WO2006116043A2 - Jar cap with vacuum relief closure - Google Patents
Jar cap with vacuum relief closure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006116043A2 WO2006116043A2 PCT/US2006/015033 US2006015033W WO2006116043A2 WO 2006116043 A2 WO2006116043 A2 WO 2006116043A2 US 2006015033 W US2006015033 W US 2006015033W WO 2006116043 A2 WO2006116043 A2 WO 2006116043A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- jar
- cap
- orifice
- closure tab
- vacuum
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
- B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
- B65D51/1683—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element by actuating a separate element in the container or closure
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of container closures and more particularly to closures for vacuum-sealed jars.
- Vacuum sealing pertains both to jar caps with full threading requiring a complete rotation or more to be removed and quick-release jar caps requiring less than a quarter turn to be removed.
- the present invention jar cap with vacuum relief closure provides a means of relieving a vacuum in a closed jar without using a tool. Once the vacuum is relieved, the amount of torque needed to open the jar cap is significantly reduced.
- the invention includes a jar cap with an orifice formed through its top surface and an adhesive coated closure tab removably affixed to the cap so as to cover the orifice. When the jar is vacuum-sealed, the closure tab is held in place both by the adhesive and the power of the vacuum. When the closure tab is removed from the cap, the orifice is exposed and ambient air enters the jar to relieve the vacuum. The jar can then be opened more easily.
- Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a closed jar with the vacuum relief closure cap of the invention, the jar shown in dashed lines.
- Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the closed jar of Figure 1 with the vacuum relief closure tab removed.
- Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the vacuum relief closure tab of the invention showing an adhesive pattern thereon.
- the vacuum may be relieved by forming a hole through the jar cap, the hole remaining sealed during storage.
- the invention described below provides one embodiment for covering and uncovering a hole formed through a jar cap. After the vacuum has been removed, the hole cover may be reapplied over the hole to keep the jar contents from becoming contaminated.
- the invention disclosed herein has industrial applicability by its pertinence to food processing and packaging, as well as manufacture of the jar cap and vacuum relief closure components.
- the underlying principle of the invention is an improved package for processed foods under vacuum to enable easier opening by the ultimate consumer.
- the invention provides a new marketing package that enhances utilization.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A jar cap (12) is formed with an orifice (16) through its top surface and an adhesive (A) coated closure tab (18) is placed over the orifice (16). The closure tab (18) has a non-adhesive portion (20) for being grasped. The jar (10) is closed with the cap (12) and vacuum sealed. When the cap (12) is to be removed, the non-adhesive portion (20) of the closure tab (18) is grasped and the closure tab (18) is pulled off the orifice (16), allowing ambient air to enter the jar (10) and relieve the vacuum so as to make the removal of the cap (12) easier.
Description
JAR CAP WITH VACUUM RELIEF CLOSURE
Inventor: MARK T. GILES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of container closures and more particularly to closures for vacuum-sealed jars.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] Many foods are sold in jars that are sealed before the cooked contents cool to create an internal vacuum condition to securely hold the jar cap in place and effectively protect the contents from becoming contaminated. Vacuum sealing pertains both to jar caps with full threading requiring a complete rotation or more to be removed and quick-release jar caps requiring less than a quarter turn to be removed. A problem exists in that removing the vacuum-sealed jar caps requires the application of significantly more torque, in the range of 33% to 100% more torque, than needed to remove the same caps without a vacuum seal. Because of this greater torque requirement, many people have difficulty removing a cap from a vacuum-sealed jar. When the person is older, or has less hand strength than average, removing a vacuum-sealed cap from a jar becomes a major challenge.
[0003] Over the years, different devices have been developed and sold to attempt to overcome the problem of removing the vacuum-sealed jar cap. Some of these devices serve as a tool to increase the gripping force and torque the person can apply to the cap through leverage. Some are simply an elastomeric frictional pad to increase the amount of grip the person applies with the same force. Some are electrically driven clamping chuck devices to unscrew jar caps. In all cases, the vacuum has to be overcome, and traditionally a greater torque has been the available means to do so. The
present invention overcomes the problem through a novel and simple approach that eliminates the need for use of a tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0004] The present invention jar cap with vacuum relief closure provides a means of relieving a vacuum in a closed jar without using a tool. Once the vacuum is relieved, the amount of torque needed to open the jar cap is significantly reduced. The invention includes a jar cap with an orifice formed through its top surface and an adhesive coated closure tab removably affixed to the cap so as to cover the orifice. When the jar is vacuum-sealed, the closure tab is held in place both by the adhesive and the power of the vacuum. When the closure tab is removed from the cap, the orifice is exposed and ambient air enters the jar to relieve the vacuum. The jar can then be opened more easily.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0005] The present invention is best understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which like elements are identified by similar reference numerals and wherein:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a closed jar with the vacuum relief closure cap of the invention, the jar shown in dashed lines.
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the closed jar of Figure 1 with the vacuum relief closure tab removed.
Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the vacuum relief closure tab of the invention showing an adhesive pattern thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT: [0006] Referring now to Figure 1, a vacuum sealed jar 10 is shown in dashed lines with a cap 12 in place on jar 10. Cap 12 may be of the type requiring one or more complete revolutions to be removed from jar 10 or a quick-release type requiring less than a quarter turn to be removed. For either type cap, sealing under vacuum has been done and cap removal, prior to the present invention, would require the application of considerable torque.
The invention recognizes that whereas the created vacuum protects the contents of the jar from degradation, the vacuum holds the jar cap securely requiring considerable strength to remove the cap from the jar. To reduce the needed torque, the vacuum may be relieved by forming a hole through the jar cap, the hole remaining sealed during storage. The invention described below provides one embodiment for covering and uncovering a hole formed through a jar cap. After the vacuum has been removed, the hole cover may be reapplied over the hole to keep the jar contents from becoming contaminated.
[0007] Cap 12 is formed with an orifice 16 through its flat top surface.
Orifice 16 is of any convenient size, for example 1.0 mm (.040 inches) in diameter. A closure tab 18 is positioned on cap 12 over orifice 16 to prevent ambient air from entering jar 10 and equalizing pressure. Closure tab 18 is formed in a convenient shape from a sheet of flexible material, for example plastic sheet, preferably a non-elastic plastic sheet, and most preferably metallic coated Mylar® sheet, with an adhesive coated on the surface in contact with cap 12. Closure tab 18 is held in position over orifice 16 both with its adhesive and the suction of the vacuum within jar 10.
[0008] Referring now to Figure 2, cap 12 remains in place on jar 10 and closure tab 18 has been pulled upwardly, generally in the direction indicated by arrow X to expose orifice 16. Once closure tab 18 is removed from the position over orifice 16, ambient air enters the headspace above the product in jar 10 to relieve a vacuum therein and allow cap 12 to be removed from jar 10 with the application of substantially less torque than would otherwise have been required.
[0009] Referring now to Figure 3, closure tab 18 is shown apart from cap 12 with the lower surface of closure tab 18 showing. Closure tab 18 is illustrated as being formed in a teardrop shape. The teardrop shape of closure tab 18 provides a large, substantially round adhesive area A for the application of an adhesive and an extended lift portion 20 to be grasped for
removal of closure tab 18 from cap 12. Closure tab 18 is formed and positioned such that adhesive area A is substantially centered about orifice 16 (Figure 2) to leave an equal and maximum area of adhesive A around orifice 16 to the edge of closure tab 18 in all directions. Other shapes may be used, for example rectangular, within the scope of the invention. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, adhesive area A is coated with an adhesive that is aggressive and approved for use with food. Lift portion 20 is not coated with adhesive to allow a user to grasp lift portion 20 and lift closure tab 18 from jar cap 12 (Figures 1 & 2) to relieve the vacuum within jar 10.
[0010] While the description above discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that numerous variations and modifications of the invention are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the claims that follow.
BEST MODE FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION:
The best mode for practicing the disclosed invention is to provide a jar cap with vacuum relief closure, comprising: a. a threaded jar cap having an orifice formed therethrough; and b. a closure tab positioned on the cap to seal the orifice; c. wherein the closure tab is formed of a flexible sheet material in a teardrop shape, the closure tab being coated on a surface thereof with an aggressive, food grade adhesive in a first portion and the closure tab surface remains uncoated in a second portion.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY:
The invention disclosed herein has industrial applicability by its pertinence to food processing and packaging, as well as manufacture of the jar cap and vacuum relief closure components. The underlying principle of the invention is an improved package for processed foods under vacuum to enable easier opening by the ultimate consumer. Thus, the invention provides a new marketing package that enhances utilization.
Claims
1. A jar cap with vacuum relief closure, comprising: a. a threaded jar cap (12) having an orifice (16) formed therethrough; and b. a closure tab (18) positioned on the cap (12) to seal the orifice (16).
2. The jar cap described in claim 1 , wherein the closure tab (18) is coated on a surface thereof with an adhesive (A) in a first portion and remains uncoated in a second portion (20).
3. The jar cap described in claim 1 , wherein the closure tab (18) is formed of a flexible sheet material.
4. The jar cap described in claim 2, wherein the adhesive (A) is an aggressive, food grade adhesive.
5. The jar cap described in claim 1, wherein the closure tab (18) is teardrop shaped.
6. A method for relieving a vacuum in a vacuum-sealed jar, comprising the steps of: a. closing a jar (10) with a jar cap (12) having an orifice (16) formed therethrough; b. covering the orifice (16); c. vacuum sealing the jar (10); d. uncovering the orifice (16) to allow ambient air to enter the jar (10) and equalize pressure; and e. removing the jar cap (12).
7. The method described in claim 6, wherein the step of covering the orifice (16) comprises applying a closure tab (18) to the jar cap (12) in a position to cover the orifice (16).
8. The method described in claim 7, wherein the closure tab (18) is coated on one surface with an adhesive (A) and the adhesive-coated surface is placed in contact with the jar cap (12).
9. The method described in claim 7, wherein the step of uncovering the orifice (16) comprises removing the closure tab (18) from over the orifice (16) to allow ambient air to enter the jar (10) and equalize the pressure.
10. The method described in claim 8, further comprising the step of reapplying the adhesive coated closure tab (18) to cover the orifice (16) after the pressure has been equalized.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/114,385 | 2005-04-26 | ||
US11/114,385 US20060249475A1 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2005-04-26 | Jar cap with vacuum relief closure |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006116043A2 true WO2006116043A2 (en) | 2006-11-02 |
WO2006116043A3 WO2006116043A3 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Family
ID=37215284
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2006/015033 WO2006116043A2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2006-04-21 | Jar cap with vacuum relief closure |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060249475A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006116043A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL2006900C2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2012-12-10 | A J A Bol Holding B V | VACUUM PACKAGE LID AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE LID. |
CN111942733A (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2020-11-17 | 李俊华 | Bottle cap capable of being opened by weak force |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4735336A (en) * | 1986-07-07 | 1988-04-05 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Opener for a packaging container |
US5954214A (en) * | 1997-05-28 | 1999-09-21 | Optimal Food Processing Research Inc. | Cap for vacuum container having double frangible seal and container having such a cap |
US5979688A (en) * | 1997-02-26 | 1999-11-09 | Container Development, Ltd. | Vacuum container with reclosable sealing closure having a vacuum release sealing button |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1832772U (en) * | 1961-03-30 | 1961-06-08 | Hesser Ag Maschf | LOCKING DEVICE FOR RIGID PACKAGING CONTAINERS. |
US3243075A (en) * | 1963-11-18 | 1966-03-29 | American Can Co | Container body and closure structure |
US3312368A (en) * | 1964-09-09 | 1967-04-04 | Reynolds Metals Co | Easy-open can end |
US3371811A (en) * | 1964-11-20 | 1968-03-05 | Corning Glass Works | Container closure |
US4398491A (en) * | 1981-06-03 | 1983-08-16 | The Continental Group, Inc. | Acoustic indicator of vacuum level in containers |
ES513857A0 (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1983-08-16 | Hunter Thomas Ltd | IMPROVEMENTS IN CLOSURES FOR CONTAINERS. |
US4883198A (en) * | 1987-10-06 | 1989-11-28 | Manska Wayne E | Container and method for dispensing semi-solid substances |
BR9103896A (en) * | 1991-09-10 | 1992-03-17 | Rojek Metalgrafica | PROCESS FOR FORMING A RELIEF HOLE WITH DETACHABLE SHUTTLE SEAL, FOR EASY OPENING, IN METAL COVERS, VACUUM CLOSING, CUPS AND OTHER GLASS CONTAINERS, WHICH ARE PACKAGED FOR FOOD PRODUCTS |
BR9500311A (en) * | 1995-01-25 | 1996-10-08 | Rojek Metalgrafica | Improvements in metal lids for vacuum packaging of food products |
US6578723B1 (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 2003-06-17 | Pharmacy, Inc. | Flexible sealing cover with seal break indicator |
US5955127A (en) * | 1998-01-06 | 1999-09-21 | Glaser; Lawrence F. | Closure for vacuum-sealed containers with resealable pressure release |
US20020027139A1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-03-07 | O'neill Catherine | Resealable tab for a drinking cup |
-
2005
- 2005-04-26 US US11/114,385 patent/US20060249475A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-04-21 WO PCT/US2006/015033 patent/WO2006116043A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4735336A (en) * | 1986-07-07 | 1988-04-05 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Opener for a packaging container |
US5979688A (en) * | 1997-02-26 | 1999-11-09 | Container Development, Ltd. | Vacuum container with reclosable sealing closure having a vacuum release sealing button |
US5954214A (en) * | 1997-05-28 | 1999-09-21 | Optimal Food Processing Research Inc. | Cap for vacuum container having double frangible seal and container having such a cap |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2006116043A3 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
US20060249475A1 (en) | 2006-11-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US4702129A (en) | Gripper for container caps | |
WO2005022325A3 (en) | Package closure device | |
US20060249475A1 (en) | Jar cap with vacuum relief closure | |
US20070068945A1 (en) | Constant force peelable seal for container | |
US3182852A (en) | Container with pull tab | |
US20170008744A1 (en) | Self tightening bottle cap opener | |
EP0391941B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for closing containers | |
JPS60228257A (en) | Bottle cap | |
US7168337B2 (en) | Opener for threaded jar lids | |
TW201433314A (en) | Improved bottle | |
US7140402B2 (en) | Vacuum storage system and method | |
US20090206079A1 (en) | Pressure Closure for Beverage and Food Containers | |
US6318573B1 (en) | Bottle with integrally formed opener | |
CA2400611C (en) | Tray-like pack | |
US20090001092A1 (en) | Reusable Seal for Beverage Container | |
US20180334277A1 (en) | Vacuum sealing valve for canning jar lids | |
KR200492742Y1 (en) | Sealing Paper For Bottle | |
CN217075169U (en) | Packaging tin head for cat wet food | |
US20060124576A1 (en) | Vacuum closure device and method | |
CN215664847U (en) | Low-cost vacuum bottling bottle convenient to uncap | |
JP6090914B2 (en) | Tearable container lid | |
JP2003237779A (en) | Easily openable lid having re-sealing function | |
JP2009234606A (en) | Container with lid | |
US20060150789A1 (en) | Vacuum release device and method | |
CN106347836B (en) | Carry the bezel cover container of the multiple Reusability of opening device one-hand operation |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: RU |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 06750921 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |