WO2010045699A1

WO2010045699A1 - Disposition introduced in screw cap for canning or similar containers

Info

Publication number: WO2010045699A1
Application number: PCT/BR2009/000344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcos Inácio RUEDIGER; Antonio José Teixeira RÊDE
Original assignee: Ruediger Marcos Inacio; Rede Antonio Jose Teixeira
Priority date: 2008-10-24
Filing date: 2009-10-21
Publication date: 2010-04-29
Also published as: BRMU8802408U2

Abstract

Disposition introduced in screw cap for canning or similar containers, idealizes an improvement in occlusion cap, whose structure consists of a ring- shaped overcap (2) with screw, which contains a capping disc (3) for occlusion located under it, belonging to the field of commodities for food packages; more precisely the improvement is about a valve for oxygen exhaustion during the product pasteurization or heating process, which does not allow the entry nor the exit of fluids from the container containing the food, named screw cap for canning containers (1 ), whose overcap (2) constituted by a frame is remarked for presenting in the inner circular edge a perpendicular ring projection downward, defined as control ring (7) and beside another ring projection also downward, named set ring (8), but with greater linear dimension in relation the control ring (7), with its end being the only overcap contact interface (2) with the capping disc (3).

Description

"DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS".

Field of application

The present utility model patent "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS" has as purpose an improvement introduced in occlusion caps used in containers for canned food products such as vitreous containers usually used in the packaging of palms, pickles, olives, foods for babies known as "baby food" among others, whose constructive system is integrated by two different closure elements, i.e, a capping discoid device with sealing attributes and a ring element with mechanical pressure screw and a removal device of the discoid device mentioned.

The object of the present patent was conceived with clever and original constructive disposition, intending to improve the organic integrity of the products contained in vitreous containers or metal cans introducing in the cap element devices that assure greater exhaustion of the internal oxygen during its extraction process, known in the technical milieu as "vent", which assures a greater vacuum during the food processing and also a ring projection in the internal perimeter of screwed ring element, which besides working as integral part of the valve, prevents the accumulation of dirtiness of the water from the processing tank and the formation of iron oxide (rust) in the screw area. There is, therefore, in the patent application in question, an improvement in the occlusion cap for canned food, belonging to the field of articles for food packages, whose occlusion technique involves a ring-shaped overcap, which compresses a discoidal overcap, against the container nozzle, whose constructivity allows the removal of internal air of the container, with greater efficacy, promoting a sealing very above the relevant standard.

It is still, an aim of the present application, to present an occlusion cap containing an exhaustion valve, which is fixed to the respective container by screwing technique through the overlay of a polymeric arc which supports the autoclaving temperature, on a counter cap, designated to packages for food canned products or others with low costs for its industrial feasibility, adding requirements of robustness, hermeticism, impermeability, user safety, greater vacuum and reliability, reassuring its utilitarian practicality, providing the industrial or final consumer of this consumption, additional freedom and choice option in the equivalent market, offering several opportunities and benefits, becoming a specific model of great expectative for this sector market. Background of the Disposition

As it is popularly known, the food commerce and industry have presented their products confined in transparent packages with the purpose of allowing the visualization of the content by the costumer. The containers of canned foods as palms, pickles, olives among others of the genre consist of glass material, which limits the Technologies for the application of cap elements due to the physical characteristic of the material, for thermal matters or still for rupture. Through the years, the technical field developed a cap with a simplified removal system, which consists of a ring-shaped overcap, which compresses a discoidal cap responsible for the capping and sealing of the container.

The overcap enables the initial opening or vacuum break, only turning it counter-clockwise.

Deficient points in the state of the art

Traditional packages provided by the market meet satisfactorily the standard, commercial and safety requirements, sealing, closing and exposing the contained product efficiently, but in fact it is noted that users, especially those less used to the use of brute force as women and children, face difficulties at the moment of opening the package and it is revealed by the action of the vacuum associated to the friction of its sealing layer against the container mouth, what makes that the final consumer use cutting and piercing objects to break the vacuum formed in the sterilization or pasteurization process and might cause accidents with such objects.

The cap with simplified removal system existing in the market, which consists of a ring-shaped overcap and compresses a disc against the container nozzle, does not meet satisfactorily the function it is assigned to since in fact it was observed that although it has a simplified opening its constructivity does not allow the adequate obtainment of vacuum, as well as in some cases it allows the entering of external fluid during the food sterilization or pasteurization process.

Summary of the Disposition To solve the inconvenient observed, the inventor idealized an improvement in the capping and sealing system comprising with simplified opening comprising a ring-shaped overcap and a capping disc which solves the problem presented and still technically improves the project, providing the system with a cap of better performance in the procedure of oxygen exhaustion, "vent", taking into account also the need of occlusion of the container for the product consumption subsequently. It was thought about the inconvenient and possible improvements that the inventor, with remarkable technical sector knowledge, idealized, designed and developed the object of the present patent, "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", which conceives an occlusion and unlock cap system designed to containers for packaging canned food products or others, manufactured with a solid structure which is characterized by the presence of a sealing metal disc located under a polymeric frame which tights it over the container nozzle, sealing completely the food inside it.

The screwed polymeric ring-shaped device, or over cap, which partially overlays the capping metal disc with polymeric material in its periphery is made up of polymeric material, presenting the central plane free in the sense of lack of material, where the perimetric frame has an contact interface with the canning container, outlined by the screw regions and where a ring projection compresses the metal disc against the container nozzle.

The capping metal disc has a plane central structure and constitutes an interface of separation between the internal volume of the canning container and the external environment, presenting all the barriers required for a greater conservation of the packaged product, and in its surrounding border has a concave profile with an plug-in recess in a immediately anterior radius, forming a channel under which the container nozzle is accommodated. The sealing material is applied in the referred channel, interweaving the container nozzle and the overcap.

Furthermore, the cap presented has a valve, whose working is similar to a check valve, which enables the oxygen outlet when heated to a certain temperature and automatically closing when this pressure decreases not allowing the entry of external fluids and consequently preventing the contamination of the food, as well as of the external fluids.

Such valve provides a greater efficiency in the oxygen withdrawal or process known in technical milieu as "vent", providing that the packaged product be in an environment with smaller pressure, i.e., the interior of the container be with greater vacuum in relation to occluded containers with similar caps met in the related market. A greater vacuum provides the canning food a longer validity period.

Thus, the present patent, "DISPOSITION

INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING CONTAINER OR SIMILAR" was foreseen aiming to obtain a occlusion system for glass containers and plastic jars, designed to canning products and others, conveniently developed and engendered, allowing that the user can use it easily, performing its functions with efficiency and simplicity, showing incomparable practicality and versatility, incorporating peculiar functionalities, besides preventing that the final consumer use cutting and piercing tools to proceed the opening, contributing consequently to the reduction of domestic accidents caused by the use of the referred tools.

The screwed cap here present has the following advantages in relation to the caps met in the related market: - Easy Opening.

- Greater vacuum and with this greater safety for the producer and user.

- Safety for the user in the opening.

- Excuse of cutting and piercing objects. - There is no oxidation as there are no metal parts in friction with the glass.

- Less dirt.

- Does not retain fluids between the cap and the capping disc since the extraction ring is sectioned.

- Does not whisk because it is a total screw.

Its innovator concept allows the acquisition of a constructive disposition with excellent level of functioning, being developed with the most modem techniques, thus allowing a simplified use.

Thus it is understood that the cap system with valve function and capping disc tripping lever is simple in its constructibity, being therefore of easy feasibility, acquiring excellent practical and functional results, incorporating an innovative and efficient technique, the plastic ring or overcap, with a device that when untwisted makes the capping disc ferrule to loosen from the nozzle, more precisely it lifts the end of the capping discoidal element, performing the break of the container vacuum, enabling a simplified opening. Next, for a better understanding and comprehension of how it is constituted the "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS" here requested, are presented the illustrative drawings of the product, attached, where is seen: FIG. 1 - Shows a perspective, infero-lateral, exploded view of the screw cap for canning containers, where it can be observed the capping disc separated from the overcap.

FIG. 2 - Shows a perspective, superolateral, exploded view of the screw cap for canning containers, where it can be observed the capping disc separated from the overcap.

FIG. 3 - Shows a perspective, infero-lateral, exploded view for canning containers where can be observed a capping disc separated from the overcap. FIG. 4 - Shows a lateral sectional view of the capping disc.

FIG. 5 - Shows a lateral sectional view of the screw cap for canning containers fixed in a container nozzle.

FIG. 6 - Shows a perspective, superolateral, sectional view of the screw cap for canning containers fixed in the container nozzle.

A FIG. 7 - Shows a lateral sectional view of a detail of the screw cap for canning containers fixed in the container nozzle where it is observed the initial condition before the food processing and its heating.

A FIG. 8 - Shows a lateral sectional view of a detail of the screw cap for canning containers in the container nozzle where it is observed the exhaustion of the oxygen contained in the respective container during the food processing and heating. The arrows represent the expelled air flow.

FIG. 9 - Shows another lateral sectional view of a detail of the screw cap for canning containers, connected to a container nozzle where it is observed the exhaustion of the oxygen contained in the respective container during the food processing or heating. The arrows indicate the expelled air flow.

FIG. 10 - Shows another lateral sectional view of the screw cap for canning containers, connected to a glass container nozzle, where is observed the exhaustion of the oxygen contained in the respective container during the food processing or heating. The arrows represent the expelled air flow and the pressure exerted over the capping disc.

FIG. 11 - Shows a lateral sectional view of a detail of the screw cap for canning containers fixed in a container nozzle, where it is observed a final condition after the exhaustion and cooling of the oxygen. The arrows indicate the pressure exerted over the capping disc.

FIG. 12 - Shows a lower perspective view of the overcap of the screw cap for canning containers here presented. Detailed description of the incorporation

According to what illustrate the figures above related, the "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS" refers to an improvement in the capping system for a simplified occlusion, sealing and opening for containers of canning food products or others, named screw cap for canning containers (1 ), whose structure comprises an overcap (2) in ring shape with a screw that contains a capping disc (3) for occlusion allocated bellow it, which is compressed against the top (4) of the canning container (5) nozzle sealing the food contained. The overcap (2) comprises a frame built with polymeric material, with the central plane (6) free and without material, whose internal border has a perpendicular ring projection downward, defined as control ring (7) and beside another ring projection also downward named set ring (8), but with greater linear dimension in relation to the control ring (7), the frame end is constituted by a wall projected downward in ninety degrees, shaping a surrounding face (9), its upper outer and surrounding face has a smooth finish.

The only contact interface of the overcap (2) with the capping disc (3) is the set ring (8), which exerts a down force against its surface, pressing it over the top of the nozzle (4), when screwed in the nozzle.

The overcap (2) has in its internal surrounding face (9) a total elliptical screw (10) discontinued over all its height, which enables a screwing with stopping in the end of the tread, and above the referred screw it is foreseen a extractor ring (11) or barb with straight angle of entrance, but without exit angle, allowing the coupling of the capping disc (3) to the overcap (2) through its perimetric salient edge defined as ferrule (12). The capping disc (3) has a discoidal shape with a central plane structure (6) and constitutes a separation interface between the internal volume of the canning container (5) and the external environment, while its surrounding edge exhibits a fold named ferrule (12), which is supported by the extractor ring (11) below it and in a radius immediately anterior an inverted "U" shape profile constituting a channel (13) where it is placed the sealing material (14) which is conformed to the top of the nozzle (4), and in a more internal radius it is foreseen a concave region (15) of V-shaped profile where it is settled the support of the set ring (8). The referred extractor ring (11) is segmented in four parts, to allow that the fluid of the processing tank flow from the screw region after the food processing, preventing the oxidation of the capping disc edge (3).

The extractor ring (11) has the function of retaining the metal disc in the overcap (2) and still restrain its movement against the container nozzle, its positioning allows the keeping of a space between the disc upper face in the channel region (13) and the over cap inner face, defined as a work interval (16). This work interval (16) allows that the capping disc (3), under the action of high temperature and vacuum, moves and works as a pressure cooker valve and respectively a check valve.

Other technical function of the extractor ring

(11) is to constitute a lever system to force the draw or withdrawal of the capping disc (3) that when occluded, suffer the action of the inner vacuum or subsequent atmospheric pressure, what makes difficult the opening operation of the package by the user.

The capping disc (3) receives a sealing material (14) in the surrounding channel (13), which after its drying presents a higher hardness than the conventional sealing materials, what compensates the deformation of its contact interface and the top of the canning container (5) nozzle (4), assuring the technical efficiency of the package sealing system, even with a greater vacuum besides exempting a new tightening of the overcap (2) after the oxygen extraction. The sealing of the screw cap for canning containers (1) becomes effective through the pressure difference between the container exterior and interior, and by the action of unscrewing the overcap (2) there is a vacuum break and the package opening. It is highlighted that the sealing ring formed by the sealing material (14) presents reduced area, being restricted to the region in contact with the top of the nozzle (4), thus preventing the excessive exposition of the sealing material (14) to the product contained in the respective container (5). The screw cap for canning containers(1) assures an effective coupling by mechanic or manually manipulated screwing, whose hermeticism attribute, prevents the entry and exit of gases, fluids and residues in the interior or exterior of the package, and during the product processing the respective cap allows the oxygen exhaustion inside the container, process named "vent" (17), increasing the inner vacuum in comparison with the conventional caps and during the processing also does not occur the contamination of the water in the processing tank with internal fluids or packaged product.

The hermeticism is assured after the opening for consumption. The screw cap for canning containers (1) has hermetic and impermeable attributes, keeping the product contained therein free of humidity and odor transitions, even after the package has been opened for consumption.

In the food processing, the existing oxygen in the interior of the glass container, when heated, is expanded and forms a positive pressure forcing the capping disc (3) outward. As result, it occurs a phenomenon named "vent" (17) which is the oxygen exhaustion, when the inner pressure decreases it retracts itself and attracts the overcap.

The spring effect or the back and forth movement caused to the capping disc (3) by the difference of inner and outer pressure allows the exit of oxygen, but due to the cap control system, it does not allow the entry of fluids from the heating tank, nor the exit of the fluid contained in the container. (5).

The oxygen exhaustion valve is based on the movement of the capping disc (3), which is controlled in the contraction phase of the inner atmosphere by the extractor ring (11), the expansion by the control ring (7) and the work interval (16).

The extractor ring (11) prevents the capping disc (3) from being excessively compressed against the container nozzle (4) in the contraction phase of the inner atmosphere, preventing the excessive deformation of the sealing material (14), this fact associated to the sealing material (14) of greater hardness exempts the cap from being tightened again after vacuum formation.

The control ring (7) prevents an excessive deformation of the capping disc (3) during the expansion of the inner atmosphere and allows the movement of its bead in the sense of detachment nozzle edge (4) ) of container (5); occupying the work interval (16), while at this moment the gas contained in the container escapes in the space momentarily formed between the sealing material (14) and the top of the nozzle (4). More precisely, the control ring (7) and the extractor ring (11) work as supports, exerting exactly the contrary force to the expansion and contraction, balancing the exit of gases and not allowing the entry of contaminant water from the processing pan in the container with the packaged product. The fixation ring (8) comprises a polymeric flap, which moves forward the overcap center in permanent contact with the capping disc (3), which prevents the fluid of the processing tank from penetrating and the dirt from impregnating in the upper portion between the metal disc and the plastic ring. The referred flap or set ring (8) also exerts the important function of compressing the disc, allowing the occurrence of "vent" (17) without the entry of water from the cooking tank and this avoids the contamination of the brine or syrup of the packaged product. The metal capping disc (3) which is fixed by the extractor ring (11) has controlled mobility allowing the oxygen exit and assuring a greater vacuum, and consequently a greater product guarantee.

In the occlusion of the container, before the heating process, the overcap (2) and the metal capping disc (3) turn as single part. After the oxygen withdrawal, the metal capping disc (3) stays firmly fixed in the nozzle (4) of container (5) by the vacuum action, since in its opening, initially only the ring turns ninety degrees, from this moment the extractor ring(11) lifts the metal capping disc (3), breaking the vacuum and making it turn together.

Some technical features obtained by the disposition introduced in the screw cap here presented are described below:

• The cap concerned does not whisk in its closure, differently of conventional caps which work with a point of support in the can screw, which has a total screwing with stopping in the end of the screw.

• The metal capping disc (3) might be smooth or optionally have a safety button. The function of this button is to enable the costumer to check if the product is packaged in a vacuum container.

• The sealing material (14) is applied only in the capping disc (3) channel (13) in the required quantity, unlike conventional caps, which has sealant in all its inner area, exposing minimally this way the packaged product to the sealing material (14), even the channel has sanitary properties.

• The surfaces of the cap presented are always smooth and polished, avoiding dirtiness.

• The lateral overcap (2) has anatomic parts to make its opening operation easier.

• The metal capping disc (3) has a ferrule (12) directed to its inner part, aiming:

- To isolate the possible oxidation of the plate cut area. - To look the metal capping disc (3) in the extraction inner ring (11) with the purpose of binding it to the overcap.

- It has an exact measurement for the capping disc (3) to work as a valve, moving itself in the space left by the plastic part or work interval (16).

The screw cap for canning containers (1 ), here presented also meets the specifications required by infant foods and it can also be used in metal containers known as cans.

In case of application in metal packages, it is important to point out that there is no metal-metal friction but plastic- metal friction, so there is no protective layer and consequently there is no metal exposure and oxidation.

In vitreous applications, as the ring is polymeric, the only place where occurs mechanic friction, there is no oxidation in clip areas.

Thus it can be ascertained through the exposed that the "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS" here concerned, it is characterized as a screwing occlusion cap model which presents, as proved through the analysis performed and figures shown, several differences in relation to the conventional models found in the consumer market, besides constructive and functioning technical features completely different of those relevant in the state of the art.

Due to the advantages offered and also for really presenting innovative features which meet all the requirements of novelty and originality in the genre, the present "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS" pools the required and sufficient conditions for deserving the Utility Model Patent.

Claims

1. "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", idealizes an improvement in occlusion cap, whose structure consists of a ring- shaped overcap (2) with screw, which contains a capping disc (3) for occlusion located under it, which is compressed against the top of the nozzle (4) canning container (5) sealing completely the food contained, more precisely the improvement is about a valve for oxygen exhaustion during the product pasteurization or heating process, which does not allow the entry of fluids from the container containing food, named screw cap for canning containers (1), whose overcap (2) consisting of frame made of polymeric material, having the central (6) free and without material with the end formed by a wall which is ninety degrees downward, conforming a surrounding face (9) is characterized for presenting in the inner circular edge a perpendicular ring projection downward, with rectangular cross section, defined as control ring (7) and beside another ring projection also downward named set ring (8), but with greater linear dimension in relation the control ring (7).

2. "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", according to the claim 1, characterized by the extractor ring (11) which is internally projected from the surrounding face, which enables the coupling of the capping disc (3) to the overcap (2), to be segmented.

3. "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", according to the claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the only contact interface overcap (2) with the capping disc (3) is the set ring (8).

4. "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", according to the claim 1 , characterized by the fact that between the upper face of the capping disc (3) in the channel region (13) the corresponding inner portion of the overcap, more exactly on the region restrained by the set ring, the upper face and the surrounding face, it is foreseen as space or small span defined as a work interval. (16).

5. "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW

CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", according to the claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the parietal end and the immediately front region of the capping disc (3) move in the work interval (16), under the action of the pressure difference between the container interior and exterior to which it is coupled.

6. "DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN SCREW CAP FOR CANNING OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS", according to the claim 1 , characterized bv the fact that the perpendicular ring projection downward, defined as control ring (7) restrains the deformation in the inner region of the set ring (8) of the capping disc (3), when the internal pressure is greater than the external pressure, providing the required deformation for the controlled movement of the capping disc end (3), i.e., the outer region of the point of support with the set ring (8).

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