CA2630858A1 - Jaw seals for container closure assemblies - Google Patents
Jaw seals for container closure assemblies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2630858A1 CA2630858A1 CA002630858A CA2630858A CA2630858A1 CA 2630858 A1 CA2630858 A1 CA 2630858A1 CA 002630858 A CA002630858 A CA 002630858A CA 2630858 A CA2630858 A CA 2630858A CA 2630858 A1 CA2630858 A1 CA 2630858A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- sealing
- container
- neck
- skirt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title description 11
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title description 11
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 293
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000003739 neck Anatomy 0.000 description 166
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 4
- -1 card Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010061307 Neck deformity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/325—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings 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
- 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
- B65D41/0407—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means
- B65D41/0414—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means formed by a plug, collar, flange, rib or the like contacting the internal surface of a container neck
- B65D41/0421—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means formed by a plug, collar, flange, rib or the like contacting the internal surface of a container neck and combined with integral sealing means contacting other surfaces of a container neck
-
- 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
- B65D41/0471—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with means for positioning the cap on the container, or for limiting the movement of the cap, or for preventing accidental loosening of the cap
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A container closure assembly comprising a threaded closure with a sealing plug (24) and a sealing skirt (20) pinching a container lip (5). The skirt and the plug comprise sealing ribs (21, 22, 26, 27) that engage the lip of the container. The ribs are located at substantially equal longitudinal distances from the base (3) of the closure.
Description
JAW SEALS FOR CONTAINER CLOSURE ASSEMBLIES
The present invention relates to improved- seals for container closure assemblies.
The invention is especially applicable to the sealing of containers in substantially gas-tight and liquid-tight fashion, such' as the sealing of carbonated and non-carbonated beverage containers.
It is well known to provide beverage containers of glass, paper, card, metal or 10. plastic having a screw top that can be resecured on the bottle neck. It is desirable to provide such.containers with a screw top. closure assembly that provides an airtight and liquid.-tight seal to retain the. qua(ity;of the beverage 'both during. initial., transport and storage, and after partiaP consumption of the contents when 'the closure has been resecured. onto the container neck.
Certain existing container and closure assemblies make use of an elastomeric liner in the base of the closure cap. This liner is pressed against the lip of the bottle neck when the cap is screwed firmly onto the bottle neck, and the compression between the soft, deformable liner and the lip of the container provides a tight seal. Unfortunately, the manufacture arid insertion of the liner into the closure cap are relatively costly additional process steps. Furthermore, care must be taken not to over-tighten such closures onto the container neck, since the liner can bec.ome brittle or damaged if.excessive pressure is applied thereto.
It is also known to provide a cylindrical plug seal projecting downwardly from the base of the closure cap, such that the plug forms an interference fit with an inner surface of. the bottle neck close to the lip of the bottle,. Effective sealing by such plug seals requires the cap to be screwed down very tightly on the container neck in order to deform :the base of the cap and thereby force the plug radially outwardly 30' into a tight sealing engagement with the container neck. It is very often the case that such caps are under-tightened, especially by children and elderly users.
Furthermore, a sufficient sealing force can only be achieved by the use of threads on the cap and the neck having a low pitch, such that the closure torque applied to the cap is leveraged into a very strong downward sealing force between the lip of the container and the closure base.
W002/42171 describes a container closure assembly comprising: a container neck having side walls defining an opening at one end thereof and a lip extending around the opening, wherein an. inner surface of the side walls proximate to the lip is inwardly tapered; a closure for the neck, the closure having a base portion and a skirt portion; a first screw thread, on the- neck; a second screw thread on an inner surface of the skirt of the closure; the first and second screw threads being configured to enable, a user. to secure; remove, and resecure the closure into a.
sealing position on the neck by rotation of the cap on the. neck; a,sealing plug extending from the base. portion of the. closure inside and substantially concentric with the skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing plug comprises a plurality of circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface 'of the sealing plug for engagement with the inner surface of the container neck when the closure is secured on the container neck; at least one flexible sealing fin between the sealing plug and the closure skirt for engagement with the lip of the container when the closure is secured on the container neck; and at least.one circumferential sealing rib on an inner surface of the closure skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck proximate to the .lip when the closure is secured on the container neck. .
FR-A-2327930 describes container closure assemblies comprising: a container neck; a closure for the --neck; mutually ~engageable screw.threads on the closure and the neck; and a sealing plug extending from the base of the closure for insertion into the container neck. The. sealing plug is provided with two circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface thereof for engagement with the inner-surface of the .container neck when the closure is secured on the container neck. The assembly further includes a flexible sealing fin projecting from the base of the closure 'between the sealing plug and the closure skirt for engagement with the- lip of the container when the closure is secured on the container neck.
The present invention relates to improved- seals for container closure assemblies.
The invention is especially applicable to the sealing of containers in substantially gas-tight and liquid-tight fashion, such' as the sealing of carbonated and non-carbonated beverage containers.
It is well known to provide beverage containers of glass, paper, card, metal or 10. plastic having a screw top that can be resecured on the bottle neck. It is desirable to provide such.containers with a screw top. closure assembly that provides an airtight and liquid.-tight seal to retain the. qua(ity;of the beverage 'both during. initial., transport and storage, and after partiaP consumption of the contents when 'the closure has been resecured. onto the container neck.
Certain existing container and closure assemblies make use of an elastomeric liner in the base of the closure cap. This liner is pressed against the lip of the bottle neck when the cap is screwed firmly onto the bottle neck, and the compression between the soft, deformable liner and the lip of the container provides a tight seal. Unfortunately, the manufacture arid insertion of the liner into the closure cap are relatively costly additional process steps. Furthermore, care must be taken not to over-tighten such closures onto the container neck, since the liner can bec.ome brittle or damaged if.excessive pressure is applied thereto.
It is also known to provide a cylindrical plug seal projecting downwardly from the base of the closure cap, such that the plug forms an interference fit with an inner surface of. the bottle neck close to the lip of the bottle,. Effective sealing by such plug seals requires the cap to be screwed down very tightly on the container neck in order to deform :the base of the cap and thereby force the plug radially outwardly 30' into a tight sealing engagement with the container neck. It is very often the case that such caps are under-tightened, especially by children and elderly users.
Furthermore, a sufficient sealing force can only be achieved by the use of threads on the cap and the neck having a low pitch, such that the closure torque applied to the cap is leveraged into a very strong downward sealing force between the lip of the container and the closure base.
W002/42171 describes a container closure assembly comprising: a container neck having side walls defining an opening at one end thereof and a lip extending around the opening, wherein an. inner surface of the side walls proximate to the lip is inwardly tapered; a closure for the neck, the closure having a base portion and a skirt portion; a first screw thread, on the- neck; a second screw thread on an inner surface of the skirt of the closure; the first and second screw threads being configured to enable, a user. to secure; remove, and resecure the closure into a.
sealing position on the neck by rotation of the cap on the. neck; a,sealing plug extending from the base. portion of the. closure inside and substantially concentric with the skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing plug comprises a plurality of circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface 'of the sealing plug for engagement with the inner surface of the container neck when the closure is secured on the container neck; at least one flexible sealing fin between the sealing plug and the closure skirt for engagement with the lip of the container when the closure is secured on the container neck; and at least.one circumferential sealing rib on an inner surface of the closure skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck proximate to the .lip when the closure is secured on the container neck. .
FR-A-2327930 describes container closure assemblies comprising: a container neck; a closure for the --neck; mutually ~engageable screw.threads on the closure and the neck; and a sealing plug extending from the base of the closure for insertion into the container neck. The. sealing plug is provided with two circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface thereof for engagement with the inner-surface of the .container neck when the closure is secured on the container neck. The assembly further includes a flexible sealing fin projecting from the base of the closure 'between the sealing plug and the closure skirt for engagement with the- lip of the container when the closure is secured on the container neck.
Further container and cfosure assemblies incorporating a ribbed sealing plug on the closure cap are described in DE-A-4207997, W099/44896, US-A-3944104, FR-A-2340865, W02005/058720 and GB-A-2022063.
A need remains for a screw-top container and closure arrangement. that can provide an effective seal without the need fo'r a liner, and also without the need for a strong axial sealing force between the container neck and the closure.
The present invention provides acontainer closure- assembly comprising: a container rieck having side walls defining. an opening at one end thereof and a lip extending around the opening; acfosure for the neck, the closure having a'base portion and a threaded skirt portion; a first screw thread on. the neck; a second screw thread on an inner surface of the threaded skirt of the closure; the first and second screw threads being configured to enable a user to secure, remove and resecure the closure into a sealing position on the neck by rotation of the.
cap on the neck; a sealing plug extending from the base portion of the closure inside and substantially concentric with the threaded skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing plug .comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface of the sealing plug for engagement with an inner surface of the container neck proximate to the lip when the. closure is secured: on Ihe container neck. The closure further comprises a sealing skirt extending from the base portion of the closure intermediate -the sealing plug and the threaded' skirt portion of the closure and substantially concentric with the sealing plug and -the threaded skirt portion -of the closure, wherein the sealing skirt comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an inner surface of the sealin,g skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck proximate to the lip when the closure is secured on'the container neck; wherein in use two of the sealing ribs on the sealing plug :are located at substantially the same longitudinal distances from the base portion of - the closure as two of the, circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt, whereby the lip of the container neck is pinched between the sealing ribs on the closure plug and the sealing skirt at two or more longitudinally spaced locations when the closure is in the secure.d position on the container neck. .
A need remains for a screw-top container and closure arrangement. that can provide an effective seal without the need fo'r a liner, and also without the need for a strong axial sealing force between the container neck and the closure.
The present invention provides acontainer closure- assembly comprising: a container rieck having side walls defining. an opening at one end thereof and a lip extending around the opening; acfosure for the neck, the closure having a'base portion and a threaded skirt portion; a first screw thread on. the neck; a second screw thread on an inner surface of the threaded skirt of the closure; the first and second screw threads being configured to enable a user to secure, remove and resecure the closure into a sealing position on the neck by rotation of the.
cap on the neck; a sealing plug extending from the base portion of the closure inside and substantially concentric with the threaded skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing plug .comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface of the sealing plug for engagement with an inner surface of the container neck proximate to the lip when the. closure is secured: on Ihe container neck. The closure further comprises a sealing skirt extending from the base portion of the closure intermediate -the sealing plug and the threaded' skirt portion of the closure and substantially concentric with the sealing plug and -the threaded skirt portion -of the closure, wherein the sealing skirt comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an inner surface of the sealin,g skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck proximate to the lip when the closure is secured on'the container neck; wherein in use two of the sealing ribs on the sealing plug :are located at substantially the same longitudinal distances from the base portion of - the closure as two of the, circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt, whereby the lip of the container neck is pinched between the sealing ribs on the closure plug and the sealing skirt at two or more longitudinally spaced locations when the closure is in the secure.d position on the container neck. .
The inventive arrangement of sealing plug, sealing skirt and sealing ribs is new, and provides surprisingly improved sealing at low seating forces. .
Suitably, the closure assembly according to the present invention is applied to a carbonated beverage container, such as a molded plastic or glass carbonated beverage bottle.
Suitably, the container lip is rounded to provide for easy and comfortable drinking 10, directly from the container neck, and more suitably it is fully radiused' (i.e. semi-circular). in cross.-section. It is a further advantage of the pr.esent invention that: the.:
sealing arrangement is so effective that it can provide a pressure-tight:.seal on a fully radiused container lip. Suitably, at least one of the circumferential sealing pinches provided by the circumferential sealing ribs is applied across the.rounded portion of the container lip. That is to say, respective sealing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt engage the rounded surface of the lip near the top of the neck.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it can provide an effective pressure-tight seal on a conventional container neck having internal walls substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck.. . However, in some embodiments the inner sealing surface of the, container neck optionally be inwar.dly.
tapered. That is to say, the internal diameter. of the neck may decrease- with increasing distance from the lip. Suitably, in these embodiments'the interior of the neck presents a substantially inverted, truncated conical, surface. Suitably, the taper of the' inner sealing surface of the container neck is from about.1 Q
to, about 10 .from the longitudinal axis of the neck, more suitably from about 2 to about 6 .
The.taper can assist effective sealing of the plug against the inner wall of the neck.
The sealing plug is suitably in the form of a tube, preferably a cylinder, typically projecting perpendicularly downwardly from the base of the closure and preferably substantially concentric with the threaded skirt and coaxial with the longitudinal axis *of the closure. The height of the. sealing . plug is suitably from about 1 mm to about 5mm, for example about 1.5mm to about 2.5mm. The sealing plug is normally molded integrally with the base of the closure cap. The mean thickness of the tubular wall of the sealing plug is suitably from about 0.5mm.to about 2mm, for example about 0.7mm to about 1.2mm. This gives the sealing plug the right 5 degree of resilience and strength for the desired sealing function.
Suitably, the outer surface of the sealing plug may be tapered inwardly from the base of the closure, for example it may taper .in a manner substantially complementary to the optional inward taper of the interior. of the container neck.
The mean angle "of taper is. suitably from 11 to 10 from the longitudinal axis of the -neck, more suitably froni 29 to 6?.
The container closure in the assembly. according to. the present invention further comprises a circumferential seafing 'skirt. The sealing skirt is separate and radially spaced from th,e threaded closure skirt that engages the thread on the outside of the container neck. Suitably, the sealing skirt is substantially tubular, preferably cylindricat, and projects downwardly from the base of the closure intermediate the closure skirt and the sealing plug. The sealing skirt is preferably substantially concentric with the threaded skirt and .the sealing 'plug, and coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the closure. The height of the sealing plug is suitably from about 1 mm to about 5mm, for example about 1.5mm to about 2.5mm.. The height of 'the sealing plug in certain embodiments is substantially equal to the height of the sealing plug. The sealing skirt is normally molded integrally with the base of .
the closur.e cap. The mean thickness of the tubular wall .of. the sealing skirt is .25 suitably from about 0:5mm to about 2mm, for example about 0.7mm -to. about 1.2mm. This gives.the sealing 'skirt the right degree of resilienceand strength for -the desired-sealing function.
The assembly according to the present invention further comprises two or more circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface of the closure plug for engagement -with 'an inner surface of the container neck, and two or more circumferential sealing ribs on an inner surface of the closure skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck. Two or more of the fUrther circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt are located at substantially the same heights above the base of the closure, respectively, as two or more of the circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing plug, whereby they cooperate to apply a symmetrical sealing pinch at two or more vertically spaced locations on the container neck when the closure is in the sealing position on the neck. That is to say, the ribs apply a symmetrical sealing pinch at two or more vertical heights-below the top of the container lip.
Suitably, there are two of the sealing ribs on the sealing plug and/or on the sealing skirt, but in some embodiments there are suitably from 3 to 10 of the ribs, and for example 4 to 6 ribs.
Suitably, at.least- one of the sealing ribs has a substantially triangular cross-section when the closure cap is Viewed in longitudinal cross-section, for example substantially equilateral triangular. This enables the sealing force to be concentrated in the tip of the sealing rib to maximise sealing effectiveness.
Suitably, at least one of the sealing ribs has a height in the range of 10 to micrometers, more suitably 50 to 250 micrometers. The height is defined as the maximum distance that the sealing rib projects above the adjacent surfade of the sealing plug or sealing skirt, when the cap is viewed in longitudinal cross-section.
Such micro sealing ribs are especially effective to concentrate -the sealing force and achieve an effective seal with a substantially smooth sealing surFace.on the' container.neck. Furthermore, such micro ribs 'are especially easy to mold in high-speed cap molding equipment, and to 'bump off the mold mandrel of the equipment after molding.
A further advantage of using muitiple seafing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt is that the plurality of sealing ribs may have more than one dimension, in order to optimise sealing. For example, the size of the sealing rib closest to the base of the closure may be greater than the size of the sealing rib remote, from the base of the closure. This allows the sealing rib closest to the base of the closure (i.e. closest to the lip of th.e container) to deform more that the sealing rib furthest from the base of the closure.
Suitably, the closure assembly according to the present invention is applied to a carbonated beverage container, such as a molded plastic or glass carbonated beverage bottle.
Suitably, the container lip is rounded to provide for easy and comfortable drinking 10, directly from the container neck, and more suitably it is fully radiused' (i.e. semi-circular). in cross.-section. It is a further advantage of the pr.esent invention that: the.:
sealing arrangement is so effective that it can provide a pressure-tight:.seal on a fully radiused container lip. Suitably, at least one of the circumferential sealing pinches provided by the circumferential sealing ribs is applied across the.rounded portion of the container lip. That is to say, respective sealing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt engage the rounded surface of the lip near the top of the neck.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it can provide an effective pressure-tight seal on a conventional container neck having internal walls substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the neck.. . However, in some embodiments the inner sealing surface of the, container neck optionally be inwar.dly.
tapered. That is to say, the internal diameter. of the neck may decrease- with increasing distance from the lip. Suitably, in these embodiments'the interior of the neck presents a substantially inverted, truncated conical, surface. Suitably, the taper of the' inner sealing surface of the container neck is from about.1 Q
to, about 10 .from the longitudinal axis of the neck, more suitably from about 2 to about 6 .
The.taper can assist effective sealing of the plug against the inner wall of the neck.
The sealing plug is suitably in the form of a tube, preferably a cylinder, typically projecting perpendicularly downwardly from the base of the closure and preferably substantially concentric with the threaded skirt and coaxial with the longitudinal axis *of the closure. The height of the. sealing . plug is suitably from about 1 mm to about 5mm, for example about 1.5mm to about 2.5mm. The sealing plug is normally molded integrally with the base of the closure cap. The mean thickness of the tubular wall of the sealing plug is suitably from about 0.5mm.to about 2mm, for example about 0.7mm to about 1.2mm. This gives the sealing plug the right 5 degree of resilience and strength for the desired sealing function.
Suitably, the outer surface of the sealing plug may be tapered inwardly from the base of the closure, for example it may taper .in a manner substantially complementary to the optional inward taper of the interior. of the container neck.
The mean angle "of taper is. suitably from 11 to 10 from the longitudinal axis of the -neck, more suitably froni 29 to 6?.
The container closure in the assembly. according to. the present invention further comprises a circumferential seafing 'skirt. The sealing skirt is separate and radially spaced from th,e threaded closure skirt that engages the thread on the outside of the container neck. Suitably, the sealing skirt is substantially tubular, preferably cylindricat, and projects downwardly from the base of the closure intermediate the closure skirt and the sealing plug. The sealing skirt is preferably substantially concentric with the threaded skirt and .the sealing 'plug, and coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the closure. The height of the sealing plug is suitably from about 1 mm to about 5mm, for example about 1.5mm to about 2.5mm.. The height of 'the sealing plug in certain embodiments is substantially equal to the height of the sealing plug. The sealing skirt is normally molded integrally with the base of .
the closur.e cap. The mean thickness of the tubular wall .of. the sealing skirt is .25 suitably from about 0:5mm to about 2mm, for example about 0.7mm -to. about 1.2mm. This gives.the sealing 'skirt the right degree of resilienceand strength for -the desired-sealing function.
The assembly according to the present invention further comprises two or more circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface of the closure plug for engagement -with 'an inner surface of the container neck, and two or more circumferential sealing ribs on an inner surface of the closure skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck. Two or more of the fUrther circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt are located at substantially the same heights above the base of the closure, respectively, as two or more of the circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing plug, whereby they cooperate to apply a symmetrical sealing pinch at two or more vertically spaced locations on the container neck when the closure is in the sealing position on the neck. That is to say, the ribs apply a symmetrical sealing pinch at two or more vertical heights-below the top of the container lip.
Suitably, there are two of the sealing ribs on the sealing plug and/or on the sealing skirt, but in some embodiments there are suitably from 3 to 10 of the ribs, and for example 4 to 6 ribs.
Suitably, at.least- one of the sealing ribs has a substantially triangular cross-section when the closure cap is Viewed in longitudinal cross-section, for example substantially equilateral triangular. This enables the sealing force to be concentrated in the tip of the sealing rib to maximise sealing effectiveness.
Suitably, at least one of the sealing ribs has a height in the range of 10 to micrometers, more suitably 50 to 250 micrometers. The height is defined as the maximum distance that the sealing rib projects above the adjacent surfade of the sealing plug or sealing skirt, when the cap is viewed in longitudinal cross-section.
Such micro sealing ribs are especially effective to concentrate -the sealing force and achieve an effective seal with a substantially smooth sealing surFace.on the' container.neck. Furthermore, such micro ribs 'are especially easy to mold in high-speed cap molding equipment, and to 'bump off the mold mandrel of the equipment after molding.
A further advantage of using muitiple seafing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt is that the plurality of sealing ribs may have more than one dimension, in order to optimise sealing. For example, the size of the sealing rib closest to the base of the closure may be greater than the size of the sealing rib remote, from the base of the closure. This allows the sealing rib closest to the base of the closure (i.e. closest to the lip of th.e container) to deform more that the sealing rib furthest from the base of the closure.
Suitably, the sealing plug and the sealing skirt are profiled so as to define a symmetrical jaw for gripping the container neck. The circumferential sealing ribs appear as "teeth" of the .jaw in longitudinal 'cross-section. Suitably, respective lower ends of the sealing skirt and the sealing plug distal from the base of the closure are profiled to provide further circumferential sealing ribs on each of the sealing skirt and the sealing plug for gripping the neck of the closure.
The use of multiple symmetrically disposed circumferential sealing ribs on a 'sealing plug and a sealing skirt;. each. of which has. a degree of . radial flexibility, allows a pressure-tight seal- to. be formed between. the container neck and' the closure without application of excessive force to the closure, and without any need for a sealing liner in the base of the closure.
The container closure assembly according to the present invention is especially suitable for use in conjunction with thread arrangements that are quick and easy to secure. and resecure, wherein the closure can be secured and resecured on the container neck by a single, smooth rotation: through 360 or less, more suitably 180 or less, and most suitably about 90 .
Suitably, the first and second threads are multiple start threads such as two-start threads or three-start threads, and rnore, suitably they are four :start threads. This further assists securing of -the closure on the neck, since the user needs to rotate the cap less in order to find a thread start. Suitably, the threads are substantially free-running, or parallel threads. 'That is'to say, the. threads on the closure and cap slide past each other freely without.f.orrrring an interference fit between the thread segments on the closure and cap:
Suitably, the first and second threads' are continuous helical threads. That is to say, they are not bayonet-type threads that require a stepped motion of the closure to secure the closure on.the neck, but rather they define a substantially continuous helical thread path having a thread gradient less than 90 degrees substantially throughout. Suitably the threads have, a mean thread pitch of from to 25 , more suitably from 100 to 20 . Typically, the minimum vertical displacement of the cap between the fully secured position on the container neck and a fully disengaged position of the cap on the neck of from about 2mm to about 10mm, for example from about 4mm to about 8mm.
Steeply pitched. threads provide advantages in terms of ease of use and more reliable separation of tamper-evident rings from the closure skirt. However, it will be appreciated that such steeply pitched threads result in a relatively small leverage of rotational force applied to the closure into.d.ownward force on the closure, and. it is a feature of.the sealing arrangernent according. to the invention that it can provide a reliable pressure-tight seal without strgng downward force being applied to the closure as in previous sealing arrangements.
It is an advantage of the assemblies according. to.the present invention that they can provide a pressure tight seal without the need for additiona1 circumferential flexible sealing fins between the sealing plug and the sealing skirt of the kind described in W002/42171. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, the closure in the assemblies according to the present invention may further comprise one or more circumferential flexible sealing fins between the~ sealing plug and the sealing skirt for engagement with the lip of the containerwhen the closure is secured on the container neck. The sealing fins may. have their base in the base of the closure between the sealing skirt and. the sealing plug, or they may extend inwardly or outwardly and downwardly from the 'base of'the sealing skirt or the sealing plug.
Suitably, the closure comprises two sealing 'fins extending around the closure in concentric fashion. Suitably, two sealing fins are disposed substantially symmetrically on either side of the container lip to provide a balanced sealing pinch on the lip. In these embodiments, the container closure assembly comprises a second sealing fin extending downwardly and inwardly from the base of the closure between the sealing plug and the sealing skirt. The first and -second sealing fins then seal against opposite sides of the container lip, suitably in substantially symmetrical and balanced fashion. The first and second sealing fins flex in opposite directions as the closure is secured onto the container neck.
This dual action ensures that at least one, and usually both, of the sealing fins makes a pressure-tight seal against the lip.
Suitably, the height of the sealing fins is greater than Aheir width at their base.
Suitably, the cross-section of the sealing fins, is substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Suitably, at least. one sealing fin has a height of from 1 to 4 mm.
Suitably, . at least one sealing fin abuts against a stop surface when the closure is secured on the .container neck. Suitably, two flexible fins are provided for sealing on either side of the container lip, as described'above, and the two stop surfaces are provided by the bases of the sealing plug and the sealing skirt for abutment against each of the sealing fins at the fuily secured and pressure-tight position.
Suitably, the container and closure further comprise complementary locking elements on the container neck and the closure that block or resist unscrewing of the closure from the fully secured position on the container neck until a predetermined minimum opening torque. is applied. For example, the locking elements may comprise a longitudinal locking rib on one of the.container neck.
or the skirt portion of the closure, and a complementary locking ramp on the other -of the container neck and the skirt portion' of the closure, the locking- rib abutting against the retaining edge of the locking ramp when the closure is fully secured on the container neck.
In certain embodiments, the first and second locking projections (side catches) longitudinally overlap the first and/or'.the second thread segments, when the closure is in said fully engaged position on the container neck. In, other words, the first and second locking projections are not located entirely above or below -the threads (the terms above and below refer tp relative positions along, the longitudinal axis of the assembly), but are located, at least in part, radially in-between the threads. The side catches are preferably located adjacent to an end of the threads. This enables the entire thread assembly to be made more compact in the longitudinal (vertical) direction, thereby reducing the total amount of moulding material needed to make the assembly, and the space taken up by the assembly. In certain embodiments, it also enables the neck thread to be made more suitable for consumption directly from the neck.
Typically, the first and second locking elements are situated near the lower end of the threads when the closure is fully secured on the container. Preferably, the f rst and/or second locking projections do not extend below the lower edge of the first or second thread segments when the closure is in said fully engaged position 10 on the container neck. The term "lower" refers to. the part . of the neck -thread furthest from the opening of the container neck. In such- assemblies, the locking projections are preferably located substantially completely radially between the thr.eads and not above or below the threads. Preferably, the locking projections on the neck are not joined at the lower edge to a circumferential flange or shoulder (e.g. the shoulder used to retain a tamper-evident band), thereby enhancing the flexibility of the locking projections and enhancing the "click-to-close"
noise.
Further to the aforesaid, at least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure is substantially separate..
from the thread segments and can flex substantially independently of the thread segments in order to provide the.snap-fitting -and:clearly audible click as the fully secured position of the closure on the neck is reached. In general, a:
radially innermost vertex of the second locking element on the closure skirt rides over. a radially. outermost vertex of the-first locking element on the container neck as the fully secured position is approached. The second locking element theri rides back over the outermost vertex of the first locking element when the closure is removed from the secured position, for example when opening the assembly.
At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure has a length in the longitudinal direction (i.e. along the rotational axis of the closure assembly) of from about 1 mm to about 6mm, for example from about 2mm to about 4mm. At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure has a height of from about 0.25mm to about 2mm, for example from about 0.5mm to about 1.5mm. In any case the height of the locking projections is normally less than the average height of the respective thread segments: At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck a.nd/or the. closure has a maximum width (i.e. around the circumference of the neck or closure skirt), of from about 0.5mm to about 3mm, for example from about 1 mm to about 2mm. At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure has a ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of at least about 0.5, more preferably at least 1, for example from about 1 to about 5.
In suitable embodiments, the first locking projection is located longitudinally overlapping with and radially spaced from- an upper end of a first thread.segment.
In other embodiments, the second locking projection is located longitudinally overlapping with and radially spaced from a lower end of a second thread segment. These latter embodiments are preferred, since the first locking projections are then located further from the opening of the container neck.
The circumferential spacing between the projections and the respective thread segments. in these embodiments is typically from about 1 mm. to about 10mm, for example from about 1mm to about 4mm: In these, embodiments, the radially spaced locking. projections may abut 'against the thread segments of the other assembly component as the assembly, is screwed together. That is to say, the radially spaced projections may define a part of the thread path on the,closure or neck. For example, in the case where there are relatively long thread segments.
on the closure skirt defining a thread path for relatively short thr.ead segments on the container neck, the locking projections on the closure skirt may be.-radially spaced from the (ower end of the relativety long thread segments on the closure skirt and may thereby define an extension at the start of the thread path followed by the thread 'segments on the neck when the closure 'is applied to the neck.
This-method of using the locking projections -to'form an extension of the thread path on one of the neck or the ciosure solves the. problem of providing larger locking projections that overlap with the threads, but do not interfere with the running of the threads. The locking projections are generally in the line of and, as it were, are extensions of the thread path on one of the neck or the closure.
The assemblies according to the present invention may comprise more than one pair of complementary locking projections on the container neck and the closure.
Preferably there are at least two such complementary pairs radially- spaced around the neck and closure skirt. There will normally be at least one pair for each thread start; for example there may be four pairs radially spaced around the neck-and closure skirt.
..1p Preferably, ttie locking projections on the neck and the closure, skirt are radially positioned such that they are in abutment when the closure is at -the fully closed and sealing position on the container neck. That is to say, the projection on the closure has ridden over one side of, and is resting in abutment with the opposite 15, side of, the corresponding projection on'the container neck at said fully closed -and sealing position. This ensures that there is no play in the cap at said closed and sealing position that could allow leakage from the seal. Preferably, when the projections are in abutment at the closed and sealing position, the closure, skirt and/or the projections are still slightly distorted. such that. a resilient force is exerted 20 between the projections in abutment. This resilient force is leveraged by the abutment into a closing torque, between the cl.osure. and the neck that: urges the closure into the fully closed and sealing position. This can ensure that the respective sealing surfaces of the container neck and the closure are automatically seated against each other, even though the closure may not be screwed down 25 especially tightly. Furthermore, the locking projections allow for considerably loWer manufacturing tolerances in the moulding of the assembly, since effective sealing is achieved over a broader range of radial sealing positions due to the interaction between the locking projections and the radial deformation of the closure skirt.
The advantages of locking projections that urge the closure into the sealing position are discussed in detail in WO93/01098, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The use of multiple symmetrically disposed circumferential sealing ribs on a 'sealing plug and a sealing skirt;. each. of which has. a degree of . radial flexibility, allows a pressure-tight seal- to. be formed between. the container neck and' the closure without application of excessive force to the closure, and without any need for a sealing liner in the base of the closure.
The container closure assembly according to the present invention is especially suitable for use in conjunction with thread arrangements that are quick and easy to secure. and resecure, wherein the closure can be secured and resecured on the container neck by a single, smooth rotation: through 360 or less, more suitably 180 or less, and most suitably about 90 .
Suitably, the first and second threads are multiple start threads such as two-start threads or three-start threads, and rnore, suitably they are four :start threads. This further assists securing of -the closure on the neck, since the user needs to rotate the cap less in order to find a thread start. Suitably, the threads are substantially free-running, or parallel threads. 'That is'to say, the. threads on the closure and cap slide past each other freely without.f.orrrring an interference fit between the thread segments on the closure and cap:
Suitably, the first and second threads' are continuous helical threads. That is to say, they are not bayonet-type threads that require a stepped motion of the closure to secure the closure on.the neck, but rather they define a substantially continuous helical thread path having a thread gradient less than 90 degrees substantially throughout. Suitably the threads have, a mean thread pitch of from to 25 , more suitably from 100 to 20 . Typically, the minimum vertical displacement of the cap between the fully secured position on the container neck and a fully disengaged position of the cap on the neck of from about 2mm to about 10mm, for example from about 4mm to about 8mm.
Steeply pitched. threads provide advantages in terms of ease of use and more reliable separation of tamper-evident rings from the closure skirt. However, it will be appreciated that such steeply pitched threads result in a relatively small leverage of rotational force applied to the closure into.d.ownward force on the closure, and. it is a feature of.the sealing arrangernent according. to the invention that it can provide a reliable pressure-tight seal without strgng downward force being applied to the closure as in previous sealing arrangements.
It is an advantage of the assemblies according. to.the present invention that they can provide a pressure tight seal without the need for additiona1 circumferential flexible sealing fins between the sealing plug and the sealing skirt of the kind described in W002/42171. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, the closure in the assemblies according to the present invention may further comprise one or more circumferential flexible sealing fins between the~ sealing plug and the sealing skirt for engagement with the lip of the containerwhen the closure is secured on the container neck. The sealing fins may. have their base in the base of the closure between the sealing skirt and. the sealing plug, or they may extend inwardly or outwardly and downwardly from the 'base of'the sealing skirt or the sealing plug.
Suitably, the closure comprises two sealing 'fins extending around the closure in concentric fashion. Suitably, two sealing fins are disposed substantially symmetrically on either side of the container lip to provide a balanced sealing pinch on the lip. In these embodiments, the container closure assembly comprises a second sealing fin extending downwardly and inwardly from the base of the closure between the sealing plug and the sealing skirt. The first and -second sealing fins then seal against opposite sides of the container lip, suitably in substantially symmetrical and balanced fashion. The first and second sealing fins flex in opposite directions as the closure is secured onto the container neck.
This dual action ensures that at least one, and usually both, of the sealing fins makes a pressure-tight seal against the lip.
Suitably, the height of the sealing fins is greater than Aheir width at their base.
Suitably, the cross-section of the sealing fins, is substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Suitably, at least. one sealing fin has a height of from 1 to 4 mm.
Suitably, . at least one sealing fin abuts against a stop surface when the closure is secured on the .container neck. Suitably, two flexible fins are provided for sealing on either side of the container lip, as described'above, and the two stop surfaces are provided by the bases of the sealing plug and the sealing skirt for abutment against each of the sealing fins at the fuily secured and pressure-tight position.
Suitably, the container and closure further comprise complementary locking elements on the container neck and the closure that block or resist unscrewing of the closure from the fully secured position on the container neck until a predetermined minimum opening torque. is applied. For example, the locking elements may comprise a longitudinal locking rib on one of the.container neck.
or the skirt portion of the closure, and a complementary locking ramp on the other -of the container neck and the skirt portion' of the closure, the locking- rib abutting against the retaining edge of the locking ramp when the closure is fully secured on the container neck.
In certain embodiments, the first and second locking projections (side catches) longitudinally overlap the first and/or'.the second thread segments, when the closure is in said fully engaged position on the container neck. In, other words, the first and second locking projections are not located entirely above or below -the threads (the terms above and below refer tp relative positions along, the longitudinal axis of the assembly), but are located, at least in part, radially in-between the threads. The side catches are preferably located adjacent to an end of the threads. This enables the entire thread assembly to be made more compact in the longitudinal (vertical) direction, thereby reducing the total amount of moulding material needed to make the assembly, and the space taken up by the assembly. In certain embodiments, it also enables the neck thread to be made more suitable for consumption directly from the neck.
Typically, the first and second locking elements are situated near the lower end of the threads when the closure is fully secured on the container. Preferably, the f rst and/or second locking projections do not extend below the lower edge of the first or second thread segments when the closure is in said fully engaged position 10 on the container neck. The term "lower" refers to. the part . of the neck -thread furthest from the opening of the container neck. In such- assemblies, the locking projections are preferably located substantially completely radially between the thr.eads and not above or below the threads. Preferably, the locking projections on the neck are not joined at the lower edge to a circumferential flange or shoulder (e.g. the shoulder used to retain a tamper-evident band), thereby enhancing the flexibility of the locking projections and enhancing the "click-to-close"
noise.
Further to the aforesaid, at least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure is substantially separate..
from the thread segments and can flex substantially independently of the thread segments in order to provide the.snap-fitting -and:clearly audible click as the fully secured position of the closure on the neck is reached. In general, a:
radially innermost vertex of the second locking element on the closure skirt rides over. a radially. outermost vertex of the-first locking element on the container neck as the fully secured position is approached. The second locking element theri rides back over the outermost vertex of the first locking element when the closure is removed from the secured position, for example when opening the assembly.
At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure has a length in the longitudinal direction (i.e. along the rotational axis of the closure assembly) of from about 1 mm to about 6mm, for example from about 2mm to about 4mm. At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure has a height of from about 0.25mm to about 2mm, for example from about 0.5mm to about 1.5mm. In any case the height of the locking projections is normally less than the average height of the respective thread segments: At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck a.nd/or the. closure has a maximum width (i.e. around the circumference of the neck or closure skirt), of from about 0.5mm to about 3mm, for example from about 1 mm to about 2mm. At least one, and preferably both of the complementary locking projections on the neck and/or the closure has a ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of at least about 0.5, more preferably at least 1, for example from about 1 to about 5.
In suitable embodiments, the first locking projection is located longitudinally overlapping with and radially spaced from- an upper end of a first thread.segment.
In other embodiments, the second locking projection is located longitudinally overlapping with and radially spaced from a lower end of a second thread segment. These latter embodiments are preferred, since the first locking projections are then located further from the opening of the container neck.
The circumferential spacing between the projections and the respective thread segments. in these embodiments is typically from about 1 mm. to about 10mm, for example from about 1mm to about 4mm: In these, embodiments, the radially spaced locking. projections may abut 'against the thread segments of the other assembly component as the assembly, is screwed together. That is to say, the radially spaced projections may define a part of the thread path on the,closure or neck. For example, in the case where there are relatively long thread segments.
on the closure skirt defining a thread path for relatively short thr.ead segments on the container neck, the locking projections on the closure skirt may be.-radially spaced from the (ower end of the relativety long thread segments on the closure skirt and may thereby define an extension at the start of the thread path followed by the thread 'segments on the neck when the closure 'is applied to the neck.
This-method of using the locking projections -to'form an extension of the thread path on one of the neck or the ciosure solves the. problem of providing larger locking projections that overlap with the threads, but do not interfere with the running of the threads. The locking projections are generally in the line of and, as it were, are extensions of the thread path on one of the neck or the closure.
The assemblies according to the present invention may comprise more than one pair of complementary locking projections on the container neck and the closure.
Preferably there are at least two such complementary pairs radially- spaced around the neck and closure skirt. There will normally be at least one pair for each thread start; for example there may be four pairs radially spaced around the neck-and closure skirt.
..1p Preferably, ttie locking projections on the neck and the closure, skirt are radially positioned such that they are in abutment when the closure is at -the fully closed and sealing position on the container neck. That is to say, the projection on the closure has ridden over one side of, and is resting in abutment with the opposite 15, side of, the corresponding projection on'the container neck at said fully closed -and sealing position. This ensures that there is no play in the cap at said closed and sealing position that could allow leakage from the seal. Preferably, when the projections are in abutment at the closed and sealing position, the closure, skirt and/or the projections are still slightly distorted. such that. a resilient force is exerted 20 between the projections in abutment. This resilient force is leveraged by the abutment into a closing torque, between the cl.osure. and the neck that: urges the closure into the fully closed and sealing position. This can ensure that the respective sealing surfaces of the container neck and the closure are automatically seated against each other, even though the closure may not be screwed down 25 especially tightly. Furthermore, the locking projections allow for considerably loWer manufacturing tolerances in the moulding of the assembly, since effective sealing is achieved over a broader range of radial sealing positions due to the interaction between the locking projections and the radial deformation of the closure skirt.
The advantages of locking projections that urge the closure into the sealing position are discussed in detail in WO93/01098, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The compfementary locking elements according to the present invention provide a number of other important advantages, besides urging the closure into the fully secured and sealing position as described above. Firstly, they prevent accidental backing off of the closure from the fully engaged and sealing position on the container neck due to pressure from inside the container. These elements enable more steeply pitched threads and free running (parallel) threads to be used without risk of the closure unscrewing spontaneously. The use,of more steeply pitched threads in turn makes it easier to remove and res.ecure the closure.
In some embodiments, the locking elements according to the present invention may .also provide a positive "click" when the fully engaged and sealing position of the closure on the container neck is reached, thereby giving the user a positive indication that the closure is in the closed (sealed) position. This system also ensures that exactly the right degree . of compression is applied between the container and closure.to achieve an effective airtight seal.
Suitably, the container closure assembly according to the present invention further comprises a projecting stop surface on one of the container neck and the closure skirt for abutment against a second stop or a thread on the other of the container neck or the closure to block over-tightening of the closure beyond a predetermined angular sealing position of the closure on the container neck, The stop elements act in conjunction with the locking arrangement to ensure that exactly the right degree of screwing of the closure is achieved in order to provide a pressure-tight seal with the -sealing arrangement of the present invention.
Suitable locking and stop, arrangements are described in detail in WO
91/18799, WO 95/05322 and W02005/058720, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The container closure assembly also suitably comprises a tamper-evident safety feature. The safety feature preferably includes a tamper-evident ring that is initially formed integrally with the skirt of the container closure and joined- to the lower edge thereof by one or more frangible bridges. The tamper-evident ring is retained on the container neck when the closure is removed from the neck for the first time, suitably by abutment with the underside of a circumferential retaining lip provided on the container neck below the threads.
In.certain embodiments, the tamper-evident ring comprises a plurality of integWly formed, flexible, radially inwardly pointing retaining tabs to retain #he ring under the retaining lip. In these embodiments, ratchet projections may also be provided on the container neck below the circumferential retaining lip and radially spaced around the container neck to block rotation of the tamper=evident ring on the container neck in an unscrewing direction and thereby assist separation of the, tamper-evident ring from the neck. The structure and operation of the tamper-evident ring feature according to these embodiments may be as described and claimed in our International Patent Publication W094/11267, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Suitably, the torque required to secure the closure in a sealing position on the container neck is less than 1.2 Nm, more suitably less than 1 Nm and most suitably from about 0.7 to about 0.9 Nm. This is the torque required to engage the complementary locking arrangement (where present) at the sealing position, and/or otherwise the force required to substantially eliminate gas leakage at normal carbonated beverage pressure differentials.
Suitably, the assembly achieves a sealin.g pressure around at least one 25. circumferential surface between the container neck and the closure at the fully closed position of at least about 7 MPa (1000 psi), suitably at.least about 10.5 Mpa (1500 psi), suitably over a temperature range of from about 0 C to about 40 C, and s.uitably over an pressure range within -the container of from about zero to about 1.2MPa gauge (175 psig), i.e. covering the maximum ranges of temperature and pressure required for carbonated beverages. Suitably, the assembly provides at least two such circumferential seals, suitably over the whole of the above temperature and pressure ranges.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a comparative view of a container neck (in elevation) and a 5 closure (in cross section) secured to the neck in a* sealing position, wherein the left side of the- closure is shown . with a prior art sealing Iiner, and the right side of the closure is shown iniith a sealing arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows : a detailed longitudinal view. partially in cross-section of the '10" operative region of a container closure assembly according to, the present invention from Figure.1, with, the closure unscrewed from the container neck;
Figure- 3 shows a detailed longitudinal view partially in cross section of the operative region of a container closure, assembly according to the present invention from. Figure 1, with the closure shown in the closed and sealing position 15 the container neck;
Figure 4 shows an eniarged partial longitudinal sectional view through the sealing region of the container closure according to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 5 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 through the sealing region of a closure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 through the sealing region. of a closure according to a further embodimenf of the invention;
Fi gure.7 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view through the sealing region 'of the closure according to a further embodiment with the closure disengaged from the co'ntainer.neck;
Figure 8 shows a partial ' Iongitudinal sectional view throUgh the embodiment of Fig. 7 with the closure fully secured on a container neck (shown in phantom);
and Figure 9 shows a view of a further assembly according to the present, invention with a container neck (in elevation and partially in cross-section) and a closure (in cross section) secured to the neck in a sealing position.
Referring to Figure 1, the assembly comprises a container neck I and a closure 2.
The closure 2 comprises a base 3 and an outer, threaded skirt 4. The container neck 1 terminates in, a rounded, smooth-surfaced lip 5. In prior art closure assemblies, this tip forms a pressure-tight seal with an elastomeric liner 6-shown hatched in the "prior art" portion of Fig. 1.
The container neck I is formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by injection molding. The closure 2. is :likewise- molded in one piece by injection molding from polyethylene. The neck 1 and closure 2 are provided -.with integrally molded, fast~, turn, steeply-pitched threads incorporating a pressure safety feature, as described in detail in our International patent application EP-A-1446332; the entire content of which is expressly,incorporated herein. by reference.
Brief(y, on the inside of.the skirtportion 16 there,is provided a:four-start first screw thread made up of four first thread segments each made up of two portions 10,11, as shown in phantom on Fig. 1. The thread segments extend a total of about 170 degrees around'the skirt, whereby adjacent. thread segments overlap around the circumference of the skirt. A substantially continuous, approximately helical thread .gap is defined between overlapping regions of the first~ thread segments on the skirt 4.
The container neck 10 is provided with a second screw thread formed from four short second thread segments 8, each of which is a substantially continuous helical thread extending about 20 degrees around the container neck.
An important feature of this assembly is the profiling of the upper surface of the thread segments on the closure skirt, which is described in more detail in EP-A-1446332.
The thread segments on the closure skirt also include a pressure safety feature similar to that described and claimed in our International Patent Publication W095/05322. Briefly, a step 9 is provided in the upper surface of the thread portion 11 to abut against an end of the neck thread segments 8 and block unscrewing of the *closure 2 from the neck I when the neck thread segments 8 are in abutment with the upper surface of the skirt threads, i.e. when there is a net force on the closure in an axial direction out of the container neck. This abutment acts to block further unscrewing of the closure until venting of gas pressure from inside the container is substantially complete, so that the closure can drop down to bring the thread 8- out of abutment with the step 9. A region of the upper surface of the skirt thread_ segments 11 situated adjacent to the step_ 9 has. a low pitch of about 6 degrees to reduce the risk of the pressure safety feature being over-ridden by high pressure inside the container.
The container and closure. assembly is also provided with complementary locking elements on the container neck and the closure to block unscrewing of the closure from the fully engaged position on the container neck unless a minimum unscrewing torque is applied. These locking- elemerits comprise four equally radially spaced locking ribs 13 on the inside of the closure skirt - 16, and four equally radially spaced retaining ramps on the container neck. The ramps have a radially sloped outer face 12 and a radially projecting retaining edge 14 against which the rib 13 on the closure abuts .when 'the closure is fully engaged on the container neck. The complementary locking elements may be as described in our International Patent Publication W091/18799, the entire content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. The complementary locking elements'signal to the user by means of an audible "click" when the sealing position has been reached: The complementary locking elements resist "backing-off' of the closure, which is especially advantageous for the steeply pitched threads when the contents of the container are pressurized.
The skirt thread portions 10 are provided at one end with an upwardly projecting a stop shoulder 18 forming a first stop against which an end of the neck thread segments 8.may abut,.thereby to block over-tightening of the closure on the neck.
The coritainer, closure assembly also comprises a tamper-evident safety feature.
The safety feature includes a tamper-evident ring 15 that is initially formed integrally with the skirt 4 of the container closure 2 and joined thereto by frangible bridges. The tamper-evident ring 15 comprises a plurality of integrally formed, flexible, radially inwardly pointing retaining tabs 16. A circumferential retaining lip 17 is provided on the container neck 1.
In some embodiments, the locking elements according to the present invention may .also provide a positive "click" when the fully engaged and sealing position of the closure on the container neck is reached, thereby giving the user a positive indication that the closure is in the closed (sealed) position. This system also ensures that exactly the right degree . of compression is applied between the container and closure.to achieve an effective airtight seal.
Suitably, the container closure assembly according to the present invention further comprises a projecting stop surface on one of the container neck and the closure skirt for abutment against a second stop or a thread on the other of the container neck or the closure to block over-tightening of the closure beyond a predetermined angular sealing position of the closure on the container neck, The stop elements act in conjunction with the locking arrangement to ensure that exactly the right degree of screwing of the closure is achieved in order to provide a pressure-tight seal with the -sealing arrangement of the present invention.
Suitable locking and stop, arrangements are described in detail in WO
91/18799, WO 95/05322 and W02005/058720, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The container closure assembly also suitably comprises a tamper-evident safety feature. The safety feature preferably includes a tamper-evident ring that is initially formed integrally with the skirt of the container closure and joined- to the lower edge thereof by one or more frangible bridges. The tamper-evident ring is retained on the container neck when the closure is removed from the neck for the first time, suitably by abutment with the underside of a circumferential retaining lip provided on the container neck below the threads.
In.certain embodiments, the tamper-evident ring comprises a plurality of integWly formed, flexible, radially inwardly pointing retaining tabs to retain #he ring under the retaining lip. In these embodiments, ratchet projections may also be provided on the container neck below the circumferential retaining lip and radially spaced around the container neck to block rotation of the tamper=evident ring on the container neck in an unscrewing direction and thereby assist separation of the, tamper-evident ring from the neck. The structure and operation of the tamper-evident ring feature according to these embodiments may be as described and claimed in our International Patent Publication W094/11267, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Suitably, the torque required to secure the closure in a sealing position on the container neck is less than 1.2 Nm, more suitably less than 1 Nm and most suitably from about 0.7 to about 0.9 Nm. This is the torque required to engage the complementary locking arrangement (where present) at the sealing position, and/or otherwise the force required to substantially eliminate gas leakage at normal carbonated beverage pressure differentials.
Suitably, the assembly achieves a sealin.g pressure around at least one 25. circumferential surface between the container neck and the closure at the fully closed position of at least about 7 MPa (1000 psi), suitably at.least about 10.5 Mpa (1500 psi), suitably over a temperature range of from about 0 C to about 40 C, and s.uitably over an pressure range within -the container of from about zero to about 1.2MPa gauge (175 psig), i.e. covering the maximum ranges of temperature and pressure required for carbonated beverages. Suitably, the assembly provides at least two such circumferential seals, suitably over the whole of the above temperature and pressure ranges.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a comparative view of a container neck (in elevation) and a 5 closure (in cross section) secured to the neck in a* sealing position, wherein the left side of the- closure is shown . with a prior art sealing Iiner, and the right side of the closure is shown iniith a sealing arrangement in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows : a detailed longitudinal view. partially in cross-section of the '10" operative region of a container closure assembly according to, the present invention from Figure.1, with, the closure unscrewed from the container neck;
Figure- 3 shows a detailed longitudinal view partially in cross section of the operative region of a container closure, assembly according to the present invention from. Figure 1, with the closure shown in the closed and sealing position 15 the container neck;
Figure 4 shows an eniarged partial longitudinal sectional view through the sealing region of the container closure according to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3;
Figure 5 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 through the sealing region of a closure according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 through the sealing region. of a closure according to a further embodimenf of the invention;
Fi gure.7 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view through the sealing region 'of the closure according to a further embodiment with the closure disengaged from the co'ntainer.neck;
Figure 8 shows a partial ' Iongitudinal sectional view throUgh the embodiment of Fig. 7 with the closure fully secured on a container neck (shown in phantom);
and Figure 9 shows a view of a further assembly according to the present, invention with a container neck (in elevation and partially in cross-section) and a closure (in cross section) secured to the neck in a sealing position.
Referring to Figure 1, the assembly comprises a container neck I and a closure 2.
The closure 2 comprises a base 3 and an outer, threaded skirt 4. The container neck 1 terminates in, a rounded, smooth-surfaced lip 5. In prior art closure assemblies, this tip forms a pressure-tight seal with an elastomeric liner 6-shown hatched in the "prior art" portion of Fig. 1.
The container neck I is formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by injection molding. The closure 2. is :likewise- molded in one piece by injection molding from polyethylene. The neck 1 and closure 2 are provided -.with integrally molded, fast~, turn, steeply-pitched threads incorporating a pressure safety feature, as described in detail in our International patent application EP-A-1446332; the entire content of which is expressly,incorporated herein. by reference.
Brief(y, on the inside of.the skirtportion 16 there,is provided a:four-start first screw thread made up of four first thread segments each made up of two portions 10,11, as shown in phantom on Fig. 1. The thread segments extend a total of about 170 degrees around'the skirt, whereby adjacent. thread segments overlap around the circumference of the skirt. A substantially continuous, approximately helical thread .gap is defined between overlapping regions of the first~ thread segments on the skirt 4.
The container neck 10 is provided with a second screw thread formed from four short second thread segments 8, each of which is a substantially continuous helical thread extending about 20 degrees around the container neck.
An important feature of this assembly is the profiling of the upper surface of the thread segments on the closure skirt, which is described in more detail in EP-A-1446332.
The thread segments on the closure skirt also include a pressure safety feature similar to that described and claimed in our International Patent Publication W095/05322. Briefly, a step 9 is provided in the upper surface of the thread portion 11 to abut against an end of the neck thread segments 8 and block unscrewing of the *closure 2 from the neck I when the neck thread segments 8 are in abutment with the upper surface of the skirt threads, i.e. when there is a net force on the closure in an axial direction out of the container neck. This abutment acts to block further unscrewing of the closure until venting of gas pressure from inside the container is substantially complete, so that the closure can drop down to bring the thread 8- out of abutment with the step 9. A region of the upper surface of the skirt thread_ segments 11 situated adjacent to the step_ 9 has. a low pitch of about 6 degrees to reduce the risk of the pressure safety feature being over-ridden by high pressure inside the container.
The container and closure. assembly is also provided with complementary locking elements on the container neck and the closure to block unscrewing of the closure from the fully engaged position on the container neck unless a minimum unscrewing torque is applied. These locking- elemerits comprise four equally radially spaced locking ribs 13 on the inside of the closure skirt - 16, and four equally radially spaced retaining ramps on the container neck. The ramps have a radially sloped outer face 12 and a radially projecting retaining edge 14 against which the rib 13 on the closure abuts .when 'the closure is fully engaged on the container neck. The complementary locking elements may be as described in our International Patent Publication W091/18799, the entire content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. The complementary locking elements'signal to the user by means of an audible "click" when the sealing position has been reached: The complementary locking elements resist "backing-off' of the closure, which is especially advantageous for the steeply pitched threads when the contents of the container are pressurized.
The skirt thread portions 10 are provided at one end with an upwardly projecting a stop shoulder 18 forming a first stop against which an end of the neck thread segments 8.may abut,.thereby to block over-tightening of the closure on the neck.
The coritainer, closure assembly also comprises a tamper-evident safety feature.
The safety feature includes a tamper-evident ring 15 that is initially formed integrally with the skirt 4 of the container closure 2 and joined thereto by frangible bridges. The tamper-evident ring 15 comprises a plurality of integrally formed, flexible, radially inwardly pointing retaining tabs 16. A circumferential retaining lip 17 is provided on the container neck 1.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the closure comprises a cylindrical sealing plug 24.
The closure. further comprises a cylindrical sealing skirt 20 that is substantially concentric with and equal in height (measured from the base of closUre) to the sealing plug. The sealing plug 24-and the sealing skirt 20 are concentric with the threaded skirt 4 and located inside the threaded skirt 4 for sealing abutment against opposite sides 25,29 of the container neck proximate to the container lip 5..
The sealing skirt 20 has two small circumferential sealing ribs 21,22 of substantially -triangular cross-section on a radially 'inner side thereof. The cylindrical sealing plug has two circumferential sealing ribs 26,27 provided on a.
radially outer surface of the sealing plug 24, the dimensions of the circumferential sealing ribs 26,27 being the same or similar to those of sealing ribs 21,22 on the sealing skirt. The circumferential sealing ribs 26,27 are located at substantially the same heights respectively above the base of the closure 2 as the respective circumferential sealing ribs 21,22 on.the sealing skirt 20.
The circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt.have a substantially equilateral triangular cross-section, and are approximately 150 micrometers high, in the unstressed state. However, they deform when pressed against the harder material (glass or PET) of the container neck to form the pressure-tight seat. The small dimensions of the sealing .ribs enable a pressure tight seal, to be achieved without substantial force having to be applied to the sealing plug to form the seal.
In use, the closure is secured on the container -neck.as shown in Figure 3, Both the sealing skirt 20 and the sealing plug 24 'are radially .slightly flexible to engage the sealing lip. The circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt and-the plug engage opposite sides,25,29 of the sealing lip 5, and pinch the lip between -them at two vertically spaced locations to form a highly effective seal -by concentrating pressure at the sealing ribs. The upper sealing ribs 22,27 provide a pinch across the rounded lip 5 of the container neck, thereby substituting for the flexible sealing fins that are described in W002/42171.
The closure. further comprises a cylindrical sealing skirt 20 that is substantially concentric with and equal in height (measured from the base of closUre) to the sealing plug. The sealing plug 24-and the sealing skirt 20 are concentric with the threaded skirt 4 and located inside the threaded skirt 4 for sealing abutment against opposite sides 25,29 of the container neck proximate to the container lip 5..
The sealing skirt 20 has two small circumferential sealing ribs 21,22 of substantially -triangular cross-section on a radially 'inner side thereof. The cylindrical sealing plug has two circumferential sealing ribs 26,27 provided on a.
radially outer surface of the sealing plug 24, the dimensions of the circumferential sealing ribs 26,27 being the same or similar to those of sealing ribs 21,22 on the sealing skirt. The circumferential sealing ribs 26,27 are located at substantially the same heights respectively above the base of the closure 2 as the respective circumferential sealing ribs 21,22 on.the sealing skirt 20.
The circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt.have a substantially equilateral triangular cross-section, and are approximately 150 micrometers high, in the unstressed state. However, they deform when pressed against the harder material (glass or PET) of the container neck to form the pressure-tight seat. The small dimensions of the sealing .ribs enable a pressure tight seal, to be achieved without substantial force having to be applied to the sealing plug to form the seal.
In use, the closure is secured on the container -neck.as shown in Figure 3, Both the sealing skirt 20 and the sealing plug 24 'are radially .slightly flexible to engage the sealing lip. The circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt and-the plug engage opposite sides,25,29 of the sealing lip 5, and pinch the lip between -them at two vertically spaced locations to form a highly effective seal -by concentrating pressure at the sealing ribs. The upper sealing ribs 22,27 provide a pinch across the rounded lip 5 of the container neck, thereby substituting for the flexible sealing fins that are described in W002/42171.
Referring to Figure 4, the sealing region of the closure is shown in more detail. It can be seen that the sealing skirt 20 is provided with two circumferential sealing ribs 21,22 on a radially inner surface thereof that are substantially triangular in cross-section. In addition, the bottom 30 of the sealing skirt 20 is profiled to form a further circumferential sealing rib- 31: for applying concentrated force to -a the.
outside surface 25 of the container neck proximate to the lip 5 to effect a seal.
The bottom of the sealing plug 24 is provided with an eicactly .corresponding further circumferential sealing rib 32 spaced at the same longitudinal distance above the base of the closure as the corresponding feature on the sealing skirt; for applying a further pinch across the container neck. The overall effect 'is to provide a substantially symmetrical sealing jaw for gripping the top of the container neck.
Referring to the embodiment of Figure 5, the sealing skirt and the sealing plug are profiled in similar fashion to the embodiment of Fig. 4 to form a jaw for sealing against the upper part of the container neck proximate to the container lip.
However, the jaw profile is slightly different, such that the angle of the.
further circumferential sealing ribs 37,39, at the bottom of the sealing skirt and the sealing rib respectively, is more obtuse. This profile of the further circumferential sealing ribs 37,38 may be preferable for certain container neck profiles, and may also offer certain advantages for ease of molding of the closure.
Referring to Figure 6, the sealing skirt and the sealing..plug are profiled in similar~
fashion to the embodiment of Fig. 4 to form a jaw for sealing against side walls of the * container neck proximate to the container lip. However, the jaw profile is .slightly different, such that the angle of the further circumferential sealing ribs 42,44, at the bottom of the sealing skirt and the sealing rib respectively, is more acute. This profile of the further circumferential sealing ribs 42,44 may be useful to apply a high, localised sealing pressure at the points where the further sealing ribs contact opposite sides of the container neck.
Referring to Figure 7, the principal features of the container neck and closure are as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. In particular, the closure 50 has an outer, threaded closure skirt 51 for engagement with complementary threads on the container neck 60. The closure of Fig. 7 further comprises a cylindrical sealing skirt 52 concentric with the threaded skirt 51 and located slightly inside the threaded skirt 51 for sealing abutment - against outer 5 surface of the container neckproximate to the container lip. The sealing skirt 52 has two srriall circumferential sealing ribs 54;55 of substantially triangular' cross-section and height approximately 100 micrometers on a radially inner,side thereof.
The container closure 50 in the embodiment of Figure. 7 further comprises a 10 cylindrical sealing -plug 53 that is'substantially concentric with-an&equal iri- height .(measured fr..om,the base of closure) to the sealing skirt 52-. Two circumferential sealing ribs 56,57 are provided on :a radially outer surface of the sealing plug, the dimensions of the circumferential sealing ribs 56,57 being the same or, similar to those of sealing ribs on the sealing skirt. The circumferential sealing ribs.on the 15 sealing skirt and the sealing plug are, located at substantially the same heights above the base of the closure, respectively.
In addition, the closure in the assembly of Figs. 7 and 8 comprises two 'sealing fins 58,59 in the form of relatively thin-walled cylindrical projections extending from the 20 base of the closure 50 concentric and intermediate the sealing skirt 52 and the sealing plug 53. The height of the sealing fins 58,59 above the base of the closure is approximately half the heightof the sealing skirt and the sealing plug.
In use, the closure- is secured on the container neck as shown in Figure 8.
Both 'the sealing skirt 52 and the sealing plug 53 are radially slightly flexible to engage the lip of the container'.neck 60. The circumferentiai sealing ribs on, the sealing . skirt and the plug engage opposite sides of the neck proximate to the lip of the neck, and pinch the lip between them at two vertically spaced positions to form a highly effective seal by concentrating pressure at the sealing ribs. In addition, the sealing fins 58,59 abut against the container lip intermediate the sealing 'skirt and the sealing plug to form a further seal.
outside surface 25 of the container neck proximate to the lip 5 to effect a seal.
The bottom of the sealing plug 24 is provided with an eicactly .corresponding further circumferential sealing rib 32 spaced at the same longitudinal distance above the base of the closure as the corresponding feature on the sealing skirt; for applying a further pinch across the container neck. The overall effect 'is to provide a substantially symmetrical sealing jaw for gripping the top of the container neck.
Referring to the embodiment of Figure 5, the sealing skirt and the sealing plug are profiled in similar fashion to the embodiment of Fig. 4 to form a jaw for sealing against the upper part of the container neck proximate to the container lip.
However, the jaw profile is slightly different, such that the angle of the.
further circumferential sealing ribs 37,39, at the bottom of the sealing skirt and the sealing rib respectively, is more obtuse. This profile of the further circumferential sealing ribs 37,38 may be preferable for certain container neck profiles, and may also offer certain advantages for ease of molding of the closure.
Referring to Figure 6, the sealing skirt and the sealing..plug are profiled in similar~
fashion to the embodiment of Fig. 4 to form a jaw for sealing against side walls of the * container neck proximate to the container lip. However, the jaw profile is .slightly different, such that the angle of the further circumferential sealing ribs 42,44, at the bottom of the sealing skirt and the sealing rib respectively, is more acute. This profile of the further circumferential sealing ribs 42,44 may be useful to apply a high, localised sealing pressure at the points where the further sealing ribs contact opposite sides of the container neck.
Referring to Figure 7, the principal features of the container neck and closure are as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. In particular, the closure 50 has an outer, threaded closure skirt 51 for engagement with complementary threads on the container neck 60. The closure of Fig. 7 further comprises a cylindrical sealing skirt 52 concentric with the threaded skirt 51 and located slightly inside the threaded skirt 51 for sealing abutment - against outer 5 surface of the container neckproximate to the container lip. The sealing skirt 52 has two srriall circumferential sealing ribs 54;55 of substantially triangular' cross-section and height approximately 100 micrometers on a radially inner,side thereof.
The container closure 50 in the embodiment of Figure. 7 further comprises a 10 cylindrical sealing -plug 53 that is'substantially concentric with-an&equal iri- height .(measured fr..om,the base of closure) to the sealing skirt 52-. Two circumferential sealing ribs 56,57 are provided on :a radially outer surface of the sealing plug, the dimensions of the circumferential sealing ribs 56,57 being the same or, similar to those of sealing ribs on the sealing skirt. The circumferential sealing ribs.on the 15 sealing skirt and the sealing plug are, located at substantially the same heights above the base of the closure, respectively.
In addition, the closure in the assembly of Figs. 7 and 8 comprises two 'sealing fins 58,59 in the form of relatively thin-walled cylindrical projections extending from the 20 base of the closure 50 concentric and intermediate the sealing skirt 52 and the sealing plug 53. The height of the sealing fins 58,59 above the base of the closure is approximately half the heightof the sealing skirt and the sealing plug.
In use, the closure- is secured on the container neck as shown in Figure 8.
Both 'the sealing skirt 52 and the sealing plug 53 are radially slightly flexible to engage the lip of the container'.neck 60. The circumferentiai sealing ribs on, the sealing . skirt and the plug engage opposite sides of the neck proximate to the lip of the neck, and pinch the lip between them at two vertically spaced positions to form a highly effective seal by concentrating pressure at the sealing ribs. In addition, the sealing fins 58,59 abut against the container lip intermediate the sealing 'skirt and the sealing plug to form a further seal.
Referring to Figure 9, the principal features of the container neck and closure are as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, and will not be described again.The assembly of Fig. 9 differs principally in the construction of the locking,. elements to resist unscrewing (backing off) of the closure when it is in the closed and sealing position.
Briefly, the locking elements comprise four equally radially spaced first locking projections 62 on the container neck 63, and four equally radially spaced second locking projections 64 on the inside of the closure skirt 65. The projections 62 on.
10' the container- neck- a.re,located below the short neck thread segments 66,~ where:
. , , . .
they are least noticeable to a person drinking directly.
. from the container neck.
The locking projections 64 on the closure skirt 65 are located level with, and radially spaced by 'about 2mrri from, the bottom of the threads'68 on the skirt. The locking projections 64 on the closure skirt form a continuation of the helical thread path defined by closure threads 68, whereby the short thread segments 66 on the neck can pass smoothly past the locking projections 64 on .the closure as the cap is secured on the neck:
Each . of the locking projections 62,64 is substantially in the form of a triangular prism having its long. axis aligned with the axis of the closure assembly. The height of each locking projection is about 1.5mm, and the base width is about' 1,.5mm. This ensures that the projections have sufficient strength to snap over each othe.r without permanent deformation.
Each of the thread segments 68 on the closure skirt includes a longitudinally upwardly projecting portion 70 that defines a longitudinal stop surface against which a second end of one of the short.thread segments 66 on the neck may abut when the closure. is fully secured on the neck to block over-tightening of the closure on the neck.
The sealing arrangement in the assemblies according to the present invention enables the closure to be secured and resecured on the container neck without the need for high torque or low pitched threads to force a seal. It can be seen that the assembly according to the invention provides at least two circumferential seals having a high sealing pressure over the whole range of temperature and pressure normally encountered in carbonated beverage containers. It can further be seen that the closure is suitable for application to container necks- having rounded'top lips, such as glass container necks and plastic container necks having a rounded lip to assist drinking directly from the neck. The drawbacks associated with the use of soft sealing liners in the clo.sure cap are eliminated, in particular the closures according to the present invention can be resecured on the container neck repeatedly, without damage or loss of effectiveness.
The. above :embodiments have been describe.d by way of example. only. Many other embodiments' failing within the scope of the accompanying claims will be apparent to the skilled reader.
Briefly, the locking elements comprise four equally radially spaced first locking projections 62 on the container neck 63, and four equally radially spaced second locking projections 64 on the inside of the closure skirt 65. The projections 62 on.
10' the container- neck- a.re,located below the short neck thread segments 66,~ where:
. , , . .
they are least noticeable to a person drinking directly.
. from the container neck.
The locking projections 64 on the closure skirt 65 are located level with, and radially spaced by 'about 2mrri from, the bottom of the threads'68 on the skirt. The locking projections 64 on the closure skirt form a continuation of the helical thread path defined by closure threads 68, whereby the short thread segments 66 on the neck can pass smoothly past the locking projections 64 on .the closure as the cap is secured on the neck:
Each . of the locking projections 62,64 is substantially in the form of a triangular prism having its long. axis aligned with the axis of the closure assembly. The height of each locking projection is about 1.5mm, and the base width is about' 1,.5mm. This ensures that the projections have sufficient strength to snap over each othe.r without permanent deformation.
Each of the thread segments 68 on the closure skirt includes a longitudinally upwardly projecting portion 70 that defines a longitudinal stop surface against which a second end of one of the short.thread segments 66 on the neck may abut when the closure. is fully secured on the neck to block over-tightening of the closure on the neck.
The sealing arrangement in the assemblies according to the present invention enables the closure to be secured and resecured on the container neck without the need for high torque or low pitched threads to force a seal. It can be seen that the assembly according to the invention provides at least two circumferential seals having a high sealing pressure over the whole range of temperature and pressure normally encountered in carbonated beverage containers. It can further be seen that the closure is suitable for application to container necks- having rounded'top lips, such as glass container necks and plastic container necks having a rounded lip to assist drinking directly from the neck. The drawbacks associated with the use of soft sealing liners in the clo.sure cap are eliminated, in particular the closures according to the present invention can be resecured on the container neck repeatedly, without damage or loss of effectiveness.
The. above :embodiments have been describe.d by way of example. only. Many other embodiments' failing within the scope of the accompanying claims will be apparent to the skilled reader.
Claims (18)
1. A container closure assembly comprising:
a container neck having side walls defining an opening at one end thereof and a lip extending around the opening;
a closure for said neck, the closure having a base portion and a threaded skirt portion;
a first screw thread on the neck;
a second screw thread on an inner surface of the threaded skirt of the closure;
said first and second screw threads being configured to enable a user to secure, remove and resecure the closure into a sealing position on the neck by rotation of the cap on the neck;
a sealing plug extending from said base portion of the closure inside and substantially concentric with said threaded skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing plug comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface of said sealing plug for engagement with an inner surface of the container neck proximate to said lip when the closure is secured on the container neck; and a sealing skirt extending from said base portion of the closure intermediate said sealing plug and said threaded.skirt portion of the closure and substantially concentric with .said sealing plug and said threaded skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing skirt comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an inner surface of said sealing skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck proximate to said lip when the closure is secured on the container neck;
wherein in use two of said sealing ribs on the sealing plug are located at substantially the same longitudinal distances from the base portion of the closure as two of the circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt, whereby the lip of the container neck is pinched between the sealing ribs on the closure plug and the sealing skirt at two or more longitudinally spaced locations when the closure is in the secured position on the container neck.
a container neck having side walls defining an opening at one end thereof and a lip extending around the opening;
a closure for said neck, the closure having a base portion and a threaded skirt portion;
a first screw thread on the neck;
a second screw thread on an inner surface of the threaded skirt of the closure;
said first and second screw threads being configured to enable a user to secure, remove and resecure the closure into a sealing position on the neck by rotation of the cap on the neck;
a sealing plug extending from said base portion of the closure inside and substantially concentric with said threaded skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing plug comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an outer surface of said sealing plug for engagement with an inner surface of the container neck proximate to said lip when the closure is secured on the container neck; and a sealing skirt extending from said base portion of the closure intermediate said sealing plug and said threaded.skirt portion of the closure and substantially concentric with .said sealing plug and said threaded skirt portion of the closure, wherein the sealing skirt comprises two or more longitudinally spaced circumferential sealing ribs on an inner surface of said sealing skirt for engagement with an outer surface of the container neck proximate to said lip when the closure is secured on the container neck;
wherein in use two of said sealing ribs on the sealing plug are located at substantially the same longitudinal distances from the base portion of the closure as two of the circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing skirt, whereby the lip of the container neck is pinched between the sealing ribs on the closure plug and the sealing skirt at two or more longitudinally spaced locations when the closure is in the secured position on the container neck.
2. A container closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sealing ribs has a substantially triangular cross-section.
3. A container closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sealing ribs has a height in the range of 10 to 250 micrometers.
4. A container closure assembly according to -any preceding claim, wherein the container lip is rounded in longitudinal cross-section.
5. A container closure assembly according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the circumferential sealing ribs on the sealing plug and the sealing skirt forms a pinch across the said rounded container lip.
6. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing plug and the sealing skirt extend substantially equal heights above the base of the closure.
7. A container closure assembly according to claim 6, wherein the sealing plug and the sealing skirt are profiled so as to define a symmetrical jaw for gripping the container neck.
8. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein respective lower ends of the, sealing skirt and the sealing plug distal from the base of the closure are profiled to provide further circumferential sealing ribs on each of the sealing skirt and the sealing plug for gripping the neck of the closure.
9. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure can be secured and resecured on the container neck by a single smooth rotation through 360° or less, preferably through 180° or less, and more preferably through about 90°.
10. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second threads are multiple start threads.
11. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second threads are substantially continuous helical threads.
12. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the container and closure further comprise complementary locking elements on the container neck and the closure that block or resist unscrewing of the closure from the fully secured position on the container neck until a predetermined minimum opening torque is applied.
13. A container closure assembly according to claim 12, wherein said complementary locking elements comprise first and second locking projections on the container neck and the threaded closure skirt, and either said first locking projection is located longitudinally overlapping with and radially spaced from an upper end of a first thread segment, or said second locking projection is located longitudinally overlapping with and radially spaced from a lower end of a second thread segment, whereby the said first or second locking projection defines an extension of the thread path defined by the thread segments on the neck or the closure.
14. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a projecting stop surface on one of the container neck and the closure skirt for abutment against a second stop or a thread on the other of the container neck or the closure to block over-tightening of the closure beyond a predetermined angular sealing position of the closure on the container neck.
15. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the torque required to secure the closure in a sealing position on the container neck is from about 0.7 Nm to about 0.9 Nm.
16. A container closure assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly achieves a sealing pressure around at least one circumferential surface between the container neck and the closure at the fully closed position of at least about 7 MPa (1000 psi).
17. A beverage container comprising a container closure assembly according to any preceding claim.
18. A beverage container according to claim 17 which is a carbonated beverage container.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/283,983 US20060108316A1 (en) | 2000-11-21 | 2005-11-21 | Plug seals for user-friendly cap assemblies |
| US11/283983 | 2005-11-21 | ||
| GB0605122A GB2432360A (en) | 2005-11-25 | 2006-03-14 | Jaw seals for container closure assemblies |
| GB0605122.1 | 2006-03-14 | ||
| PCT/GB2006/004345 WO2007057706A1 (en) | 2005-11-21 | 2006-11-21 | Jaw seals for container closure assemblies |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2630858A1 true CA2630858A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
Family
ID=39591869
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002630858A Abandoned CA2630858A1 (en) | 2005-11-21 | 2006-11-21 | Jaw seals for container closure assemblies |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20090223922A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1951591A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2009516623A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101312890A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2006314241A1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0618782A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2630858A1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2416556C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007057706A1 (en) |
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| CA2577886C (en) * | 2007-02-13 | 2015-09-08 | Crealise Conditionnement Inc. | Plug without inserted seal |
| GB2467355A (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2010-08-04 | Beeson & Sons Ltd | Container closure with pressure seal |
| DE102009052025B3 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2011-05-19 | Müller, Josef | Lock for container |
| GB2476089A (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-15 | Beeson & Sons Ltd | Container closure assembly with tamper evident ring |
| CN102040038B (en) * | 2010-12-01 | 2013-03-27 | 陈泰宇 | Bottle cap |
| US20120241454A1 (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2012-09-27 | Dennis Stephen R | Multi-Stage Opening and Dispensing Closure |
| US10526118B2 (en) * | 2011-08-18 | 2020-01-07 | Amedica Biotech, Inc. | Position indicator on liquid sample container |
| US9428292B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2016-08-30 | Silgan White Cap LLC | Fluid injection system and method for supporting container walls |
| US20150027976A1 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2015-01-29 | Royal Summit Inc. | Bottle cap |
| WO2015194040A1 (en) * | 2014-06-20 | 2015-12-23 | サントリーホールディングス株式会社 | Resin cap |
| WO2021071716A1 (en) | 2019-10-07 | 2021-04-15 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Flip-top closure |
| JP2023131350A (en) * | 2022-03-09 | 2023-09-22 | 株式会社吉野工業所 | Container body with cap |
| FR3137372B1 (en) | 2022-06-29 | 2024-06-21 | Oreal | Packaging device with container with threaded neck and screw-on closure member |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3844439A (en) * | 1972-07-28 | 1974-10-29 | Consumers Glass Co Ltd | Linerless closures |
| FR2342909A2 (en) * | 1976-03-05 | 1977-09-30 | Freda Tullio | Screw-on cap for bottle - is thinner towards centre and has inner lip pressed against top of bottle neck |
| BR7702028A (en) * | 1976-04-12 | 1978-01-17 | A Lowe | COVER |
| US4241864A (en) * | 1979-03-05 | 1980-12-30 | Milton Kessler | Container end closure system |
| GB2120219B (en) * | 1982-05-17 | 1985-10-02 | Metal Closures Group Plc | Closures for containers |
| GB2131774B (en) * | 1982-12-14 | 1986-01-15 | Metal Closures Group Plc | Improvements relating to closures for bottles and other containers |
| GB2133394A (en) * | 1982-12-14 | 1984-07-25 | Metal Closures Group Plc | Improvements relating to closures |
| US4442947A (en) * | 1983-01-18 | 1984-04-17 | Continental White Cap, Inc. | Plastic closure with sealing flaps |
| EP0661218B1 (en) * | 1993-12-23 | 1998-07-29 | Crown Cork AG | Plastic closure cap with early venting inner seal |
| DE4425675C3 (en) * | 1994-07-20 | 2001-02-15 | Frank Schellenbach | Sealing cap |
| US6477823B1 (en) * | 1998-07-30 | 2002-11-12 | Kerr Group, Inc. | Closure and container system for hot filled containers |
| KR20010096600A (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2001-11-07 | 도케 케이시 | Synthetic resin container closure |
| GB2369114B (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2004-05-05 | Beeson & Sons Ltd | Plug seals for user-friendly cap assemblies |
| US6695161B2 (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2004-02-24 | Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd. | Plastic container closure |
| US20040188375A1 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-09-30 | Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. De C.V. | Linerless plastic closure with a sealing lip |
| GB2409200B (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2007-01-17 | Beeson & Sons Ltd | Bottle and closure assembly with improved locking elements |
-
2006
- 2006-11-21 CA CA002630858A patent/CA2630858A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-11-21 RU RU2008125085/12A patent/RU2416556C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-11-21 CN CNA2006800433919A patent/CN101312890A/en active Pending
- 2006-11-21 EP EP06808623A patent/EP1951591A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-11-21 US US12/093,835 patent/US20090223922A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-11-21 JP JP2008540700A patent/JP2009516623A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-11-21 WO PCT/GB2006/004345 patent/WO2007057706A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-11-21 AU AU2006314241A patent/AU2006314241A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-11-21 BR BRPI0618782-0A patent/BRPI0618782A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2009516623A (en) | 2009-04-23 |
| CN101312890A (en) | 2008-11-26 |
| EP1951591A1 (en) | 2008-08-06 |
| BRPI0618782A2 (en) | 2011-09-13 |
| WO2007057706A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
| RU2008125085A (en) | 2009-12-27 |
| US20090223922A1 (en) | 2009-09-10 |
| RU2416556C2 (en) | 2011-04-20 |
| AU2006314241A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20121121 |