WO2008042737A2 - Fermeture de distribution pour applications aseptiques humides et à basse pression - Google Patents

Fermeture de distribution pour applications aseptiques humides et à basse pression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008042737A2
WO2008042737A2 PCT/US2007/079817 US2007079817W WO2008042737A2 WO 2008042737 A2 WO2008042737 A2 WO 2008042737A2 US 2007079817 W US2007079817 W US 2007079817W WO 2008042737 A2 WO2008042737 A2 WO 2008042737A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
closure
tubular portion
top cap
cylindrical
downward
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/079817
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008042737A3 (fr
Inventor
Gerry Mavin
Timothy Stephenson
Original Assignee
Portola Packaging, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Portola Packaging, Inc. filed Critical Portola Packaging, Inc.
Publication of WO2008042737A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008042737A2/fr
Publication of WO2008042737A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008042737A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
    • B65D47/241—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
    • B65D47/243—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a closure for containers and to closures in combination with neck structures, and in particular to dispensing closures compatible with wet aseptic and low pressure applications.
  • inert gas is "dropped" into the containers to maintain stability.
  • the containers include inert gas with internal pressures up to 2 bar(g).
  • Inert gas is used because it limits the ingress of external gases preventing the container from collapsing and assures product life.
  • the inert gas further provides for a cost effective environmentally acceptable container.
  • the closure when correctly sealed, provides an extension of the product's shelf life without the need to add preservatives or inhibitors to the product.
  • the closure is constituted by a main body which comprises a skirt or neck ring, of various diameters, which must be applied onto the neck of a container. In most cases the skirt or neck ring is threaded although this is not a requirement. Plug or snap fitting closures may also be considered.
  • a sealing device attached to the inner face of the closure suitably comes into contact the upper face or inner wall of the neck to form a seal.
  • a tubular member projects upward.
  • the tubular member has retaining features which interact with a complimentary upper or top closure which is able to slide along the tubular member between open and closed positions.
  • the upper closure is shaped complementary to the tubular projection and is provided with an annular upper top having a central hole through which the beverage or liquid being dispensed can flow out and be consumed by the user.
  • top radial bridges that depend from the internal wall of the tubular projection. This supports an internal island which is coaxial to the tubular projection and whose dimensions conveniently match those of the hole in the upper closure so as to form a seal.
  • the closure is perfectly closed when the upper closure, which can slide along the projection, is lowered completely and the hole formed in the top is closed hermetically by the island arranged inside the projection.
  • it is sufficient to slide upward the upper closure, so as to release the internal island, removing it from the hole.
  • the container can be provided with a form of tamper evidencing means well know in the art.
  • the upper closure may be further provided with a cap-like closure or wrap material which covers it, so as to protect the region that is placed in the user's mouth.
  • the above-described closure effectively performs its task, but unfortunately suffers the drawback of making aseptic or extended life packaging difficult. In this case the beverage must in fact be stored in a fully sterilized environment and accordingly the inside of the closure must be sterilized beforehand, before it is applied onto the neck of the container.
  • This sterilization is normally performed by spraying sanitizing liquid, but due to the presence of the radial bridges and of the internal disk which protrude monolithically from the upper end of the projection, the liquid is never able to reach all the internal points of the closure or the possible voids between the top cap and the outer retaining seal feature.
  • the present invention thus includes an embodiment to provide a closure for containers of liquids which solves some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that can be easily sterilized internally with sanitizing liquid according to known methods.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that is able to operate with pressures greater than 0.5 bar(g) and less than that associated with carbonated products of the order of 2 bar(g) without leakage or premature opening of the upper closure.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that allows repeated opening and re-closing.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides a dispensing closure that includes a simple structure with limited flow path restrictions.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that does not require the use of paper-aluminum disks.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that ensures good durability and strength over time.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that is able to give the user assurance, at the time of purchase, of the integrity of the container, such that the user is certain that the container has never been opened before.
  • An embodiment of the present invention further provides for a closure that can be manufactured at a cost, which is appropriate for single use applications.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of a conventional prior art "push pull" dispensing closure in its initially closed position
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the closure of Figure 1 in its opened position
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of another prior art push pull closure in its closed position
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the closure of Figure 3 in its open position
  • Figure 5 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a base closure according to present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a side elevational view of embodiment of Figure 5 from a perspective 90 degrees from that of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a side elevational view in section of the combination base closure and top cap of the instant invention in its initial closed position prior to use;
  • Figure 8 is a sectioned side view showing the combination closure of the instant invention in an open condition ready to dispense
  • Figure 9 provides a sectioned partial view of the inventive portion of the closure including.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an elevational view in section of a prior art combination dispensing closure generally indicated by numeral 12.
  • the closure 12 is typically described in the art as a push pull closure or "sports cap”.
  • the closure 12 comprises a base cap
  • a score line of weakness 18 divides the skirt 17 into upper and lower portions 19 and 20 respectively.
  • An opening 21 is formed in the center of the top 23 of the base cap 10 and a tubular spout 25 is positioned in registry with the opening 21.
  • the tubular spout 25 has a top opening 27.
  • a plug or island member 28 is positioned in spaced relation to the top opening 27 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced legs 29.
  • a push pull top cap 30 is positioned on the upstanding tubular spout 25 and comprises a top portion 32 having a central opening 34 therein which registers with the plug 28 to form a closure when the top 30 is in the position illustrate in Figure 1.
  • the top cap 30 has a depending cylindrical body member 36 that includes a pair of inturned beads 38, which slideably engage the exterior surface of tubular spout 25.
  • a slideable seal is achieved between the exterior surface of one of the annular beads 40 and the interior surface of the cylindrical body member 36.
  • the top cap 30 retains a tamper evidencing band 44 connected to the base of the cylindrical body member 36 through multiple frangible bridges 46 positioned circumferentially around the base of cylindrical body member 36.
  • FIG 2 there is shown the combination closure of Figure 1 in its normal open dispensing position.
  • the top cap 30 has been moved upward relative to the base cap 10 and its tubular spout 25.
  • frangible bridges 46 are severed to separate the tamper evidencing band 44 from the base of the cylindrical body 36 as shown.
  • the upward movement of the top cap 30 relative to the tubular spout 25 also causes removal of the island member 28 from the central opening 34 as shown. This allows fluid to be dispensed along the path indicated in Figure 2 by arrow 48.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a side elevational view of another prior art closure designed to accommodate the wet sterilization processing involved in aseptic packaging.
  • Figures 3 and 4 are adapted from similar Figures of U.S. Patent 6,257,463, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the closure of Figure 3, generally designated by numeral 50, comprises a base cap 52 having a top portion 54 and a skirt portion 56.
  • the skirt portion 56 includes an internal thread structure 58 which mates with an exterior thread structure
  • an interior band structure 68 engages an external neck finish structure 70 to retain the tamper evidencing band 64 if the closure 50 is removed by unscrewing.
  • the top portion 54 of the base cap 52 includes an orifice 72 that is surrounded by an upstanding tubular structure 74 also defined on the top portion 54.
  • the closure combination 50 further includes a top cap 76, which comprises an outer cylindrical skirt 78 depending from a top portion 79 of top cap 76.
  • the cylindrical skirt 78 includes a structure 80 to slidingly engage the exterior surface of the upstanding tubular structure 74.
  • the top cap 76 further comprises an annular rim 82 projecting from the top peripheral edge of the skirt 78.
  • the annular rim 82 promotes facile manual movement of the top cap 76 relative to the base cap 52 and its tubular structure 74. Movement of the top cap 76 is limited by an outwardly extending lip 80a on the upstanding tubular structure 74 that comes into contact with the structure 80 defined on the cylindrical skirt 78 (shown in Figure 4).
  • the top cap 76 further comprises an inner tubular member 84 depending from the top portion 79. Multiple circumferentially disposed ribs 86 are attached to the bottom portion of the inner tubular member 84 which hold a depending plug 88 in spatial position relative to the inner tubular member 84.
  • the depending plug 88 has an exterior diameter complimentary to the diameter of the orifice 72 such that a seal is achieved when the plug is inserted into the orifice 72.
  • the closure 50 is shown in its initial position with the top cap 76 positioned at its lowest axial position and the depending plug 88 inserted into the orifice 72 to create a sealing condition. It can be seen from Figure 3 that in this initial condition a sterilizing aseptic spray may be directed upward into the internal portion of the skirt portion 56 and contact all surfaces effectively since no surface portions are shielded or hidden in those regions which will directly contact the product during its shelf life prior to initial opening. However, one also notes that this leaves a relatively large projected area of the plug 88 exposed to any internal pressures within the container.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are side elevational views of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a base cap 110 comprising a lower skirt portion 112, a top portion 114, and an upstanding tubular portion 116.
  • the base cap 110 further includes disklike member 118 supported above the upper surface 120 of the upstanding tubular portion 116, with a separation generally indicated by arrow 122. Support for the disklike member 118 to hold it firmly in proper spatial position is accomplished through oppositely disposed wall segments 124 that extend upward from the peripheral edge of the upper surface 120 to the peripheral edge of disklike member 118. While the figures depict two wall segments 124, the number of wall segments 124 can be greater without effect the scope of the embodiment.
  • An annular flange like member 126 is centered on the upper surface of disklike member 118.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the closure 100 in its initial assembled condition while Figure 8 shows the closure 100 after initial opening in its open or dispensing condition.
  • Figure 9 shows structural details of the embodiment in an enlarged view.
  • the upstanding tubular portion 116 extending from the top portion 114 of the base cap 110 has a reinforcing brace 130 at its upper end.
  • the reinforcing brace 130 comprises an internal thickened section 131 that has a lower inward/upward directed surface 132 that is joined to an upper surface 134 having an upward/outward incline.
  • the reinforcing brace 130 is segmented into two oppositely disposed circumferentially extending portions 135. Between these portions 135 the tubular portion 116 extends upward forming the wall segments 124 which attach to a lower peripheral edge 137 of disklike member 118.
  • the disklike member 118 has an upper surface 128 which merges at its exterior periphery with a smooth, cylindrical downward extending surface 129.
  • the disklike member 118 further includes a smooth exposed lower surface 136.
  • the annular flange like member 126 projects upward from the upper surface of the disklike member 118.
  • the annular flange like member 126 functions as a guide to axially align the top cap 150 as will be understood below.
  • annular flange like member 126 could function as a seal surface but this function is not a requirement for the invention.
  • FIG. 9 depicts structure on the outer surface of upstanding tubular portion 116 as follows. Beginning at the top peripheral edge of the tubular portion 116, an essentially cylindrical downward extending stretch 138 merges into an outward/downward directed surface portion 140. Further, a downward directed surface 142 extends to downwardly facing annular surface 144. This structure defined by 140, 142, and 144 combines to form an outwardly directed projection generally identified as 146 as shown. [41] Figure 9 also depicts the top cap 150 in its initial closed position. The top cap 150 comprises a cylindrical skirt 152 and a top 154. Centrally disposed in the top 154 is an orifice 156.
  • the annular flange like member 126 fits within the orifice 156 in a complimentary manner as explained above.
  • the interior surface of skirt 152 comprises a first downward extending smooth cylindrical surface 158 which merges into an outward/downward conical surface 160.
  • the conical surface 160 is complimentary to the surface portion 140 of the upstanding tubular member 116.
  • the interior surface of the skirt 152 comprises a generally cylindrical stretch 162.
  • an inwardly projecting bead 164 is positioned on the interior surface of skirt 152.
  • a second bead 166 is positioned below bead 164.
  • This combination of beads 164 and 166 assists in guiding the axial movement of the top cap 150 relative to the upstanding tubular member 116.
  • the interaction of the bead 164 with the outward projection 146 defines the limit of upward axial movement of the top cap 150 relative to the upstanding tubular member 116.
  • the complete closure is generally designated in Figure 7 by the numeral 170.
  • the closure 170 comprises the base cap 110, the top cap 150, and the tamper evidencing dust cover 180.
  • the base cap 110 comprises the lower skirt portion 112 and the top portion 114.
  • a thread structure 172 is positioned on the interior surface of the skirt 112.
  • the thread structure 172 is designed to mate with complimentary thread structure of a container neck. Mating threads are only one of many ways to achieve secure attachment of a closure to a container, and the inventive aspects of the instant invention are not limited, to any particular form of attachment of the closure to the container.
  • a tamper evidencing band 174 attached by a frangible line of weakness 175 to the base of skirt 112.
  • the tamper evidencing band 174 is designed to separate from the skirt 112 if the base cap 110 is removed to access the container contents, as is known in the art.
  • the base cap 110 also comprises a hollow seal plug 176, well known in the art, as a structure to seal against the internal bore of a container.
  • the complete closure 170 in its assembled condition may include a dust cover 180 or other wrap to protect the discharge region of the push pull closure prior or during use. In the Figure 7 embodiment, the dust cover 180 is shown to form a protective inverted cup over the sensitive regions of the dispensing closure.
  • the dust cover 180 is shown to have a breakaway tamper evidencing band 181 through a line of weakness 182.
  • the breakaway tamper evidencing band 181 separates from the main body of dust cover 180 upon initial removal.
  • FIG 8 there is shown the closure 100 in an open position.
  • the first seal 167 and the second seal 169 at surfaces 129/158 and 138/158 respectively have been voided by the upward axial movement of the top cap 150 in moving to the open position.
  • An arrow 182 shows the flow path of fluid exiting the container through the dispensing closure 100. It is pointed out that the flow restriction presented by the annular area during exit in the Figure 8 embodiment may be considerably less than the restriction presented by the orifices and restrictive spiderlike structures of prior art embodiments. The increased flow capability of the closure design of the instant invention is advantageous to the ultimate consumer.
  • the combined structure forming the first seal 167 and the second seal 169 also advantageously provides a limited void in the open position in that the air gap created by voidance of the first and second seals, inclusive of the air gap between the top cap 150 and the base cap 1 10, encapsulates a relatively smaller air volume, thus inhibiting backwash and liquid ingress, by allowing a more rapid pressure rise in the liquid chamber and by limiting the potential for liquid to loose surface tension and flow into the voids and chamber.
  • the subject inventions herein advantageously provide for a dispensing closure for containers compatible with wet aseptic and low pressure applications.
  • the closure advantageously provides for a dual sealing capability between a base cap and a top cap when assembled in a closed position wherein any internal pressure resulting from the container contents is directed radially outwardly to eliminate or minimize force attempting to move the top cap to an open position.
  • the dual seal capability also advantageously provides a limited void in the open position in that the air gap created by voidance of the first and second seals, inclusive of the air gap between the top cap and the base cap, encapsulates a relatively smaller air volume, thus inhibiting backwash and liquid ingress, by allowing a more rapid pressure rise in the liquid chamber and by limiting the potential for liquid to loose surface tension and flow into the voids and chamber.
  • the flow path of fluid exiting the container through the dispensing closure is increased as in comparison to certain dispensing closures having orifices and restrictive spiderlike structures of prior art embodiments.
  • the interior of the combination, dispensing closure assembly is free of structure which might prevent adequate contact by an aseptic spray solution. All interior surfaces that would be subject to sterilization are exposed, smooth, and free of blind pockets or shielded regions.
  • the closure can be operated in a facile manner in the hands of the consumer.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne une fermeture de distribution (100) qui assure une distribution aseptique à basse pression de boissons et de liquides d'un récipient. La fermeture de distribution comprend une capsule inférieure (110) et une capsule supérieure (150). La capsule inférieure (110) présente une partie tubulaire (116), éventuellement munie d'une pièce de renfort (130) à son extrémité supérieure, qui prolonge vers le haut une partie supérieure (114) de la capsule inférieure. Un élément en forme de disque (118) sur lequel est centré un élément en forme de bride annulaire (126) est porté au-dessus d'une surface supérieure (120) de la partie tubulaire (116) par un ou plusieurs segments de paroi (124). Lorsque la capsule supérieure (150) munie d'un orifice (156) est rattachée à la capsule inférieure (110) et se trouve en position fermée, un premier joint d'étanchéité (167) se met en place par ajustement serré d'une première partie délimitée sur la surface intérieure (158) de la jupe cylindrique (152) partant de la capsule supérieure, contre une surface extérieure (129), depuis une périphérie extérieure de l'élément en forme de disque (118); et un second joint d'étanchéité (169) se met en place entre une seconde partie délimitée sur la surface intérieure (158) de la jupe cylindrique (152) partant de la capsule supérieure, contre une surface extérieure (138), depuis une périphérie extérieure de la partie tubulaire (116), si bien qu'une pression interne appliquée sur un contenu quelconque du récipient est dirigée radialement vers l'extérieur et vers la surface intérieure (158), ce qui élimine ou réduit la pression interne cherchant à déplacer la capsule supérieure (150) vers une position ouverte. La fermeture peut être équipée d'un capuchon anti-poussière indicateur d'effraction (180).
PCT/US2007/079817 2006-09-29 2007-09-28 Fermeture de distribution pour applications aseptiques humides et à basse pression WO2008042737A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US82750906P 2006-09-29 2006-09-29
US60/827,509 2006-09-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008042737A2 true WO2008042737A2 (fr) 2008-04-10
WO2008042737A3 WO2008042737A3 (fr) 2008-08-28

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ID=39269104

Family Applications (1)

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PCT/US2007/079817 WO2008042737A2 (fr) 2006-09-29 2007-09-28 Fermeture de distribution pour applications aseptiques humides et à basse pression

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019115326A1 (fr) * 2017-12-15 2019-06-20 Creanova Universal Closures Ltd. Bouchon

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1944589A (en) * 1933-07-21 1934-01-23 Aufricht Gustave Leakproof collapsible tube
US3120910A (en) * 1962-05-24 1964-02-11 Waterbury Co Inc Spout for container
US4767034A (en) * 1986-02-25 1988-08-30 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Scrubber cap closure
US6050452A (en) * 1997-09-10 2000-04-18 Novembal Push-pull closure with reinforced tamper-proofing
US20030071086A1 (en) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-17 Erie Plastics Corporation Container closure with horizontal and vertical seals

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1944589A (en) * 1933-07-21 1934-01-23 Aufricht Gustave Leakproof collapsible tube
US3120910A (en) * 1962-05-24 1964-02-11 Waterbury Co Inc Spout for container
US4767034A (en) * 1986-02-25 1988-08-30 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Scrubber cap closure
US6050452A (en) * 1997-09-10 2000-04-18 Novembal Push-pull closure with reinforced tamper-proofing
US20030071086A1 (en) * 2001-09-21 2003-04-17 Erie Plastics Corporation Container closure with horizontal and vertical seals

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019115326A1 (fr) * 2017-12-15 2019-06-20 Creanova Universal Closures Ltd. Bouchon

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008042737A3 (fr) 2008-08-28

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