EP3209573A1

EP3209573A1 - Cap closure

Info

Publication number: EP3209573A1
Application number: EP15756584.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lino Dreyer; Alexandre Rouquette
Original assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Current assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Priority date: 2014-08-21
Filing date: 2015-08-15
Publication date: 2017-08-30
Also published as: WO2016026796A1; PH22017500001U1; DE202015009406U1

Abstract

A closure (1410) for a container neck, comprising a top wall (1415) and a side wall (1420), further comprises an internal abutment (1483) for determining a maximum extent to which a container neck can be introduced into the closure. The top wall (1415) is axially spaced from the abutment such that an axial extension portion (1484) is formed axially beyond the abutment.

Description

CAP CLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to a closure. In recent times container necks with shorter neck finishes have been introduced, for example to save material and costs. As a result the closures which have been designed for such neck finishes have also become shorter. However, this creates a problem because a reduced height closure is more difficult to grip when opening and closing (for example by screwing and unscrewing). The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to closures.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure for a container neck, comprising a top wall and a side wall, the closure comprising an internal abutment for determining a maximum extent to which a container neck can be introduced into the closure, in which the top wall is axially spaced from the abutment such that an axial extension portion is formed axially beyond the abutment.

Between the top wall and the side wall an intermediate wall may be provided. The intermediate wall may provide the abutment.

The abutment may be formed by one or more projections extending from the intermediate wall. The abutment may be formed by one or more projections which extend from the side wall. The abutment may be formed by one or more projections depending from the top plate. The projection/s may comprise one or more annular wall portions. The closure may comprise an outer seal for sealing against a container neck in use.

The closure may comprise an inner seal for sealing against a container neck in use. The abutment may form part of, extend from or be provided on or by the outer and/or inner seal. A plurality of external axial ribs may extend from the side wall. A plurality of axial ribs may extend from the intermediate wall.

Ribs may extend along at least part of the side wall and the intermediate wall. The closure may further comprise a tamper-evident band at one end of the side wall.

The present invention also provides an increased height closure for a container neck, comprising a screw threaded side wall, a top plate and an intermediate wall between the side wall and the top plate, the intermediate wall comprising a first portion which extends radially inwardly from one end of the side wall and provides an abutment for determining the maximum extent to which a container neck can screw into the closure, and second portion which extends axially from the first portion to the top plate and defines an axial extension portion beyond the first portion. The present invention also provides a closure as described herein in combination with a container.

In some embodiments the present invention relates to a closure with a grip extension part whilst retaining the capacity to be attached to a short neck finish. In some embodiments the purpose of the closures is to allow attachment to short container necks, whilst keeping a taller profile so that the closure can still be gripped.

The present invention may provide a closure with top plate and a sidewall depending from the periphery thereof, the top plate including a depending outer seal and a depending plug seal, in which the top plate comprises one or more height extension ribs which are connected to the outer seal and the plug seal for abutting against the rim of a container neck in use.

The closure may comprise a generally cylindrical shell, with a cylindrical sidewall closed at one end by a disc-shape top plate.

The exterior surface of the sidewall may be provided with one or more longitudinal ribs.

The depending outer seal and/or the depending plug seal may be generally annular and may be circumferentially complete.

In use the outer seal may seal against the outer face of a container neck and the plug seal may seal against the inner face i.e. it may extend into the bore of the neck. In other words the top of the neck is received between the seals, with the ribs stopping the neck once they abut. The neck finish rim is spaced from the top plate in use due to the rib/s. To achieve this the seals may need to be extended when compared to known closures. In other words the neck finish does not extend completely into the closure because of the rib/s, which creates the grip extension part.

The present invention may also provide a closure with top plate and a sidewall depending from the periphery thereof, the top plate including a depending top seal and a depending plug seal, the top seal is extended so that the neck finish abuts against the seal at a point spaced from the top plate, whereby to provide a grip extension part on the sidewall.

The present invention may also provide a closure with top plate and a sidewall depending from the periphery thereof, the top plate including a depending top seal and a depending plug seal, the top seal is extended and the closure comprises one or more ribs connecting the sidewall to the outer seal so that the neck finish abuts against the outer seal at a point spaced from the top plate, whereby to provide a grip extension part on the sidewall. The depending top seal and/or the depending plug seal may be generally annular and may be circumferentially complete.

The exterior surface of the sidewall may be provided with one or more longitudinal ribs. The closure of aspects and embodiments of the present invention may be a tamper-evident closure. For example the closure may comprise a tamper-evident band frangibly connected to the free end of the side skirt.

In some embodiments the closure is formed as a child-resistant closure, for example a squeeze-and-turn or a push-and-turn closure.

The interior of the side skirt may be provided with engagement formations for engaging corresponding formations on a container neck finish, for example screw thread formations (such as a single- or multi- start thread and/or circumferentially discontinuous threads) and/or snap beads. In some embodiments the formations include a venting function, to allow release of pressure from product such as a carbonated beverage.

Depending on the configurations of the seals and ribs, the ribs may extend from the top plate and/or the sidewall and/or a shoulder representing the interface between the top plate and sidewall.

The present invention may also provide a closure with top plate and a sidewall, the closure further comprising a radial step extending between the top plate and sidewall, the step providing an abutment surface for receiving a container neck at a point axially spaced from the top plate and a plurality of axial ribs extend from the step, whereby to provide an axial grip extension part on the closure.

The present invention may also provide a closure with top plate and a sidewall, the top plate including a depending inner seal, a radial step wall portion being provided between the sidewall and the top plate, the wall portion having a depending outer seal and a plurality of knurls on the exterior thereof, the inner seal having one or more abutment ribs extending radially outwardly therefrom against which a container neck abuts in use, whereby to cause an abutment level axially spaced from the top plate so as to provide a grip extension part on the sidewalk

The present invention provides a package (such as a container or bottle) comprising or including a closure as described herein. The package may be filled with a product, for example a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together. The present invention is more particularly shown and described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I is a section of a closure formed according to an embodiment (named Option I ) of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an underplan view of the areas indicated in Figure I ;

Figure 3 is a section of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 2) of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an underplan view of the areas indicated in Figure 3;

Figures 5A to 5C show sectional and exterior views of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 3, Version A);

Figure 5D shows a section of the closure of Figures 5A to 5C fitted onto a container neck;

Figures 6A to 6C show section and exterior views of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 3, Version B);

Figure 7 is a magnified section of a cap extension region of the closure of Figures 5A to 5D;

Figure 8 is an alternate magnified section of a cap extension region of the closure of Figures 5A to 5D; Figure 9 is a section of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 4);

Figure 10 is a section of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 5); Figure I I is a section of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 6);

Figures 12A to 12H illustrate a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 7);

Figure 13 is a section of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 8);

Figure 1 is a section of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 9);

Figures I 5A and I 5B are sections of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 10); Figures I 6A to I 6C are sections of a cap extension region of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option I I );

Figures 17A to 17E illustrate a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 12); Figure 18 is a section of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 13); and

Figures I 9A and I 9B are sectional and exterior views of a closure formed according to a further embodiment (named Option 1 ). The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Accordingly, while embodiment can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Referring first to Figures I and 2 there is shown a closure generally indicated 10.

The closure 10 comprises a top wall 15 and a sidewall 20 which merges with the periphery of the top wall 15 with a shoulder 25.

The sidewall 20 is generally cylindrical and comprises an internal screw thread formation 30 (for example a single or multi-start thread) for engaging a corresponding external formation on a container neck (not shown).

At the free end of the sidewall an annular tamper-evident band 35 is frangibly connected by a plurality of bridges 40. In use the band 35 breaks away from the sidewall 20 when the closure is removed from the container neck for the first time. A cylindrical inner seal 45 depends from the underside of the top wall and includes an "olive" type sealing bead at its free end for sealingly engaging against the interior of a container neck.

From the periphery of the underside of the top wall an annular outer seal member 55 depends. The member 55 comprises an outer seal portion 56 and an abutment surface 57. The surface 57 extends radially inwards and is axially displaced (towards the top wall) from the portion 56.

A plurality of ribs 60 extend between the shoulder 25 and the portion 56.

The surface 57 is axially spaced from the underside of the top wall 15 by a distance d.

In use when the closure 10 is screwed onto a container neck the maximum extent to which the neck can be introduced is defined by the surface 57, which abuts against the top of the container rim. The neck rim is received between the seal portion 56 and the seal 45. The container neck is spaced from the top wall by distance d, which effectively constitutes an axial extension to the sidewall 20.

The exterior of the sidewall 20 and the shoulder 25 are provided with a plurality of ribs 65 which can assist with gripping the closure during screwing and unscrewing.

The closure I 10 of Figures 3 and 4 is similar to the closure 10, except that in this embodiment there are no interior ribs connecting the sidewall/shoulder to the portion 156. Instead, a plurality of ribs 170 depend from the top wall I 15 and link the member 155 to the inner seal 145. The closure I 10 functions in a similar way to the closure 10, with the abutment surface limiting the maximum axial position of a container neck with respect to the top wall.

Figures 5A to 5D and Figures 7 and 8 show a closure 210 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure 210 comprises a sidewall 220 and a top wall 215. The open end of the sidewall is linked to a tamper-evident drop band 235. The opposite end of the sidewall is linked to the top wall 215 by a generally L-shape intermediate wall section 275. The shorter leg 276 of the section 275 extends radially inwards from the sidewall and is inclined slightly upwards towards the top wall 215. The longer leg 277 of the section 275 extends axially from the leg 276 to the top wall 215 and is inclined slightly radially inwards.

An outer seal 278 depends from the intersection of the legs 276, 277. An inner olive seal 245 depends from the top wall 215, radially inwards of the outer seal 278.

A plurality of ribs 280 connect between the leg 276 and the inner seal 245. The ribs 280 are a generally upturned L-shape and at one end define an abutment surface 282. Ribs 265 extend up the sidewall and also extend from the exterior of the section 275 (where they effectively fill the right-angled "gap" formed by the L-shape section 275).

As shown in Figure 5D, when a container neck 285 is introduced the top of the rim 286 abuts against the surface 282. The leg 277 therefore provides a grip extension.

Figures 6A to 6C show a closure 310 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure 310 comprises a top wall 315 and a sidewall 320 joined by a shoulder region 325. An outer seal 378 depends from the shoulder 325 and an inner seal 345 depends from the underside of the top wall 315.

A plurality of outer ribs 347 depend from the shoulder 325 and connect the outer seal 378 and the interior of the sidewall 320. A plurality of inner ribs 349 depend from the top wall 315 and connect the outer seal 378 and the inner seal 345.

The inner ribs 349 form abutments against which a container neck rim abuts in use and the inner 345 and outer seals 378 seal against inner and outer faces of the neck.

Figure 9 shows part of a closure 410 formed according to a further embodiment. The closure 410 comprises a sidewall 420 and a top wall 415 which are linked by a radial step provided by an L-shape wall section 480. The long leg 482 of the section 480 extends radially inwards from a shoulder 426 at the end of the sidewall 425 and the short leg 484 of the section 480 extends axially to connect to the top wall 415.

An inner olive seal 445 continues axially from the short leg 484 and an outer seal ring 478 depends from the long leg 482. Between the seal 445 and the ring 478 the leg 482 defines an abutment surface 483 against which a container neck rim will abut in use when the closure is fully screwed on.

Knurls 465 are provided in the radial step defined by the section 480.

Figure 10 shows a closure 510 formed according to a further embodiment. The closure is similar to the closure 210 of Figure 5, 7 and 8. Whereas in the closure 210 ribs 280 extend between the section 275 and the inner seal 245, in the closure 510 ribs 587 depend from the top plate 515 and extend radially outwards from the inner olive seal 545, but do not connect to the section 575. The ribs 587 function as abutments in use.

Figure I I shows a closure 610 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure 610 is similar to the closure I 10 of Figures 3 and 4 and comprises an extended outer seal 655 with an outer seal 656 and an inner abutment surface 657, and an inner olive seal 645. The outer seal 655 is linked to the inner seal 645 by a plurality of mutually spaced axial ribs 670. Figures 12A to 12H illustrate a closure 710 formed according to a further embodiment.

In this embodiment the sidewall 720 is linked to the top wall 715 by a double shoulder: a first shoulder 726 extends radially inwards from the sidewall 720; and a second 727 shoulder extends radially inwards to link the shoulder 726 to the top wall 715.

An outer seal/abutment member 755 depends from the shoulder 726 and comprises an outer seal 756 and an abutment surface 757. An inner seal 745 depends from the shoulder 727. Full height ribs 765 extend over the sidewall 720 and the shoulders 726, 727, terminating at the top wall 715. In use the closure 710 is screwed onto a container neck 785. The neck rim 786 abuts against the surface 757 so that it is spaced from the top plate 715. The ribs 765 effectively make up the area between the top plate and the sidewall.

Figure 13 shows a closure 810 formed according to a further embodiment. The closure 810 is similar to the closure 210, providing a radial step 875 intermediate the sidewall and top wall, and abutment ribs 880 extending between the step 875 and an inner seal 845.

Figure 14 shows a closure 910 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure 910 is similar to the closure 510, providing a radial step 975 with a depending outer seal 978 and an inner seal 945 with abutment ribs 987 extending therefrom (but not completely across to the step). Figures I 5A and I 5B show a closure 1010 formed according to a further embodiment. The closure 1010 is similar to the closure 810, except that whereas the closure 810 has a radial step 875 with an inclined longer leg 877 the closure 1010 has a long leg 1077 which is generally axial (i.e. not inclined with respect to the main axis of the closure). In addition, the abutment surface is provided by a continuous abutment ring 1090 (rather than by separate abutment ribs).

Figures 16A to 16C show a closure I I 10 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure I I 10 is similar to the closure 810. Whereas the closure 810 comprises a plurality of mutually spaced abutment ribs between the radial step and the inner seal, the closure I I 10 comprises a complete L-shape abutment ring.

Figures 17A to 17E show a closure 1210 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure 1210 is similar to the closure 410 and comprises a sidewall 1220 joined to a top wall 1215 by a radial step 1275. The step 1275 includes a radial leg 1282 with a depending outer sealing ring and a V-bead sealing ring 1292. A container neck fits between the outer sealing ring and an inner seal and abuts against the V-bead sealing ring so as to be axially spaced from the top wall 1215.

Figure 18 shows a closure 1310 formed according to a further embodiment. The closure 1310 is similar to the closure 1210, except that specific dimensions are provided.

Figures 19A and 19B show a closure 1410 formed according to a further embodiment.

The closure 1410 is similar to the closures 410 and 1210. In this embodiment the closure 1410 is formed with a radial step 1480 formed by a radial leg 1482 extending from a shoulder 1426 which adjoins the sidewall 1420, and an axial leg 1484 (inclined radially inwards) which connects the leg 1482 to the top plate 1415. An outer seal ring 1478 depends from the shoulder 1426 and an inner seal depends from the intersection area of the legs 1482, 1484. An internal abutment surface 1483 is defined between the seals 1445, 1478 for receiving a container neck rim and spacing it from the top plate. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A closure for a container neck, comprising a top wall and a side wall, the closure comprising an internal abutment for determining a maximum extent to which a container neck can be introduced into the closure, in which the top wall is axially spaced from the abutment such that an axial extension portion is formed beyond the abutment.

2. A closure as claimed in claim I , in which between the top wall and the side wall an intermediate wall is provided.

3. A closure as claimed in claim 2, in which the intermediate wall provides the abutment.

4. A closure as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the abutment is formed by one or more projections extending from the intermediate wall.

5. A closure as claimed as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the abutment is formed by one or more projections which extend from the side wall.

6. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the abutment is formed by one or more projections depending from the top plate.

7. A closure as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, in which the projection/s comprise one or more annular wall portions.

8. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an outer seal for sealing against a container neck in use.

9. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an inner seal for sealing against a container neck in use.

10. A closure as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, in which the abutment forms part of, extends from or is provided on or by the outer and/or inner seal.

1 1. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of external axial ribs extend from the side wall.

12. A closure as claimed in claim 2, in which a plurality of axial ribs extend from the intermediate wall.

13. A closure as claimed in claim 12 when dependent on claim I I , in which ribs extend along at least part of the side wall and the intermediate wall.

14. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a tamper-evident band at one end of the side wall.

15. A closure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

16. An increased height closure for a container neck, comprising a screw threaded side wall, a top plate and an intermediate wall between the side wall and the top plate, the intermediate wall comprising a first portion which extends radially inwardly from one end of the side wall and provides an abutment for determining the maximum extent to which a container neck can screw into the closure, and second portion which extends axially from the first portion to the top plate and defines an axial extension portion beyond the first portion.

17. A closure as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a container.