WO2017017415A1 - Récipient et fermeture - Google Patents

Récipient et fermeture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017017415A1
WO2017017415A1 PCT/GB2016/052215 GB2016052215W WO2017017415A1 WO 2017017415 A1 WO2017017415 A1 WO 2017017415A1 GB 2016052215 W GB2016052215 W GB 2016052215W WO 2017017415 A1 WO2017017415 A1 WO 2017017415A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
closure
portions
metal closure
metal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2016/052215
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser
John Hein
Original Assignee
Threadless Closures Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/GB2015/052154 external-priority patent/WO2016012810A1/fr
Priority claimed from GB1518819.6A external-priority patent/GB2542641A/en
Priority claimed from GB1522544.4A external-priority patent/GB2545672A/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1601501.8A external-priority patent/GB201601501D0/en
Priority to KR1020187005230A priority Critical patent/KR20180034527A/ko
Priority to JP2018522882A priority patent/JP2018520963A/ja
Priority to BR112018001517A priority patent/BR112018001517A2/pt
Priority to RU2018106366A priority patent/RU2018106366A/ru
Application filed by Threadless Closures Limited filed Critical Threadless Closures Limited
Priority to MX2018001065A priority patent/MX2018001065A/es
Priority to EP16757927.5A priority patent/EP3325370A1/fr
Priority to CN201680054216.3A priority patent/CN108025846A/zh
Priority to US15/414,205 priority patent/US20170197764A1/en
Publication of WO2017017415A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017017415A1/fr
Priority to CONC2018/0001523A priority patent/CO2018001523A2/es
Priority to PH12018500404A priority patent/PH12018500404A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • B65D41/06—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating
    • B65D41/065—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating with integral internal sealing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0225—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation
    • B65D43/0231—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00953—Sealing means
    • B65D2543/00962—Sealing means inserted
    • B65D2543/00972—Collars or rings

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a container and closure, in particular a container for housing a beverage.
  • the container may be of a variety of sizes and may, for example, be a wide- mouth container or it may be a bottle. In some cases, it may be designed for containing a carbonated beverage.
  • the invention also relates to the closure separately, a container for use therewith, and the use of such a container and closure.
  • Containers and closures for wide-mouth containers and bottles are known such as those described in the applicants earlier applications, for example WO2006/000774 and WO2011/151630.
  • a further development is disclosed in WO2014/006418. These seek to provide a closure capable of securely closing a container the contents of which may be at an elevated pressure, eg during transportation and/or when subject to elevated temperatures, whilst remaining relatively easy for a consumer to remove.
  • a wide-mouth container can be used both to store a beverage (or other contents) and as a drinking vessel once the closure has been removed.
  • the closure may also be designed so it can be used to re-close and/or re-seal the container.
  • a typical wide-mouth container has a mouth with a diameter in the range 55 to 65 mm although the term also applies to containers having a mouth with a diameter in the range 40 to 90 mm.
  • a bottle is typically used to store a beverage (or other contents) prior to pouring it into a drinking vessel.
  • Commonly used bottles such as those used to store beer and other beverages, typically have a mouth with a diameter of around 28mm.
  • the present invention seeks to provide improvements which enable the closure, and in some cases the container, to be further simplified, and to reduce the cost of materials and/or the cost of manufacture whilst maintaining the performance of the closure, in particular the ease and reliability of opening and closure, re-closure (if required) and venting (if housing a carbonated beverage).
  • the present invention also seeks to improve the gas barrier properties of the closure and the reliability of a seal between the closure and the container, particular at elevated pressures and/or at elevated temperatures (eg during pasteurisation).
  • the present invention seeks to provide further improvements over the closure and container described in co-pending application GB1413249.2.
  • a container and a metal closure therefor having an opening defining an axis and an outwardly projecting first member around an external surface of the container, said first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions, each first portion having elements with elongate upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces thereof being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, the metal closure having a top part and a skirt part, the skirt part comprising an inwardly projecting second member around an internal surface thereof, said second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart second portions, each second portion having elements with elongate upper and lower surfaces, said upper and lower surfaces thereof being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, said elements of the second portions being of a length such that they can pass through spaces between the first portions and being locatable beneath the first portions so as to secure the metal closure to the container.
  • Forming the closure of metal provides improved gas barrier properties compared to a plastic closure and improves the strength and heat resistance of the closure.
  • a metal closure can also be fabricated in a variety of ways and, in particular, can be formed and shaped by one or more pressing operations. Thus, rather than requiring a relatively complex three- dimensional shape formed by injection moulding (as with a plastic closure), it is possible to form the closure from a single, flat sheet of metal.
  • the use of metal also provides the option of making the closure from two parts which are seamed together (the advantages of which will be discussed further below). In some cases, the use of metal also enables the wall thickness, and hence the amount of material used to form the closure to be reduced, thus reducing its weight and/or cost of materials.
  • a metal closure also has excellent gas barrier properties as it is essentially impermeable to both oxygen and carbon dioxide even at elevated temperatures.
  • a metal closure can also be readily recycled.
  • a metal closure does not soften when subject to elevated temperatures, eg during pasteurisation, so is less likely to move or deform in such circumstances. Such movement or deformation of a plastic closure can make it more difficult to ensure a satisfactory seal between the closure and the container is maintained at elevated temperatures. The requirement for the closure, and its seal, to withstand elevated
  • forming the closure of metal provides the closure with the strength to resist deformation at elevated temperatures and/or pressure, eg during
  • a closure comprising a metal part and another part formed of another material , eg a plastic material.
  • the closure may comprise a metal cap having a metal top part and a metal skirt part depending therefrom with a plastic component within the cap, eg moulded onto the interior of the metal cap so as to be bonded therewith.
  • This plastic component may, for example, comprise projections which form a thread by means of which the closure can be releasably secured to the container.
  • the term 'metal closure' as used herein is intended to cover such arrangements.
  • the closure is formed of metal
  • the container can be formed of other materials, including plastics (eg PET), biopoylmers, and glass but can also be formed of metal.
  • plastics eg PET
  • biopoylmers e.g PET
  • glass e.g., glass
  • the combination of a metal closure and plastic container has a number of advantages. As described above, the metal closure provides a good gas barrier and the strength to withstand elevated temperatures during pasteurisation (particularly when subject to elevated pressure at the same time).
  • a plastic container is preferred in many cases as it enables the container to be transparent and thus reproduce the appearance of a conventional drinking glass.
  • a plastic container can also more easily be made in a variety of custom shapes (eg by blow moulding) so proprietary container shapes can be reproduced for branding purposes.
  • a plastic container is resilient and hence more shock resistant and less susceptible to denting than a metal container. The provision of a metal closure on a plastic container is thus preferred in many applications as it enables the advantages of both material to be retained.
  • the means for securing the metal closure to the container comprises a projection extending around the circumference of each part comprising a series of substantially horizontal, circumferentially spaced apart elements arranged such that the horizontal elements on the metal closure can pass though the spaces between the horizontal elements on the container and located beneath them to secure the metal closure to the container.
  • the horizontal elements of the projection on the container are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • the horizontal elements of the projection on the metal closure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • each of the second portions has an upwardly inclined end at one end thereof and/or a downwardly inclined end at the other end thereof.
  • the upwardly and/or downwardly inclined ends of the second portions preferably extend beyond said elongate upper and lower surfaces thereof, respectively.
  • said downwardly inclined ends acts to drive the second portions downwards relative to the first portions and upon rotation of the metal closure in a second direction about axis A, said upwardly inclined ends acts to drive the second portions upwards relative to the first portions.
  • the closure has a sealing member provided thereon for providing a seal with a sealing surface of the container, the sealing surface preferably being a substantially vertical surface about the interior or exterior of a neck portion of the container.
  • said downwardly inclined ends act to drive the second portions
  • the metal closure is movable between a first secured sealed position and a second secured venting position in which venting of the container is enabled.
  • a container and a metal closure therefor having an opening defining an axis and an outwardly projecting first member around an external surface of the container, said first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions, each first portion comprising an element having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and said lower surface being substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction, the closure having a top part and a skirt part, a sealing member for providing a seal with a sealing surface of the container, the skirt part comprising an inwardly projecting second member around an internal surface thereof, said second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart second portions, the closure being securable to the container by interaction between said first and second portions, the metal closure being movable between a first position in which at least part of said second portions engage the upper surfaces of said first portions, a second position, following rotation in a first direction and downward movement of the metal closure relative to the container, in
  • the closure and container may be arranged so that when the metal closure is initially placed on the container, it sits horizontally thereon with the second member resting on the first member. Following rotation of the metal closure, it moves to a position in which the sealing member rests on the container in a non-sealing position. Further horizontal rotation results in the metal closure being driven downwards so the sealing member is moved downwards to a sealing position and then the second member rotated so as to be located beneath the first member to secure the metal closure to the container.
  • the first portions of the first member on the container are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • the second portions of the second member on the metal closure are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • the sealing member comprises an o-ring provided within a recess in the closure and the sealing surface is an internal or external surface of a neck portion of the container, said recess and sealing surface together defining a gland in which the o-ring is located.
  • the cross-sectional area of the o-ring is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of the gland so, when the metal closure is mounted on the container, the o-ring is able to move and/or deform within the gland.
  • the sealing surface is preferably substantially vertical and downward movement of the closure relative to the container from the second position to the third position compresses the o-ring in a substantially horizontal direction into sealing engagement with the sealing surface.
  • Said top part of the metal closure may have a bore component for extending into the container opening and the sealing member is provided on the bore component for providing a seal with an internal sealing surface of the container.
  • the sealing member may be mounted with a groove provide in a skirt portion of the closure for providing a seal with an external surface of the container.
  • the recess extends around a circumference of the bore component or the skirt part of the closure, the recess preferably comprising a first side wall on one side of the o-ring for constraining the o-ring when it is subject to a pressure differential and a second side wall on the opposite side thereof for retaining the o-ring in the recess and a back wall joining the first and second side walls.
  • the first side wall extends in a radial direction by a distance f (the distance f being at least 1 ⁇ 2 of the diameter of the o-ring cross-section prior to compression of the o- ring) from the back wall and the second side wall extends in a radial direction by a distance s from the back wall, the distance s being at least 1/2 of the distance f.
  • the distance s is at least 1/3 of the diameter of the circular cross-section of the o-ring prior to deformation of this cross-section, and preferably 1/3 - 2/3 of said diameter.
  • the first side wall and/or the second side wall may be substantially planar and lie substantially perpendicular to said axis and the back wall may be substantially planar and substantially parallel to said axis.
  • said sealing surface is substantially parallel to said axis and the container has an inclined surface at the upper end thereof leading to said sealing surface.
  • this preferably comprises a substantially frusto- conical portion which, when the metal closure is mounted to the container, lies adjacent and substantially parallel to said inclined surface.
  • the metal closure is shaped to minimise any space between the bore component and the interior of the container in the region above the gland when the metal closure is mounted on the container.
  • the sealing member contacts said inclined surface.
  • this is the venting position.
  • said sealing member is compressed between the container and the bore component as the metal closure is moved downwards by rotation thereof to move it into sealing engagement with said sealing surface.
  • the sealing member is compressed in a substantially horizontal direction into contact with a sealing surface which is
  • the metal closure may be arranged to be removed from the container by rotation about the axis in a second direction so as to move it from said third position to said second position and then to said first position, ie a reversal of the manner in which it is secured to the container.
  • the skirt portion of the metal closure comprises a further inwardly projecting member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart third portions, each of the third portions having an upper surface which is at a lower level than said upper surfaces of the second portions, said third portions being arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions (on the container) when the metal closure is in a venting position, ie said third portions are arranged to engage the lower surfaces of the first portions when the metal closure is in said second position.
  • each of said second portions has a downwardly angled end arranged to engage a first end face of the first portions and interact therewith so as to drive the metal closure downwards as the metal closure is rotated in the first direction from said second position.
  • Simple rotation of the metal closure thus results in the metal closure being driven downwards onto the container so the sealing member moves from the venting position to the sealing position.
  • each of said second portions preferably has an upwardly angled end arranged to engage a second end face of the first portions and interact therewith so as to drive the metal closure upwards as the metal closure is rotated in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) from said second position so the sealing member moves from the sealing position to the venting position.
  • the second portions may pass vertically through spaces between the first portions but are preferably arranged to be pass angularly through spaces between the first portions.
  • the metal closure is formed from sheet metal and shaped by forming processes.
  • the first member may be formed by an indentation in the external surface of the skirt portion of the closure so as to form said spaced apart first portions projecting from an inner surface of the skirt portion.
  • the third member may be formed by an indentation in the external surface of the skirt portion of the closure so as to form said spaced apart third portions projecting from an inner surface of the skirt portion.
  • the third member is formed by curling distal portions of the skirt portion radially inwards so as to form said spaced apart third portions projecting from an inner surface of the skirt portion.
  • Said first member is preferably spaced from the upper end of the container, eg by a distance in the range 9 to 12 mm or in other cases in the range 6 to 16 mm.
  • the container and metal closure described herein is particularly suitable for a widemouth container as defined herein but may also be used on container of other sizes, eg bottles having a relatively narrow opening.
  • the container may be formed of a non-metallic material, eg plastic or glass.
  • the container may be formed of metal.
  • top part and skirt part of the closure may be formed of metal and the inwardly projecting second member is provided by a plastics component provided on an internal surface of the skirt part.
  • the closure comprises two, initially separate, components: an annular skirt portion adapted to be releasably secured to the container and a closing portion which has been irreversibly secured to the skirt portion so as to close an opening therein.
  • the closing portion is irreversibly secured to the skirt portion by a seamed joint.
  • the container comprises a container body having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second end thereof, the metal closure being releasably mounted on the container body so as to releasably close the first opening, and the second opening of the container body being closed by a container closing portion which has been irreversibly secured to the container body to close permanently the second end thereof.
  • the container closing portion is irreversibly secured to the container body by a seamed joint.
  • the container comprises a container body with said opening at one end thereof and a base portion closing the other end thereof, said first member being provided on an external surface of a neck portion of the container, said neck portion being an integral part of the container body and being at or towards an upper end thereof.
  • the first member is thus provided on the neck portion of container body (and in a wide mouth application this may be the widest or one of the widest parts of the container) rather than on a further component attached to the upper end of the container body to partially close the container and provide a mounting for a narrower removeable closure.
  • the second portions of the closure thus directly engage first portions on the body of the container body rather than on an additional component attached to the container body.
  • the second portions are provided on the closure (and the first portions on the container). And, the second portions preferably comprise said upwardly inclined end at one end thereof and said downwardly inclined end at the other end thereof.
  • the first portions are smaller and of simpler form than the second portions they have less impact on the appearance of the container and on the mouth of a user using the container as a drinking vessel.
  • the first portions each comprise a substantially horizontal upper surface and a substantially horizontal lower surface, the upper and lower surfaces being joined by first and second angled end surfaces, the first angled end surface being arranged to engage and slide down said downwardly inclined surface of the second portions when the closure is rotated in the closing direction relative to the container and /or the second end surface being arranged to engage and slide up said upwardly inclined surface of the second portions when the closure is rotated in the loosening direction relative to the container.
  • the sealing surface is preferably a substantially vertical surface about the interior or exterior of said neck portion of the container body. Rotation of the closure in the tightening direction thus moves the closure downwards relative to the container, this downward movement of the closure causing compression of the seal member in a substantially horizontal direction into sealing engagement with said sealing surface.
  • the seal member is preferably an o-ring seal.
  • the sealing surface is an external surface of the container neck and the o-ring seal is mounted in a recess of the skirt portion of the closure.
  • a plastic container and a metal closure therefor having an opening defining an axis and first engagement means for releasably securing the metal closure thereto so as to releasably close said opening, the closure having a sealing member for providing a seal with a sealing surface of the container, the sealing member comprising an o-ring provided within a recess in the closure and the sealing surface being an external surface of the container, said recess and sealing surface together defining a gland in which the o-ring is located.
  • the cross-sectional area of the o-ring is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the gland so, when the metal closure is mounted on the container, the o-ring is able to move and/or deform within the gland.
  • the metal closure is preferably movable between a first secured sealed position and a second secured venting position in which venting of the container is enabled.
  • the o-ring engages an inclined surface of the container which leads to said sealing surface, and in the second secured position, the o-ring sealingly engages said sealing surface.
  • the inner surface of the container preferably comprises a frusto-conical lead-in surface adjacent the mouth of the container, the surface of which is inclined, eg by 10 - 30 degrees, to the axis of the container, and typically has a vertical dimension of 2 mm or more.
  • the lead-in surface preferably leads to a substantially parallel-sided cylindrical surface, the surface of which lies substantially parallel to said axis.
  • the diameter of the cylindrical surface is substantially the same as the smaller (lowermost) end of the frusto-conical surface.
  • the sealing member is arranged to engage and to provide a liquid and air-tight seal between the metal closure and this substantially cylindrical surface.
  • the sealing surface may also be inclined to the vertical by a small angle, eg
  • the metal closure is preferably movable between a first secured position and a second secured position which is raised relative to the first position and in which venting of the container is enabled.
  • the sealing member is preferably an o-ring seal.
  • o-ring as used herein is to be understood to include a toroid of elastomer material having a circular cross-section (or other cross-sections). Such o-rings are conventionally located in a gland (which may typically be defined by a groove or by a recess having two or more faces). The o-ring is preferably able to move or deform within the gland so as to be able to seal more tightly with the sealing surface in response to a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the container (as described in WO 2011/151630 referred to above).
  • o-rings of this form are preferred, the term is also to be understood to cover other forms of seal which simulate an o-ring and other forms of flexible seal material provided between two relatively rigid components (of a different material to the seal), eg formed by an over-moulding of resilient material, said material being capable of providing a gas tight seal between those components.
  • the o-ring is preferably formed of nitrile butadiene rubber (BR). Further details are given in GB2513730.
  • the invention also relates to a metal closure for use with a container to provide a container and metal closure as described above and to a container for use with such a closure
  • the invention also relates to the use of a container and metal closure as described above for containing a carbonated beverage.
  • Figures 1 A and IB show a perspective view from above and side view of a container used in a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view from above and from below of a metal closure used in the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 3 A shows cross-sectional views of a closure such as that shown in Fig 2A and 2B and Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of this closure;
  • Fig 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a metal container for use with the closures of Figs 3 A and 3B;
  • Figures 5 A to 5F illustrate a sequence of steps by which closures such as those of Fig 2 and 3 are secured to a container such as those shown in Fig IB or Fig 4:
  • Figure 5A shows a first pre-load stage
  • Figure 5B shows a second pre-load stage
  • Figure 5C shows an initial load stage
  • Figure 5D shows an initial drive down stage
  • Figure 5E shows a sealed position
  • Figure 5F shows a locked position.
  • Figures 6A to 6F illustrate a sequence of steps by which such a closure is removed from the container:
  • Figure 6A shows an initial removal stage
  • Figure 6B shows a driving off stage
  • Figures 6C shows a venting stage
  • Figure 6D, 6E and 6F show further drive out stages
  • Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional views of a further embodiment of a closure according to the invention.
  • Figures 8 A and 8B are cross-sectional views showing the closure of Figure 7 when mounted on a container in a venting position and a sealed position;
  • Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a closure according to the invention
  • Figures 10A and 10B are cross sectional views showing the closure of Figure 9 when mounted on a container in a venting position and a sealed position;
  • Figures 11 A and 1 IB are cross sectional views showing a further embodiment of a closure and container on a container in a venting position and a sealed position (in this case with an external o-ring);
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of a skirt portion of a first embodiment of a closure which is fabricated from two separate parts;
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of an upper part of a container adapted to receive a skirt portion such as that shown in Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the skirt portion of Figure 12 when releasably secured to a neck portion of the container shown in Figure 13;
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of a closing portion prior to it being connected to the skirt portion of Figure 12;
  • Figure 16 is similar to Figure 14 but also shows the closing portion of Figure 15 of the closure located over an opening of the skirt portion;
  • Figure 17 is similar to Figure 16 showing the closing portion once it has been irreversibly secured to the skirt portion to complete the closure;
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view of the closure and container as shown in Figure 16;
  • Figure 19A is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig 14 showing the skirt portion of a further embodiment secured to a neck portion of a container
  • Figure 19B is a similar view once the top part of the closure has been secured to the skirt part
  • Figure 19C shows the closure once it has moved from the sealed position in Fig 19B to a venting position
  • Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a container body, releasable closure and a container closing portion used to close the base of the container body;
  • Figures 21A and 21B are perspective views of the exterior and interior of the releasable closure shown in Figure 20;
  • Figures 22 A and 22B are detailed sectional views of the releasable closure of Figure 21 prior to and after being mounted to the container body;
  • Figure 23 is an enlarged sectional view of a seamed joint between the container body and the container closing portion
  • Figures 24A - 24F show a further embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Fig 11 but with six sets of projections around the circumference of the container and the closure:
  • Fig 24A is a perspective view of the closure mounted on the container
  • Fig 24B and 24C show a perspective and partial front view of the container, respectively
  • Figures 24D and 24E are perspective views from above and beneath the closure
  • Fig 24F is a front view of the closure;
  • Figures 25 A - 25C show another embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Fig 24 but without a handling recess or transfer feature on the container:
  • Fig 25A is a perspective view of the closure mounted on the container, and
  • Fig 25B and 25C show a perspective and partial front view of the container, respectively;
  • Figures 26A, 26B and 26C are schematic drawings illustrating the shape of first and second portions designed for a negative pressure application.
  • Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment similar to that of Fig 11 in which the metal closure has features formed of plastic on the internal surface thereof.
  • Figures 1 A and IB show a wide-mouth container 10 used in a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the container has an opening 10A defining an axis A and has an outwardly projecting first member 11 around an external surface of the container 10, the first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions 11 A (four in the example shown), each first portion 11 A has an upper surface 1 IB, a lower surface 11C, a first end surface 1 ID and a second end surface 1 IE.
  • the upper surface 1 IB is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction but may be curved or inclined in the radial direction.
  • the lower surface 11C is also substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.
  • the shape and function of the end surfaces will be described further below with reference to Figs 5 - 6.
  • the spaced apart portions of the first member 11 form an intermittent, outwardly projecting lip which may be located at or near the upper end of the container 10 or, as in the embodiment shown, spaced from the upper end of the container 10, eg by a distance in the range 9 - 12 mm.
  • the first portions 11 A are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • the upper end of the container 10 has a lead-in surface 12 which is inclined to the axis A and leads to a substantially parallel sided, cylindrical portion 13 of the internal surface of the container 10 (see Figs 8 and 10).
  • the lead-in surface preferably has substantially frusto-conical shape and lies at and angle in the range 10 to 30 degrees to the axis A.
  • a plurality of venting grooves 14 or passages are preferably provided at spaced apart positions around the circumference of the lead-in surface to facilitate venting of the container
  • the container shown in Fig 1 also has a handling groove 15 in the external surface thereof to facilitate handling of the closure as it passes through automatic machinery, eg during manufacture (eg during blow moulding) and subsequent processes such as washing, filling, closing etc.
  • the handling groove may not be required.
  • the container is typically formed of a plastics material, eg polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is typically formed in a two-stage moulding process: forming a preform in a first injection moulding stage which forms the features above the groove 15 and then a second blow moulding stage in which the preform is blown to form the container shape beneath the groove 15.
  • the intermittent lip 11 and/or groove may be used to hold the preform during the blow moulding stage.
  • the PET container is typically provided with a barrier material, eg in the form of a thin coating of silica or carbon or in the form of a laminated structure to improve its resistance to gas permeability (particularly the ingress of oxygen or the egress of carbon dioxide).
  • a small projection typically projecting outwardly by 1 mm or less
  • a transfer ring to enable the container to be lifted to move it from one place to another by machinery during manufacture and/or on a filling and closing line.
  • This may, for example, comprise a small shoulder provided around the exterior of the container (described further in relation to Fig 11)
  • the container may also be formed of other materials, eg glass or metal or of a combination of materials.
  • An example of a metal container is shown in Fig 4.
  • FIGs 2A and 2B and Fig 3 A show a metal closure used in a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the closure comprises a top part 20 and a skirt part 21 depending therefrom.
  • the top part 20 has a bore component 22 extending from the underside thereof and which, in use, extends into the container 10.
  • the bore component 22 carries a sealing member 23, for example an o-ring (similar to that shown in Fig 7 - 10), so that the sealing member 23 provides a seal between an internal sealing surface 13 of the container 10 and the bore component 22 when the closure is mounted on the container 10 (in a similar manner to that shown in Figs 8B and 10B).
  • the o-ring is located in a groove or gland 23 A (see Fig 3 A) provided on the outer surface of the bore component 22. Further details of a suitable form of o-ring and gland are provided in WO2011/151630 referred to above. It should be noted that the walls of the gland should be smooth to ensure a satisfactory seal and forming the closure of metal enables this to be easily achieved - in contrast, with a plastics closure in which it can be difficult to avoid a mould shut line in the groove (which makes it difficult to provide a smooth surface).
  • the o-ring for use with a wide-mouth closure would typically have a cross-sectional diameter of 2 to 3 mm.
  • the sealing surface 13 has an axial length sufficient to accommodate some vertical movement of the o-ring relative to the container (eg due to pressure variations in the container) and typically has an axial length of at least 8 mm and in some cases up to 13 mm.
  • the skirt part 21 of the closure is provided with an inwardly projecting second member 24 around an internal surface thereof, said second member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart second portions 24A (four in the example shown).
  • Each of the second portions has an upper surface 24B, a lower surface 24C, a downward angled end with a first end surface 24D and an upward angled end with a second end surface 24E.
  • the upper surface 24B is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the
  • a further inwardly projecting member is provided on the skirt portion comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart third portions 25A.
  • Each of the third portions also has an upper surface 25B which is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.
  • the upper surfaces 25B are at a lower level than the upper surfaces 24B (viewed when the top part 20 of the closure is uppermost), the vertical spacing between the upper surfaces 24B and 25B typically being around 2.5 - 4.0 mm.
  • the third portions 25A also have angled side faces 25C and 25D.
  • the second portions 24A are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • the third portions 25A are also separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction, although they may overlap, at least to some extent, with the second portions 24A in the vertical direction.
  • Figs 5 to 6 provide schematic illustrations of interactions between the first and second portions and the position of the o- ring seal as the closure is secured to the container.
  • the closure is movable between a first position (Fig 5 A) in which the second portions 24A (or at least part of the second portions) engage the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A, a second position (Fig 5B and Fig 8A), following rotation and downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10, in which the sealing member 23 contacts the container 10 in a non-sealing position and the second portions 24 A are aligned with spaces between the first portions 11 A and a third position (Fig 5F and Fig 8B), following further rotation and further downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10, in which the sealing member 23 has been moved downwards to sealingly engage the sealing surface 13 of the container and the second portions 24 A are located beneath the first portions 11 A and in contact with substantially the entire
  • the desired minimum area of contact between the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions and the lower surfaces 11C of the first portions can be determined.
  • this overlap area is desirable for this overlap area to be at least about 100 mm 2 .
  • first portions and four second portions
  • this can, for example, be achieved if they each have a length of 25mm so the combined circumferential length of the first portions 1 IB is about 100mm (which represents about 50% of the external circumference of the container at this point) and their radial projection is about 1.0 mm.
  • Greater radial projection of the first portions 1 IB is preferably avoided in order to minimise their contact and hence impact on the lip of a user drinking from the container.
  • the impact of the first portions on the user's lip can also be reduced by locating the first portions 1 IB at a position spaced from the upper end of the container, for example 10 mm below the top of the container in the embodiment described.
  • the upward pressure on the closure is smaller so the combined circumferential length of the first portions 1 IB can be reduced, eg by using four shorter first portions or by reducing the number of first portions, eg to three.
  • the required combined circumferential length of the first portions is approximately proportional to the area of the closure (if their radial projections remains the same, eg 1 mm). For a 35% reduction in the area of the closure, the combined circumferential length of the first portions can thus be reduced by about 35%, ie to an overlap area of about 65 mm 2 . In the example given, this can be provided by four first portions having a length of around 16mm or three first portions having a length of around 22 mm.
  • Embodiments having six sets of first and second portions are also described below in relation to Figs 24 and 25.
  • the combined circumferential length of overlap between the horizontal elements of the first and second portions is again maximised although the larger number of portions reduces the amount of overlap possible.
  • the overlap is preferably at least 40% of the circumference of the container.
  • the second portions 24 A are initially located above the first portions 11 A and are then moved so they pass through the spaces between the first and finally to a position in which they are located beneath the first portions 11 A.
  • the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions 24 A are substantially horizontal and substantially flat throughout their length (or at least between the inclined ends 24D and 24E of the second portions 24A), so they can slide horizontally beneath the lower surfaces 11C of the first portions 11 A, the lower surfaces 11C also being substantially horizontal and substantially flat throughout their length (or at least between the ends 1 ID and 1 IE of the first portions 11 A).
  • the closure To release the closure from the secured position, it is rotated relative to the container so as to disengage the second portions from the underside of the first portions and is then moved upwards. In a simple arrangement without further means to hold the closure in a venting position, the closure can then be lifted away from the container. In other words, the closure can then be lifted away from the container.
  • the first portions 11 A have inclined end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE. These lie at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal, although shallower angles may be used. As shown in Fig 1, the end surface 1 ID may extend from the upper surface 1 IB to the lower surface 11C. However, as shown in Fig IB, the end surface 1 IE may not extend all the way from the lower surface 11C to the upper surface 1 IB.
  • the end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE of the first portions may also have other forms (eg as shown in Fig 4).
  • the second portions 24A have inclined ends with end surfaces 24D and 24E which extend beyond the lower and upper surfaces 24C and 24B, eg as shown in Fig 2 and in Fig 3. These will be described further below.
  • Figures 2 to 7 also show the third portion 25A.
  • the third portion 25A is provided in a closure intended for use with a container housing a carbonated beverage and its function is to retain the closure on the container when in a venting position (as described further below).
  • Figures 5 to 6 illustrate the sequence of steps by which a closure (such as that shown in Fig 2) is secured to a container (such as that shown in Fig 1) in more detail; these being designed for use with carbonated beverages.
  • Figure 5A shows the closure in a first pre-load stage in which the third portions 25 A rest upon the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A (Fig 5A shows these portions overlapping in the vertical direction as the upper surface 1 IB of the first portion and the lower surface of the third portion 25A are angled or curved in the radial direction). In this position, the o-ring 23 is spaced from the container 10.
  • the third portions 25 A drop down into the spaces between the first portions 11 A until the downwardly angled ends of the second portions 24A rest upon the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11A as shown in Fig 5B.
  • the o-ring 23 is, as shown, still spaced from the container 10 (although only by a small distance). This position (or the position shown in Fig 5 A) corresponds to the first position referred to above.
  • the second portions 24A slide along the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A until the downwardly angled ends thereof drops off the end of the upper surface 1 IB and the lower surfaces 24C of the second portions 24A rest upon the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11A (as shown in Fig 5C).
  • the first and second portions appear to overlap to some extent in the vertical direction as the upper surface of the first portions and the lower surface of the second portions are curved or angled in the radial direction. The second portions are, nevertheless, resting upon and supported by the upper surface of the first portions.
  • circumferential direction or at least the horizontal part thereof, is preferably substantially similar to the length of the first portions 11 A.
  • the second portions 24A slide along the upper surface of the first portions and the third portions 25A slide along the underside of the first portions 11 A.
  • This horizontal movement continues until the end surfaces 24D of the downwardly angled ends of the second portions (which, as mentioned above, preferably extend beyond the lower surfaces 24C) reach the end surfaces 1 IE of the first portions 11 A.
  • the second portions 24A are then aligned with the gaps between the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig 5D. It should be noted that the relative vertical positions of the closure and container are substantially the same in Fig 5C and Fig 5D and, as shown, the third portions 25A are still located beneath the first portions 11 A.
  • Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of a closure and container in the position shown in Fig 5D. As will be seen, in this position the o-ring is in contact with the lead-in surface 12 of the container 10 and the first portion 11 A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and third portion 25A.
  • the position of the closure shown in Figs 5D and 8A corresponds to the second position referred to above. As will be described further below, this also corresponds to the venting position when the closure is being removed from the container.
  • the vertical position of the closure relative to the container in both rotational positions shown in Figs 5C and 15D is thus determined by the second portions 24A of the closure resting upon the first portions 11 A of the container and/or the o-ring 23 resting on the lead-in surface 12 of the container 10. It will also be noted from Fig 5D that that the length of the second portions (in the circumferential direction), or at least the horizontal part thereof, is substantially similar to (and slightly less than) the length of the spaces between the first portions 11 A. This is necessary to enable the second portions 24A to move downwards through the space between the first portions 11 A as will be described below (even though, as will be described, they move downwards diagonally).
  • the inclined end surface 24D of the downwardly angled end of the second portions slide down the inclined end surfaces 1 IE of the first portions so the closure is driven downwards relative to the container as it rotated.
  • the end surfaces 24D and 1 IE are inclined at substantially the same angle, eg around 45 degrees in the embodiment shown, so the second portions 24A move downwards at this angle to the axis A. Rotation of the closure thus drives it downwards until the inclined end surface 24D of the second portions 24A disengage from the lower end of the inclined end surfaces 1 IE of the first portions 11 A.
  • the upper surface 24B of the second portions 24A is then level with the underside 1 IC of the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig 5E.
  • the second portions 24 A slide horizontally along the underside of the first portions 11 A until the upwardly angled end having the end surface 24E (which extends beyond the upper surface 24A) engages the end surface 1 IE of the first portion and stops further rotation as shown in Fig 5F.
  • the second portions 24A are located beneath the first portion 11 A and the substantially horizontal upper surface 24B of the second portion 24A is in contact with substantially the entire length (in the circumferential direction) of the substantially horizontal underside 1 IC of the first portion 11 A.
  • the second portions 24A are thus securely located under the first portions 11 A and the area of contact therebetween (which resists upward movement of the closure due to elevated pressures within the container) is maximised.
  • Figure 8B shows a cross-section of a closure and container in the position shown in Fig 5F.
  • the o-ring has been driven downwards from the lead-in surface 12 (the position shown in Fig 8A) to sealingly engage the substantially cylindrical sealing surface 13 around the interior of the container.
  • the vertical distance by which the closure is driven downwards is determined by the angle and length of the end surfaces 24D and extension of the end surfaces 24D beyond the lower surface 24C enables the closure to be driven down a sufficient distance so the o-ring 23 is driven down from the lead-in surface 12 and into sealing engagement with the sealing surface 13.
  • FIGS. 6A to 6F illustrate a more detailed sequence of steps by which the closure of Fig 2 is removed from the container of Fig 1. This is essentially the reverse of the loading sequence described above.
  • the closure is rotated about the axis A in the loosening direction (anti-clockwise in the embodiment shown) relative to the container 10.
  • the closure is rotated to the position shown in Fig 6A until the end face 24E of the upwardly angled end of the second portion 24A (which, as mentioned above extends beyond the upper surface 24B of the second portion 24A) contacts the end surface 1 ID of the first portions 11 A.
  • the inclined end face 24E rides up the inclined end face 1 ID, as shown in Fig 6B, until the third portions 25 A engage the underside of the first portions 11 A, as shown in Fig 6C, to arrest the vertical movement of the closure.
  • the position shown in Fig 6C and Fig 8B is the venting position. Excess pressure within the container can be released by escape of gas between the o-ring seal 23 and the lead- in surface 12 and, in particular, through the venting grooves 14 in the lead-in surface (shown in Fig 1 A).
  • the closure is, however, securely held on the container by the engagement of the third portions 25 A with the underside of the first portions 11 A as shown in Fig 6C.
  • the first portion 11 A is sandwiched between the second portion 24A and third portion 25A.
  • the third portions 25 A slide along the underside of the first portions 11 A and the second portions 24 A slide along the upper surface 24B of the first portions 11 A until the downwardly angled end of the second portion that extends beyond the lower surface 24C thereof reaches the inclined end surface 1 ID of the first portion 11 A.
  • the third portions 25 A reach a position in which they disengage from the underside 1 1C of the first portions 11 A (so no longer resist upward movement of the closure). This is the position shown in Fig 6D (which corresponds to the position shown in Fig 5C).
  • the upwardly angled end of the second portion rises up the inclined end surface 1 ID of the first portions 11 A and an inclined side face 25B of the third portion 25A rides up the inclined end face 1 IE of the first portion 11 A so the closure moves diagonally upwards as shown in Fig 6E.
  • the container houses a carbonated beverage
  • the pressure produced by this within container will assist this upward movement of the closure.
  • the action of the upwardly angled ends of the second portions in driving the closure upwards as it is rotated in the loosening direction is however desirable for non-carbonated applications and for applications in which the pressure within the container is lower than that outside.
  • the pressure within the container drops significantly and if the user re-closes the container, the driving up feature will help lift the closure when it is opened again.
  • the third portion 25A is able to move upwards through the space between the first portions 11 A and the closure is free to be lifted away from the container as shown in Fig 6F.
  • the inclined ends of the second portions 24A respectively serve to drive the closure downwards and upwards relative to the container and they also respectively act as stops to limit rotation of the closure clockwise and anti-clockwise relative to the container.
  • the angle and length of the inclined end portions will depend on the application, the dimensions of the closure and the number of thread portions provided around its circumference. With steeper angles the torque required to drive the closure down to the sealed position will be greater but the angle through which the closure needs to be rotated to achieve this will be smaller (and hence the inclined portions will be relatively short).
  • the inclined portions preferably make an angle of 45 degrees or less with the horizontal and more preferably an angle in the range 15 to 20 degrees.
  • the area of overlap between the first and second portions in the secured position can be much reduced compared to embodiments for carbonated beverages as the upward pressure the closure needs to be able to withstand is much reduced. Nevertheless, it is still desirable to maximise the overlap between the first and second portions, ie by making them substantially the same length as each other in the circumferential direction, so the total circumferential length of the first portions can be minimised (and so minimise their impact on the user's lip) whilst still making full use of the amount of overlap possible (to ensure secure attachment of the closure and avoiding indentation damage to the first portions by the second portions.
  • FIGS. 3 A and 3B show cross-sectional views of two embodiments of a metal closure.
  • the embodiment shown in Fig 3 A has a concave bore feature 22 (when viewed from above).
  • the outer surface of this bore feature has an indent 23 A for holding an o-ring (not shown).
  • the metal closure can be formed in a pressing operation in which the bore feature 22 is formed by pressing an inverted shape.
  • the side wall of the bore feature 22 is then rolled to form the indent 23 A for the o-ring.
  • Fig 3B The embodiment shown in Fig 3B is similar except that the bore feature 22' is then reverse formed (from the position shown in Fig 3 A), eg by stamping, so the upper surface of the closure has a more conventional convex form (when viewed from above).
  • the reverse forming creates a double backed fold 22A at the base of the indent which provides additional hoop strength to resist inwards flexing of the bore feature 22' (which might impair the seal between the o-ring and the container).
  • the skirt 21 of the metal closure has grooves rolled in its outer surface to form projections 24 A on the inner surface which provide the second portions.
  • the third portions 25A may be formed in the lower lip of the closure, eg as it is turned upwards to provide a convex edge (as in conventional metal closures) or may be formed by further grooves rolled in the outer surface to form projections 25 A on the inner surface (as shown in Fig 3A and 3B).
  • the function of the second and third portions 24A and 25A has been described above.
  • the shape and function of these portions formed in a metal cap maybe essentially similar to those of second and third portions of a plastic cap (eg as described in GB1413249.2).
  • the inner surface of the skirt of the metal closure may be formed to have a shape which is substantially similar to that of the inner surface of a closure formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials), although the radii of edges between adjacent surfaces and between adjacent portions thereof may be increased (due to the differences between manufacturing by metal forming rather than injection moulding) .
  • the wall thickness (gauge) of the metal closure is substantially less, eg in the range 0.18mm - 0.22mm (compared to around 1.65mm for a plastic closure).
  • the metal used may be similar to that used in conventional metal closures, eg as used for other types of twist off caps, such as tinplate (a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin).
  • tinplate a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin. This material typically has a gauge of around 0.14 - 0.18 mm and a yield stress of around 580 - 620 MPa.
  • the metal closure may be used to close a container formed of a plastics material (as described above) or other material, eg a metal container or a glass container.
  • Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a container formed of metal (instead of a plastic material) that may be used with the metal closures such as described in relation to Figs 2 to 3 (and Figs 7 and 9).
  • the metal container is designed to correspond to the plastic container shown in Fig IB.
  • the metal is formed, eg by stamping from the interior, so that the outer surface of the container has projecting first portions 11 A which have substantially the same shape and function as those of a plastic container ( B the cross-section in Fig 4 shows these features as seen from the interior of the container).
  • the outer surface of this part of the metal container may be formed to have a shape which is similar to that of the outer surface of the corresponding part of a container formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials).
  • the wall thickness (gauge) of the metal container is substantially less, eg in the range 0.14mm - 0.18 mm (compared to around 2.0 - 2.5 mm in the neck portion for a plastic container and around 0.7 - 1.0 mm in the portion of a plastic container formed by blow moulding).
  • the uppermost part of the metal container is formed so as to provide an inclined lead- in surface 12 for receiving an o-ring (as may also provided in plastic containers) and venting channels 14 within this lead-in surface.
  • the upper part of the container may have a rolled edge as shown and the lead-in surface and venting channels pressed or stamped on the inner surface of this.
  • the inner surface of this part of the metal container may be formed to have a shape which is similar to that of the inner surface of the corresponding part of a container formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials). However, the wall thickness (gauge) of the metal container is again substantially less (as described above).
  • the metal container may be formed from a metal similar to that used in conventional steel beverage containers. Such materials typically have a gauge of around 0.20 - 0.25 mm and a yield stress of around 350 - 420 MPa.
  • the weight and material cost of a metal closure or container may thus be less than the weight and material cost of a corresponding closure or container formed of a plastics material.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of a metal closure that may be mounted on a plastic container or a metal container similar to those described above.
  • Figure 7 shows the closure prior to it being mounted on a container
  • Figure 8A shows the closure in a position corresponding to that described in relation to Fig 6C (and which corresponds to a venting position) in which the o-ring initially engages the inclined lead in surface
  • Figure 8B shows it when mounted on the container (and shows how the o-ring carried by the closure is deformed in this position).
  • the metal closure can again be formed in a pressing operation in which the bore feature 22 is formed by pressing an inverted shape.
  • the side wall of the bore feature 22 is then rolled to form the indent, or recess 23B, for receiving an o-ring 23.
  • the skirt 21 of the metal closure has grooves rolled in its outer surface to form projections 24A on the inner surface which provide the second portions. Grooves are also rolled in the outer surface of the skirt 21 to form projections 25 A on the inner surface which provide the third portions.
  • the third portions 25A may be formed in the lower, distal edge of the closure by curling the edge inwards, eg as it is turned inwards to provide a convex edge (as in conventional metal closures).
  • the second and third portions 24A and 25A have substantially the same shape and function as those described above and in the first embodiment.
  • the inner surface of the skirt of the metal closure may be thus formed to have a shape which is similar to that of the inner surface of a closure formed of plastic (or other mouldable materials).
  • the wall thickness (gauge) of the metal closure is substantially less, eg in the range 0.18mm - 0.22mm (compared to around 1.65mm for a plastic closure).
  • the metal used may be similar to that used in conventional metal closures, eg as used for other types of twist off caps, such as tinplate (a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin).
  • tinplate a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin.
  • This material typically has a gauge of around 0.14 - 0.18 mm and a yield stress of around 580 - 620 MPa.
  • the recess 23B comprises an upper side wall 23C which is substantially planar and lies substantially perpendicular to the axis A, a lower side wall 23D which slopes downwards and radially inwards and a back wall 23E which is substantially planar and substantially parallel to the axis A and joins the upper and lower sidewalls 23C and 23D. It will be appreciated that as the recess 23B is formed by a rolling operation, the join between the back surface and the upper and lower side walls is curved.
  • a closure from a plastic material by injection moulding imposes restraints on the manner in which the o-ring is retained on the bore component due to the need to be able to release the closure from the mould. In practice, this requires the o-ring to be retained by the use of relatively short flexible fingers so the closure can be sprung out of the mould.
  • the formation of a closure from metal plate enables the o-ring to be retained by a lower side wall 23D as described above and, importantly, for this side wall to extend radially outwards further than flexible fingers such as those mentioned above.
  • the o-ring to be retained more securely on the bore component (so reducing any tendency for it to become detached from the bore component as it is withdrawn from the container).
  • the further the lower side wall 23D projects radially outwards the less the possibility that the elevated pressure within the container can act on radially inner portions of the o-ring 23 so as to potentially stretch the o-ring and/or for a portion of the o-ring being dislodged from the recess 23B as it is forced upwards by a sudden release of pressure within the container (and the consequent sudden release of gas) during venting.
  • a portion of the o-ring 23 is forced upwards into a gap between the bore component 22 and the container 10 (this gap increasing in size as the closure is moved upwards from the position shown in Fig 8B to the position shown in Fig 8A) by this release of gas, it may be more difficult to maintain a controlled venting of the container and, when the closure is refitted to the container, the dislodged portion of the o-ring 23 can become trapped between the frusto-conical portion 22A of the bore component and the container 10 and so prevent re-closure and/or re-sealing of the container.
  • the pressure within the container acts more on radially outer portions of the o-ring 23 and so does not have a tendency to stretch the o-ring or dislodge it from the recess 23B.
  • the upper side wall 23C extends in a radial direction by a distance f (f being at least 1 ⁇ 2 the diameter of the o-ring cross-section prior to compression) from the back wall 23E and the lower side wall 23D extends in a radial direction by a distance s from the back wall 37C, the distance s being at least 1/2 of the distance f.
  • the distance s is preferably at least 1/3 of the diameter of the circular cross-section of the o-ring (prior to deformation of this cross-section), and preferably 1/3 - 2/3 of the diameter of the o-ring.
  • the situation is reversed as the lower side wall of the recess has the dimension f and the upper side wall the dimension s, as in this case the o- ring is pressed into contact with the lower side wall by elevated pressure within the container and the upper side wall merely helps retain the o-ring in the recess prior to the closure being fitted to the container.
  • the portion 22A of the bore component 22 above the recess 23B is inclined to the axis A and thus has a substantially frusto-conical shape and the angle of its inclination corresponds to the angle of inclination of the lead-in surface 12 of the container, this lead-in surface 12 also being frusto-conical (although including venting channels 14 in some arrangements).
  • the frusto-conical portion 22A of the bore component thus lies adjacent and substantially parallel to the lead-in surface 12 when the closure is mounted on the container.
  • Figures 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a metal closure. This is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs 7 and 8 except for the shape of the recess 23B in which the o-ring is located.
  • the lower side wall 23D' of the recess 23B in this embodiment is substantially planar and substantially perpendicular to the axis A (rather than being inclined as in the second embodiment).
  • the lower side wall 23D' may also extend radially outwards from the back wall 23E by a distance s similar to which the upper side wall 23C extends radially outwards.
  • the o-ring 23 is thus located in a recess 23B, or gland, which has a substantially rectangular shape (with rounded corners).
  • This shape gland is also able to provide a seal in positive and negative pressure applications, ie where the pressure within the container is greater than that outside the container and vice versa.
  • the o-ring sealing member 23 may also be provided within a recess 23 A in the skirt portion 21 of the closure and arranged to seal with an external sealing surface IOC of the container 10.
  • Figures 11 A and 1 IB show cross-sections of such an arrangement in a sealed position and a venting position, respectively.
  • Figures 11 A and 1 IB show a metal closure mounted on a container formed of a plastics material (or other mouldable material). The uppermost portion of the external surface of the container is inclined to the vertical so as to provide an inclined surface 10B on which the o-ring 23 rests when the closure is initially mounted on the container 10 and than acts to compress the o-ring 23 in the horizontal direction as the closure is rotated downwards towards the sealing position.
  • the inclined surface 10B thus provides the same function as the lead-in surface 12 described in earlier embodiments (except that the horizontal force it applies to the o-ring is in the radially outward direction rather than radially inward).
  • the cross-section of the o-ring 23 is deformed by the compressive force within a gland defined by the recess 23 A or groove in which the o-ring is located and the sealing surface IOC of the container.
  • the o-ring sealing member 23 is able to move and/or deform within this gland so as to provide a liquid and gas-tight seal between the closure and the container, and in particular when there is a pressure differential across the seal, eg due to elevated pressure within the container. Venting grooves (not shown) may be provided in the inclined surface 10B in a similar manner to those provided in the lead-in surface 12.
  • FIG 11 shows the closure having a substantially flat top part 20 extending across the mouth of the container (although other concave or convex shapes may be used).
  • Figures 12 to 19 illustrate embodiments in which the closure is formed of two initially separate portions, a skirt portion and a closing portion, such that the skirt portion may be first secured to the neck of a container and a closing portion subsequently irreversibly secured to the skirt portion so as to complete the closure (typically after the container has been filled, eg with a beverage or some other foodstuff or other material).
  • Such closures are further described in co-pending application GB 1522544.4.
  • the filling technique intentionally creates a froth (known as fob) which is used to expel air form a headspace above the liquid beverage and, as the container neck is relatively narrow, the filling process can be accurately controlled to minimise over-fill or spillage (so such filling lines do not usually have a rinsing station to rinse the container neck prior to fitting a closure to the container).
  • fob a froth
  • the filling process can be accurately controlled to minimise over-fill or spillage (so such filling lines do not usually have a rinsing station to rinse the container neck prior to fitting a closure to the container).
  • This is much more difficult to achieve as filling within 10 mm of the brim is likely to cause overflowing and contamination of the threads on the container neck so rinsing might be required prior to fitting the closure.
  • the alternative is to fill in a manner which does not cause fobbing but if no fob is created, air is not excluded from the headspace so the contents are exposed to oxidation.
  • a typical can filling line thus has both a filler (with associated gas flushing apparatus) and a seaming station for immediately attaching the end of the can to the can body to form a closed container with minimal oxygen therein.
  • a significant advantage of the embodiments of Figs 12 to 19 is to make use of such a can filling and closing line to create a container having a closure releasably secured thereto and, in particular a wide mouth closure.
  • these embodiments exploit the fact that a conventional can filling line is combined with a seamer to close the can immediately after it has been filled by providing a particular form of container which can be filled and closed in the same way yet provides a container with a releasable wide-mouth closure.
  • the invention thus enables a container having a releasable closure (and preferably a wide mouth closure and/or a closure which can be re-fitted after removal), to be filled on a conventional can filling line and for the container to be closed by using the seaming apparatus to irreversibly secure a closing portion to the skirt portion so as to complete formation of the releasable closure.
  • the closing portion can be irreversibly secured to the skirt portion by a seamed joint, ie the same technology as used to secure the end of a conventional beverage can (such as a ring-pull can).
  • a seamed joint ie the same technology as used to secure the end of a conventional beverage can (such as a ring-pull can).
  • This enables an improved form of container (ie a with mouth container with a releasable closure and, optionally, re-sealable closure) to be compatible with existing can filling and closing lines with little or no modification.
  • closures shown in Figs 12 to 19 preferably have a threadform similar to that described above and in in co-pending GB1413249.2.
  • Other threadforms can be used (but will not have the additional advantages of those described in GB1413249.2).
  • the closure also preferably has sealing means in the form of an o-ring as described above and in WO2011/151630 and GB1413249.2.
  • the o-ring may engage a sealing surface around the exterior of the neck portion of the container whereas in other embodiments the o-ring may engage a sealing surface around an internal surface of the neck portion of the container.
  • the o-ring is preferably mounted in a groove in the skirt portion of the closure or in a bore member which projects into the mouth of the container.
  • the bore member is preferably part of the skirt portion but other arrangements in which it is part of the closing portion can also be envisaged.
  • Other forms of sealing member for proving a seal between the closure and the container can be used (particularly in applications in which elevated pressures within the container do not need to be catered for).
  • the closure is also preferably designed to be movable between a first secured and sealed position to a second secured venting position (in which the contents can vent but the closure remains attached to the container) and then to an open position.
  • Other forms of venting may however be used.
  • Figure 13 shows a wide-mouth container 10 having has an opening 10A defining an axis A and has an outwardly projecting first member around an external surface of the container 10, the first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions 11 A (four in the example shown), each first portion 11 A has an upper surface 1 IB, a lower surface 11C, a first end surface 1 ID and a second end surface 1 IE.
  • the upper surface 1 IB is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction but may be curved or inclined in the radial direction.
  • the lower surface 11C is also substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.
  • the spaced apart portions of the first member form an intermittent, outwardly projecting lip which may be located at or near the upper end of the container 10 or, as in the embodiment shown, spaced from the upper end of the container 10, eg by a distance in the range 6 - 15 mm and preferably 9 - 12 mm.
  • the horizontal elements of the first portions 11 A are separated from each other in the circumferential direction and do not overlap with each other in the vertical direction.
  • the uppermost portion 10B of the external surface of the container is inclined to axis A so as to provide a lead-in surface to compress/deform the o-ring as the skirt portion of the closure is drawn downwards relative the container.
  • the inclined surface leads to a sealing surface IOC which may also be slightly inclined to the axis A (as shown) or may be a substantially parallel sided, cylindrical portion of the external surface of the container 10.
  • a plurality of venting grooves or passages may be provided at spaced apart positions around the circumference of the lead-in surface to facilitate venting of the container.
  • the container shown in Fig 13 again has a handling groove 15 in the external surface thereof to facilitate handling of the closure as it passes through automatic machinery, eg during manufacture and subsequent processes such as washing, filling, closing etc.
  • the handling groove may not be required.
  • the container may be formed of a plastics material, eg polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and is typically formed in a two-stage moulding process: forming a preform in a first injection moulding stage which forms the features above the groove 15 and then a second blow moulding stage in which the preform is blown to form the container shape beneath the groove 15.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the first portions 11 A and/or the groove 15 may be used to hold the preform during the blow moulding stage.
  • the container may also be formed of other materials, eg glass or metal or of a combination of materials.
  • some embodiments of the invention comprises a metal container with a metal closure, although a metal closure may also be provided on a container formed of another material, eg plastic or glass.
  • Figure 12 shows a skirt portion 21 of a metal closure.
  • the closure initially comprises the skirt portion 21 and a separate closing portion 22C (shown in Fig 15).
  • the skirt portion 21 carries a sealing member 23, for example an o-ring, so that the sealing member 23 provides a seal between an external sealing surface IOC of the container 10 and the skirt portion 21 when the skirt portion 21 is mounted on the container 10 as shown in Figure 14.
  • the o-ring 23 is located in a groove or gland 23 A provided in the inner surface of the skirt portion 21.
  • the following description refers to the initial mounting of the skirt portion 21 (prior to securement of a closing portion 22C thereto). Once the closure has been completed by irreversibly securing the closing portion 22C to the skirt portion 21 (as described further below) and following removal of the closure from the container 10 by a user, the closure can subsequently be re-mounted on the container 10 to close it again. This involves the same sequence of interactions between the thread features (first portions 11 A and second portions 24A) of the skirt portion and the container described below.
  • the skirt portion 21 of the closure is movable between a first position in which the second portions 24A (or at least part of the second portions) engage the upper surfaces 1 IB of the first portions 11 A, a second position (following rotation and downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10), in which the sealing member 23 contacts the container 10 in a non-sealing position and the second portions 24 A are aligned with spaces between the first portions 11 A, and a third position (corresponding to the position shown in Fig 3), following further rotation and further downward movement of the closure relative to the container 10, in which the sealing member 23 has been moved downwards to sealingly engage the sealing surface IOC of the container and the second portions 24A are located beneath the first portions 11 A and in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of the lower surfaces 11C thereof.
  • the second portions 24 A are initially located above the first portions 11 A and are then moved so they pass through the spaces between the first portions 11 A and finally to a position in which they are located beneath the first portions 11 A.
  • the upper surfaces 24B of the second portions 24A are substantially horizontal and substantially flat throughout their length (or at least between the inclined ends 24D and 24E of the second portions 24 A), so they can slide horizontally beneath the lower surfaces 1 IC of the first portions 11 A, the lower surfaces 1 IC also being substantially horizontal and substantially flat throughout their length (or at least between the ends 1 ID and 1 IE of the first portions 11 A).
  • the second portions 24A are located beneath the first portions 11 A and, to release the closure it is necessary to move the second portions so they are aligned with the gaps between the first portions 11 A so they can pass though these gaps. Accordingly, if it is desired to prevent removal of the closure and/or provide a tamper evident feature, this can be achieved by inserting a blocking feature (not shown) into one or more of the gaps between the first portions 11 A to prevent the second portions 24A being moved into alignment with said gaps and/or pass through said gaps until the blocking feature has been moved out of the way.
  • a blocking feature not shown
  • Such a blocking feature can be provided in a variety of ways. It may, for example, be attached to the closure or may be separate therefrom. It may be arranged so that when sufficient torque is applied thereto it ruptures and/or moves radially outwards so it no longer blocks movement of the second portion 24A into alignment with the gaps between the first portions 11 A. In some cases, the blocking feature is positioned such that if the closure begins to be rotated in the loosening direction, the second portion 24A engages one side of the blocking features which blocks further rotation of the second portion 24A.
  • the blocking feature has a width similar to the length of the gap between the first portions 11 A, circumferential movement of the blocking feature in the loosening direction may also be prevented by another side of the blocking feature engaging an end a first portion 11 A.
  • the first portions 11 A have inclined end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE. These may lie at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal but shallower angles in the range 15 to 20 degrees may be used .
  • the end surface 1 ID may extend from the upper surface 1 IB to the lower surface 11C. However, the end surface 1 IE may not extend all the way from the lower surface 11C to the upper surface 1 IB.
  • the end surfaces 1 ID and 1 IE of the first portions may also have other forms.
  • Figure 14 shows a cross-section of a skirt portion 21 of a closure and container 10 in the secured position.
  • the o-ring 23 has been driven downwards to sealingly engage the sealing surface IOC around the exterior of the container. This involves compression of the o-ring 23 and the above arrangement in which the downward movement of the closure which causes this is effected by rotation of the closure provides a significant mechanical advantage in providing the force required to compress the o-ring 23, particularly for a wide-mouth closure in which the closure has a relatively large diameter (eg compared to a bottle cap).
  • the closure is formed from two initially separate parts: the skirt portion 21 (as shown in Fig 12) and the closing portion 22C (as shown in Fig 15). Both parts of the closure are preferably formed of metal and can be formed by pressing and/or rolling operations or other metal forming techniques.
  • the skirt portion 21 may, for example, have grooves rolled in its outer surface to form projections 24 A on the inner surface which provide the second portions 24A.
  • the third portions 25A may also be formed by further grooves rolled in the outer surface to form projections 25 A on the inner surface.
  • the third portions 25A may be formed in the lower lip of the skirt portion, eg as it is turned upwards to provide a convex edge (as in conventional metal closures).
  • the wall thickness (gauge) of such a metal closure may typically be in the range 0.14mm - 0.24mm.
  • the metal used may be similar to that used in conventional metal closures, eg as used for other types of twist off caps, for example tinplate (a low carbon mild steel coated on both surfaces with an electrolytic deposition of tin).
  • the metal closure may also be formed from aluminium sheet as used in known aluminium beverage containers and closures, for example as used for roll on pilfer-proof (ROPP) closures.
  • ROPP roll on pilfer-proof
  • aluminium also enables the provision of a tamper evident band on the closure, for example a drop-band which separates from the closure as the closure is removed (and which could drop into the handling groove 15) or a split-band which is ruptured when the closure is removed and comes away with the closure.
  • a tamper evident band on the closure for example a drop-band which separates from the closure as the closure is removed (and which could drop into the handling groove 15) or a split-band which is ruptured when the closure is removed and comes away with the closure.
  • the closing portion 22C may be secured thereto.
  • the closing portion 22C is located onto an upstanding cylindrical part 21 A of the skirt portion so as to close an opening 21B in the skirt portion 21 as shown in Fig 16, eg by locating an angled flange 22D around the periphery of the closing portion 22C over the cylindrical part 21 A of the skirt portion 21.
  • Flange 22D may then be compressed in a seaming operation to form a seamed joint with the cylindrical part 21 A as shown in the cross-sectional view in Fig 17.
  • the closing portion 22C is thus irreversibly secured to the skirt portion 21 to complete the formation of the closure.
  • the completed closure is formed so it is releasably secured to the container 10.
  • Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the completed closure secured to the container as in Fig 17.
  • the method described above for forming a releasable closure allows the skirt portion of the closure to first be fitted to the container, for the container to then be filled, eg with a beverage, through the opening 2 IB in the skirt portion 21, and the closing portion 22C to then be secured to the skirt portion 21, ie after the container has been filled.
  • FIGS. 19 A, 19B and 19C are cross sectional views of a further embodiment of a closure formed from two parts. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figs 12-19 but with some minor differences.
  • Fig 19A shows the skirt part 21 secured to the container 10 in the sealed position prior to the closing part 22C of the closure being secured to the skirt part 21.
  • Figures 12-19 illustrated a simple form of seamed join whereas Fig 19 shows a more conventional double seamed joint.
  • the upper end of the cylindrical portion of the skirt part 21 is typically curved or flared outwardly as shown in Fig 19A and in the completed seamed joint this is folded over so that the upper end of the cylindrical portion is folded into an inverted U-shape as shown in Fig 19B.
  • the flange at the periphery of the closing portion 22C is also formed into a U-shape which interlocks with the inverted U-shape of the skirt portion 21.
  • the periphery of the closing portion 22C may also undergo a further 180 degree bend to form a further inverted U-shape over the joint as shown in Fig 19B.
  • This double seamed joint is well known and commonly used in securing an end to a metal can.
  • Figure 23 shows an enlarged view of this type of seamed joint (in this case between the container body 10 and a base portion 16).
  • Such a double seamed joint may be used in all embodiments in which the closure comprises two parts seamed together of the base of the container body is closed by a closing portion seamed thereto.
  • Figure 19 also shows another example of a metal closure fitted to a plastic container 10. It also shows more clearly the upper end of the external surface of the container being angled (by about 10 to 30 degrees) to the vertical to provide a surface 10B corresponding to the lead- in surface of the embodiments having an internal o-ring seal.
  • the external sealing surface IOC of the container 10 may be substantially cylindrical (and thus substantially vertical) but may also, as shown in Fig 19 be at a small angle (typically up to 5 degrees) to the vertical so the diameter of the sealing surface IOC increases slightly further away from the mouth of the container.
  • Figure 19B shows the closure in the sealed position on the container 10 with the o-ring seal 23 engaging the external sealing surface IOC of the container.
  • the closure When the closure is rotated in the loosening direction it moves upwards relative to the container (as described in relation to the earlier embodiments) until upward movement is arrested by engagement of the third portions 25 A of projections of the closure engage the underside of the first portions 1 1 A of the container.
  • This is the venting position in which the o-ring seal 23 engages the inclined surface 10B at the upper end of the container so the o-ring 23 is no longer compressed so gas can escape from the interior of the container past the o-ring 23.
  • the container shown in Figure 19 is also shaped to provide a small shoulder 10D beneath the sealing surface IOC. This provides a transfer feature to enable the closure to be picked up by automatic handling machinery.
  • some embodiments seek to provide a container and closure that is compatible with existing fill and close lines as used in the canning industry to ensure that the cost of manufacturing the containers and closures is kept low, and preferably comparable with existing containers. This also means that investment in manufacturing equipment, eg for filling and closing such containers is kept down.
  • Figures 20 to 23 provide another way of achieving this by providing a container body with a releasable closure secured to one end but open at the other end.
  • the container body When the container body is inverted (so the open end is uppermost) it thus presents the filling and closing line with an open cylindrical form which may be identical to the open cylindrical form of the upper end of a conventional can body and can thus be filled and closed on a conventional filling and closing line with little or no modification. Further details of this method of filling the container are provided in co-pending application GB 1601501.8.
  • This embodiment thus enables an improved form of container (ie a with mouth container with a releasable closure and, optionally, re-sealable closure) to be compatible with existing can filling and closing lines with little or no modification.
  • container ie a with mouth container with a releasable closure and, optionally, re-sealable closure
  • the closure preferably has a thread form similar to that described in co-pending GB 1413249.2 and as described above in relation to the earlier embodiments.
  • Other thread forms can be used (but will not have the additional advantages of those described in
  • the closure also preferably has sealing means in the form of an o-ring as disclosed in WO2011/151630 and in GB 1413249.2 and as described in the earlier embodiments.
  • the o-ring may engage a sealing surface around the exterior of the neck portion of the container whereas in other embodiment the o-ring may engage a sealing surface around an internal surface of the neck portion of the container.
  • Figure 20 shows an exploded view of an embodiment comprising a wide mouth container body 10 having first engagement means in the form of circumferentially spaced apart projections 11 A around the exterior thereof at a first end 10A thereof, a releasable closure having second engagement means in the form of circumferentially spaced apart projections 24A around the interior thereof for releasably mounting on the first end 10A of the container body by engagement of the first and second engagement means, and a container closing portion 16 for irreversibly securing to a second end 10B of the container body 10.
  • Figures 21 A and 21B show perspective views of the exterior and interior of the releasable closure and the projections 24 A thereof. Further description of the releasable closure will be given below.
  • Figures 22 A and 22B show perspective and front views of the container body 10 and the projections 11 A thereof.
  • the container body 10 is illustrated in the upright position, ie with its first opening 10A uppermost, and the description of the engagement means and the mounting of the releasable closure thereto is given with the container body 10 in this orientation.
  • the container body 10 is formed of metal and has a first opening defining an axis A at the first end 10A thereof and first engagement means towards the first end 10A thereof.
  • the first engagement means comprises an outwardly projecting first member around an external surface of the container 10, the first member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first portions 11 A (four in the example shown), each first portion 11 A has an upper surface 1 IB, a lower surface 11C, a first end surface 1 ID and a second end surface 1 IE.
  • the upper surface 1 IB is substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction but may be curved or inclined in the radial direction.
  • the lower surface 11C is also substantially horizontal in the circumferential direction and, in the embodiment shown, is substantially horizontal, and substantially flat, in the radial direction.
  • the first portions have substantially similar shape and function to those described in earlier embodiments.
  • Figures 22A and 22B show sectional views of the releasable closure prior to and after being releasably mounted to the first end 10A of the container body 10 by engagement of the projections 24A of the closure with the projections 11 A of the container body 10.
  • Figures 22A and 22B also show an o-ring seal 23 mounted in a groove 23 A in a skirt portion 21 of the closure for providing a seal between the closure and a sealing surface IOC around the exterior of the container body 10.
  • the container body 10 and container closing portion 16 are preferably formed of metal, although might in some circumstances be formed of other materials, eg plastic or of a combination of materials.
  • a preferred form of the invention comprises a metal container with a releasable closure also formed of metal, although the releasable closure may be formed of other material, eg a plastics material.
  • a plastic container 10 formed by injection moulding and then blow moulding may not be suitable for housing a carbonated beverage which requires pasteurisation as the base of the container may distort during the process so that it no longer provides a stable platform on which the container 10 can be stood.
  • the walls of the container are subject to biaxial stretching so the material thereof changes from an amorphous form to a more rigid crystalline structure.
  • the base of the plastic container may still be amorphous and thus subject to deformation at elevated temperature and pressure. In such a situation, it may be desirable to cut off the amorphous end of the blow moulding and seam a metal closing portion 16 thereto in the manner described above.
  • the closure is releasably secured to the body portion of the container in essentially the same manner as described in earlier embodiments.
  • the container body can be filled through the second opening in its second end. This may be done by inverting the container so the second opening is uppermost and then filling the container body with a liquid (or other contents). As mentioned above, this may be done in a conventional can filling line arranged to fill the container in a non-fobbing manner.
  • the second opening can then be closed by securing a container closing portion thereto.
  • a container closing portion can be secured thereto, eg by forming a seamed joint therebetween.
  • a container closing portion 16 is aligned with the second opening of the container body 10 and a flange around its periphery located onto an upstanding part of the container body 10. The flange is then compressed in a seaming operation to form a seamed joint with the container.
  • the container closing portion 16 is thus irreversibly secured to the container body 10 to complete the formation of the container.
  • the container 10 can them be returned to an upright position and the seamed joint forms a base of the container on which it can stably stand on a flat surface.
  • Figure 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a double seamed joint that may be formed between the container body 10 and the closing portion 16.
  • this form of joint is well known and commonly used to secure the top of a can (typically including a ring-pull or narrow diameter screw threaded closure) to the upper end of a can body.
  • Figures 24A - 24F show a further embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Fig 11 but with six sets of first and second portions around the circumference of the container and the closure.
  • Fig 24A is a perspective view of the closure mounted on the container.
  • Fig 24B and 24C show the container on its own.
  • the container is similar to that shown in Fig 11, Fig 14 and Fig 19 apart from having six first portions 11 A round the periphery thereof.
  • Figures 24D to 24F illustrate the closure which, again is similar to closure of earlier embodiments, eg those of Fig 11 and Fig 21 apart from having six second portions 24A and six third portions 25A around the circumference thereof.
  • the first portions 11 A and second portions 24 A are similar to those of earlier embodiments (eg as shown in Fig 1 and Fig 13 and in Fig 2 and Fig 12) apart from having a shorter circumferential length.
  • the combined circumferential length of the lower surfaces 11 A and of the upper surfaces 24B of the substantially horizontal elements of the first and second portions are however still maximised as is the length of the engagement therebetween in the closed position.
  • the third portions 25 A are also similar to those of earlier embodiments (eg those of Fig2 and Fig 12) but have an detent 25E at one end thereof which, when the closure is rotated in the loosening direction, is arranged to engage the end 1 ID of a first portion 11 A to prevent further rotation in the loosening direction until the container has vented whereupon the closure can be pushed downwards slightly relative to the container so as to disengage the detent 25E from the end 11 A so the third portion can continue to slide beneath the first portion in the loosening direction.
  • the lower surface 1 1C of the first portion may be co-planar with the upper surface of the handling groove 15. However, this need not be the case and in other embodiments the lower surface 1 ID may be spaced from the groove 15.
  • Figures 25 A - 25C show another embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Fig 24 but without a handling recess or transfer feature on the container.
  • the inclined surface 10B leads to a substantially cylindrical surface part of which provides the sealing surface 10A.
  • FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C show schematic drawings of the first and second portions (six of each in this example) suitable for a negative pressure application.
  • Fig 26A the second portions located beneath the first portions in the closed position with the substantially horizontal elements engaging each other.
  • Fig 26B shows the portions after the closure has been rotated in the opening direction just before the horizontal elements disengage from each other.
  • Fig 26C show the second portions after they have been rotated further in the loosening direction and driven upwards relative to the first portions (just prior to removal of the closure from the container).
  • the first and second portions interact with each other as in previous embodiments except that the driving upwards of the closure is against the negative pressure within the container. In this application, there is, of course, no need to provide third portions or other provision for venting excess pressure from the container.
  • Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment similar to that of Fig 11 in which the metal closure has a plastic component provided on the internal surface thereof.
  • the top part 20 and skirt part 21 of the closure are formed of metal and provide the closure with the necessary strength (in particular against distortion when subject to elevated temperature and pressure - such as during pasteurisation) and provides the required gas barrier properties, eg to prevent ingress of oxygen and/or egress of carbon dioxide (or other carbonating gas).
  • the plastic component provides the groove for receiving the o-ring seal and the second and third portions of the threadform used to secure the closure to the container.
  • the container shown in similar to that shown in earlier embodiments using a plastic container.
  • the plastic component may be Over-moulded' to the interior of the metal component so that it is bonded thereto so the two components function as a single
  • Such a closure may also be used on containers formed of other materials.
  • the closure shown in Fig 27 has the advantages of both a metal closure and a plastic closure.
  • the metal part provides strength and gas barrier properties and the plastic component provides parts having a more intricate shape which can be more easily formed, eg by an injection moulding process.
  • the cross-sectional area of the gland is greater than the cross- sectional area of the o-ring 23 so the o-ring 23 is able to move and/or deform within the gland (eg as illustrated in Figs 8B and 11 A so that it provides a sealing function as described in WO2011/151630 (rather than simply being a compression seal which happens to have a circular cross-section).
  • a sealing function as described in WO2011/151630 (rather than simply being a compression seal which happens to have a circular cross-section).
  • an o-ring 23 located within a gland provides a very different sealing function to a compression seal.
  • the o-ring moves and deforms within the gland as the closure is moved from the position shown in Fig 8A to the position shown in Fig 8B (or from the position shown in Fig 1 lb to the position shown in Fig 11 A).
  • the o-ring is able to deform further if subject to an increased pressure differential to further enhance the seal between the container and the closure.
  • Such deformation of the o-ring is particularly important when the seal provided by the o- ring needs to resist relatively high pressure differentials, eg of several atmospheres (1 atmosphere is approx. 1 x 10 5 Pascals) when the container contains a carbonated beverage.
  • the compression ratio of the o-ring is preferably in the range 20-25% and the gland fill in the range 50-90% and preferably in the range 65-85%.
  • the o-ring seal may be provided internally (as in Figs 1 to 10) or externally (as in Figs 11-23).
  • the o-ring seal may be located in a recess formed in the inner surface of the skirt portion of the closure and arranged to seal with an external surface of the container when the closure is fitted to the container.
  • the recess and o-ring may be similar to those described in relation to Figs 1 to 10 other than being provided in the skirt of the cap rather than a bore component.
  • the uppermost portion of the external surface of the container is inclined so as to provide a surface corresponding to the lead-in surface of the embodiments described above to compress/deform the o-ring as the closure is drawn downwards relative the container.
  • a closure may be also provided with a bore component that fits within the mouth of the container as described above. This bore component need not have a recess therein for receiving a further o-ring (although an internal o-ring as described above could also be provided in addition to the external o-ring on the skirt of the closure).
  • a closure with an external o-ring provided in a recess in the skirt of the cap (as described above) but without a bore component is also possible.
  • the thread features provided on the closure (and the container) of a closure having such an external o-ring may be essentially similar and function in a similar manner to those described above.
  • first, second and third portions are each equi- angularly spaced around the circumference of the container and closure.
  • these it would be possible for these to be non-uniformly spaced, eg if it is desired to provide a large spacing between the portions in one or more areas so as to provide a more comfortable are to drink from.
  • the illustrated embodiments each have four first portions (and four second portions and four third portions) but, as indicated, a smaller or greater number may be used depending on the diameter of the closure and container and the pressure the closure is designed to withstand. In some applications, it may be desirable to provide, for example, six first portions (and six second portions). Such embodiments may also have six third portions (although fewer may be used, eg three third portions). Using a larger number of first and second portions can help provide the closure with more uniform strength or rigidity around its circumference which can help minimise the tendency for it to be distorted into a non-circular shape when subject to high temperature and pressure (eg during pasteurisation). As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the first portions all have the same form and function and, similarly, all of the second portions have the same form and function.
  • the lower surfaces of the first portions and the upper surfaces of the second portions are, as described preferably substantially flat in the radial direction. However, in some embodiments, eg on a bottle neck, these surface may be angle or curved in the radial direction so long as the interaction between the surfaces in the vertical direction is sufficient to provide the required securement of the closure on the container in the vertical direction.
  • the first portions preferably have a simple and relatively smooth shape so as to minimise their impact on the appearance of the container and their impact on the user's lips whereas the second (and optionally third) portions on the closure may have a more complex shape as they do not come into contact with the users lips and as they are concealed to some extent on the inner surface of the closure.
  • the first portion may have a more complex shape.
  • One possibility is for the downwardly and upwardly angled ends of the second portions to be provided instead on the first portions.
  • Another possibility would be for the first portions to be provided on the closure and the second portions on the container.
  • the upwardly angled ends may also be omitted if the pressure within the container is relied upon to assist the user in lifting the closure once the engagement of the third portions beneath the second portions has been released.
  • the first and second portions of the thread form for securing the metal closure to the container have elements with elongate surfaces which are substantially horizontal.
  • the engagement between upper surfaces of the first portions and lower surfaces of the second portions secures the closure on the container and resists upward movement of the closure relative to the container.
  • the frictional engagement between these surfaces also resists rotation of the closure in the loosening direction until sufficient torque is applied to overcome this. In view of the length of the engagement of these surfaces, this is, in many cases, sufficient to prevent inadvertent loosening of the closure.
  • it may be desirable to provide some additional resistance to rotation of the closure in the loosening direction eg if the closure is subject to vibration.
  • One way of achieving this is to provide a detent at the end of one of the surfaces, eg on one or more of the second portions, that engages part of a first member so as to inhibit rotation in the loosening direction but which can be overcome by a small downward movement of the closure relative to the container (followed by rotation in the loosening direction).
  • this may be arranged so that whilst the pressure is elevated, the detent is held in a position in which it resists rotation of the closure but, once the excess pressure has been vented, the closure can be depressed to overcome the action of the detent.
  • Another option is to incline the engaging surfaces slightly, eg by up to 1- 2 degrees , so that in order to rotate the closure in the loosening direction, the closure has to move downwards slightly as these (slightly inclined) engaging surfaces slide over each other.
  • This reverse inclination of surfaces need only be very small to provide the required resistance to inadvertent loosening of the closure so the surfaces are still 'substantially horizontal' .
  • the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is preferably at least 50% or at least 75%, of the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions.
  • the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal upper surfaces of the second portions is preferably substantially the same as the circumferential length of the substantially horizontal lower surfaces of the first portions.
  • each first portion preferably has a circumferential length substantially similar to the circumferential length of said elements of the second portions and preferably said elements of the second portions are in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of said lower surfaces of said first portions when the closure is secured to the container.
  • circumferential lengths of the first portions is preferably substantially half the outer circumference of the container at the position at which the first portions are provided thereon.
  • circumferential length of the first portions is preferably about 50% of the external
  • the second portions are in contact with substantially the entire circumferential length of the lower surfaces of said first portions.
  • the combined circumferential length of the first portions (and of the second portions) may be less but is preferably at least 15 - 25% of the external circumference of the container (or closure) to help ensure the closure is securely held on the container (as it may still be subject to a pressure differential due to temperature changes or to reduced external pressure).
  • the gaps between the first portions or second portions become too large, there is a risk that the closure may distort to a non-circular shape which can prejudice the seal between the container and the closure.
  • the second portions may be in contact with less than the entire
  • the length of contact should be sufficient to enable the surfaces to slide over each other and sufficient to withstand the pressure to which the closure will be subjected to without the second portions becoming indented in, or otherwise damaging, the first portions.
  • circumferential spacing between the first portions must be sufficient to allow the second portions to pass therebetween.
  • the second portions may have one or more inclined ends, and these may pass at an angle between the first portions, the horizontal elements of the second portions must be shorter than the circumferential spacing between the first portions (whether they pass vertically or at an angle through the gaps therebetween).
  • the closure may initially be applied to the container my machinery during manufacture or in a closing and filling line
  • the ability for the end user to be able to re-close and re-seal the container after its initial opening is a significant advantage in many applications.
  • the provision of a closure which can also be easily removed and re-applied manually by the end user and yet provide a reliable seal can be challenging.
  • the threadform and sealing arrangements described above provide a solution to this.
  • the invention is not restricted to the details of the embodiments described.
  • the invention extends to a container and/or closure which comprises one or more of the features referred to above, or any other novel concept, feature, or combination of the features disclosed herein.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un récipient à embout large en plastique ou en métal (10) muni d'une fermeture métallique, le récipient ayant une ouverture définissant un axe et un premier élément faisant saillie vers l'extérieur autour de la surface externe du récipient, le premier élément comprenant une pluralité de premières parties espacées de façon circonférentielle, chaque première partie ayant un élément comprenant des surfaces supérieure et inférieure allongées, ses surfaces supérieure et inférieure étant sensiblement horizontales dans la direction circonférentielle. La fermeture métallique a une partie supérieure et une partie jupe, la partie jupe comprenant un second élément faisant saillie vers l'intérieur autour d'une surface interne de cette dernière, le second élément comprenant une pluralité de secondes parties espacées de façon circonférentielle, chaque seconde partie ayant un élément comprenant des surfaces supérieure et inférieure allongées, ses surfaces supérieure et inférieure étant sensiblement horizontales dans la direction circonférentielle. Les éléments horizontaux des secondes parties ont une longueur de telle sorte qu'ils peuvent passer à travers des espaces entre les premières parties et peuvent être positionnés en dessous des premières parties de façon à fixer la fermeture métallique sur le récipient. La fermeture a un élément d'étanchéité (23) pour fournir un joint d'étanchéité doté d'une surface d'étanchéité du récipient, la surface d'étanchéité (13) étant une surface sensiblement verticale autour de l'intérieur ou de l'extérieur d'une partie goulot du récipient, et les secondes parties sur la fermeture ayant une extrémité inclinée vers le haut au niveau d'une extrémité de cette dernière et une extrémité inclinée vers le bas au niveau de l'autre extrémité de cette dernière, qui s'étendent au-delà de ses surfaces inférieure et supérieure allongées, respectivement. La rotation de la fermeture métallique dans une direction de serrage entraîne les secondes parties vers le bas des extrémités inclinées vers le bas pour déplacer la fermeture vers le bas et comprimer l'élément de joint d'étanchéité dans une direction sensiblement horizontale en contact d'étanchéité avec la surface d'étanchéité verticale. La rotation de la fermeture dans une direction de desserrage entraîne les secondes parties jusqu'aux extrémités inclinées vers le haut pour déplacer l'élément d'étanchéité de la position scellée à une position d'aération fixée. Une rotation supplémentaire dans la direction de desserrage est nécessaire pour retirer la fermeture du récipient.
PCT/GB2016/052215 2014-07-25 2016-07-21 Récipient et fermeture WO2017017415A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201680054216.3A CN108025846A (zh) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 容器和封闭件
EP16757927.5A EP3325370A1 (fr) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 Récipient et fermeture
MX2018001065A MX2018001065A (es) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 Contenedor y tapa.
KR1020187005230A KR20180034527A (ko) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 용기 및 마개
JP2018522882A JP2018520963A (ja) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 容器及び密閉器
BR112018001517A BR112018001517A2 (pt) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 recipiente e fecho
RU2018106366A RU2018106366A (ru) 2015-07-24 2016-07-21 Контейнер и крышка
US15/414,205 US20170197764A1 (en) 2014-07-25 2017-01-24 Container And Closure
CONC2018/0001523A CO2018001523A2 (es) 2015-07-24 2018-02-16 Sistema de contenedor y tapa modificado, que genera una mejor barrera de gas y no utiliza el sistema de roscado tradicional
PH12018500404A PH12018500404A1 (en) 2015-07-24 2018-02-23 Container and closure

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB2015/052154 WO2016012810A1 (fr) 2014-07-25 2015-07-24 Récipient et système de fermeture et fabrication de ceux-ci
GBPCT/GB2015/052154 2015-07-24
GB1518819.6 2015-10-23
GB1518819.6A GB2542641A (en) 2015-07-24 2015-10-23 Container and closure
GB1522544.4A GB2545672A (en) 2015-12-21 2015-12-21 Method of forming a closure
GB1522544.4 2015-12-21
GB1601501.8 2016-01-27
GBGB1601501.8A GB201601501D0 (en) 2016-01-27 2016-01-27 Method of filling and closing a container

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2015/052154 Continuation-In-Part WO2016012810A1 (fr) 2014-07-25 2015-07-24 Récipient et système de fermeture et fabrication de ceux-ci

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017017415A1 true WO2017017415A1 (fr) 2017-02-02

Family

ID=57885280

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2016/052215 WO2017017415A1 (fr) 2014-07-25 2016-07-21 Récipient et fermeture

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3325370A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2018520963A (fr)
KR (1) KR20180034527A (fr)
CN (1) CN108025846A (fr)
BR (1) BR112018001517A2 (fr)
CO (1) CO2018001523A2 (fr)
MX (1) MX2018001065A (fr)
PH (1) PH12018500404A1 (fr)
RU (1) RU2018106366A (fr)
WO (1) WO2017017415A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019141973A1 (fr) * 2018-01-17 2019-07-25 Threadless Closures Limited Contenant et fermeture pour contenant
WO2023017234A1 (fr) 2021-08-10 2023-02-16 Threadless Closures Limited Fermeture pour récipient, et récipient et fermeture

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA3180370A1 (fr) 2020-05-28 2021-12-02 Trevor Price Systemes et procedes pour l'application a grande vitesse de fermetures d'extremite a base de papier sur des recipients composites

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BE487098A (fr) *
DE895998C (de) * 1950-07-21 1953-11-09 Heinrich Ernst Dipl- Kniepkamp Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Verschliessen bzw. Verbinden von vorzugsweise Dichtungsflaechen an Rohren, Gefaessen, Flaschen od. dgl. Hohlkoerpern unter Verwendung von Ringen
US3458079A (en) * 1967-08-14 1969-07-29 Bennett Ind Inc Sealing arrangement for plastic container
US5135124A (en) * 1991-05-09 1992-08-04 Hoover Universal, Inc. Pressure lock bayonet closure
US6006942A (en) * 1997-10-02 1999-12-28 M&M Industries, Inc. Open head container and lid assembly
US20050242055A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-03 Oh Jack S Child resistant container and cap
US20080257848A1 (en) * 2004-06-23 2008-10-23 Dubois Limited Beverage Container

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JP2013530891A (ja) * 2010-06-04 2013-08-01 スレッドレス クロージャーズ リミテッド 容器用密閉器
GB2482000A (en) * 2010-07-14 2012-01-18 Threadless Closures Ltd Closure having Seal and Inner and Outer Components

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE487098A (fr) *
DE895998C (de) * 1950-07-21 1953-11-09 Heinrich Ernst Dipl- Kniepkamp Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Verschliessen bzw. Verbinden von vorzugsweise Dichtungsflaechen an Rohren, Gefaessen, Flaschen od. dgl. Hohlkoerpern unter Verwendung von Ringen
US3458079A (en) * 1967-08-14 1969-07-29 Bennett Ind Inc Sealing arrangement for plastic container
US5135124A (en) * 1991-05-09 1992-08-04 Hoover Universal, Inc. Pressure lock bayonet closure
US6006942A (en) * 1997-10-02 1999-12-28 M&M Industries, Inc. Open head container and lid assembly
US20050242055A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-03 Oh Jack S Child resistant container and cap
US20080257848A1 (en) * 2004-06-23 2008-10-23 Dubois Limited Beverage Container

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019141973A1 (fr) * 2018-01-17 2019-07-25 Threadless Closures Limited Contenant et fermeture pour contenant
WO2023017234A1 (fr) 2021-08-10 2023-02-16 Threadless Closures Limited Fermeture pour récipient, et récipient et fermeture

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CO2018001523A2 (es) 2018-04-30
PH12018500404A1 (en) 2018-08-29
RU2018106366A (ru) 2019-08-26
JP2018520963A (ja) 2018-08-02
EP3325370A1 (fr) 2018-05-30
KR20180034527A (ko) 2018-04-04
BR112018001517A2 (pt) 2018-09-11
CN108025846A (zh) 2018-05-11
MX2018001065A (es) 2018-05-17

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