WO2015022518A1

WO2015022518A1 - Closure assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015022518A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052462
Authority: WO
Inventors: William David Steadman; William Lee Steadman
Original assignee: Greenwood, Annette Elvina; HAZELL, Laura Justine
Priority date: 2013-08-16
Filing date: 2014-08-12
Publication date: 2015-02-19
Also published as: GB2517205A; GB201314676D0

Abstract

A closure assembly (10) suitable for use on a can for containing carbonated beverages. The assembly (10) comprises a closure member (30) which initially is held in a closed position attached to an upstanding projection (26) and this attachment can be broken. The closure member (30) can then be rotated into a position from which it can be removed from a main part (14) of the assembly (10), providing access to a port (16) therein. The closure member (30) can be replaced on the main part (14) and rotated such that the port (16) is closed. Projections (66) on the closure member (30) which are locatable in the can can engage with respective cam surfaces (22) on the underside of the main part (14), to reclose the assembly (10).

Description

Closure Assembly

This invention concerns a closure assembly for beverage containers, and particularly but not exclusively a closure assembly for containers usable with carbonated beverages.

One type of container conventionally used for carbonated beverages is a can with a ring pull arrangement. Whilst these have proved very popular, a number of disadvantages can be encountered with them. For instance, it is not possible to reclose the can once opened, and the contents therefore have to be consumed at one time. This can be a particular problem with children or when travelling, in that a container could for instance be knocked over and therefore the contents spilt. Also there is a potential hygiene problem as the top of the cans can become dirty and this part can come into contact with some of the can's contents and/or a person drinking from the can.

According to the present invention there is provided a closure assembly for a beverage container, which container is sealed after filling, the assembly comprising a main part which closes the container and in which is provided a port, and a closure member, the assembly being configured such that in an initial condition following filling the closure member sealingly closes the port to close the container and the closure member can be accessed from an external side of the main part, the closure member in the initial condition is in a first orientation and can be rotatingly moved to a second orientation, in which second orientation the closure member can be removed from the main part and hence port, to open the container, following opening the assembly can be reclosed and hence the container resealed, by replacing the closure member on the main part in the second orientation and rotating the closure member to the first orientation, the closure member includes a first part eatable on the external side of the main part and a second part eatable on the internal side of the main part, the assembly being configured such that as the closure member is rotated on the main part from the second to the first orientation, engagement of the second part of the closure member on the internal side of the main part urges the first part of the closure member against the external side of the main part to form a seal therebetween, a sealing formation being provided on the internal side of the closure member which engages with a sealing formation provided on the external side of the main part.

The sealing formation provided on the internal side of the closure member may be deformable when engageable with the sealing formation on the main part.

The sealing formation provided on the closure member may comprise an annular projection extending in an internal direction from a main body of the closure member. The annular projection may have a profiled distal head. In one embodiment the distal head has a portion extending radially outwardly relative to the remainder of the projection. In a further embodiment the distal head has a generally arrow head profile.

The sealing formation on the main part may be in the form of an annular groove, which may have a V shaped profile, which V may have a blunt apex.

A pair of cam surfaces may be provided on the internal side of the main part, against which surfaces the second part of the closure member is engageable as the closure member moves from the second to the first orientation.

The second part of the closure member may include a pair of engagement members engageable with the cam surfaces. The second part of the closure member may have a generally circular configuration, and the engagement members may extend radially from a main circular body. The port may be generally circular, but with a pair of radially extending recesses, with the second part of the closure member being of a size to pass through the port when the engagement members are aligned with the recesses in the port.

A seal may be mounted on the internal side of the first part of the closure member. The seal may be provided radially inwards of the sealing formation, and may comprise an annular seal engageable against the main part around the port.

The cam surfaces may be formed by pressing a profiled indent into the external side of the main part. A stop formation may be provided at the far end of the cam surfaces to prevent over tightening of the closure member on the main part.

In the initial condition the closure member may be mounted by a breakable seal to the external side of the main part. The breakable seal may include a line of weakness between a mounting part mounted to the main part, and the remainder of the closure member.

A recess may be provided in the external surface of the main part adjacent to the closure member in the initial condition, to facilitate movement of the closure member. Formations may be provided on the first and/or second parts of the closure member to facilitate mounting together of the first and second parts.

The assembly may be configured such that in the first orientation of the closure member, the closure member is engageable with the mounting part.

The assembly may be configured such that in the second orientation the closure member is engageable with a rim around the main part. The invention further provides a beverage container incorporating a closure assembly according to any of the preceeding fourteenparagraphs. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a closure assembly according to the invention in a closed configuration;

Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 but with the assembly in an open configuration;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 1 in an open configuration; and

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view from beneath of the assembly of Fig. 1 in a closed configuration; Fig. 5 is a perspective view from beneath of the assembly of Fig. 1 in a closed configuration; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective exploded view from above of the components of the assembly of Fig. 1 ;

Figs. 7 - 10 are respectively plan, perspective plan, view from beneath, and perspective view from beneath, of a component of the assembly of Fig.

1 ; Figs. 1 1 - 13 are respectively plan, and sectional views along the lines

A-A and B-B in Fig. 1 1 of a first form of a further component of the assembly of Fig. 1 ; Figs. 14 - 17 are respectively plan, sectional views along the lines C-C and D-D in Fig. 14, and a detailed area from Fig. 16, of a second form of said further component of the assembly of Fig. 1 ; And

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a closure assembly according to the invention incorporating the second form of the further component. The drawings show a closure assembly 10 suitable for use on a can for containing carbonated beverages. The assembly 10 forms the top part of a can and will be mounted to an upstanding flange of the can following filling. The assembly 1 0 comprises an upstanding flange 12 surrounding a generally planar main part 14, a port 16 is provided in the main part 14 towards one side thereof. The port 16 is generally circular and has two diametrically opposite radial recesses 18 extending outwardly from the main part of the port 16.

An annular groove 20 surrounds the port 16 and is located just beyond the outer parts of the recesses 18. The groove 20 may have a V shaped cross section, and the apex of the V may be blunt.

A pair of cam surfaces 22 are provided on the underside of the main part 14 within the area defined by the groove 20, diametrically opposite each other and extending towards the interior of the can from adjacent a respective one of the recesses 18. The cam surfaces 22 end in a stop projection 24, and the surfaces 22 and projections 24 are formed by pressing. The projections 24 prevent over tightening. An upstanding projection 26 is provided on the main part spaced a short distance from the groove 20.An arcuate shallow recess 28 is provided diametrically outside the projection 26 and adjacent thereto. The assembly 10 also comprises a closure member 30 which has a first main part 32 and a second part 34. The first main part 32 is locatable on the external side of the assembly main part 14. The first main part comprises a circular body 36 with a profiled underside 38 and a smooth upper surface 40. A handle part 42 which is a little thinner than the circular body 36, extends radially outwards from the circular body 36. The handle part 42 has a rounded end 44 and a line of weakness 46 extending to an annular web 48 which web 48 is mounted on the projection 26.

The profiled underside 38 comprises an outer annular projection 50 engageable in the groove 20. The annular projection shown in a first format in Figs. 1 1 to 13 has a distal head 52 which extends radially outwardly to a small amount. A further form of the annular projection 50 is shown in Figs. 14 to 18. In this instance a head 54 is provided which has an arrow head cross section, with a central part 56 and two rearwardly extending side parts 58.

Five upstanding projections are also provided on the profiled underside 38. A seal 62 in the form of an annular washer is mounted on the profiled underside 38.

The second part 34 of the closure member 30 is in the form of a circular disc 64 with two diametrically opposite radially extending projections 66. The second part 34 is of a shape and size so as to be able to fit through the port 16 with the projections 66 aligned with the recesses 18. Five through holes 68 are provided in the disc 64 which can locate the projections 60 to permit the first and second parts 32, 34 of the closure member 30 to be mounted together by ultrasonic welding or other appropriate means.

In use the can will be filled and the closure assembly 10 mounted thereon. The closure assembly 10 will be in the form shown in Fig. 1 with the second part 34 of the closure member 30 within the can and with the projections 66 engaging towards the far end of the cam surfaces 22. A seal is provided by the annular projection 50 engaging on either side of the groove 20, as well as the seal 62 engaging between the first part 32 and the main part 14. The assembly 10 is retained in this condition with a clear visual indication that the can has not been opened and could not therefore have been tampered with in any way, by virtue of the annular web 48 still being connected to the handle part 42. To open the assembly 10 the line of weakness 46 must be broken thereby providing a clear visual indication that the assembly 10 has been opened. This can be achieved by pushing on the handle part 42, and the recess 28 can facilitate this. The closure member 30 can then be moved to the position shown in Fig. 2 where further movement is prevented inter alia by engagement of the handle part 42 with the flange 12. The projections 66 will then be aligned with the recesses 18 and the closure member 30 can be lifted off the main part 14 to permit drinking from the can, or the contents of the can to be dispensed. If required the can can be resealed by locating the closure member 30 in the orientation shown in Fig. 2 with the second part 34 located in the can. The closure member 30 can then be rotated to the position shown in Fig. 1 . As the closure member 30 moves to this position the projections 66 will engage with the cam surfaces 22 urging the first part 32 of the closure member against the main part such that a seal is provided in three places, namely by the seal 62, and also engagement of the annular projection 50 on either side of the groove 20. Whilst the can will have been resealed, as the line of weakness 46 will have been broken, it will be visually clear that the assembly 10 has already been opened.

There is thus described a closure assembly which can be readily used to provide easy opening of a can by a consumer, but also to provide ready resealing of the can. The assembly only comprises four components as shown for example in Fig. 6 which can readily be formed and assembled and mounted on a can in a conventional manner. It is to be realised that a wide range of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance two profiles for the annular projection have been shown. The profile shown in Figs. 14 to 18 has been found to be particularly advantageous in that the fluid pressure tends to urge the parts of the arrow head against the respective surfaces of the groove 20 to enhance the seal. Fig. 18 shows the annular projection 50 engaging tightly in the groove 20. Other shaped annular projections could though be provided.

A different tamper proof seal could be provided, and in some instances this may not be required. A link such as a thin strip of plastics material could be provided between the closure member and another part of the assembly to retain the closure member when open and to prevent it from being lost. The two parts of the closure member could be mounted together in a different manner.

In the described example the flange and main part are made of metal such as aluminium, and the other components of the assembly are made of respective plastics materials. Other materials could though be used. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1 . A closure assembly for a beverage container, which container is sealed after filling, the assembly comprising a main part which closes the container and in which is provided a port, and a closure member, the assembly being configured such that in an initial condition following filling the closure member sealingly closes the port to close the container and the closure member can be accessed from an external side of the main part, the closure member in the initial condition is in a first orientation and can be rotatingly moved to a second orientation, in which second orientation the closure member can be removed from the main part and hence port, to open the container, following opening the assembly can be reclosed and hence the container resealed, by replacing the closure member on the main part in the second orientation and rotating the closure member to the first orientation, the closure member includes a first part eatable on the external side of the main part and a second part eatable on the internal side of the main part, the assembly being configured such that as the closure member is rotated on the main part from the second to the first orientation, engagement of the second part of the closure member on the internal side of the main part urges the first part of the closure member against the external side of the main part to form a seal therebetween, a sealing formation being provided on the internal side of the closure member which engages with a sealing formation provided on the external side of the main part.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 , in which the sealing formation provided on the internal side of the closure member is deformable when engageable with the sealing formation on the main part.

3. An assembly according to claims 1 or 2, in which the sealing formation provided on the closure member comprises an annular projection extending in an internal direction from a main body of the closure member.

4. An assembly according to claim 3, in which the annular projection has a profiled distal head.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, in which the distal head has a portion extending radially outwardly relative to the remainder of the projection.

6. An assembly according to claim 4, in which the distal head has a generally arrow head profile.

7. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the sealing formation on the main part is in the form of an annular groove.

8. An assembly according to claim 7, in which the annular groove has a V shaped profile.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, in which the V shaped profile of the annular groove has a blunt apex.

10. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which a pair of cam surfaces are provided on the internal side of the main part, against which surfaces the second part of the closure member is engageable as the closure member moves from the second to the first orientation.

1 1 . An assembly according to claim 10, in which the cam surfaces are formed by pressing a profiled indent into the external side of the main part.

12. An assembly according to claims 10 or 1 1 , in which a stop formation is provided at the far end of the cam surfaces to prevent over tightening of the closure member on the main part.

13. An assembly according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which the second part of the closure member includes a pair of engagement members engageable with the cam surfaces.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, in which the second part of the closure member has a generally circular configuration, and the engagement members extend radially from a main circular body.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, in which the port is generally circular, but with a pair of radially extending recesses, with the second part of the closure member being of a size to pass through the port when the engagement members are aligned with the recesses in the port.

16. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which a seal is mounted on the internal side of the first part of the closure member.

17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the seal is provided radially inwards of the sealing formation.

18. An assembly according to claim 17, in which the seal comprises an annular seal engageable against the main part around the port.

19. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which in the initial condition the closure member is mounted by a breakable seal to the external side of the main part.

20. An assembly according to claim 19, in which the breakable seal includes a line of weakness between a mounting part mounted to the main part, and the remainder of the closure member.

21 . An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which a recess is provided in the external surface of the main part adjacent to the closure member in the initial condition, to facilitate movement of the closure member.

22. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which formations are provided on the first and/or second parts of the closure member to facilitate mounting together of the first and second parts.

23. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the assembly is configured such that in the first orientation of the closure member, the closure member is engageable with the mounting part.

24. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the assembly is configured such that in the second orientation the closure member is engageable with a rim around the main part.

25. A beverage container incorporating a closure assembly according to any of the preceeding claims.

26. A closure assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A beverage container substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.