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WO2024236304A1 - Élément de fermeture pour un récipient, récipient et élément de fermeture et procédé de formation d'un élément de fermeture - Google Patents

Élément de fermeture pour un récipient, récipient et élément de fermeture et procédé de formation d'un élément de fermeture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024236304A1
WO2024236304A1 PCT/GB2024/051274 GB2024051274W WO2024236304A1 WO 2024236304 A1 WO2024236304 A1 WO 2024236304A1 GB 2024051274 W GB2024051274 W GB 2024051274W WO 2024236304 A1 WO2024236304 A1 WO 2024236304A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
closure
container
seal
optionally
arrangement
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.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2024/051274
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Anthony Fraser
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.)
Threadless Closures Ltd
Original Assignee
Threadless 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 Threadless Closures Ltd filed Critical Threadless Closures Ltd
Publication of WO2024236304A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024236304A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
    • B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
    • B21D51/38—Making inlet or outlet arrangements of cans, tins, baths, bottles, or other vessels; Making can ends; Making closures
    • B21D51/44—Making closures, e.g. caps
    • B21D51/50—Making screw caps
    • 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
    • B65D41/0435—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with separate sealing elements
    • B65D41/0442—Collars or rings
    • 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
    • B65D41/0435—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with separate sealing elements
    • B65D41/0464—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with separate sealing elements the screw-thread or the like being formed by conforming the cap-skirt to the thread or the like formation on 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
    • 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
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023—Neck construction
    • B65D1/0246—Closure retaining means, e.g. beads, screw-threads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • B65D41/06—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1633—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element
    • B65D51/1661—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element by means of a passage for the escape of gas between the closure and the lip of the container mouth
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
    • B65D51/1688—Venting occurring during initial closing or opening of the container, by means of a passage for the escape of gas between the closure and the lip of the container mouth, e.g. interrupted threads

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a container and a closure for the container.
  • a container may be used to house a beverage or other liquid or fluid.
  • a container may be of a variety of sizes and may, for example, be a wide-mouth container or it may be a bottle. In some cases, it may be designed for containing a carbonated beverage.
  • the disclosure also relates to the closure separately and the manufacture of such a closure.
  • Containers and closures for wide-mouth containers and bottles are known such as those described in the applicant’s earlier applications, for example W02006/000774, WO201 1/151630, WO2014/006418, WO2017/109463, W02017/017415, WO2019/141973 and WO 2023/017234.
  • These seek to provide a closure capable of securely closing a container, the contents of which may be at an elevated pressure, for example during transportation and/or when subject to elevated temperatures, whilst remaining relatively easy for a consumer to remove.
  • a wide-mouthed container may be used both to store a beverage (or other contents) and as a drinking vessel once the closure has been removed.
  • the closure may also be designed so it can be used to re-close and/or to re-seal the container.
  • a typical wide-mouth container may have a mouth with a diameter or width in the range 55 to 65 mm, although the term may also apply to containers having a mouth with a diameter or width in the range 40 to 90 mm.
  • a bottle is typically used to store a beverage (or other contents) prior to pouring it into a drinking vessel.
  • Commonly used bottles such as those used to store beer and other beverages, typically have a mouth with a diameter of around 28 mm.
  • the present disclosure seeks to provide improvements.
  • the present invention seeks to address the problem that known wide-mouthed containers and especially their closures are not re-usable. It would be desirable for such containers and closures to be re-usable.
  • using presently known material choices and design choices for containers and closures does not result in a container and closure combination that meets the requirements for the strength required for a wide-mouthed container and the durability to withstand the multiple washing and opening/closing cycles experienced by a re-usable product while at the same time being capable of being manufactured in an economically viable process.
  • plastic such as PET conventionally used to form bottles and bottle closures for carbonated beverages is not strong enough for a wide-mouthed container closure, the integrally formed seal in such systems does not perform well enough for a wide-mouthed container and the material cannot withstand commercial washing temperatures, typically 60°C.
  • aluminium is not strong enough to form a widemouthed container closure without using a thickness that would be undesirable commercially, functionally in the finished product or in terms of manufacturing the product.
  • Stainless steel is known for closures on re-usable drinks bottles but has not been used on wide-mouthed containers for carbonated beverages. As described in the abovereferenced disclosures, such containers require a deep skirt around the closure with strong thread-forms formed within the skirt.
  • tinplate steel coated with a protective tin coating and often an epoxy resin lacquer, which is commonly used to form closures in the packaging industry, has sufficient strength to form a wide-mouth container closure but is not sufficiently durable for a re-usable product. This is because the tinplate layer becomes worn during multiple opening/closing cycles, resulting in corrosion.
  • Corrosion will also occur at the edges of the tinplate sheet that are typically sufficiently protected for a single-use product by a curling step to roll over the edge to form a hollow ring but, in a re-usable product, corrosion will gradually occur, especially if it is subjected to industrial cleaning cycles.
  • a closure for a container the container having a side surface and a rim that defines an opening
  • the closure comprising: a top portion configured to cover the opening of the container; a skirt portion, connected to the top portion and configured to surround an upper region of the side surface of a container when the closure is connected to the container; and a seal configured such that, when the closure is connected to a container, the seal forms a fluid-tight seal between the side surface of the container and the skirt portion of the closure;
  • the closure is formed from stainless steel; the width of the top portion of the closure is at least 40 mm; the distance that the skirt portion of the closure extends away from the top portion of the closure is at least 20 mm; the skirt portion comprises one or more embossed thread portions configured to cooperate with one or more thread portions provided on the side surface of a container; and the depth of the thread portions on each side of the skirt portion is at least 1 mm.
  • the thread portions are formed on a skirt at a location that is further from the top portion of the closure than the seal.
  • the depth of the thread portions on each side of the skirt portion is at least 1.1 mm, optionally at least 1.2 mm, optionally at least 1.3 mm.
  • the seal is formed from a cross-linked rubber.
  • the seal is part of a liner that extends across the surface of the top portion of the closure and at least partway across the skirt portion away from the top portion.
  • the width of the top portion of the closure is at least 50mm, optionally at least 60 mm, optionally at least 64 mm. In an arrangement, the distance that the skirt portion of the closure extends away from the top potion of the closure is at least 25 mm, optionally at least 28 mm.
  • top portion of the closure and the skirt of the closure are integrally formed from a single section of stainless steel.
  • the stainless steel in the gauge used to form the closure has a yield stress of less than 260 MPa Rp0.2, optionally less than 250 MPa Rp0.2, optionally less than 240 MPa Rp0.2.
  • the stainless steel used to form the closure can sustain a draw ratio of at least 40%, optionally at least 45%.
  • the stainless steel used to form the closure is an austenitic stainless steel with a nickel content of at least 10%, optionally at least 12%.
  • the closure further comprises a protective lacquer coating made from an epoxy resin.
  • container and a closure comprising a closure according to any one of the above aspects or arrangements.
  • the container is formed from PET or Ref-PET.
  • the container contains a carbonated beverage.
  • the method of forming the closure comprises: providing a circular blank of stainless steel plate; performing a deep drawing step to form a skirt portion extending from a top portion; and performing a thread forming step after the deep drawing step in which one or more thread portions are embossed within the skirt portion, optionally via a rolling system.
  • the method further comprises performing a curling step to roll over the edge of the skirt portion to form a hollow ring.
  • the width of the circular blank of stainless steel plate is at least 100 mm, optionally at least 105 mm, optionally at least 109 mm.
  • the thickness of the circular blank of stainless steel is at least 0.2 mm, optionally at least 0.25 mm, optionally at least 0.3 mm.
  • Figure 1 shows an upper perspective view of a closure according to the present disclosure
  • Figure 2 shows a lower perspective view of a closure according to the present disclosure
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a container according to the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 shows in elevation the top part of the container of Figure 3;
  • Figures 5 to 11 schematically depict the process of removing a closure from a container according to the present disclosure
  • Figure 12 schematically depicts, in cross-section, a closure with an arrangement of seals
  • Figure 13 schematically depicts, in cross-section, the closure of Figure 12 when attached to a container
  • Figure 14 schematically depicts, in cross-section, a closure with an alternative arrangement of seals
  • Figure 15 schematically depicts, in cross-section, the closure of Figure 14 when attached to a container
  • Figure 16 schematically depicts, in cross-section, a closure with an alternative seal arrangement
  • Figure 17 schematically depicts, in cross-section, a closure of Figure 16 when attached to a container
  • Figures 18 and 19 depict a container and a closure, respectively, with an alternative arrangement of thread portions
  • Figure 20 depicts in elevation the top part of the container of Figure 18;
  • Figure 21 depicts steps in a method of forming a closure
  • Figures 22A and 22B depict a side elevation and a partial cross-section of a part- formed closure during the process of Figure 21;
  • Figures 23 A and 23B depict a side elevation and a partial cross-section of a further part-formed closure during the process of Figure 21;
  • Figures 24A and 24B depict a side elevation and a partial cross-section of a further part-formed closure during the process of Figure 21.
  • Figures 1 and 2 depict a closure 10 according to the present disclosure, with views from above/outside and below/inside, respectively.
  • the closure 10 includes a top portion 11 for covering an opening of a container, surrounded by a skirt 12 that extends from the top portion 11.
  • the skirt 12 includes thread portions 13 that are configured to engage with thread portions of the container in order to define movement of the closure 10 relative to a container to which it is to be attached.
  • Figures 3 and 4 depict an example of a container 20 to be used with the closure 10 depicted in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the container 20 includes an external side surface 21 and a rim 22 that defines an opening 23.
  • the rim 22 also defines an opening axis A that extends perpendicularly to the plane within which the opening 23 lies.
  • the container 20 includes another section 24, having a primary purpose to contain a beverage or liquid, and an upper portion 25, having a primary function to engage with a closure 10.
  • the closure 10 may include a seal 14, secured to an inner surface of the closure 10.
  • the closure 10, seal 14 and container 20 may be configured such that, when the closure 10 is attached to the container 20, the seal 14 provides a fluid-tight seal between the closure 10 and the container 20.
  • the seal 14 may be formed from a different material from the closure 10. This may enable materials to be selected for each that have beneficial properties for their respective function. For example, it may be desirable for the seal 14 to be formed from a material that is more resilient than the material used to form the closure 10. In an example, the closure 10 may therefore be formed from a metal, which may not be suitable to form the seal 14.
  • the seal 14 may be retained within a recess or gland 15 formed within the skirt 12 of the closure 10.
  • the recess or gland 15 may be configured such that, as the closure 10 is advanced onto the container 20 in a direction parallel to the opening axis A, the position of the seal 14 relative to the closure 10 in that direction is substantially fixed, subject to small movements that may be caused by compression of the seal 14 and/or by manufacturing tolerances.
  • the seal 14 also moves in the same direction relative to the container 20.
  • the seal 14 is caused to move across three regions 31, 32, 33 of the side surface 21 of the container during the process of attaching the closure 10 to the container 20 and/or removing the closure 10 from the container 20.
  • the arrangement of the closure 10 and the container 20 may be configured such that, as the seal 14 is moved across the first region 31 by the movement of the closure 10 relative to the container 20, the seal can be switched between states of compression. In one state, the seal 14 is compressed between respective surfaces of the closure 10 and the container 20.
  • the seal 14 may be compressed between the side surface 21 of the container and a surface of the recess or gland 15 within which the seal 14 is fitted. In another state, the seal 14 is not compressed, or not significantly compressed, namely not compressed to an extent that the seal 14 may be used in order to provide a fluid-tight seal.
  • the closure 10 and container 20 may be configured such that in the process of attaching the closure 10 to the container 20, the seal 14 is caused to traverse the first region 31 of the side surface of the container 20 in a manner that results in the seal transitioning from an uncompressed state to a state in which it is compressed between the side surface 21 of the container 20 and an inner surface of the closure 10.
  • the movement of the closure 10 relative to the container 20 may cause the seal 14 to traverse the first region 31 of the side surface 21 of the container in such a way that the seal transitions from a compressed state to an uncompressed state.
  • the surface 28 may be inclined relative to the opening axis A.
  • the inclined surface 28 may be frusto-conical.
  • the angle of the inclined surface 28 relative to the opening axis A is in a range of 5 to 30 °, optionally in a range of 10 to 20 °.
  • a plurality of grooves 27 are provided at locations spread around the side surface 21.
  • the grooves 27 permit fluid to bypass the seal 14, even if it is in a compressed state. This may permit, for example, high pressure gas to vent while the closure 10 is partially attached to the container 20.
  • the venting of high pressure gases through the grooves 27 rather than between the rim 22 of the container 20 and the seal 14 may prevent the seal from moving rapidly causing a popping noise that may disturb the user.
  • grooves 27 may be provided and the grooves 27 need not be evenly spaced around the side surface 21 of the container 20.
  • a single groove 27 may be provided.
  • one or more ridges may be provided on the side surface 21 of the container 20 in the second region 32. Such ridges may disrupt the seal 14 from forming a fluid-tight seal against the side surface 21 of the container 20.
  • venting paths bypassing the seal 14 may be provided on either side of such ridges.
  • the side surface may be configured such that the seal 14 may form a fluid-tight seal between the container 20 and the closure 10, thereby containing a fluid, such as a beverage, within the combination of the container 20 and closure 10.
  • the side surface 21 of the container 20 in the third region 33 may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, arranged about the opening axis A. The same may apply in the second region 32 of the side surface 21 of the container 20, excluding any grooves and/or ridges used to form a bypass path for fluid around the seal.
  • Such an arrangement may ensure that, at any position of the seal 14 within the second and/or third region 32, 33 of the side surface 21 of the container 20, the separation between the side surface 21 of the container and the surface of the closure 10 adjacent the seal is substantially the same. This may ensure consistent compression of the seal 14, ensuring a fluid-tight seal, excepting any bypass path within the second region 32.
  • the side surface 21 of the container 20 in the second and/or third region 32, 33 may be at a small angle relative to the opening axis A. This may assist in the release of the top section 25 of the container 20 from a mould used in the forming process.
  • the third region 33 of the side surface 21 of the container 20 may be configured such that a line within the surface is at an angle to the opening axis A of less than 5°, optionally less than 3°.
  • the second region 32 of the side surface 21 of the container 20 may be configured such that a line within the surface is at an angle to the opening axis A of less than 10°, optionally in a range of 2 tolO°
  • the line may be the line at which a tangent plane contacts the curved surface of the side surface 21 of the container
  • the side surface 21 of the container 20 may be less inclined in the third region 33 than in the second region. This may enable a gradual transition from the third region 33 with least or no angle relative to the opening axis A, through the second region 32, to the first region 31 which, as above, may include an inclined surface 28 used to compress the seal 14 when the closure 10 is attached to the container 20. This may result in an improved sensation for the user.
  • the side surface 21 of the container 20 may be less inclined in the third region 33 than in the second region. This may enable a gradual transition from the third region 33 with least or no angle relative to the opening axis A, through the second region 32, to the first region 31 which, as above, may include an inclined surface 28 used to compress the seal 14 when the closure 10 is attached to the container 20. This may result in an improved sensation for the user.
  • the side surface 21 of the container 20 may be less inclined in the third region 33 than in the second region. This may enable a gradual transition from the third region 33 with least or no angle relative to the opening axis A, through the second
  • the 21 of the container 20 may be less inclined in the second region 32 than in the first region. Again, this may result in an improved sensation for the user.
  • Figures 5 to 11 schematically depict the engagement of the thread portions 13, 26 on the closure 10 and container 20, respectively, during the process of removing a closure 10 from a container 20.
  • the container 20 and its side surface 21 and a thread portion 26 are shown in a fixed position.
  • the closure 10 itself is not shown but the relative position of a thread portion 13 of the closure 10 and seal 14, both of which have a substantially fixed position relative to the remainder closure 10, are shown.
  • the seal when the seal 14 is in contact with both the second and third regions 32, 33 of the side surface 21 of the container 20, the seal may remain in a compressed state. In such an arrangement, returning the seal 14 from the second region 32 to the third region 33 does not require compression of the seal 14. In such an arrangement, a user may easily move a closure 10 from a position in which the seal 14 is in contact with the second region 32 to a position in which the seal 14 is in contact with the third region 33 of the side surface 21 of the container 20.
  • the user may easily rotate the closure 10 relative to the container 20 in the opposite direction to the opening direction, returning the seal 14 to the third region 33, in which it forms a fluid-tight seal, stopping the flow of fluid through the venting grooves 27.
  • closure 10 may reach a position in which a third part 43 of the thread portion 13 of the closure 10 engages with the thread portion 26 of the container 20 to prevent further movement of the closure 10 relative to the container 20 in a direction parallel to the opening axis A in a direction resulting in the removal of the closure 10 from the container 20.
  • a fourth part 44 of the thread portion 13 of the closure may be configured to initially restrict the closure 10 from rotating further relative to the container 20 about the opening axis A, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the closure 10 and container 20 may be configured such that, in this position, the seal 14 remains in the second region 32 of the side surface 21 of the container 20. This may assist in completing the venting of any high pressure fluid before the closure 10 is fully removed from the container 20.
  • a user may be required to push the closure 10 back towards the container 20 in a direction parallel to the opening axis A at the same time as rotating the closure 10 about the opening axis A in order for the fourth part 44 of the thread portion 9.
  • the above steps are reversed and the closure 10 is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the container 20 about the opening axis A.
  • the seal 14 is compressed as it traverses the first region 31 of the side surface 21 of the container 20.
  • the seal 14 may remain compressed as it traverses the second region 32, in which venting may take place by relatively high pressure fluids bypassing the seal 14 through grooves 27.
  • the seal 14 transfers to the third region 33 of the side surface 21 of the container 20, in which it may form a fluid-tight seal between the closure 10 and the container 20.
  • one or more of the grooves 27 may extend into the first region 31 of the side surface 21 of the container 20.
  • venting may take place while the seal 14 is being compressed or released from compression as a closure 10 is being attached to, or removed from, respectively, a container 20.
  • the seal 14 is described as being compressed during the process of attaching a closure 10 to a container 20.
  • the seal 14 may be made from a resilient material.
  • the seal 14 may be formed from an O-ring, namely a gasket formed from a loop of material with a round cross-section.
  • Alternative sealing arrangements may be used, for example gaskets having a different cross-section, including an D-ring, a U-ring, V-ring or a square-ring. Other known compressible seals may also be used.
  • Such seals 14, compressed between a side surface of the container 20 and the skirt 12 of the closure 10, rather than merely forming a compression seal on, for example, the rim 22 of the container 20 may provide a very reliable seal, especially for pressurised contents within the container 20, such as carbonated beverages.
  • a pressure difference is established between the contents of the container 20 and the environment surrounding the container 20.
  • This pressure difference acts across the seal 14.
  • the pressure difference across the seal 14 in a direction that promotes leakage from the container 20, results in the seal 14 deforming, for example from the gland or recess in which it sits, into the gap between the container 20 and the closure 10, more firmly filling the gap.
  • the seal 14 engages with the side surface of the container 20 at a location set apart from the rim 22 of the container.
  • the seal 14 may be positioned below the grooves 27 in the arrangement shown in Figure 4.
  • the thread portions 26 of the container 20, that are configured to engage with the thread portions 13 provided on the skirt 12 of the closure 10, are provided below this region. Accordingly, the thread portions 26 of the container 20 may be separated from the rim 22 of the container 20.
  • the space between the thread portions 26 of the container 20 and the rim 22 of the container may be at least two or three times the space occupied by the thread portions 26 on the surface of the container 20.
  • this separation of the thread portions 26 on the container 20 from the rim 22 of the container may be configured to provide sufficient space that, when a user drinks from the container 20, their lips do not touch the thread portions 26 of the container 20. This may enhance the user’s satisfaction of drinking from the container 20.
  • One or both of the closure 10 and container 20 may be formed from a metal.
  • one or both of the closure 10 and container 20 may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a plastic material.
  • the seal 14 of the closure 10 may engage with the inner side surface of the container 20.
  • the closure 10 may include an inner skirt configured such that, in a closed position, the skirt extends inside the opening of the container 20.
  • the seal may form a fluid-tight seal between the inner skirt closure 10 and the inner side surface of the container 20.
  • the closure 10 may have an outer skirt having thread portions that engage corresponding thread portions provided on the exterior side surface of the container 20.
  • Figures 12 and 13 schematically depict a closure 10 having a variation of the sealing arrangement discussed above.
  • the closure may include a second seal 50.
  • the second seal 50 may form a compression seal or a flexing seal against the rim 22 of the container 20.
  • the second seal 50 may act against the uppermost surface of the rim 22 of the container 20.
  • the second seal 50 may alternatively or additionally act against an inner and/or outer surface of the rim 22 of the container, for example in a region slightly below the uppermost surface of the rim 22.
  • the second seal 50 may act against a tapered inner or outer surface of the rim 22.
  • the first seal 14 may provide the primary gas-tight seal when the closure 10 is attached to the container 20, for example providing a sufficient seal to maintain the condition of a carbonated beverage.
  • the second seal 50 may function to prevent any liquid from within the container 20 passing over the rim 22 to a position in which it rests on top of the first seal 14.
  • the second seal 50 may not be sufficient to provide a gas-tight seal. Accordingly, the gas pressure in a region 51 between the first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may equalise with the gas pressure within the main body of the container 20.
  • the second seal 50 may be sufficient to prevent liquid passing over the rim 22 of the container 20. Preventing or minimising the presence of liquid above the first seal 14, namely in the space 51 between the first seal 14 and the second seal 22 may prevent an undesirable leakage of liquid during removal of the closure 10 from the container 20, which may be particularly problematic for liquids stored under pressure.
  • first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be integrally formed, namely formed at the same time from the same material.
  • first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be connected by a relatively thin web 52, which facilitates forming the first seal 14 and the second seal 50 at the same time and/or may facilitate mounting the seals 14, 50 within the closure 10.
  • first seal 14, the connecting web 52 and the second seal 50 may be integrally formed as a single component.
  • At least one of the first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be co-moulded to the closure 10.
  • the main body of the closure 10 including the top portion 11 that covers the opening of the container 20 and the skirt 12 that extends from the top portion 11 may be formed first by any suitable process, depending on the material to be used.
  • at least one seal 14, 50 may be formed within the closure 10 such that the already-formed closure 10 forms part of the mould within which the at least one seal 14, 50 is formed.
  • the first seal 14, web 52 and second seal 50 may be formed in a single injection moulding process in which the main body of the closure 10 provides part of the mould.
  • Such a process may be beneficial because the co-moulding process may result in at least one of the first and second seals 14, 50 adhering to the main body of the closure 10. This may result in a closure 10 that is more robust to handling, namely less likely for either of the seals to become detached from the remainder of the closure 10.
  • Such voids may be undesirable, for example for a container 20 and closure 10 to be used to hold liquids such as beverages because such voids may be difficult to clean and/or may provide spaces in which undesirable microbial activity may occur.
  • first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be co-moulded to the main body of the closure 10
  • at least one of the first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be formed separately from the main body of the closure 10 and subsequently attached to the remainder of the closure 10.
  • a seal 14, 50 may, as discussed above, fit within a suitably sized gland or recess 15, which may be sufficient to hold the seal 14, 50 in place.
  • at least one of the seals 14, 50 may be attached to the main body of the closure 10 by an adhesive.
  • Figures 14 and 15 depict a variation of the arrangement shown in Figures 12 and 13. Much of the arrangement depicted in Figures 14 and 15 corresponds to that shown in Figures 12 and 13 and the description thereof will not be repeated. It should also be appreciated that the variations to the arrangements shown in Figures 12 and 13 discussed above also apply to the arrangement depicted in Figures 14 and 15.
  • the first seal 60 is a U-ring or V-ring rather than the D-ring shown in Figure 12.
  • the U-ring 60 may be arranged to include a first limb 61 that may fit within the recess or gland 15 within the skirt 12 of the closure 10.
  • the U-ring 60 may also include a second limb 62 that at one end is connected to the first limb 61 but at the other end is separated from the first limb 61 by a space 63.
  • the second limb 62 may project towards the centre of the closure 62, namely towards the opening axis A.
  • the first limb 62 of the U- ring 60 may deform to move closer to the first limb 61, reducing the size of the separation 63 between them.
  • the second limb 62 of the U-ring 60 projects generally inwards and upwards in the usual configuration of the closure 10, it should be appreciated that this may be reversed and the second limb 62 may generally project inwards and downwards.
  • At least one of the first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be formed from a resilient material.
  • at least one of the first seal 14 and the second seal 50 may be formed from a cross-linked rubber.
  • Such a material may beneficially provide a better seal, namely one that is more resistant to gradual release of gas stored under pressure than other choices of seal material such as synthetic elastomers including thermoplastic elastomers (commonly referred to as TPEs).
  • TPEs thermoplastic elastomers
  • the use of a crosslinked rubber may also be beneficial because it can be deformed to a greater extent during the process of removing it from a mould and still return to the desired shape. This may facilitate the formation of a seal 60 such as that depicted in Figures 14 and 15.
  • Figures 16 and 17 depict a variation of the arrangement shown in Figures 14 and 15. Much of the arrangement depicted in Figures 16 and 17 corresponds to that shown in Figures 12 to 15 and the description thereof will not be repeated. It should also be appreciated that the variations to the arrangements shown in Figures 12 to 15 discussed above also apply to the arrangement depicted in Figures 16 and 17.
  • the seals may be replaced with and/or provided by a liner 90 provided within the closure 10 that may perform the sealing function.
  • the liner may be provided within the closure 10, namely positioned such that, when the closure 10 is connected to the container 20, the liner 90 is positioned between the closure 10 and the container 20.
  • the liner 90 may include a first part 91 that extends across the surface of the top portion 11 of the closure 10 and a second part 92 extending part- way down the skirt portion 12 of the closure, away from the top portion 11.
  • the second portion 92 of the liner 90 may be configured such that it does not extend sufficiently far down the skirt portion 12 of the closure that it reaches the thread portions 13 provided on the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10. Provision of such a liner 90 within the remainder of the closure 10 provides a component that encapsulates the opening 23 of the container 10 and extends part way down the side surface 21 of container 20 and may therefore improve the containment of a liquid held within the container 20.
  • the liner 90 includes a seal region 93 that is configured to be compressed between the skirt section 12 of the closure 10 and the side surface 21 of the container 20 when the closure 10 is connected to the container 20.
  • the seal region 93 may form a fluid-tight seal between the side surface 21 of the container 20 and the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • the seal region 93 of the liner 90 may perform the same function as the seals discussed above that engage with the side surface 21 of the container 20. Variations of such seals discussed above may apply equally to the seal region 93 of liner 90. It will further be appreciated that the liner 90 may be configured such that, when the closure 10 is connected to the container 20, the seal region 93 is positioned on the side surface 21 of the container at a location set apart from the rim 22 of the container 20, namely such that the seal region 93 is not in contact with the rim 22.
  • the closure 10 may be configured such that, when the closure 10 is connected to the container 20, the first part 91 of the liner 90, which extends across the surface of the top portion 11 of the closure 10, engages with the rim 22 of the container 20 to form a liquid-tight seal against the rim 22 of the container 20.
  • An arrangement of a liner 90 having a seal region 93 forming a fluid-tight seal between the side surface 21 of the container 20 and the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10, and a first portion 91 forming a liquid-tight seal against the rim 22 of the container 20 may provide similar benefits to those discussed above in relation to the arrangements depicted in Figures 12 to 15.
  • the provision of a high quality fluid-tight seal that is capable of maintaining the condition of a carbonated beverage in conjunction with a second seal against the rim 22 of the container 10 that may prevent liquid from the container 20 from becoming trapped outside of the side wall 21 of the container 20, above the seal region 93.
  • the provision of a liner 90 within the volume defined by the top portion 11 and the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10, that encapsulates the opening 23 of the container 20 and includes at least one integrally formed seal may greatly reduce the likelihood of fluid from the container 20 leaking to a position between a seal fitted within a closure 10 and the remainder of the closure. This may improve its food-hygiene performance.
  • the liner 90 may be integrally formed as a single component, for example in a single process. This may reduce the manufacturing costs and may also reduce the likelihood of leakage through the liner.
  • the liner 90 may be formed separately from the remainder of the closure 10, namely the top portion 11 and the skirt portion 12 and then assembled into it.
  • the liner 90 may be formed from any of the materials discussed above as suitable for use in forming a seal.
  • the liner 90 may in particular be formed from a cross-linked rubber.
  • a lubricant such as a food grade silicone spray lubricant, may be provided between the liner 90 and at least one of the top portion 11 and the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • the lubricant may be provided to the outer surface of the liner 90 and/or the inner surface of the top portion 11 and/or skirt portion 12 of the closure 10 before assembly.
  • a lubricant may assist in the connection of a closure 10 to the container 20 and/or the removal of the closure 10 from the container 20.
  • the forces generated between the closure 10 and the container 20 may be significant if the container 20 stores a carbonated beverage.
  • this may result in a large torque being required to rotate the liner 90 relative to the container 20.
  • by reducing the friction between the liner 90 and the remainder of the closure 10 it becomes possible for a user to rotate the top portion 11 and skirt portion 12 of the closure 10 relative to the container 20, even while the liner 90 remains stationary relative to the container 20.
  • an antibacterial material such as a silver-containing antimicrobial
  • a silver-containing antimicrobial may be provided between the liner 90 and at least one of the top portion 11 and the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • this may be provided to either surface before the assembly of the liner 90 to the top portion 11 and skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • the antibacterial material may improve the food-hygiene performance of the closure 10, particularly if there is any risk of a liquid becoming trapped between the liner 90 and the remainder of the closure 10, either leaking from within the container 20 or leaking in from an external source.
  • a single material may be used between the liner 90 and the remainder of the closure 10 that functions as both a lubricant and an antibacterial.
  • the liner 90 may be formed from a material that comprises at least one of a slip agent and an antibacterial material. Such an arrangement may provide some or all of the benefits discussed above for the provision of a lubricant and/or bacterial material between the liner 90 and the remainder of the closure 10. However, provision of such a material within the liner 90 may facilitate the manufacturing process.
  • a slip agent within the liner 90 may reduce the friction between the liner 90 and the container 20. This may facilitate some movement of the liner 90 relative to the container 20, reducing the risk of squeaking and/or juddering when a user removes the closure 10 from a container 20, which may provide an unsatisfactory user experience.
  • the closure 10 may optionally be provided with a hand-engagement region 95 that makes it easier for the user to rotate the closure 10 relative to the container 20.
  • the hand-engagement region 95 may be configured such that the static coefficient of friction between it and a human hand is greater than it would have been between the hand and the closure 10 without the provision of the hand-engagement region 95.
  • the felt torque namely the level of torque that it feels to the user that is required, may be reduced, for example because the increased friction between the closure and a hand means that the user does not have to grip the closure 10 as tightly to be able to impart the required torque, reducing effort for the user.
  • the hand-engagement region 95 may be provided on the outside surface of the top portion 11 of the closure 10.
  • the hand-engagement region 95 may cover the top portion 11 of the closure 10.
  • the handengagement region may be provided on the outside surface of at least a part of the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • the hand-engagement region may include a layer of material provided on an outer surface of at least a part of the top portion 11 or the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10 that has a higher static coefficient of friction between it and a human hand than the material used to form the top portion and/or the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • a part of the top portion 11 or the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10 may be coated with an epoxy resin based lacquer or a non-BPA replacement equivalent.
  • the hand-engagement region may include the provision of a textured surface on, for example, the outer surface of at least a part of the skirt portion 12 of the closure 10.
  • Figures 18 and 19 schematically depict a container 70 and a corresponding closure 80 that are largely similar to the arrangements discussed above but have a variation in the arrangement of the thread portions. It will be appreciated that this arrangement of the thread portions may be combined with any of the variations discussed above.
  • the container 70 has six thread portions. Three thread portions 71, 72, 73 on the side of the container 70 visible in Figure 18, provide a first, interrupted, thread. The remaining thread portions of the container 70, not visible in Figure 18, form a second interrupted thread.
  • the thread portions of the container 70 are arranged such that none of the thread portions of the container forming the interrupted threads overlap another thread portion of the container 70. In other words no part of any one thread portion is arranged above a part of another thread portion, or above a part of a virtual thread formed by two or more other thread portions, in the direction of the opening axis.
  • Figure 19 depicts a closure 80 to be used in conjunction with the container 70 shown in Figure 18.
  • the closure 80 has thread portions that form two continuous threads 81, 82.
  • each of the continuous threads 81, 82 of the closure respectively engage with the thread portions that form one interrupted thread on the container 70.
  • Figure 20 depicts a side elevation of a top part of the container 70 depicted in Figure 18.
  • Figure 20 depicts the thread portions 71, 72, 73 that form a single interrupted thread on the container 70.
  • the lower edge of the thread portions 71, 72, 73 forming the interrupted threads of the container 70 extend in a direction along the thread at an oblique angle to the opening of the container 70.
  • the thread portions 71, 72, 73 forming each of the interrupted threads of the container 70 may be arranged to form a virtual helical thread. It will be appreciated that the continuous threads provided within the closure 80 are arranged at a corresponding angle.
  • the container 70 has six thread portions arranged in such a way that the container 70 is provided with two interrupted threads, other arrangements may be used. Specifically, the container 70 may be provided with thread portions that combine to form any number of interrupted threads and each interrupted thread may be formed of any plurality of thread portions. In addition to the arrangement depicted in Figures 18 to 20, a convenient arrangement of a container 70 may have three interrupted threads, each formed of two thread portions. Alternatively, in a convenient arrangement, a container 70 may have a single interrupted thread formed of three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten thread portions. In each arrangement, the closure 80 may be provided with a continuous thread corresponding to each of the interrupted threads provided on the container 70.
  • Providing non-overlapping interrupted threads on the container 70 may enable the provision of an arrangement in which the friction between the thread portions of the container 70 and closure 80 are kept sufficiently low that removing the closure 80 from the container 70 does not become difficult for a user.
  • the use of one or more interrupted threads on the container 70 namely arrangements having a substantial separation between the thread portions on the container 70 forming the interrupted thread, such as a separation significantly greater than the width of the thread portions, may ensure that additional pressure relief features need not be provided to permit excess gas pressure to pass the thread portions.
  • providing non-overlapping interrupted threads may reduce the impact on a user drinking from the container of the presence of the thread portions on the container.
  • minimising the size of the thread portions formed on the container 70 may facilitate the manufacture of the container 70.
  • the length of each of the thread portions of the container 70 in a direction along the thread may be approximately the same as the separation between adjacent thread portions.
  • the total length of thread portion on the container 70 engaged with one of the continuous threads of a closure 80 connected to the container 70 would represent approximately 50% of the circumference of the container 70.
  • Such an arrangement may provide a good compromise between the desire to minimise the size of the thread portions on the container and the requirement to have sufficient engagement of thread portions that the material of the thread portions formed on the container maintains its integrity under the stresses imparted by the containment of a pressurised beverage within the container 70.
  • the length of the thread portions of the container 70 in a direction along the thread and the separation between them may be configured such that the combined length of the thread portions is in a range of approximately 25% to 75% of the circumference of the container 70.
  • a container 70 having one or more interrupted threads with a closure having corresponding continuous threads makes possible an arrangement in which the closure 80 must be rotated about the opening axis relative to the container 70 by a sufficiently large angle in order to remove the closure 80 that one can reduce the risk of an accidental removal of the closure 80 to an acceptable level.
  • the thread portions of the container 70 are arranged such that none overlap another thread portion of the container, the thread portions of the closure 80 forming the one or more continuous threads may overlap in order to ensure that they are sufficiently long that the rotation required to remove the closure 80 from the container 70 is sufficiently large.
  • Figure 21 depicts the processing steps that may be used in order to form a metal closure for a wide-mouthed container such as any of those discussed above.
  • the closure In order to be used with a wide-mouthed container, the closure must correspondingly be wide.
  • the width of the top portion of the closure may be at least 40 mm and may be wider, optionally at least 50 mm, optionally at least 60 mm, optionally at least 64 mm.
  • the material used to form the closure must be sufficiently strong to withstand the pressure within the container, created by the carbonated beverage, being exerted across a relatively large area in comparison to the area of a typical bottle.
  • the method for forming a closure includes a step 100 of providing a circular blank of sheet metal, a step 101 of deep drawing the blank to form a skirt portion extending from a top portion, and a step 103 of embossing one or more thread portions within the skirt portion after it has been formed.
  • a further step 102 may be performed in which a curling step is used to roll over the edge of the skirt portion to form a hollow ring.
  • the curling step 102 may be performed between the deep drawing step 101 and the thread application step 103. This may facilitate the performance of the curling step 102 without risking damage to the embossed thread portions.
  • Figures 22A and 22B depict, respectively, a side elevation and a partial crosssection of the part-formed closure after completion of the deep drawing step 101.
  • Deep drawing is required because a closure for a wide-mouthed container such as that of the present disclosure needs to have a relatively deep skirt portion in the finished closure in order to provide sufficient space to provide the thread forms that are necessary to secure the closure to the container, space for features such as those discussed above to enable satisfactory venting of a carbonated beverage as the closure is removed from a container and a sealing arrangement such as that disclosed above.
  • the skirt portion may extend away from the top portion of the closure by at least 25 mm, optionally at least 28 mm.
  • the material 110 used to form the skirt portion of the closure extends significantly from the top portion.
  • the material 110 used to form the skirt portion of the closure may extend away from the top portion of the closure by a distance DI of by at least 25 mm, optionally at least 30 mm, optionally at least 32 mm.
  • the deep drawing step 101 may be performed in a single punching step rather than in a plurality of successively deeper punches.
  • a process using plural successively deeper punches is commonly used in deep drawing applications, namely in which the depth of the skirt is multiple times the width of the blank.
  • such known applications are used for manufacturing relatively high added value parts which is in contrast to beverage packs, in which the unit price of each container or closure must be minimised.
  • the metal blank is typically lubricated with an oil that would not be suitable for a food-grade product such as a beverage pack.
  • the deep drawing step 101 may be completed in a single punch.
  • metals used to form containers and/or closures are provided with a coating, such as a lacquer formed from an epoxy resin, in order to protect the food/beverage from contamination by the metal and to protect the metal from corrosion by the food / beverage.
  • This coating may preferably be provided on the sheet material before the deep drawing step 101 and use of a single punch reduces the risk of damage to the lacquer layer during the deep drawing process.
  • a closure for a beverage pack it is frequently desirable to include a printed image on the surface of the closure, covered by the lacquer layer, for example to include branding.
  • the use of a single punch reduces the risk of damage to the printed layer during the deep drawing step.
  • Use of a single punch process may also facilitate the formation of the large number of closures required in an economic process.
  • a lacquer coating formed on one or both sides of the metal sheet may function as the primary lubricant in the deep drawing step 101.
  • An additional lubricant such as food-grade evaporating oil may also be applied prior to the deep drawing step 101.
  • the deep drawing step 101 may include a trimming process to trim the edges of the material to be used to form the skirt portion of the closure. This may be used to remove any inconsistencies introduced by the punching step, or steps, ensuring that the distance DI that the material used to form the skirt portion extends away from the top portion is the same all the way round the part-formed closure at the end of the deep drawing step 101.
  • a metal closure of the present disclosure can be formed in which the top portion of the closure and the skirt of the closure are integrally formed from a single section of metal. This enables a faster, and therefore cheaper, manufacturing process for forming closures in comparison to forming the closure from additional parts and joining them. It may also result in a stronger and/or more robust product.
  • Figures 23 A and 23B depict, respectively, a side elevation and a partial crosssection of the part-formed closure after completion of the curling step 102. As shown, the distance D2 that the material used to form the skirt portion of the closure extends away from the top portion of the closure is reduced compared to the distance DI after the deep drawing step 101 by an amount corresponding to the material used to form the hollow ring 111 at the edge of the skirt portion.
  • Figures 24A and 24B depict, respectively, a side elevation and a partial crosssection of a closure after the at least one thread portion 112 has been formed in the skirt portion.
  • the thread portions 112 are embossed into the skirt portion.
  • the previously smooth surface of the sheet material is pressed with a shaped tool and deformed to form thread portions suitable for engaging with corresponding thread portions on a container.
  • the sheet material may be pressed between a complementary pair of shaped tools, internal and external to the space encompassed by the closure.
  • the shaped tools may be configured to press only a section of the skirt at a time and be configured to rotate the closure such that the pressing tools roll around the length of the skirt portion in order to form the complete set of one or more thread portions.
  • Such an arrangement may be referred to as a rolling system.
  • An arrangement such as that discussed above for forming the one or more thread portions within the skirt portion of a metal closure by embossing enables the formation of relatively deep threads.
  • Relatively deep threads are important for a wide-mouthed container used to store carbonated beverages because this is necessary to resist the large force exerted on the closure by the pressure created by the carbonated beverage being exerted on the large area of the wide-mouthed closure.
  • the depth of the thread portions on each side of the skirt may be at least 1 mm, optionally at least 1.1 mm, optionally at least 1.2 mm, optionally at least 1.3 mm.
  • the thread depth may be at least 4% of the internal diameter of the closure, 2% each side.
  • the final length D3 of the skirt portion namely the distance that it extends from the top portion of the closure, may be slightly smaller than the distance D2 that the material used to form the skirt portion extends from the top portion prior to the thread application 103.
  • the distances may differ by approximately 1 mm and should be taken into account in setting the sized of the part- formed closure in the preceding steps, including the blank of sheet material provided in step 100.
  • the circular blank of sheet metal provided in step 100 may be formed by any convenient process.
  • the blanks may be punched from a larger sheet of material.
  • the metal blank may be coated with a lacquer, for example formed from an epoxy resin material before the deep drawing step 101.
  • a lacquer coating may be applied to one or both sides of the metal blank and one or both of the lacquer coatings may include printing, for aesthetic and/or branding reasons.
  • the lacquer coating may be provided to a sheet of metal before the circular blanks are punched from the sheet or may be formed on the blanks after the circular blanks have been formed.
  • the step 100 may include providing a circular blank of sheet metal having a diameter of at least 100 mm, optionally at least 105 mm, optionally at least 109 mm.
  • the thickness of the blank of metal sheet material required to form the closure depends on the strength and ductility of the metal used. However, in a desirable arrangement, the thickness of the metal blank may be at least 0.2 mm optionally at least 0.25 mm, optionally at least 0.3 mm in order to ensure that there is sufficient material in the blank in order to form the skirt section of the closure during the deep drawing step 101 and then subsequently form the at least one thread portion within the skirt portion. If the blank is not sufficiently thick, once the blank has been processed to form the skirt portion, the material forming the skirt portion may become too thin to be able subsequently to form the one or more thread portions without, for example, the material splitting.
  • the thickness of the metal blank may also be desirable for the thickness of the metal blank to be limited, for example to ensure that the details of the shapes to be pressed from the blank are attainable for conventional forming apparatus and/or the forces required in the processing steps, such as the deep drawing step 101, the curling step 102 and the thread application step 103, are within the capability of conventional forming apparatus. This may also reduce the material used, and therefore the cost. For example, it may be desirable for the thickness of the blank to be less than 0.5 mm, optionally less than 0.4 mm, optionally to be approximately 0.3 mm.
  • the metal in the gauge to be used, namely after rolling to the required thickness, should desirably have a yield stress of less than 260 MPa Rp0.2, preferably less than 250 MPa Rp0.2, and ideally less than 240 MPa Rp0.2.
  • the metal in the gauge to be used, namely after rolling to the required thickness, should desirably have a yield stress of less than 260 MPa Rp0.2, preferably less than 250 MPa Rp0.2, and ideally less than 240 MPa Rp0.2.
  • the metal must be sufficiently ductile that it can sustain a draw ratio of at least 40%, preferably at least 45%.
  • the choice of material selection is further complicated by the requirement that the material must be recyclable and desirably the product also be re-usable.
  • Aluminium was considered but it is not sufficiently strong to resist deformation and/or damage under the forced exerted on a wide-mouthed closure by a carboned beverage.
  • tinplate is steel protected from corrosion by a thin layer of tin coating, often with a further epoxy lacquer coating.
  • tinplate closures that are presently known are used as disposable products. They are therefore typically made from very thin sheet steel, almost always below 0.19 mm in order to minimise cost, and are therefore made from a very stiff steel, for example over 500 MPa, in order to provide sufficient strength.
  • Such material is not suitable for the closure of the present disclosure and the disclosed method of forming closures because it is not thick enough and soft enough to perform the deep drawing step needed to form the skirt portion and subsequently form the one or more deep thread portions in the skirt.
  • the material forming the skirt portion becomes too thin, resulting in splitting when attempting to form the one or more thread portions.
  • Tinplate can be formed in grades that are typically used for bake ware rather than food or beverage packaging, that are sufficiently thick and soft that they could be used to form a closure as discussed above. However, this has been found to be an undesirable solution. This is because such a closure is not suitable for a re-usable product because the epoxy lacquer and tin coating layers wear out with repeated use, especially at the thread portions.
  • tinplate has been used. This has been possible primarily because the product is not a genuinely reusable product.
  • a genuinely reusable product must undergo multiple cleaning cycles as well as a greater number of opening/ closing cycles. In a cleaning cycle the product may be exposed to caustic cleaning products at elevated temperatures, for example 60°C. Accordingly, a genuinely re-usable product must not only be capable of undergoing a greater number of usage cycles but must also be resistant to more challenging environments than those experienced by a jam jar.
  • tinplate solution An additional problem for use of a tinplate solution is that the steel is usually exposed at the edge, namely not covered by tin or epoxy lacquer coatings. This is typically concealed by a curling step, rolling the edge over to form a hollow ring. This provides sufficient protection for a disposable product but will also start to rust after long term exposure to water, air and cleaning solutions.
  • the disadvantages considered above are at least partially overcome by the use of stainless steel instead of tinplate. This increases the life of the product, enabling it to be genuinely re-usable, because even if an epoxy layer becomes worn, rusting will not occur.
  • a stainless steel used according to the present disclosure was composed of C 0.038, Si 0.50, Mn 1.18, P 0.027, S 0.0018, Cr 18.55, Ni 12.41, N 0.024.
  • a closure formed from stainless steel according to any of the arrangements discussed above, provided with a seal, or liner including one or more seals, formed from a cross-linked rubber may be used with a container according to any of the corresponding arrangements discussed above formed from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or Ref-PET, a form of PET that is formed in an injection blow-moulding process in which additional heat is provided during moulding, often referred to as re-heat blowing, resulting in higher toughness and crystallinity, raising its heat resistance by of the order of 10°C and improving its resistance to caustic cleaning chemicals, making it more suitable for use in a re-usable product.
  • PET Polyethylene Terephthalate
  • Ref-PET Ref-PET
  • Such a combination of closure and container can be economically manufactured for a high volume but repeat use product, is strong enough to contain a carbonated beverage even in a wide-mouth format, provides a sufficient seal even along the extended perimeter of a wide-mouth format to store carbonated beverages for long time periods, is sufficiently robust that the product can undergo multiple use and cleaning cycles and at the end of life of the product can be almost entirely recycled. No other combination of materials can achieve this.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un élément de fermeture pour un récipient, le récipient ayant une surface latérale et un rebord qui définit une ouverture, l'élément de fermeture comprenant une partie de dessus configurée pour recouvrir l'ouverture du récipient ; une partie jupe, reliée à la partie de dessus et conçue pour encercler une région supérieure de la surface latérale d'un récipient lorsque l'élément de fermeture est relié au récipient ; et un joint d'étanchéité configuré de telle sorte que, lorsque l'élément de fermeture est relié à un récipient, le joint d'étanchéité forme un joint étanche aux fluides entre la surface latérale du récipient et la partie jupe de l'élément de fermeture ; l'élément de fermeture étant formé d'acier inoxydable ; la largeur de la partie de dessus de l'élément de fermeture est d'au moins 40 mm ; la distance sur laquelle la partie jupe de l'élément de fermeture s'étend à l'opposé de la partie de dessus de l'élément de fermeture est d'au moins 20 mm ; la partie jupe comprend une ou plusieurs parties filetées gaufrées configurées pour coopérer avec une ou plusieurs parties filetées ménagées sur la surface latérale d'un récipient ; et la profondeur des parties filetées sur chaque côté de la partie jupe est d'au moins 1 mm.
PCT/GB2024/051274 2023-05-17 2024-05-16 Élément de fermeture pour un récipient, récipient et élément de fermeture et procédé de formation d'un élément de fermeture Pending WO2024236304A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB2307339.8A GB202307339D0 (en) 2023-05-17 2023-05-17 A closure for a container, a container and closure and a method of forming a closure
GB2307339.8 2023-05-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024236304A1 true WO2024236304A1 (fr) 2024-11-21

Family

ID=86872645

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2024/051274 Pending WO2024236304A1 (fr) 2023-05-17 2024-05-16 Élément de fermeture pour un récipient, récipient et élément de fermeture et procédé de formation d'un élément de fermeture

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB202307339D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024236304A1 (fr)

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0060073A1 (fr) * 1981-03-05 1982-09-15 Metal Closures Limited Procédé et appareil pour appliquer des fermetures sur des récipients à col fileté
WO2006000774A1 (fr) 2004-06-23 2006-01-05 Dubois Limited Recipient pour boisson
WO2011151630A1 (fr) 2010-06-04 2011-12-08 Threadless Closures Limited Fermeture pour un récipient
WO2014006418A1 (fr) 2012-07-06 2014-01-09 Threadless Closures Limited Récipient et fermeture pour celui-ci
WO2017017415A1 (fr) 2015-07-24 2017-02-02 Threadless Closures Limited Récipient et fermeture
WO2017109463A1 (fr) 2015-12-21 2017-06-29 Threadless Closures Limited Procédé de formation d'une fermeture métallique et fermeture pour récipient
WO2019141973A1 (fr) 2018-01-17 2019-07-25 Threadless Closures Limited Contenant et fermeture pour contenant
IT202100012353A1 (it) * 2021-05-13 2022-11-13 Ipac S P A Coperchio per vasi da conserve
WO2023017234A1 (fr) 2021-08-10 2023-02-16 Threadless Closures Limited Fermeture pour récipient, et récipient et fermeture

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0060073A1 (fr) * 1981-03-05 1982-09-15 Metal Closures Limited Procédé et appareil pour appliquer des fermetures sur des récipients à col fileté
WO2006000774A1 (fr) 2004-06-23 2006-01-05 Dubois Limited Recipient pour boisson
WO2011151630A1 (fr) 2010-06-04 2011-12-08 Threadless Closures Limited Fermeture pour un récipient
WO2014006418A1 (fr) 2012-07-06 2014-01-09 Threadless Closures Limited Récipient et fermeture pour celui-ci
WO2017017415A1 (fr) 2015-07-24 2017-02-02 Threadless Closures Limited Récipient et fermeture
WO2017109463A1 (fr) 2015-12-21 2017-06-29 Threadless Closures Limited Procédé de formation d'une fermeture métallique et fermeture pour récipient
WO2019141973A1 (fr) 2018-01-17 2019-07-25 Threadless Closures Limited Contenant et fermeture pour contenant
IT202100012353A1 (it) * 2021-05-13 2022-11-13 Ipac S P A Coperchio per vasi da conserve
WO2023017234A1 (fr) 2021-08-10 2023-02-16 Threadless Closures Limited Fermeture pour récipient, et récipient et fermeture

Also Published As

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