WO2017186731A1

WO2017186731A1 - A membrane, a neck including such membrane, a cap to interact with such neck and a method for applying such cap onto such neck

Info

Publication number: WO2017186731A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/059820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anders Danielsson; Göran Johansson; Robert Rosberg; Lennart Stillerud; Henrik Andersson
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
Priority date: 2016-04-27
Filing date: 2017-04-25
Publication date: 2017-11-02
Also published as: EP3448769A1

Abstract

A membrane (200) for sealing an open spout of a food package, comprising a central circular disc member (202), an outer annular disc member (204) connected to the central circular disc member, a resilient tubular portion (208) extending between a first open end (210) and a second end (212) being connected to the outer annular disc member, and wherein the first open end comprises an angled surface (216) for sliding the membrane on the open spout when sealing and/or resealing.

Description

A MEMBRANE, A NECK INCLUDING SUCH MEMBRANE, A CAP TO INTERACT WITH SUCH NECK AND A METHOD FOR APPLYING SUCH CAP ONTO SUCH NECK

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to the field of packaging technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to a membrane for a neck of a food package as well as to a neck including such membrane.

Background

Food packages are generally provided with an opening device in order to facilitate discharging of the enclosed food product. The opening device may either be an irreversible opening, i.e. once the package is opened it may not be closed, or a re-closeable opening device. In order to extend the shelf-life and quality of the food product the latter is often desired. A common way of providing a re-closeable opening device is to arrange a threaded neck including a pouring spout on the upper part of the package. The threaded neck is designed such that it may receive a cap, including internal threads, such that the cap is capable of being unscrewed from the neck. Since the cap covers the open spout of the neck, the enclosed food product is protected from the outer environment and the quality of the product may thus be preserved during some time.

Although the above solution provides an improvement over the irreversible openings which always remain open, it is still possible for polluted media to enter the interior of the package via the neck/cap interface, e.g. via the threads. Hence, further improvements have been proposed for sealing the open spout of the neck when the package is stored.

WO2013072475 describes a cap and neck assembly having a

membrane for sealing a food package. In WO2013072475 the membrane is shaped such that is have round corners and is angled at an end towards a spout. This arrangement seals the food package and allows for re-sealing of the food package but due to the angled ends of the membrane it is not always connected to the spout so that it seals or re-seals the spout.

Thus, there is a need for a membrane which provides an improved sealing of an open spout of a neck for preserving the quality of a food product enclosed within a food package, as well as pro-longing the shelf life of the food product. Summary

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the above described problems.

According to a first aspect, a membrane for sealing an open spout of a food package comprising a central circular disc member. An outer annular disc member connected to the central circular disc member, a resilient tubular portion extending between a first open end and a second end being connected to the outer annular disc member, and wherein the first open end comprises an angled surface for sliding the membrane on the open spout when sealing and/or resealing.

According to a second aspect, a neck for a food package, comprising a tubular wall extending from an open end to an open spout along a longitudinal axis, and a membrane arranged such that the plane of the central circular disc member is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer annular disc member of the membrane is connected to the spout for sealing the open spout.

According to a third aspect, a cap arranged to interact with a membrane and a neck, comprising a tubular side wall section extending between an open lower end to a closed upper end, and at least one resilient cutting element provided on the interior side of the tubular side wall section and configured to cut off a membrane from the neck when the cap is unscrewed from the neck.

According to a fourth aspect, a food package comprising a membrane, a neck and a cap.

According to a fifth aspect, a method for applying a cap onto a neck comprising a membrane, comprising the step of applying the cap onto the neck such that the at least one resilient cutting element is pulled over the membrane.

Further examples of the disclosure are defined in the dependent claims, wherein features for the fourth and subsequent aspects of the disclosure are as for the first to third aspects mutatis mutandis.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a food package being shaped as a bottle.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a food package being made of a carton-based laminate.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a top portion made of plastic.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for forming a sleeve of the carton-based laminate. Some examples of the disclosure provide for a plastic top portion provided by molding.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a plastic top portion comprising a shoulder section and a neck portion.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a shoulder section arranged to connect to a sleeve.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a neck portion provided with threads for engaging with corresponding threads of a cap.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a neck portion and a shoulder section formed in one piece, or as two separate pieces which are molded together.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a membrane for sealing an open spout of a food package.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a first open end comprising an angled surface for sliding a membrane on an open spout when sealing and/or resealing.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a much tighter fit of a membrane to a spout when re-sealed.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for an angled surface improving a membranes orientation on to a spout.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a membrane being even easier to slide into its desired position on a neck.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for an angled surface being angled and shaped such that the angled surface comes in flush contact with a neck for creating a seal.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a strong seal between a neck and a membrane when being re-sealed.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a membrane that pushes a tubular resilient portion towards and into contact with a neck.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a tubular portion having a wall profile which is similar to a wall profile of a neck so that they will better confirm to each other better direct a membrane into place on to a neck.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for an outer annular disc member and a connected tubular portion to pivot relative a central circular disc member.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for an even further increase of a flex of a membrane. Some examples of the disclosure provide for an improved contact between an angled surface and a neck 300.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a tubular portion and an outer annular disc member being formed integrally with a central circular disc member.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a gap between walls of a neck and a resilient tubular portion.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a membrane being even easier to seal and/or re-seal with a neck.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a recess acting as a connection point on which a membrane can flex on.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a central disc member of a membrane being configured such that the membrane can even further be flexed by a cap when re-sealed.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a membrane projection being configured to direct at least one cutting element so that the membrane can be removed from a neck in a controlled fashion,

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a membrane that will stay on top of a neck when sealed and/or re-sealed.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a cut-off area along an entire periphery of a neck.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for entirely disconnecting in a controlled and clean way a membrane.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a member having a better fit back on to a neck when re-sealed.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a cap being unscrewed such that a membrane can be separated from a neck.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a cap screwed onto a neck and further push a membrane downwards so that a better seal is created.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for at least one cutting element being arranged to retain a membrane, by being arranged to extend passed a circumferential edge of the membrane.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a food package

comprising a membrane, a neck and a cap.

Some examples of the disclosure provide for a food package

comprising a body section made of carton-based laminate, and a top section made of plastics. Some examples of the disclosure provide for a top section comprising a neck.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

Brief Description of Drawings

The above, as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates a carton-based bottle having a top section made of plastic and a body made of a carton-based laminate.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of a neck and a membrane connected thereto.

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of a neck of a package including a membrane.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of a cap, neck and a membrane.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method of screwing on a cap. Detailed Description

With reference to Fig. 1 it is illustrated an example of a food package 100. The food package 100 has a shape of a bottle formed by a body portion 102, which may be made of a carton-based laminate, a top portion 104, which may be made of plastic, and a cap 400 provided with a tamper ring 108.

Such package may be provided by first forming a sleeve of the carton- based laminate, i.e. a tubular body extending between two open ends. In a second step, performed before, after, or in parallel with the sleeve forming, the plastic top portion 104 is provided by molding. The plastic top portion 104 may comprise a shoulder section and a neck portion. The shoulder section is thus arranged to connect the sleeve, which forms basis for the body portion 102, to the neck portion. The neck portion is preferably provided with threads for engaging with corresponding threads of the cap 400 including the tamper ring 108. The neck portion and the shoulder section may be provided as one piece, or as two separate pieces which are molded together.

After the cap 400 is screwed onto the top portion 104 the sleeve is filled with food content. Preferably, this is done by turning the sleeve and the top portion assembly upside down, such that the remaining open end of the sleeve is facing upwards. After being filled the open end of the sleeve may be sealed and folded to a flat bottom as illustrated in Fig. 1 . In an example the cap 400 is screwed onto the top portion 104 after the package is filled. This may be the case if the neck is provided with a membrane 200 sealing the open end of the neck portion, which will be described in more detail below.

In an example, a membrane 200 for sealing a neck of an open spout of a food package is disclosed, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The membrane 200, comprises a central circular disc member 202 and an outer annular disc member 204 connected to the central circular disc member 202. The membrane 200 further comprises a resilient tubular portion 208 extending between a first open end 210 and a second end 212 being connected to the outer annular disc member 204, and wherein the first open end comprises an angled surface 21 6 for sliding the membrane on the neck of the open spout when sealing and/or resealing. By having the first open end 210 comprising the angled surface 21 6 the membrane 200 has a much tighter fit to the spout when re-sealed. In addition the angled surface 21 6 improves the membranes 200 orientation on to the spout such that the membrane is more or less always in a correct position when sliding back on to the spout.

In an example, the angled surface 21 6 is angled downward and away from the neck 300 of the spout, as illustrated in e.g. Fig. 2. By having the angled surface 21 6 directed downward and away from the neck 300 the membrane 200 can even easier slide into its desired position on the neck 300. This is true for both when the membrane 200 is initially arrange on the neck 300 by e.g.

welding, molding as one piece or otherwise connecting them together. But it is also true for when the membrane 200 is re-sealed after being disconnected from the neck 300. This is in an example done by an inside of the cap 400 being connectable with the membrane 200 at an projection 217 of the outer annular disc member 204 and they thus move together away from the neck 300 and when re-connecting the cap 400 on to the neck 300, the membrane 200 that is connected with the inside of the cap 400 also connects with the neck 300. In an example, the entire membrane 200 is formed by high density polyethylene. In an example, the angled surface 21 6 is angled and shaped such that the angled surface comes in flush contact with the neck 300 for creating a seal. By having the angled surface 21 6 angled and such that it comes in flush contact with the neck 300 it is possible to create a strong seal between the neck 300 and the membrane 200 when being re-sealed. In an example the membrane 200 is designed to flex by the outer annular disc member 204 being angled inwards since the cap 400 is pushing on the central circular disc member 202 and which thus pushes the tubular resilient portion 208 towards and into contact with the neck 300.

In an example, the tubular portion 208 has a wall profile which is similar to a wall profile of the neck 300. By having the tubular resilient portion 208 having a similar wall profile they will better confirm to each other and the angled surface 21 6 will better direct the membrane 200 into place on to the neck 300. In an example, the wall profiles are parallel to each other.

In an example, a connecting interface between the central circular disc member 202 and the outer annular disc member 204, formed at the periphery of the central circular disc member 202, has a thickness which is less than the thicknesses of the central circular disc member 202 and the outer annular disc member 208 for allowing the outer annular disc member 202 and the connected tubular portion 208 to pivot relative the central circular disc member 202. By having the connection interface being designed to have be thinner it is possible to even further increase the flex of the membrane and thus also improve the contact between the angled surface 21 6 and the neck 300. In an example, the tubular portion 208 and the outer annular disc member 204 are formed integrally with the central circular disc member 202.

In an example, the outer annular disc member 204 comprises a circular recess 214 arranged exterior of where the second end 212 of the tubular portion 208 is connected to the outer annular disc member 204. By having this recess 214 it is possible to create a gap between the walls of the neck 300 and the resilient tubular portion 208 so that the membrane 200 is even easier to seal and/or re-seal with the neck 300. The recess 214 also acts as a connection point on which the membrane 200 can flex on.

In an example, the central circular disc member 202 has a concave shape, arranged to bulge away from a cap arranged on top of it. By having the concave shape of the central disc member 202 the membrane 200 can even further be flexed by the cap 400 when re-sealed creating an even better seal. In an example, the outer annular disc member 204 extends radially outside the neck 300 forming the membrane projection 217 and the membrane projection 217 is arranged to direct at least one resilient cutting element of the cap 400 radially inwards when the cap 400 is unscrewed such that the membrane 200 is separated from the neck 300. By having the membrane projection 217 and it being configured to direct the at least one cutting element the membrane 200 can be removed from the neck 300 in a controlled fashion,

In an example illustrated in e.g. fig 3, the neck 300 comprises a tubular wall 306 extending from an open end 302 to an open spout 304 along a longitudinal axis, and the membrane 200 is arranged such that the plane of the central circular disc member 202 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer annular disc member 204 of the membrane 200 is connected to the spout 304 for sealing the open spout 304.

In an example, the open spout 304 comprises a tubular wall portion 312 having a diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the outer annular disc member 204 but larger than the diameter of the first end 210 of the resilient tubular portion 208. By having the tubular wall portion 312 having a diameter that is between the diameter of the outer annular disc 204 and the first end 210 the membrane 200 will stay on top of the neck 300 when sealed and/or re- sealed.

In an example, the membrane 200 is connected to the neck 300 by means of a cut-off area extending along the entire periphery of the neck 300. By having the cut-off area along the entire periphery of the neck 300 the membrane 300 will be entirely disconnected in a controlled and clean way and the membrane will then also be better fitted back to the neck 300 when re-sealed.

In an example, the outer annular disc member 204 extends radially outside the tubular wall 306 of the neck 300 such that a membrane 200 projection is formed and arranged to direct at least one resilient cutting element of a cap radially inwards when the cap is unscrewed such that the membrane can be separated from the neck 300.

In an example, the neck 300 further comprises threads 310 arranged on the outer periphery of the tubular wall 306 for engagement with corresponding threads of the cap 400. By having threads the cap 400 can be screwed onto the neck 300 and further push the membrane downwards so that a better seal is created.

In an example illustrated in e.g. figure 4, the cap 400 is arranged to interact with the membrane 200 and the neck 300, comprising a tubular side wall section 402 extending between an open lower end 406 to a closed upper end 404, and at least one resilient cutting element 410 provided on the interior side of the tubular side wall section 402 and configured to cut off the membrane 200 from the neck 300 when the cap 400 is unscrewed from the neck 300.

In an example, the at least one cutting element 41 0 is extending radially upwards from the interior side of the tubular side wall section 402. In an example, the at least one cutting element 410 is arranged to retain the membrane 200 adjacent to the closed upper end 404, by being arranged to extend passed a circumferential edge of the membrane 200.

In an example, the food package 100 comprises the membrane 200, the neck 300 and the cap 400. In an example, The food package 100 comprises the body section 102 made of carton-based laminate, and the top section made of plastics, the top section 104 comprising the neck 300.

In an example illustrated in figure 5, a method for applying 500 the cap

400 onto a neck 300 comprising the membrane 200, comprising the step of applying 510 the cap 400 onto the neck 300 such that the at least one resilient cutting element 410 is pulled over the membrane 200.

Although the above description has been made with reference to a food packages, it should be readily understood that the general principle of the membrane, neck and cap could be applied to all sorts of packages provided with opening devices.

Further, the invention has mainly been described with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily understood by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

All references to "upper", "lower", "upwards", "downwards" etc. are made with respect to a package standing upright.

Claims

1 . A membrane (200) for sealing a neck of an open spout of a food package, comprising

- a central circular disc member (202),

- an outer annular disc member (204) connected to the central circular disc member,

a resilient tubular portion (208) extending between a first open end (210) and a second end (212) being connected to the outer annular disc member, and

wherein the first open end comprises an angled surface for sliding the membrane on the neck of the spout when sealing and/or resealing.

2. A membrane according to claim 1 , wherein the angled surface is angled downward and away from the neck.

3. A membrane according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the angled surface is angled and shaped such that the angled surface comes in flush contact with the neck for creating a seal.

4. A membrane according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubular portion has a wall profile which is similar to a wall profile of the neck.

5. A membrane according to claim 4, wherein the wall profiles are parallel to each other.

6. A membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a connecting interface between the central circular disc member and the outer annular disc member, formed at the periphery of the central circular disc member, has a thickness which is less than the thicknesses of the central circular disc member and the outer annular disc member for allowing the outer annular disc member and the connected tubular portion to pivot relative the central circular disc member.

7. A membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer annular disc member comprises a circular recess arranged exterior of where the second end of the tubular portion is connected to the outer annular disc member.

8. A membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central circular disc member has a concave shape, arranged to bulge away from a cap arranged on top of it.

9. A membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer annular disc member extends radially outside a neck forming a membrane projection and the membrane projection is arranged to direct at least one resilient cutting element of a cap radially inwards when the cap is

unscrewed such that the membrane is separated from the neck.

10. A membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, the tubular portion and the outer annular disc member are formed integrally with the central circular disc member.

1 1 . A membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire membrane is formed by high density polyethylene.

12. A neck for a food package, comprising

a tubular wall (306) extending from an open end (302) to an open spout (304) along a longitudinal axis, and

a membrane (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 arranged such that the plane of the central circular disc member (202) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein

the outer annular disc member (204) of the membrane (200) is connected to the spout (304) for sealing the open spout (304).

13. A neck according to claim 12, wherein the open spout comprises a tubular wall portion having a diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the outer annular disc member but larger than the diameter of the second end of the resilient tubular portion.

14. A neck according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the membrane is connected to the neck by means of a cut-off area extending along the entire periphery of the neck.

15. A neck according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the outer annular disc member extends radially outside the tubular wall of the neck such that a membrane projection is formed and arranged to direct at least one resilient cutting element of a cap radially inwards when the cap is unscrewed such that the membrane can be separated from the neck.

1 6. A neck according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising threads arranged on the outer periphery of the tubular wall for engagement with corresponding threads of a cap.

17. A cap arranged to interact with a membrane and a neck according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising

a tubular side wall section (402) extending between an open lower end (406) to a closed upper end (404), and

at least one resilient cutting element (410) provided on the interior side of the tubular side wall section (402) and configured to cut off a membrane 200 from the neck (300) when the cap (400) is unscrewed from the neck (300).

18. A cap according to claim 17, wherein the at least one cutting element is extending radially upwards from the interior side of the tubular side wall section.

19. A cap according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the at least one cutting element is arranged to retain the membrane adjacent to the closed upper end, by being arranged to extend passed a circumferential edge of the membrane.

20. A food package comprising a membrane, a neck and a cap according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21 . A food package according to claim 20, further comprising

a body section (102) made of carton-based laminate, and

a top section made of plastics, the top section (1 04) comprising the neck (300).

22. A method for applying a cap (400) according to any one of claims

17 to 19 onto a neck (300) comprising a membrane 200 according to any one of claims 1 to 1 6, comprising the step of applying the cap (400) onto the neck (300) such that the at least one resilient cutting element (410) is pulled over the membrane (200).