WO2014182823A1

WO2014182823A1 - Crown cap having facets and a curl

Info

Publication number: WO2014182823A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/037162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dale CONLEY; Steven Cook
Original assignee: Dayton Systems Group, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-05-07
Filing date: 2014-05-07
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

A crown cap is provided for a container. The crown cap includes an end wall and a sidewall extending outwardly in a first direction from the end wall. A circumferentially continuous curl is rolled inwardly adjacent a terminal end of the sidewall spaced from the end wall. Facets are formed in the sidewall, preferably over only a portion of the total height of the sidewall at circumferentially spaced locations and are separated from one another by crimps. The crimps press against the curl to urge the curl against an underside of an associated bottle lip at circumferentially spaced locations. The crimps deform the curl and increase an axial height of the curl in the regions of the crimps, while no increase in the axial height of the curl occurs between the crimps.

Description

CROWN CAP HAVING FACETS AND A CURL

Background

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of US provisional application Serial No. 61/820,625, filed May, 07, 2013.

[0002] It is generally known in the industry to provide a steel crown cap for receipt over a container opening where the container is made from one of a variety of materials such as steel, glass, aluminum, etc.

Summary

[0003] The present disclosure adds a curl and facets (also referred to herein collectively as lugs) to an aluminum crown cap versus the typical steel crown cap.

[0004] A key to making the aluminum crown cap work is a combination of the curl and the facets. The curl gives the crown cap strength and integrity but it is difficult to install the cap due to the "hoop" strength of the curl.

[0005] An important consideration of the present disclosure is the ability to segregate the strength/integrity from the hoop strength of the curl. This is particularly evident in connection with an aluminum crown cap, although these features may also find application in connection with a steel crown cap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 shows a bottle or container having a crown cap received on the container to close a container opening.

[0007] Figure 2A is an elevational or side view of a crown cap.

[0008] Figure 2B is a plan view of an underside of the crown cap of Figure 2A.

[0009] Figures 3A-3B are side and plan views, respectively, of the crown cap after formation of an internal curl.

[0010] Figures 4A-4B are side and plan views, respectively, of the crown cap after formation of circumferentially spaced facets separated by circumferentially spaced crimps or coined regions. [0011] Figures 5A-5B are plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the crown cap with the inclusion of the seal material within an underside cavity of the crown, where the cross-sectional view of Figure 5B is taken generally along the lines A-A of Figure 5A.

[0012] Figures 6A-6B are perspective views of the top and underside of the crown cap.

[0013] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the crown cap in the region where the underside seal material sealingly engages a bottle curl.

[0014] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the crown cap through a centerline of a crimp where the crimp holds onto the bottle curl.

[0015] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the crown cap similar to Figure 8.

[0016] Figure 10 is a view of a "product side" of the crown cap and particularly illustrating the deformation of the curl and axial enlargement of the curl as a result of the crimp to facilitate holding the crown cap to the bottle curl.

[0017] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the crown cap with a section of a skirt or sidewall of the cap removed.

[0018] Figure 12 is a plan view of the sectioned region of Figure 11.

[0019] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the crown cap through the curl at a circumferential region between the crimps.

[0020] Figure 14 is a plan view of the underside of the crown cap sectioned through a region of the sidewall of the cap between the curl and an end wall (i.e., generally along the lines 14 - 14 of Figure 13).

Detailed Description

[0021 ] Figure 1 shows a container assembly 100 that includes a container or bottle 102 having an upper end 106 with an opening 108 for dispensing contents from the container. The opening 108 is closed by a cap 110, more commonly referred to as a crown cap. With continued reference to Figure 1 , and additional reference to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the cap 110 has an end wall 112 which in this embodiment is of a generally circular configuration. Extending outwardly (i.e., downwardly) from the end wall 112 is a circumferentially continuous sidewall 114. As perhaps best illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, the sidewall 114 initially includes two separate portions, namely a first portion 116 that has a tapered conformation that selectively increases in diameter as the first portion extends outwardly from the end wall 112. A second portion 118 of the sidewall 114 is shown as having a more constant perimeter dimension as it extends outwardly (i.e. downwardly) from the first portion 116.

[0022] As evident by comparing Figures 2A-2B with Figures 3A-3B, the second portion 118 of the cap sidewall 114 is bent inwardly to form a curl 130 in a first processing or forming step. As a result of this forming step(s), a lower terminal edge of the cap 110 has the circumferentially continuous curl 130 that is rolled inwardly.

[0023] In the next processing steps shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a lower region of the first portion 116 of the sidewall 114 is modified to define a series of generally rounded, outwardly convex facets or scallops 140 that are separated one from the other in a circumferential direction by radially inwardly extending crimps or coined regions 142. As shown in the drawings, sixteen similar facets 140 are equally spaced about the perimeter of the crown cap 110 at a lower terminal edge of the sidewall first portion 116 by sixteen crimps 142. Preferably, the crimps extend from the lower terminal edge of the cap after the curl has been formed, and preferably the height of the crimps or coined regions is less than the total height of the sidewall 114 (which is essentially the height of the sidewall first portion because the second portion 118 has already been formed into the curl 130). The specific height of the crimp/coined region, and particularly how the height relates to the curl, becomes a consideration for reasons to be described in greater detail below.

[0024] In addition, and as more particularly illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, a seal 150 is positioned in the underside of the cap. The seal is shown as a circular or an annular member. If circular in conformation, the seal is received over an interior (product side) of the end wall 112 of the crown cap and extends along the interface or transition between the end wall 112 and the sidewall first portion 116. Alternatively, an annular seal may not cover the entirety of the inner surface of the end wall 112 but still extends along the interface or transition between the end wall 112 and the sidewall first portion 116. Any material suitable for the intended purpose of providing an effective seal between the crown cap 110 and the container 102 may be used to construct the seal 150 so that the crown cap can be effectively used to maintain either a positive or negative pressure within the container/bottle.

[0025] Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views of the completed crown cap prior to installation on to a container or bottle.

[0026] In the cross-sectional view of Figure 7, a portion of the end wall 112 of the cap 110 is shown where the end wall transitions into the sidewall, that is the first portion 116 of the sidewall. In addition, a portion of the upper end 106 of the container/bottle 102 is shown, and more particularly a terminal end or lip 106A of the upper end that surrounds the opening 108 is illustrated. The seal 150 extends outwardly from the interior or underside (product side) of the cap 110 over a substantial surface area portion of the lip 106A from adjacent the opening 108 toward the outer perimeter of the lip (and it will be understood that the seal extends in circumferentially continuous engagement along the lip to seal around the container opening 108).

[0027] Figure 8 is an illustration of a cross-sectional portion of the crown cap taken generally through a centerline of the crimp 142 with the cap received on the container/bottle. This figure clearly shows how the crimp/coined region through the first portion 116 of the cap 110 is pressed against the curl 130. This view is further illustrated in the enlarged view of Figure 9. Figures 8 and 9 also illustrate how the curl 130 holds the crown cap 110 against the underside of the lip 106 of the bottle to prevent inadvertent removal of the crown cap. In prior art arrangements, a substantial downward force was required to urge the cap 110 onto the end of the container 102 over the opening 108. For example, a downward force on the order of 400 to 600 pounds was required while the sidewall was pressed generally radially inward. This force was required because the curl 130 was essentially abutting against the entire inner perimeter of the first portion 116 of the cap 110. With the present disclosure, however, a very small force or approximately a zero downward force is required to be exerted on the crown cap 110 over the bottle opening 108 while the sidewall portion 116 of the cap is pressed into gripping engagement so that the curl 130 can engage with the underside of the lip 106A of the bottle. The compressed portion of the crimp at circumferentially spaced locations provides for holding strength.

[0028] Equally as important is the fact that the axial height of the curl 130 is expanded as a result of the deformation resulting from the crimp or coining operation. This increase in the axial height is perhaps best illustrated in Figure 10. The curl 130 advantageously only engages with the underside of the lip 106 at sixteen distinct locations (i.e., at the crimps 142) around the perimeter of the bottle lip as a result of the increase in axial height of the curl 130 resulting from the crimp/coining operation. In those regions of the curl 130 that are circumferentially aligned with the facets 140 of the crown cap 110, the curl has not been deformed (and thus does not have an increased height) for engagement with the underside of the bottle lip. In other words, the crimp or coining operation separates two distinct functions of the crown cap, namely, (1 ) holding pressure with the crimp so that the seal 150 holds the pressure of the bottle contents, and (2) maintaining hoop strength so that the curl 130 is kept from unwinding under pressure.

[0029] The relationship of the curl 130, and its expansion in an axial direction (i.e., in the same general direction of the cap sidewall) as a result of the

crimping/coining operation are further illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. The "height" increase of the coined areas as a result of the crimp results in the absence of any "curl" material in those facet regions at this region of the cross-section. This is evident in Figures 11-12 because the cross-sectional plane extends through that portion of the crimp where the height has been increased, and the curl is not evident along the peaks/crowns of the facets (Figure 12). Only a single layer of material thickness (comprised only of the sidewall portion 116) is shown in the peak/crown region of the facets 140, whereas a double layer or dual thickness of material (comprised of the crimp 142 in the sidewall and a portion of the curl 130) is shown in those regions intermediate the peak or crown portions of each facet (i.e., at the crimps 142). [0030] To install the cap 110, the diameter of the cap has to get smaller.

Unfortunately, the strength of the curl 130 makes it difficult. The facets 140 in the curl 130 provide a place for the metal to go when installing the cap 110. The facets 140 allow the diameter to change. The facets 140 that continue up the sidewall also provide for diameter change when installing the cap 110. After the cap 110 is installed on the bottle/container 102, the facets 140 provide strength due to its form.

[0031] Currently sixteen facets are arranged around the perimeter, although a greater or lesser number could be considered. In one instance, only eight facets 140 were used. Unfortunately the leak pressure was found to be less than with the reduced number of facets. As evident in the drawings, the combination of the facets 140, crimps 142, and curl 130 formed under the lip on the bottle 102 advantageously secure the crown cap 110 to the container/bottle. This makes for a very strong lug

(facets/crimps/curl). The lugs also provide a place for the crown to deform when opening.

[0032] This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Moreover, this disclosure is intended to seek protection for a combination of

components and/or steps and a combination of claims as originally presented for examination, as well as seek potential protection for other combinations of components and/or steps and combinations of claims during prosecution.

Claims

1. A crown cap for a container comprising:

an end wall;

a sidewall extending outwardly in a first direction from the end wall;

a curl rolled inwardly adjacent a terminal end of the sidewall spaced from the end wall; and

facets circumferentially spaced and separated from one another by crimps.

2. The crown cap of claim 1 wherein the curl is circumferentially continuous.

3. The crown cap of claim 1 wherein the sidewall includes a first portion having a tapered conformation that selectively increases in diameter as the first portion extends outwardly from the end wall.

4. The crown cap of claim 3 wherein the sidewall includes a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the second portion having a substantially constant perimeter dimension.

5. The crown cap of claim 1 wherein the cap is made of aluminum.

6. The crown cap of claim 1 wherein the cap is made of steel.

7. The crown cap of claim 1 wherein the crimps extend from a lower terminal edge of the sidewall and extend a height less than a total height of the sidewall, and the crimps press against the curl to urge the curl against an underside of an associated bottle lip at circumferentially spaced locations.

8. The crown cap of claim 1 further comprising a seal positioned in an underside of the cap.

9. The crown cap of claim 8 wherein the seal is one of a circular or annular shape and extends at least over a transition between the end wall and the sidewall.

10. The crown cap of claim 1 wherein the curl is provided at a terminal edge of the sidewall spaced from the end wall.

11. A method of making a crown cap comprising:

providing a cap having an end wall having a perimeter and a sidewall extending outwardly in a first direction from the end wall perimeter;

forming an inwardly extending curl along a terminal edge of the sidewall spaced from the end wall;

forming radially inwardly extending crimps in circumferentially spaced relation about the sidewall to define circumferentially spaced facets therebetween.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the crimp forming step includes forming the crimps over less than a full height of the sidewall.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a seal on an underside of the cap.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising dimensioning the seal to extend over at least a transition between the end wall and the sidewall.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the crimp forming step includes deforming the curl in the regions of the crimps.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the crimp forming step increases an axial height of the curl in the regions of the crimps.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the crimp forming step does not impact the axial height of the curl in the sidewall in regions between the crimps.

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RECTIFIED (RULE 91) - ISA/US