receptacle to be charged with a liquid beverage therethrough when the cap is fitted to the receptacle, said lines of weakness are frangible to enable the cap to be removed manually from the receptacle, and said receptacle is configured to enable said liquid beverage received therein to be drunk therefrom via said wide open mouth after removal of the cap.

73 A container comprising a receptacle portion, said receptacle portion comprising a vessel that is formed from glass, or another relatively low tolerance material, and has an upstanding rim defining a mouth, an annular sleeve that is configured to fit over said rim, and means for securing said sleeve to said vessel, said sleeve being formed from a relatively high tolerance material, and being formed with a relatively high tolerance configuration according to the desired end use of the container. 74 A container as claimed in claim 73, wherein said sleeve is formed from a synthetic resin material.

75 A container as claimed in claim 73 or claim 74, wherein said sleeve defines an annular recess adapted to accommodate said rim.

76 A container as claimed in claim 73, claim 74 or claim 75, wherein said sleeve is configured to define a sealing lace for a face or bore seal.

77 A container as claimed in claim 76, wherein said sealing surface is adapted to mate with a cooperating sealing face on a removable cap portion for said receptacle, which cap portion is configured to fit said receptacle portion in a fitted position for closing said mouth. 78 Λ container as claimed in any of claims 73 to 77, wherein said mouth is a wide open mouth.

79 A container as claimed in any of claims 73 to 78, wherein said securing means comprise an adhesive.