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WO2000069741A1 - Dispositif de fermeture de recipient - Google Patents

Dispositif de fermeture de recipient Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000069741A1
WO2000069741A1 PCT/GB2000/001765 GB0001765W WO0069741A1 WO 2000069741 A1 WO2000069741 A1 WO 2000069741A1 GB 0001765 W GB0001765 W GB 0001765W WO 0069741 A1 WO0069741 A1 WO 0069741A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
closure
bracing
container
band
lugs
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2000/001765
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Francis Showering
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HALO CLOSURES Ltd
Original Assignee
HALO CLOSURES Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HALO CLOSURES Ltd filed Critical HALO CLOSURES Ltd
Priority to AU45941/00A priority Critical patent/AU4594100A/en
Priority to DE60031402T priority patent/DE60031402D1/de
Priority to EP00927547A priority patent/EP1192091B1/fr
Priority to CA002373399A priority patent/CA2373399A1/fr
Publication of WO2000069741A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000069741A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
    • B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • B65D43/0262—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container leaving only an outside friction after removal of the tamper element
    • 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
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/02—Grip means
    • B65D2251/023—Ribs or recesses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
    • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00527—NO contact
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00685—Totality
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
    • B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00805—Segments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
    • B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
    • B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of container closures.
  • the invention relates to the field of container closures for pressurised products, such as pressurised beverages.
  • pressurised beverages such as lemonade and beer are contained in bottles which have a screw threaded closure or a crimped metal closure.
  • the closures are of only a small diameter (typically less than 42 mm). This is because the amount of force exerted on the closure by the pressurised contents will depend on the area of the closure. It is theoretically possible for a larger size of screw-threaded closure to be used, but this would have to be tightened so firmly on the bottle that it would be extremely difficult for a person to unscrew it by hand. Accordingly, there has to be a compromise between the size of the closure, the force which the closure can withstand, and the ability of a person to remove the closure by hand.
  • the internal pressure within the bottle can reach pressures of 100 psi. Such high pressures may, for example, be reached during hot pasteurisation of the bottle after filling.
  • the internal pressure is likely to be less than about 40 psi (and a closure might be rated to withstand a pressure of at least 60 psi). Nevertheless, the closure may have to be able to withstand much higher pressures.
  • one aspect of the present invention is to provide a closure having engagement means for engaging the mouth of the container and removable means for bracing the engagement means to hold it in a locked position.
  • the bracing means comprises a band which embraces the engagement means to prevent the engagement means from being displaced radially outwardly.
  • the closure may be designed to be re-fittable to the container mouth by reversing the above process.
  • the closure may be designed to make the band difficult (or even impossible) to refit into its bracing position. This can provide a closure with improved tamper-proof protection.
  • the band is integrally moulded with the remainder of the closure.
  • the engagement means may be in the form of a continuous lug or rim, it is preferred that the engagement means be in the form of lug segments. Such segmenting can enable the lugs to move outwardly independently of each other, and therefore allow the closure to be fitted to, and removed from, the container mouth more easily.
  • the closure is configured to allow a predetermined one or more lugs to flex outwardly to vent internal container pressure during initial opening of the closure, without causing immediate disengagement of other lugs. This can reduce the chances of the closure potentially blowing off the container mouth when the bracing effect is removed.
  • one or more lugs adjacent to the one or more predetermined lugs are configured to interrupt or obstruct any peeling effect caused by flexing of the predetermined lug or lugs.
  • the lugs are configured such that, when the predetermined lug flexes, this does not result in uncontrolled peeling of the other lugs from around the container mouth.
  • this is achieved by providing a space or discontinuity in the engagement means.
  • the lugs adjacent to the predetermined lug may have circumferentially shorter engagement surfaces to provide the discontinuity.
  • a mechanical interlock is provided between the bracing band and at least some of the lugs.
  • a mechanical interlock is provided to each lug (other than to lugs at, or adjacent to, the hinge region).
  • the mechanical interlock serves to communicate the bracing tension in the band directly to each lug. Therefore, even when the band is progressively lifted (hinged) upwardly so that it does not provide the same complete embracing effect around the entire periphery of the closure, the mechanical interlock can maintain a direct bracing effect for each lug when it is mechanically interlocked to the band. As the band is lifted progressively, the number of lugs locked to the band decreases, to provide a progressive release of the bracing effect around at least a portion of the periphery of the closure.
  • a pull-loop or tab is provided on the bracing means to facilitate pulling on the bracing means by a finger, or gripping of the bracing means.
  • the present invention is especially suitable for use with wide mouth containers.
  • wide mouth refers to container mouths having a lateral dimension (e.g. diameter) of at least about 4 cm, more preferably at least about 4.5 cm, and more preferably at least about 5 cm.
  • the invention can be used for even larger container mouth sizes, for example, at least about 6 cm, at least about 7 cm, at least about 7.5 cm, or even larger, e.g. for paint tins.
  • the present invention does not suffer from the same disadvantages under pressure.
  • stressing of the closure can improve the seal between the closure and the container mouth. Therefore, the closure can be manufactured with relatively thin plastics walls, requiring significantly less plastics material than the screw threaded closures. Such improved manufacturing economy can provide a closure which may be less expensive to use even for relatively small container mouth sizes.
  • the invention provides a closure having engagement means for engaging the mouth of a container, and removable bracing means for bracing the engagement means to hold it in a locked condition, the bracing means being integral with the engagement means (or with a body portion of the closure) when the closure is fitted in an operative secured position on a conatiner.
  • the invention provides a closure having engagement means for engaging the mouth of a container, and removable bracing means for bracing the engagement means to hold it in a locked condition, the bracing means being hingedly coupled to the closure.
  • the invention provides a closure for a wide- mouthed container, the closure having engagement means for engaging the mouth of the container, and removable bracing means for bracing the engaging means to hold it in a locked condition.
  • the invention provides a pressure-retaining closure for a pressurised container, the closure comprising engagement means for engaging the mouth of the container, and removable bracing means for bracing the engagement means to hold it in a locked condition.
  • the invention provides a container closure having engagement means for engaging the mouth of the container, and removable bracing means for bracing the engagement means to hold it in a locked condition, the bracmg means comprising means for facilitating a progressive release of the bracing effect around at least a portion of the engagement means.
  • the invention provides a container closure having engagement means for engaging the mouth of the container, removable bracing means for bracing the engagement means to hold it in a locked condition, and means for anchoring the bracing means relative to the engagement means to limit the extent to which the bracing means can move and/or stretch relative to the engagement means.
  • the anchoring may, for example, be provided by a mechanical interlock. Additionally, or alternatively, the anchoring may be achieved by frangible connections (provided that these are able to withstand torsional loads).
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a wide-mouth container with a closure fitted
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the closure in isolation
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic underside view showing the detail of the closure
  • Fig. 4 is a partial section showing fitting of the closure to the container mouth
  • Fig. 5 is a partial section showing the engagement of the closure on the container mouth;
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the band in its released condition
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of closure
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic section showing possible modification of the closure
  • - Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of container and closure
  • Fig. 10 is -m underside view of the closure of Fig. 9 in isolation;
  • Fig. 11 is an enlarged view showing a detail of Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 12 is a section along the line XII-XII of Fig. 11;
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic section showing a detail of the initial lug and pull-loop;
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective underside view of a further embodiment of closure
  • Fig. 16 is an underside plan view of the closure of Fig. 15
  • Fig. 17 is a schematic section showing a further embodiment of closure, and a two-part mould for moulding the closure;
  • Fig. 18 is a schematic plan view showing a detail of the frangible connections of the closure of Fig. 17;
  • Fig. 19 is a schematic section similar to Fig. 17 but showing the upper mould part lifted away;
  • Fig. 20 is a schematic section showing the closure just prior to fitting to a container mouth
  • Fig. 21 is a schematic drawing similar to Fig. 20 but showing the closure in its fully fitted position over the container mouth;
  • Fig. 22 is a schematic drawing similar to Fig. 18, but showing the frangible connections in a collapsed state when the closure is in its fitted position;
  • Fig. 23 is a schematic section showing the closure being ejected from the lower mould part;
  • Fig. 24 is a schematic section showing the closure after moulding; and Fig. 25 is a schematic illustration of a yet further embodiment.
  • a glass or plastics container 10 is illustrated for a pressurised beverage.
  • the present embodiment is intended to contain a beer, cider, or carbonated soft drink, and is shaped in the form of a glass.
  • the container 10 has a wide mouth opening 12, which is typically about 6 cm in diameter.
  • a fastening rim 11 projects around the mouth opening 12.
  • the rim has a curved upper surface 11a, and a more abrupt undercut surface 1 lb.
  • the container is sealed by means of a plastics press-on closure 14.
  • the closure is a plastics press-on closure 14.
  • each lug 20 includes on its inner face a snap fit projection 22 which is dimensioned to engage under the rim 11 around the mouth of the container 10.
  • Each projection 22 has curved lead-in ramp surface 26 shaped to match the profile of the rim surface 11a.
  • Each projection 22 also has a more abrupt abutment surface 28 which forms the engagement with the undercut surface 1 lb of the rim ! 1
  • the closure 14 also includes an integral band 30 which is attached in this embodiment to one of the lugs by a non-frangible hinge web 32.
  • the band 30 is also integrally attached to each of the other lugs 20 by a plurality of frangible connections
  • the band 30 braces the lugs 20 to prevent the lugs from moving outwardly and thus secures the lugs in a "locked" condition.
  • each lug is moulded with an arrangement of generally parallel, axially extending ridges 35.
  • the frangible connection 34 is in the form of a thin breakable web extending between a ridge 35 and the band 30.
  • the ridges 35 serve to reinforce the lugs 20, and are also significant for moulding the closure 14.
  • a very thin mould tool tongue would be required to fit between the bracing band 30 and the lugs 20.
  • Such a thin tongue would be extremely vulnerable to damage by movement of the mould parts, and would not be expected to have a long working life.
  • additional space is provided between the bracing band 30 and the lugs 20 to enable a stronger tongue (which is thicker between the ridges) to be employed during moulding.
  • a non-permeable liner 24 will typically be provided on the inner surface of the closure, to improve the seal, and to act as a barrier layer to prevent the transpiration of the beverage gas through the plastics material of the closure.
  • Such liners are known in the art, particularly when the closure is made from plastics such as polypropylene.
  • the present embodiment is not limited by this constraint because it does not employ a turning action. Therefore, the liner material may, if desired, be a relatively high friction seal material.
  • the liner material may be inserted into the closure after the moulding process, or may be injected into the closure as part of the moulding process (e.g. 2-shot moulding, or insert moulding).
  • the band 30 locks the lugs 20 securely behind the rim 11 of the container mouth, to securely fasten the closure in position.
  • the closure 14 is able to withstand large forces from the internal pressure of the beverage, even during processes such as hot pasteurisation. As best seen in Fig. 4, a seal is established between the closure 14 and the container 10 at the rounded rim section 18 of the closure 14. If the internal pressure within the container increases, this tends to tension the upper wall 16 of the closure, thus increasing the sealing force applied between the closure 14 and the container at the rounded corner region 18.
  • the abutment surface 28 of each lug 22 and the undercut surface 1 lb of the rim 11 may have complementary small inclinations, for example, about 10° relative to a plane perpendicular to the container axis. Such an inclination provides two effects:
  • the inclined surfaces provide a cam effect to pull the closure 14 downwardly on to the mouth as the lugs spring back to engage behind the rim 11. This provides additional sealing force, and also accommodates a degree of tolerance variation in the precise sizes of the closure 14 and the container mouth;
  • the closure 14 can be refitted to the container 10 after use simply by a reverse of the opening steps. With the band in a raised condition, the closure can be snapped into position over the rim 11 of the container mouth. The band 30 can then be lowered into its bracing position around the lugs, to re-lock the lugs in tight engagement with the rim 11.
  • frangible connections might not be provided in all embodiments, the connections do provide the following advantages in the preferred embodiment:
  • connections enable simple moulding of the removable band as an integral part of the closure, using a single moulding step;
  • connections Prior to opening, the connections act as a tamper evident feature of the closure;
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a slightly modified form of closure 14' in which the generally flat upper wall 16 of the first embodiment is replaced by a slightly dome-shaped wall 38.
  • a slightly modified form of closure 14' in which the generally flat upper wall 16 of the first embodiment is replaced by a slightly dome-shaped wall 38.
  • Such a shape may provide additional strength, and also reduce the stress experienced at the rounded corner region 18 of the closure when the closure is subjected to very high internal container pressures.
  • the more "'square" shape of the closure of the first embodiment may nevertheless be preferred, for example, for ease of stacking or packaging.
  • the band remains integrally attached to the remainder of the closure once the band is lifted from its bracing position. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the band may be completely removable, and might be removed by tearing the band open.
  • the band could, for example, be in the form of a strong filament or plastics film provided that it is capable of providing the necessary bracing effect to lock the closure in its closed position.
  • segmented lugs 20 might in some cases provide a fail-safe feature for high pressure container contents. With any closure, there is always a danger that if the internal container pressure is too great, the closure might be "blown" off the container mouth.
  • the closure could be designed such that that one or a limited number of the lugs will fail under pressure before the others, leaving a gap through which the high pressure can escape. This can reduce the risk of the closure being blown off completely.
  • one or more of the lugs 20 may be lengthened in an axial direction, so that the respective locking projection is spaced axially below the container mouth rim when the closure is in its fully closed position. In this condition, the lug 20' does not contribute to the fastening of the closure on the container mouth. However, as the closure tends to lift (for example, if the closure is tending to be blown off the container mouth once the band 30 has been removed), the tooth of the extended lug 20' provides a second-stage of engagement to obstruct free removal of the closure.
  • each lug could be extended to provide additional stiffening of the lug.
  • the stiffer lugs would then provide a more secure engagement with the container mouth once the band 30 had been removed.
  • Figs. 9-14 show a further embodiment of closure, designed to be easy to open, yet also to vent safely internal pressure from within the container.
  • This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals are used where appropriate to denote equivalent features.
  • the band 30 is formed with an integral finger-loop or pull-loop 40 at a position diametrically opposite the hinge web 32 (or at a position opposite the effective "centre" if more than one hinge web is used).
  • the pull-loop 40 is dimensioned to enable a person's finger to be passed through the loop 40, or to enable it to be gripped easily by a finger and thumb.
  • the loop 40 serves three functions:
  • the band 30 when the band 30 begins to lift (when the closure is opened), it will release the bracing effect on the ridges 35a of the initial lug 20a before releasing the bracing effect on any other lugs. Therefore, the internal pressure within the container will be able to vent around the released initial lug 20a.
  • the short projections 22b tend to interrupt or reduce the peeling effect when the initial lug 20a is disengaged from the container rim. This can allow the initial lug 20a to be lifted significantly without “peeling" the adjacent lugs 20b.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 The manner in which the initial lug is disengaged is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.
  • the pull-loop 40 is shown in its normal un-opened position in which it lies flat against, or close to, the initial lug 20a.
  • the initial effect is for the band 30 to move above the short ridges 35a of the initial lug 20a (although the band 30 will remain bracing the ridges of the other lugs).
  • the lifting of the pull-loop 40 Prior to the frangible connections 34 beginning to break, the lifting of the pull-loop 40 also twists the initial lug 20a outwardly, to release the engagement of the snap- fit projection 22a carried by the initial lug, and allow the container pressure to be vented.
  • the internal pressure can distort the closure in the region 42 when the lug 20a is disengaged, to provide the vent path between the closure and the container rim 11. (Although only a single lug is described and illustrated for the sake of clarity, it will be appreciated that two, three or more lugs may, in fact be disengaged before the closure is able to distort to provide the vent path). Further upward movement (not shown) of the pull-loop 40 causes the frangible connections 34 to begin to break.
  • the circumferential shortening of the snap-fit projections 22b for the lugs 20b, and the axial shortening of the ridges 35a for the initial lug 20a together combine to allow the initial lug 20a to flex outwardly without commencing peeling of the adjacent lugs 20b and the remaining lugs 20.
  • the closure can be peeled from the container mouth by using the band as a handle as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the closure is peeled from a position adjacent to the hinge web 32.
  • the size of the snap-fit projections 22b on the lugs 20b on either side of the initial lug 20a can be varied as desired to ensure, in practice, that flexing of the initial lug 20a to vent internal pressure does not cause the adjacent lugs 20b to begin peeling from the container mouth.
  • the projection may be omitted altogether from the lugs 20b, leaving instead a generally smooth non-interlocking surface. This would provide an optimum discontinuity interruption of any peeling effect from the initial lug 20a.
  • complete removal of the snap-fit projection from the lugs 20b might weaken the overall engagement between the closure and the container mouth, and reduce the maximum pressure which the closure is able to withstand prior to opening.
  • the closure 14 employs two hinge webs 32a and 32b instead of a single hinge web 32.
  • the pull-loop 40 is positioned to be diametrically opposite the effective centre of the hinge webs, i.e. opposite the most central lug between the two hinge webs 32a and 32b. It will be appreciated that two or more hinge webs may be used in any of the preceding embodiments as desired.
  • Fig. 8 may be incorporated into one or more of the lugs of the embodiments of Figs. 9-16 to further modify the characteristics of the closure.
  • the closure 14 is similar to the previous embodiments, with the following differences and further developments:
  • closure and container are configured such that, the action of fitting the closure to the container mouth automatically stresses (tensions) the bracing band 30 to more firmly secure the closure to the container;
  • the bracing band 30 is, in this embodiment, configured to extend partly below the lowermost edge of the lugs 20.
  • the confronting edge region 56 of the lower mould part 52 has a surface which is configured to grip the confronting surface of the bracing band 30.
  • the srrf-.ce of the mould part 52 in the region 56 may be rough (e.g. shot blasted), or have an undercut, or be parallel to the direction of mould separation (in contrast to other surfaces which are designed not to provide retention).
  • the frangible connections 34 between the bracing ring 30 and the lugs 20 are configured to be easily collapsible (without shearing) when subjected to a radial compression force.
  • the connections 34 are radiused. This permits the lugs 20 to move outwardly to some extent when the closure 14 is being ejected from the lower mould part 52, without the bracing band 30 obstructing this limited movement.
  • the bracing band 30 is integrally moulded with the closure 14, the bracing band 30 does not itself fully brace the lugs 20 when in the mould, and therefore the ring 30 does not obstruct removal from the mould to the same extent as if the frangible connections 34 are made to be rigid.
  • the radial dimension of the projections 22 of the lugs 20 is generally smaller in this embodiment than in the previous embodiments.
  • the radial dimension for this embodiment may be about 0.7 mm (or less), whereas the dimension for the previous embodiments would typically be about 1 mm or greater.
  • a reduction in the radial dimension of the projections 22 can have an adverse effect on the locking engagement between the closure and the container, in use.
  • an improvement in the locking engagement is achieved by a further feature, and this permits the size of the projections 22 to be reduced without reducing the security of the closure in practice.
  • the reduction in the size of the projections 22 results in the closure being more easily removable from the lower mould part 52, as there is less of an interlock between the closure 14 and the lower mould part 52.
  • the central ejector 54 is then operated to lift the closure 14 off the lower mould part 52.
  • the abutment surface 28 of the projection 22 of each lug 20 is inclined.
  • the effect of the inclined abutment surface 28 is to urge the lug 20 radially outwardly, such that the band 30 can separate cleanly from the rough mould surface region 56.
  • the closure 14 is configured to enable the lugs 20 to expand radially without initially being obstructed by the bracing band 30.
  • the amount of free expansion of the lugs 20 is insufficient to disengage completely from the lower mould part 52.
  • the moulded closure 14 is illustrated in Figs. 20 and 24.
  • the lugs 20 are moulded to diverge or flare outwardly slightly.
  • the moulded angle of flare (relative to the axis 60 of the closure) is about 10°.
  • the abutment surface 28 of each projection 22 is inclined at an angle of about 95° relative to the lug 20 (i.e.
  • each projection 22 is inclined at an angle of about 15° relative to the radial direction, and about 75° relative to the axis 60).
  • the lead-in ramp surface 26 of each projection 22 is inclined at an angle of about 15° relative to the axis 60 (i.e. the ramp surface 26 is generally perpendicular to the abutment surface 28).
  • the rim 11 around the mouth of the container 10 has a surface 62 with a larger angle of flare than that of the lugs 20.
  • the angle of the surface 62 substantially matches the angle of the ramp surface 26, i.e. about 15° relative to the axis 60. The matched angles can ensure that, when the closure is initially placed loosely on the rim 11, the closure 14 will rest squarely (i.e. level) on the rim.
  • a pressure head (not shown) is advanced to press the closure downwardly on to the rim 11. As the closure 14 is pressed downwardly (Fig.
  • the lugs 20 are forced outwardly to enable the projections 22 of the lugs 20 to snap into engagement over the rim 11, in the same manner as that for the previous embodiments.
  • an important feature of this embodiment is that the surface 62 retains the lugs 20 in a slightly outwardly deformed state (as best seen in Fig. 21).
  • the angle of flare of the surface 62 is about 15°, and so the lugs 20 are forced outwardly from their moulded 10° position by about a further 5°.
  • the lugs 20 are expanded outwardly so that the ridges 35 of each lug 20 bear directly against the bracing band 30.
  • the band 30 is therefore now under tension, and acts to directly brace the lugs 20.
  • the frangible connections 34 collapse (without shearing) to accommodate the expansion of the lugs 20, in the same manner as that described previously (during mould release).
  • the band 30 is automatically placed under tension to brace the lugs 20 by the action of fitting the closure 14 to the rim 11 of the container. This effect is achieved by the outward expansion of the lugs 20, caused by the different configuration of the container rim 11 relative to that of the lugs 20 (as originally moulded).
  • the creation of tension in the bracing band 30 provides the increased security referred to above, which enables the radial size of the locking projections 22 to be reduced.
  • the corresponding abutment surface 64 of the container rim 11 is configured to match the shape of the abutment surface 28 of the projection 22, and is inclined at an angle of about 20° to the radial direction (i.e. the abutment surface 64 is inclined at an angle of about 70° relative to the axis 60, and at angle of about 95° relative to the ramp surface 62). This ensures that, in the expanded condition of the lugs 20, the abutment surfaces 28 of the projections 22 lie in parallel face-to-face contact with the abutment surface 64 of the container rim 11, for optimum locking engagement.
  • the small size of the abutment surfaces 28 of the closure 14 also means that the abutment surface 64 of the container rim 11 is corresponding small, leading to a more aesthetically acceptable appearance of the container.
  • the small size is also important for beverage containers from which a person may wish to drink the contents directly.
  • any force exerted on the closure 14 by pressurised container contents will be transmitted through the inclined lugs at an angle of 15° (indicated by force arrow 66) relative to the axis 60.
  • the abutment surfaces 28 and 64 are not perpendicular to this direction, and so there will tend to be some ramp effect (tending to urge the closure open), as in the previous embodiments.
  • the effective "ramp" angle is very steep at about 85°, i.e. very close to perpendicular, such that the ramp effect is very small.
  • the bracing band 30 further comprises a plurality of interlock projections 70 on the radially inner surface of the band 30.
  • the interlock projections 70 are dimensioned to fit between adjacent ridges 35 when the lugs 20 are expanded, so as to lock the band 30 and lugs 20 together, as described below.
  • the interlock projections 70 serve to release the bracing effect progressively in a controlled manner around the periphery of the closure as the bracing band is lifted progressively higher. For each lug 20, once the bracing band 30 has been lifted above the ridges 35, that lug 20 is no longer braced. However, an adjacent lug which is still engaged by an interlock projection 70 can still be braced, to ensure that the lugs are released progressively.
  • Equivalent interlock projections 70 may also be used with any of the previously described embodiments to provide the closure with similar increased strength and progressive-release characteristics.
  • the frangible connections 34 shear to provide a tamper evident characteristic. In the event that the frangible connections might not easily be seen, the user will still be able to feel and hear the frangible connections breaking, as evidence that the closure has not been tampered with.
  • the bracing ring 30 has a generally rectangular cross-section (in contrast to a more rounded cross-section used in the earlier embodiments).
  • the rectangular shape can avoid any tendency for the bracing band 30 to "pivot" or "roll” upwardly when the lugs 20 are withstanding a high internal container pressure.
  • the present embodiment is also designed such that it is difficult for the bracing band 30 to be re-lowered into its bracing position once the closure has been opened for the first time (to improve the tamper-proof characteristics of the closure).
  • the rectangular section of the bracing band 30 makes the band difficult to manoeuvre back on to the ridges 35.
  • FIG. 25 A yet further embodiment is illustrated schematically in Fig. 25.
  • the rim 11 of the container mouth 12 includes only a single undercut
  • the rim includes a plurality of axially spaced annular undercuts 72.
  • the lugs 20 of the closure 14 likewise include a plurality of locking projections 74 to match the undercuts 72 of the container rim 11.
  • the engagement force can be spread over a larger region, and the radial dimension of each respective undercut 74 and locking projection 22 can be reduced, providing an improved drinking container finish.
  • This embodiment is also more easily ejected from the mould core after moulding, as the lugs 20 are required to move less to clear the lower mould part 52 than, for example, the previous embodiment.
  • the invention can provide a closure which can withstand large forces, yet is also easy to remove when desired.
  • the closure is also easy to produce, and easy to fit to container mouths.
  • the invention is not limited to wide mouth containers, ⁇ this is an application for which the closure is especially suitable.
  • the invention is not limited only to pressurised containers, this is also an application for which the invention is especially suitable.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un dispositif de fermeture de récipient à ajustement serré (14) comprenant une pluralité de pattes de fixations (20) segmentées dépendantes dotées de projections à encliqueter destinées à s'emboîter en-dessous du bord de l'ouverture du récipient. Une bande monobloc (30) est reliée aux pattes de fixation afin de fermer solidement l'ouverture du récipient avec le dispositif de fermeture (14). Le retrait du dispositif de fermeture (14) s'effectue par soulèvement de la bande (30) vers l'extérieur (pivotement vers le haut). Les pattes de fixation (20) peuvent alors se plier vers l'extérieur, permettant ainsi au dispositif de fermeture (14) d'être soulevé et retiré de l'ouverture du récipient. La bande (30) peut être fixée aux pattes de fixation (34) par des éléments de liaison destructibles (34) fournissant au récipient une caractéristique d'inviolabilité. Une ou plusieurs pattes de fixation (20a) peuvent être conçues pour être désengagées avant les autres pattes de fixation lors de l'ouverture, afin de compenser la pression interne qui règne dans le récipient alors que les pattes de fixation qui restent engagées maintiennent le dispositif de fermeture solidement fermé et empêchent ainsi les projections qu'il pourrait provoquer par l'ouverture du récipient.
PCT/GB2000/001765 1999-05-12 2000-05-09 Dispositif de fermeture de recipient Ceased WO2000069741A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU45941/00A AU4594100A (en) 1999-05-12 2000-05-09 Container closure
DE60031402T DE60031402D1 (de) 1999-05-12 2000-05-09 Behälterverschluss
EP00927547A EP1192091B1 (fr) 1999-05-12 2000-05-09 Dispositif de fermeture de recipient
CA002373399A CA2373399A1 (fr) 1999-05-12 2000-05-09 Dispositif de fermeture de recipient

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9911063A GB2349874A (en) 1999-05-12 1999-05-12 Container closure
GB9911063.7 1999-05-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000069741A1 true WO2000069741A1 (fr) 2000-11-23

Family

ID=10853347

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/001765 Ceased WO2000069741A1 (fr) 1999-05-12 2000-05-09 Dispositif de fermeture de recipient

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1192091B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE342845T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU4594100A (fr)
CA (1) CA2373399A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE60031402D1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2349874A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000069741A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005051792A1 (fr) * 2003-11-25 2005-06-09 Nci Holdings Pty Ltd Fermeture reutilisable a bague de verrouillage pour conteneur
WO2005075301A3 (fr) * 2004-01-30 2006-04-06 Francis Showering Fermeture de contenant
AU2004293124B2 (en) * 2003-11-25 2011-09-22 Nci Holdings Pty Ltd A reusable closure with a locking ring for a container
DE102014017111A1 (de) * 2014-11-19 2016-05-19 Molkerei Weihenstephan GmbH & Co. KG Behälter mit Verriegelung
US10899511B2 (en) 2015-05-10 2021-01-26 Francis Showering Container closure

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2382569A (en) * 2001-11-30 2003-06-04 Yew Tree Consultants Ltd A closure fitment for sealing a foodstuffs container

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FR2123330A1 (fr) * 1971-01-29 1972-09-08 Elbatainer Kunststoff
US3920142A (en) * 1974-06-24 1975-11-18 Scal Gp Condit Aluminium Easily operable closure cap
DE3323550A1 (de) * 1983-06-30 1985-01-03 Udo 5418 Selters Schütz Weithalsfass aus kunststoff
EP0132445A1 (fr) * 1983-07-20 1985-02-13 SULO EISENWERK Streuber & Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG Fût en matière plastique
EP0139877A2 (fr) * 1983-11-02 1985-05-08 Stanley A. Jacobs Récipient et couvercle
US4966294A (en) * 1990-01-16 1990-10-30 Fabri-Kal Corporation Tamper-evident closure for wide mouth container

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GB768203A (en) * 1954-03-26 1957-02-13 Alfred Bayetto Closure for bottles, tubes and the like containers the opening of which is provided with a peripheral bead
FR1146488A (fr) * 1956-04-05 1957-11-12 Fapex Trust Reg Capsule inviolable en matière plastique
DK103735C (da) * 1962-10-31 1966-02-14 Procter & Gamble Tandplejemiddel.
US4394920A (en) * 1980-08-29 1983-07-26 Jamer Ernst R Self locking container closure
EP0211089A1 (fr) * 1985-07-25 1987-02-25 INNOFINANCE Altalános Innovácios Pénzintézet Capuchon de fermeture, en particulier pour bouteilles
GB8806133D0 (en) * 1988-03-15 1988-04-13 Reed Packaging Ltd Container closures
US4782976A (en) * 1988-04-07 1988-11-08 General Foods Corporation Tamper-evident canister, lid and shrink band assembly
US5762217A (en) * 1995-03-03 1998-06-09 Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd. Resin cap

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2123330A1 (fr) * 1971-01-29 1972-09-08 Elbatainer Kunststoff
US3920142A (en) * 1974-06-24 1975-11-18 Scal Gp Condit Aluminium Easily operable closure cap
DE3323550A1 (de) * 1983-06-30 1985-01-03 Udo 5418 Selters Schütz Weithalsfass aus kunststoff
EP0132445A1 (fr) * 1983-07-20 1985-02-13 SULO EISENWERK Streuber & Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG Fût en matière plastique
EP0139877A2 (fr) * 1983-11-02 1985-05-08 Stanley A. Jacobs Récipient et couvercle
US4966294A (en) * 1990-01-16 1990-10-30 Fabri-Kal Corporation Tamper-evident closure for wide mouth container

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005051792A1 (fr) * 2003-11-25 2005-06-09 Nci Holdings Pty Ltd Fermeture reutilisable a bague de verrouillage pour conteneur
AU2004293124B2 (en) * 2003-11-25 2011-09-22 Nci Holdings Pty Ltd A reusable closure with a locking ring for a container
WO2005075301A3 (fr) * 2004-01-30 2006-04-06 Francis Showering Fermeture de contenant
DE102014017111A1 (de) * 2014-11-19 2016-05-19 Molkerei Weihenstephan GmbH & Co. KG Behälter mit Verriegelung
US10899511B2 (en) 2015-05-10 2021-01-26 Francis Showering Container closure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60031402D1 (de) 2006-11-30
EP1192091B1 (fr) 2006-10-18
GB9911063D0 (en) 1999-07-14
AU4594100A (en) 2000-12-05
CA2373399A1 (fr) 2000-11-23
ATE342845T1 (de) 2006-11-15
EP1192091A1 (fr) 2002-04-03
GB2349874A (en) 2000-11-15

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