WO2015061834A1

WO2015061834A1 - Capping device for a container

Info

Publication number: WO2015061834A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/001022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian DORAN
Original assignee: Doran Brian
Priority date: 2013-10-31
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capping device suitable for capping containers, and especially bottles. The capping device allows for the container to be removed from the mouth of a container while remaining tethered to the container. This is advantageous in preventing loss of the capping device, and has benefits for the recycling industries.

Description

CAPPING DEVICE FOR A CONTAINER

Technical field

[I] The present invention relates to a capping device for a container and in particular to a capping device for capping a bottle opening.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with bottles and will be described hereinafter with reference fo this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particula field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] Containers, such as glass and plastic containers, and especially beverage containers, are commonplace today. According to the 2010 annua! report, Coca-Cola alone served 1.7 billion servings a day.

[4] The cost of manufacture of such large numbers of beverage containers can be prohibitive. Once used, the containers that such beverages are served in may cause environmental problems if they are not carefully recycled.

[5] As a result, deposit returns programs have been implemented in certain instances to reduce waste through landfall and the like, and allow for recycling of the returned containers.

[6] However, such programs focus on the bottle container itself, wherein in practice, the product is sold together with a cap.

[7] These caps are usuaily not collected or returned for recycling, often being disposed of in land fills, or being swept into waterways or the ocean, where they may be mistaken for food by fish or bifdlife, and which may result in injury or death,.

[8] Furthermore, recycling programs generally encourage the public to unseal caps from bottles so as fo allow for the compaction of bottles during the collection and transportation stage of the recycling process, since a sealed empty bottle is more difficult to compress than an unsealed empty bottle.

[9] Significant raw material and manufacturing costs are incurred in the manufacture of such large numbers of caps,

[10] Given the large numbe of containers sold every year, these caps in themselves may have a significant cost and environmental impact,

[ I] As such, a need therefore exists for a manner in which to ensure that bottle caps are not lost during the consumer life cycle allowing for their return for recycling rather than polluting the environment. [12] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the snformation forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Object of the invention

[13] It is an object of the present invention to provide a capping device for a container which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or which a! least provides the public with a useful choice

Summary of the invention

[14] According to one aspect, there is provided a capping device for a container opening. In use, the capping device is configurable in a capping configuration and an uncapped configuration, in the uncapped configuration, the capping device is tethered to the container.

[15] Preferably, the container is a bottle.

[16] Preferably, in the capping configuration, the capping device comprises at least one line of weakness, in use, when transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration, the at least one line of weakness is adapted to break to at least partly define a tether.

[17] Preferably, in the uncapped configuration, the capping device defines: a container engaging portion; and a capping portion. In transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration, the bottle engaging portion is adapted to move away from the capping portion so as to apply stress to the at least one line of weakness so as to cause the at least one line of weakness to break to at least partly define the tether.

[18] Preferably, the bottle engaging portion is adapted for rotatabie engagement with the bott!e in use.

[19] Preferably, the at least one line of weakness comprises a thickness thinning.

[20] Preferably, the at least one line of weakness comprises at least one perforation,

[21] Preferably, the at least one line of weakness is located at least partially about the perimeter of the capping portion.

[22] Preferably, the capping device in its capping configuration comprises a tether portion configured to at least partially define the tether on rupture of the line of weakness in operation.

[23] Preferably, the capping portion is substantially cylindrical, and the tether portion is located about the circumference of the capping portion. [24] Preferably, the tether portion when the capping device is in its capping configuration Is one or more selected from spiralled or helical.

[25] Preferably, the at least one line of weakness is located at least substantially circumferent the capping device such that the tether is formed, when the capping devices in the uncapped configuration, from at least a substantially circumferent capping portion of the capping device.

[26] Preferably, the at least substantially circumferent capping portion is spiralled.

[27] Preferably, when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is adapted to engage the bottle engaging portion at a first angle.

[28] Preferably, when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether Is adapted to engage the capping portion at a second angle.

[29] Preferably, the first angle and the second angle have substantially the same magnitude,

[30] Preferably, the first angle and the second angle are opposite in direction.

[31] Preferabiy, the tether defines a first elbow at the bottle engaging portion.

[32] Preferably, the tether defines a second elbow at the capping portion.

[33] Preferably, in the capping configuration, the first elbow and the second elbow are substantially collocated.

[34] Preferably, the capping device is substantially cylindrical, and when me capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is of a length being less than a circumference of the capping device.

[35] Preferabiy, the capping device is substantially cylindrical, and when the capping device is in Its uncapped configuration, the tether is of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the capping device.

[38] Preferably, the capping device is substantially cylindrical, and whe the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is of a length substantially equal to a multiple of the circumference of the capping device.

[37] Preferably, in the uncapped configuration, the tether comprises a length being substantially greater than a circumference of the capping device,

[38] Preferabiy, the when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is configured to coll up when not in use so as to draw the capping portion towards the bottle engaging portion,

[39] Preferably, in use, the tether is adapted for supporting the weight of the bottle, [40] Preferably, the tether is adapted for holding the weight of the bottle when filled In use.

[41] Preferably, the tether comprises a length of substantially 88 mm. [42] Preferably, in the uncapped configuration, the combined height of the capping portion and the width of the tether is substantially equal to the height of a standard sized cap.

[43] Preferably, in the uncapped configuration, the capping portion comprises a height of substantially less than 12 mm.

[44] Preferably, the capping device is adapted for transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration by screwing.

[45] Preferably, the capping portion comprises internal thread formations for pivotably engaging with complementary thread formations on a bottle.

[46] Preferably, the tether portion comprises internal thread formations configured for pivotabiy engaging with complementary thread formations on a bottle.

[47] Preferably, the line of weakness is configured and dimensioned for being ruptured, to thereby transition the capping device from its capping configuration to its uncapped configuration, when one or more selected from the capping portion and the tether portion are rotated on the internal thread formations.

[48] Preferably, the bottle engaging portion is configured as an annular collar when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration.

[49] Preferably, the capping device Is adapted for transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration by pulling.

[50] Preferably, in use, the capping device is adapted for non-rotational forcing of the capping device onto a bottle.

[51] Preferably, the bottle engaging portion comprises one way engaging formations configured for allowing movement of the neck of a bottle through the engaging portion in one direction.

[52] Preferably, the one way engaging formations are configured for engaging with a flange on ihe neck of a bottle to restrict removal of the bottle engaging portion from the bottle neck, and thereby assist in the rupture of the line of weakness during ihe transition of the capping device from its capping configuration to its uncapped configuration.

[53] Preferably, the capping device Is manufactured as a single unit,

[54] Preferably, the capping device is integrally formed in a moulding process.

[55] Preferably, the capping device is shaped so as to be suited for injection moulding.

[56] Preferably, the capping device comprises composite parts.

[57] Preferably, the capping device comprises: a bottle engaging portion; a capping portion; and a tether, wherein, during manufacture, the tether is adhered to at least one of the bottle engaging portion and the capping portion. [58] When interpreting this specification, the term line of weakness" shall be construed to include, but not be limited to an configuration whereby matter is initially attached to other matter, and is separated therefrom along a predetermined path when stress is applied to the matter, and is specifically defined to include lines of perforation, zones of reduced or increased thickness of material, zones of attachment of relatively weak connectors, or any other similarly engineered features.

[59] The term "comprising" as used in this specification [and claims] means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "compnse" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[80] To those skilled in the art to which the Invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[61] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

[82] Other aspects of the Invention may become apparent from the following description which Is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[63] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[64| As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[85] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fail within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[66] Figure 1A shows a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a capping device;

[67] Figure 1 B shows a bottom view of a first embodiment of a capping device of figure 1A in its capping configuration;

[68] Figure 1C shows a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a capping device of figure 1 A in its uncapped configuration;

[693 Figure 1 D shows a top view of a first embodiment of a capping device of figure 1 A in its uncapped configuration; [70] Figure 2A shows a side, elevation view of a second embodiment of a capping device;

[71] Figure 2B shows a bottom view of a second embodiment of a capping device of figure 2A in its capping configuration;

[72] Figure 2C shows a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a capping device of figure 2A in its uncapped configuration;

[73] Figure 2D shows a top view of a second embodiment of a capping device of figure 2A in its uncapped configuration:

[74] Figure 3A shows a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a capping device;

[75] Figure 3B shows a bottom view of a third embodiment of a capping device of figure 3A in its capping configuration;

[76] Figure 3C shows a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a capping device of figure 3A in its uncapped configuration;

[77] Figure 3D shows a top view of a third embodiment of a capping device of figure 3A in its uncapped configuration;

[78] Figure 4A shows a side elevation cutaway view of a fourth embodiment of a capping device In Its capping configuration,

[79] Figure 4B shows a bottom view of the fourth embodiment of a capping device of figure 4A In its capping configuration;

[80] Figure 5A shows a side elevation cutaway view of a fifth embodiment of a capping device in Its capping configuration,

[81 ] Figure 4B shows a bottom view of the fifth embodiment of a capping device of figure 5A in its capping configuration;

[82] Figure 6 shows a cutaway side elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a capping device of figure 5A secured to a bottle in its capping configuration; and

[83] Figure 7 shows a top view of a sixth embodiment of a capping device having a pull tab --type capping portion.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[84] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[85] In the embodiments that follow, there will be described a capping device for capping a container mouth or bottle opening, such for a typical carbonated soft drink container, for example those made of plastic or glass in various volume ranges extending from 1 5 mL to 2 L However, it should be noted that application of the capping device is not limited to this particular field of use, For example, the capping device may be adapted for capping other types of containers, tor example such as cans, juice bottles, milk bottles, bottles of kitchen supplies or even bottles of motor oil, depending on the application.

[86] As will be described in further detail below, the capping device is adapted for being tethered to a bottle 500 once removed (e.g. unscrewed or pulled) from the bottle opening, allowing for the recovery of the capping device 100 after use, preferably for recycling purposes.

Capping device 100 for a bottle

[87] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a capping device 100 for a bottle. The capping device 100 comprises a bottle engaging portion 1 15, a capping portion 120, and a tether portion 1 10.

[88] The tether portion 1 10 is preferably removably secured to the bottle engaging portion 1 15 and the capping portion 20 at a fine of weakness 105.

[89] in use, the capping device 100 is configurable in a capping configuration (shown in figures 1A₍ 1 B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 48, 5A, 5B and 6) and an uncapped configuration (shown in figures 1 C, 10, 2C, 2D, 3C, andSD) . In its capping configuration, the capping device 100 is configured for being secured to the bottle opening so as to seal the bottle opening 510. in operation, the capping portion 120, is uncapped from the bottle opening so as to allow egress of the contents of the bottle 500 through the bottle opening or mouth 510.

[90] Now, referring again to figure 1 , preferably, the capping device 100 comprises a single line of weakness 105 to allow the breaking of the capping device 100 In the manner described above. The single line of weakness 105, when broken in operation, allows the tether 1 10 to be disengaged from both the capping portion 120 and the bottle engaging portion i 15 simultaneousiy, while retaining a connection as a tether 1 10 to both of them.

[91] In alternative embodiments (not shown), it is envisaged that a plurality of lines of weaknesses can be provided in order to provide simila functionality.

[92] Specifically, the line of weakness 105 is envisaged as being adapted and configured such that, when the capping device 100 transitions from its capping configuration to its uncapping configuration (i.e. when the user unscrews the capping device 100 from the bottle), the line of weakness 105 is adapted to break, it will be appreciated that the line of weakness 105 need not break or tear completely along Its entire length during the transition from, the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration, but could be broken along only part of their length. [93] After the capping portion 120 is uncapped from the bottle 500 in operation, it remains tethered to the bottle 500.

[94] For example, and with reference to the exemplary embodiment described above of the bottle being a carbonated soft drink bottle, a user well purchase the soft drink bottle having the capping device 100 secured thereto, thereby capping the bottle to prevent egress of the carbonated beverage from the bottle 500. in terms of looks and feel, it is anticipated that the capping device 100 will differ little from that of conventional bottle caps.

[95] In order to open the bottle, the user will unscrew the capping portion 120 in the usual manner and, as will be described in further detail below, the capping portion 120 will separate from the rest of the capping device 110 along the lines of weakness 105. As the capping portion 120 is unscrewed, if will cause the tether portion 1 10 to separate from the capping portion 120 and the bottle engaging portion 115 along the lines of weakness 105, to thereby form a tether 110 for holding or coupling the capping portion 120 to the bottle 500.

[98] Th tether 110 is adapted for substantially ensuring thai at. least the capping portion 120, and preferably the entire capping device 100 remains with the bottle such that, upon disposal of the bottie 500, the capping device 100 is disposed with the bottle also. In this manner, the tether 1 10 substantially reduces th likelihood of the capping device 100 becoming lost as is the case for conventional bottle capping arrangements.

[97] In use, the tether 1 10 is preferably configured such that it should not substantially affect the drinking of the carbonated soft drink beverage from the bottle or otherwise affect the user experience. It is anticipated, for example that the tether 110 will be of a certain length so as to tether the capping portion 120 at a requisite distance from the opening 510 of the bottle 500 so as to allow the user access thereto.

[98] Having opened a bottle, the user can preferably reseat the bottle by simply screwing the capping portion 120 onto the bottle screw thread 520 . In its preferred embodiments, the tether 110 is preferably adapted to allow such resealing of the bottle and will take on a compact profile similar to its uncapped configuration, but with the lines of weakness having been broken or torn. In this manner, a user can open and close the bottle 500 as many times as is desired.

[99] As is apparent from the configuration of the line of weakness 105 shown in the figures, when the line of weakness 105 breaks, the line of weakness 105 at least partially defines the tether 110, Specifically, it is evident from figure 1 that the line of weakness 105 is adapted to circumscribe the capping device 100 almost twice and having a pair of transition formations 1 1 Da &b for transitioning from a tower position to a higher position. In this manner, upon breaking, the line of weakness 105 is adapted to define the substantially elongate tether 1 10.

[100] The capping device 100 defines a bottle engaging portion 1 15 and a capping portion 120, As is evident from the embodiments presented, the capping portion 120 performs the function of a traditional bottle cap so as to selectively seal the bottle opening. In other alternative embodiments, a wide variety of capping configurations are envisaged.

[101] Further, in the embodiments shown in figures 1 - 8, the bottle engaging portion 115 is adapted to engage the bottle, configured as a collar 1 16, in a manner so as to substantially prevent the disengagement of the bottle engaging portion 150 from the bottle opening in use. In this regard, in the embodiment shown, the coiiar 116 is specially configured to engage with a complementary flange 530 on the bottle 500.

[102] The capping portion 120 is threaded, so as to rotatably or screwabiy engage complementary threads on the bottle 500, When a user unscrews the capping device 100, (that is the capping device 100 transitions from its capping configuration to its uncapped configuration), the capping portion 120 is forced away from the bottle engaging portion 1 15, so as to induce stress across the fine of weakness 105, to cause the line of weakness to tear, thereby defining the tether 1 10.

1103] it should be noted that while the capping device 100 as substantially presented in the accompanying figures is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, it should be noted that in other embodiments the line of weakness 105 and/or capping portion 120 can be adapted to perform the same functionality on alternative container openings such as can pull-tab type openings (as shown in figure 7), or nozzles.

[104] In the embodiment showrs In figure 7, the line of weakness 105 defines a capping portion 120 in the form of a pull tab, such that upon breaking, a pull tab shaped outlet is defined. However, the line of weakness 105 is configured such that as If is broken, a tether is formed between to the pull tab portion such thai the capping portion 120 remains tethered to the bottle engaging portion 1 15, It is envisaged that such an arrangement could be used on can - type containers or card board -type containers as well as bottles, and the term "bottle" as used herein is specifically defined to encompass containers other than bottles, including but not limited to cartons, cans and bottles.

[105] Generally, glass or plastic bottles comprise at least one outwardly extending lip or flange 530 proximate the bottle opening 510. Referring specifically now to the bottle engaging portions 1 15 shown in figure 6, the bottle engaging portion 115 is adapted for engagement with a flange 530 located, proximate the opening 510 of he bottle 500 .

[108] in this manner, the bottle engaging portion 1 15 is adapted to engage about and bear upo such a lip so a to substantially prevent the Inadvertent disengagement of the bottle engaging portion 115. As will be described in further detail below the capping device 100 can be adapted to be forced downwards upon a bottle opening during bottling so as to cause the bottle engaging portion 1 15 to engage with the bottle opening. To this end, the , the inner periphery of the bottle engaging portion 1 15 comprises a series of substantially eircumferent and inwardly orientated one-way arrowhead bosses 1 17 adapted for allowing the flange 530 to move through it during bottling for the subsequent engagement thereof.

[107] In one embodiment, the, the engagement of the bottle engaging portion 1 15 to the bottle is adapted to allow the rotatab!e engagement of the capping device 100 about the bottle opening. Of course, non-rotatable engagement by the bottle engaging portion 1 15 is envisaged also, especially for bottles having noncircular bottle openings.

[108] So as to assist in breaking, the line of weakness 105 can comprise a thinned portion or thickness thinning, For example, where the material thickness of he capping device 100 is generally 1 mm, at the line of weakness 105, the thickness of the material is reduced to 0.5 mm. Such a thinned portion or thickness thinning is preferabl integrally moulded during an injection moulding process, as is described in further detail below. Alternatively, such thickness thinning can be performed by a post-manufacturing machining or other working of the capping device 100. Such thinning favours the breaking of the capping device 100 substantially at the line of weakness 105.

[109] Alternatively, in addition, or alternatively, the line of weakness 105 can comprise perforations. Such perforations can similarly serve the same purpose in favouring the breaking of the capping device 100 at the line of weakness. Furthermore, such perforations may assist in the escape of pressurised gases especially suited for opening of carbonated drinks. If is envisaged that perforations may similarly be created during an integral moulding process, or for example, by perforation of material walls by blades.

[1 10] Now, as alluded to above, in the preferred embodiments shown in figures 1 -6, when the capping device 100 is in its capping configuration, the tether 1 10 is located between the capping portion 120 and the bottle engaging portion 115, allowing !he capping device 100 to be manufactured as a single unit. [1 11] Furthermore, such an arrangement advantageously allows for the natural deployment of the iether 1 10 wherein, as the cap 120 moves awa from the bottle engaging portion 1 15 the tether 1 10 deploys accordingly, all while maintaining the tethering between the capping device 120 and the bottle engaging portion 1 15, It is further anticipated that the use of a resilient plastics material is ideally suited to the prov sion of such tethers, being tough and relativel strong in tension.

[1 12] Yet further, such an arrangement further advantageously allows for the substantially smooth outer surface of the capping device 100 when the capping device 100 is in its capping configuration, thereby not presenting any unnecessary protrusions or the like which could make the uncapping process uncomfortable for a user,

[1 3] The length of the tether 10, when the capping device 100 is in the uncapped configuration, can be tailored according to the desired application, in this manner, when in the capping configuration, the tether 1 15 can, for example, extends about the circumference of the capping device 100 less than the length of one circumference of the capping device 100 so as to provide for a shorter tether 1 15 when the captain device 100 is in its uncapped configuration. Conversely, to provide for a longer iether 1 15, the tether 1 10 can extend about the circumference of the capping device 100 a number of times so as to be substantially spiralled or helical.

[1 14] Now, referring again to figure 1 , figures A and I B show the tether 1 10 connecting to the bottle engaging portion 1 15 at a first angle, and to the capping portion 120 at a second angle, In a preferred embodiment, the first and second angles have substantially the same magnitude (e.g. 45°), However, in other embodiments, the first and second angles may have different magnitudes. Such an angled connection advantageously provides robustness, especially where obliquely directed tension is placed on the tether 150, so as to reduce the likelihood of the tethe 1 10 breaking away from the capping portion 120 or the bottle engaging portion 150.

[ 15] However, in other embodiments, including those shown in figures 3A and 3B, the tether 1 10 may be connected to the bottle engaging portion 1 15 and the capping device 120 at other angles, such as right angles.

[1 18] However, the embodiment presented in figure 1 where the tether 110 is connected at. an angle is preferred to the embodiment given in figure 3 because the embodiment presented in figure 1 allows for a slightly longer tether 1 10.

[1 17] Now, as alluded to in the background section above, conventional capping arrangements can suffer from the disadvantage of being ingested by wildlife, especially seabirds. As such, some bottle packaging manufacturers deliberately attempt to make caps a certain minimum size, so as !o substantially reduce the likelihood of such ingestion.

[1 18] However, given the capping device 00 described herein is adapted to remain tethered to the bottle, such a problem need not necessarily exist, and In this manner, the capping portion 120 can be substantially smaller than conventional caps.

Generally, the capping portion 1 0 generally need be only necessarily sufficiently large for the purposes of engaging the bottie opening, such as being sufficiently large to accommodate a screw thread or other bottie engagement type.

[1 19] Furthermore, so as to utilise substantially the same amount of plastic as a conventional cap, the capping device 100 may yet have the same height as a conventional cap. Specifically, the combined height of the capping portion 120 and the width of the tether 110 are- substantially equal to a height of a typical bottle cap.

[ 20] To this end, it is envisaged that in one preferred embodiment, the tether 110 can define internal tether thread formations 1 12 similarly to the capping portion 120, In this way, the thread formations of both of the capping portion 120 and the tether

1 10 both contribute to the ability of the capping device 100 to resist internal pressures in the bottle 500, and thereby reduces the need to increase the amount of plastic required in each capping device 100, for example where additional plastic material might have been required to provide the tether 1 10.

[121] Now, in the uncapped configuration, the dangling of the capping portion 1 0 on the tether 1 10 may distract or otherwise interfere with the user experience. I this manner, in on embodiment, the tether 1 10 can be adapted to recoil (for example as a spring would) so as to draw the capping portion 1 10 in a snug and neat manne towards the bottle engaging portion 1 15.

[122] As for the strength of the tether 1 10, generally, it is envisaged that the strength of the tether 1 10 will be sufficient so as to be able to preferably bear the weight of the bottle when the bottie is full. Specifically, in use, a user may decide to suspend the bottle holding the capping portion 120 when the capping device 100 is in the uncapped configuration. Such strengthening can be attained through the appropriate design of the thickness or width of the tether 10,

[123] Referring now to figure 4, there is shown an internal view of the capping device. Specifically, the capping device comprises at least one internally located screw thread 122 adapted for mating with a complimentary screw thread about the bottle opening. The capping device 100 further comprises a seal 126. Further, and especially for application for use with carbonated drinks, the capping device 100 comprises a plurality of pressure relief grooves 124 intersecting the screw thread 1 2 so as to allow for the rapid expulsion of pressurised gas during opening. [124] As alluded to above, so as to assist in the bottling process, the capping device 100 is preferably adapted for the non-rotational forcing onto a bottle for the engagement of the bottle opening of the bottle. In this manner, once the bottie has been filled with the requisite contents, the bottle is passed by a capping device 100 forcing machine adapted to Force a capping device 100 downwards and onto the bottle for engagement of the bottle opening of the bottle. In a preferred embodiment, and making reference to the above described embodiment of the capping device 100 taking substantially similar dimensions as a standard bottle, the capping device 100 Is adapted for use by existing bottie cap applicators so as to substantially reduce or eliminate production facility reconfiguration costs.

[125] In a preferred embodiment, the capping device 100 is adapted to be manufactured as a single unit Specifically, it is preferred that the capping device 100 is configured so as to be able to be manufactured during a single injection moulding process, thereby reducing cost, complexity and time during the manufacture process.

[126] However, in other embodiments, and make specific reference now to figure 2, the capping device 100 may be manufactured from constituent parts. Specifically, as is apparent from the embodiment presented in figure 2, the capping device 100 comprises the capping portion 120 and the bottle engaging portion 115 wherein the tether 10 is adhered thereto.

[127] Such an embodiment will be advantageous for adapting conventional bottle caps through the application of the tether 1 10 which may be adhered to the conventional bottle caps during manufacture. Fo example, existing bottling plants may comprise a further final stage of the bottling process wherein the tether 110 is adhered to the capping device. It is envisaged that in such a scenario, the tether may be adhered to conventional bottle caps using resin glue, or any other suitable bonding method.

[128] in this embodiment, the tether 110 may be manufactured from differing materials over and above plastic, such as by being manufacture from paper, twine or the like. Furthermore, the tether 110 can comprise a resilient elastic portion, so as to allow the stretching of the tether 1 10 so as to allow for the removal of the capping portion 120 away from ihe bottie opening when required.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[129] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment^* or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the. phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessaril all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one o more embodiments.

[130] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than ail features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[131] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[132] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives

"first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merel indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to. and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[133] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

[134] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood thai each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and including

[135] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[136] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that Includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of invention

[137] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fail within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[138] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the Invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[139] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the bottle manufacturing and beverage bottling industries.

Claims

1 } A capping device for a container opening, wherein, in use, the capping device is configurable in a capping configuration and an uncapped configuration, and wherein in the uncapped configuration, the capping device is adapted for being tethered to the container.

2} A capping device as claimed in claim 1 ), wherein, in the capping configuration, the capping device comprises a? least one line of weakness, and wherein, in use, when transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration, the at least one line of weakness is adapted to break to at least partly define a. tether.

3} A capping device as claimed in claim 2), wherein, in the uncapped configuration, the capping device defines:

a, a container engaging portion; and

b, a capping portion; and

c, wherein, in transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration, the container engaging portion is adapted to move away from the capping portion so as to apply stress to the at least one line of weakness so as to cause the at least one line of weakness to break to at least partly define the tether.

4} A capping device as claimed in claim 3), wherein the container engaging portion is adapted for rotatable engagement with the container in use.

5) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 3) to 4), wherein the at least one line of weakness is located at least partially about the perimeter of the capping portion.

6} A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 2) to 5), wherein the capping device in its capping configuration comprises a tether portion configured to at least partially define the tether on rupture of the line of weakness in operation.

7} A capping device as claimed in claim 6), wherein the capping portion is substantially cylindrical, and the tether portion is located about the circumference of the capping portion.

8) A capping device as claimed i any one of claims 8) to 7), wherein the tether portion when the capping device is in its capping configuration is one or more selected from spiralled or helical.

9} A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 3} to 8), wherein when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is adapted to engage the container engaging portion at a first angle. 10} A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 3} to 9), wherein when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is adapted to engage the capping portion at a second angle.

1 1 ) A capping device as claimed in claim 10), wherein the first angle and the second angle have substantially the same magnitude.

12) A capping device as claimed in claim 1), wherein the first angle and the second angle are substantially opposite in direction.

13) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 9) to 12), wherein the tether defines a first elbow at the container engaging portion,

14) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 9) to 13), wherein the tether defines a second elbow at the capping portion.

15) A capping device as claimed in claim 14), wherein, in the capping configuration, the first elbow and the second eibow are substantially collocated.

16) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 } to 15), wherein the capping device is substantially cylindrical, and when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is of a length being less than a circumference of the capping device.

17) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 15), wherein the capping device is substantially cylindrical, and when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the capping device.

18) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 2) to 15), wherein the capping device is substantially cylindrical, and when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is of a length substantially equal to a multiple of the circumference of the cappi g device.

19) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 2) to 18}, wherein when the capping device is in its uncapped configuration, the tether is configured to coil up when not in use so as to draw the capping portion towards the container engaging portion.

20) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 2} to 19), wherein, in use, the telher is adapted for supporting the weight of the container.

21 ) A capping device as claimed in claim 20}, wherein the tether is adapted for holding the weight of the container when filled in use.

22) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 21 ), wherein, in use. the capping device is adapted for transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration by screwing. 23} A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 } to 22}, wherein the capping portion comprises internal thread formations for pivotabiy engaging with complementary thread formations on a container.

24) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 23), wherein the tether portion comprises internal thread formations configured for pivotab y engaging with complementary thread formations on a container.

25) A capping device as claimed in claim 24), wherein the line of weakness is configured and dimensioned for being ruptured, to thereby transition the capping device from its capping configuration to its uncapped configuration, when one or more selected from the capping portion and the tether portion are rotated on the internal thread formations.

26) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 3) to 25), wherein the container engaging portion is configured as an annular collar when the capping devsce is in its uncapped configuration,

27) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1) to 21 ), wherein, in use, the capping device is adapted for transitioning from the capping configuration to the uncapped configuration by pulling.

28) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 27), wherein, in use, the capping device is adapted for non-rotational forcing of the capping device onto a container,

29) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 3) to 27), wherein the container engaging portion comprises one way engaging formations configured for allowing movement of a neck of a container through the engaging portion in one direction.

30) A capping device as claimed in claim 29), wherein the one way engaging formations are configured for engaging with a flange on the neck of a container to restrict removal of the container engaging portion from the container neck, and thereby assist in the rupture of the line of weakness during the transition of the capping device from its capping configuration to its uncapped configuration.

31 ) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 30), wherein the capping device is manufactured as a single unit.

32) A capping device as claimed in claim 31 ), wherein the capping device is integrall formed in a moulding process.

33) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 32). wherein the capping device comprises composite parts.

34) A capping device as claimed in claim 33), wherein the capping device comprises composite parts comprising:

a. a container engaging portion; b. a capping portion; and

c. a tether, wherein, during manufacture, the tether is adhered to at least one of the container engaging portion and the capping portion.

35) A capping device as claimed in any one of claims 1 ) to 34), wherein the container is a bottle.