U.S. patent application number 10/274796 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-17 for easy opening closure with strippable structure.
Invention is credited to Gzybowski, Michael S., Rose, Donald G..
Application Number | 20030132189 10/274796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22655999 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030132189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gzybowski, Michael S. ; et
al. |
July 17, 2003 |
Easy opening closure with strippable structure
Abstract
A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes an
annular sealing member which is internally reinforced by a
cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or
spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical
core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures
can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To
remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical
core apart. The remaining, unreinforced annular sealing member can
be easily removed.
Inventors: |
Gzybowski, Michael S.; (Fort
Wayne, IN) ; Rose, Donald G.; (Paso Robles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S. Gzybowski
P.O. Box 13381
Fort Wayne
IN
46868
US
|
Family ID: |
22655999 |
Appl. No.: |
10/274796 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10274796 |
Oct 21, 2002 |
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10021968 |
Dec 13, 2001 |
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6467638 |
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10021968 |
Dec 13, 2001 |
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09179301 |
Oct 27, 1998 |
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6415936 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/254 ;
215/256; 215/296; 215/355; 215/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 55/06 20130101;
B65D 2401/15 20200501; B65D 39/04 20130101; B65D 39/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/254 ;
215/256; 215/296; 215/355; 215/364 |
International
Class: |
B65D 039/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A closure for receptacles which comprises: a cylindrical core
member which comprises a helically or spirally wound web member
that can be stripped apart by pulling an end thereof; and an
annular sealing member which surrounds the cylindrical core
member.
2. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical core member includes a helical or spiral frangible
structure which defines the web member.
3. A closure for receptacles according to claim 2, wherein the
frangible structure comprises a groove or perforation.
4. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein the
closure further includes a closed bottom.
5. A closure for receptacles according to claim 4, wherein the
closed bottom is formed on the cylindrical core member.
6. A closure for receptacles according to claim 4, wherein the
closed bottom is formed on the annular sealing member.
7. A closure for receptacles according to claim 6, wherein a pull
tab is coupled to the closed bottom of the closure.
8. A closure for receptacles according to claim 4, wherein closed
bottoms are formed on both the cylindrical core member and the
annular sealing member.
9. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein at least
a portion of the cylindrical core member is coupled to the annular
sealing member by adhesion.
10. A closure for receptacles according to claim 8, wherein an
adhesive material is provided between closed bottom of the
cylindrical core member and the closed bottom of the annular
sealing member.
11. A closure for receptacles according to claim 9, wherein the
annular sealing member is coated on the cylindrical core
member.
12. A closure for receptacles according to claim 11, wherein the
annular sealing member is bonded on the cylindrical core
member.
13. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein the
closure further includes a top which is coupled to the cylindrical
core member.
14. A closure for receptacles which comprises: an annular sealing
member; and a strippable core member which is provided within the
annular sealing member.
15. A closure for receptacles according to claim 14, wherein the
strippable core member comprises a cylindrical member having a
helically or spirally shaped frangible structure along which the
cylindrical member can be pulled apart.
16. A closure for receptacles according to claim 15, wherein the
frangible structure comprises a groove or perforations.
17. A closure for receptacles according to claim 14, wherein the
strippable core member comprises a cylindrical member having at
least a pair of frangible structures which extend axially to form
at least one web that can be pulled from a side of the cylindrical
member to collapse the same.
18. A closure for receptacles according to claim 17, wherein the at
least one web has non-parallel side edges.
19. A closure for receptacles according to claim 14, where the
closure further comprises a closed bottom which is formed on at
least one of the annular sealing member and the strippable core
member.
20. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle which
comprises: providing a receptacle which is sealed with a closure
having a strippable core member and an annular sealing member;
pulling the strippable core member apart in a helically or spiral
manner to form an elongate web which is removed from the
receptacle; and pulling the annular sealing member from the
receptacle.
21. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 20, wherein the step of pulling the annular sealing element
from the receptacle is effected by pulling the strippable core
member from the receptacle.
22. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 20, wherein the receptacle comprises a bottle.
23. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 20, further comprises resealing the receptacle by inserting a
cylindrical member in the annular sealing member and thereafter
inserting the annular sealing member in the receptacle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to closures for
receptacles and containers. More particularly, the present
invention is directed to closures for receptacles and containers
which seal the contents thereof and which closures can be easily
removed without the use of auxiliary tools.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Various materials are often stored in receptacles and
containers in a sealed manner using closures such as caps,
stoppers, corks, plugs, etc. In order to access the contents of
such receptacles or containers, the closures have to be removed or
transgressed. In the case of threaded or "screw-off" caps, one
merely has to grasp and unscrew the cap. Closures such as corks are
typically removed using a corkscrew or a similar device.
[0003] The present invention provides closures for receptacles or
containers which can be easily removed without the use of auxiliary
tools.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to other features, characteristics, embodiments
and alternatives, the present invention provides a closure for
receptacles which includes:
[0005] a cylindrical core member which comprises a helically or
spirally wound web member that can be stripped apart by pulling an
end thereof; and
[0006] an annular sealing member which surrounds the cylindrical
core member.
[0007] The present invention further provides a closure for
receptacles which includes:
[0008] an annular sealing member; and
[0009] a strippable core member which is provided within the
annular sealing member.
[0010] The present invention further provides a method of removing
a closure from a receptacle which involves:
[0011] providing a receptacle which is sealed with a closure having
a strippable core member and an annular sealing member;
[0012] pulling the strippable core member apart in a helically or
spiral manner to form an elongate web which is removed from the
receptacle; and
[0013] pulling the annular sealing member from the receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will be described hereafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given by way of
non-limiting examples only, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a closure according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the closure of FIG.
1 which depicts how the cylindrical core member is pulled, stripped
or unwound to remove the closure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is directed to closures for
receptacles and containers which seal the contents thereof and
which closures can be easily removed without the use of auxiliary
tools. The closures of the present invention are designed to lose
their structural integrity and thereby be removable from a
receptacle or container.
[0023] The closures of the present invention include cylindrical
core members which radially support various annular sealing
members. The cylindrical core members comprise strippable or
tearable structures that can be pulled apart in a helical or spiral
manner. According to one embodiment, the cylindrical core members
can be integral tubular structures which include a helical or
spiral perforation, groove, scoring, notch or other weakened or
frangible structure which allows the core members to be pulled
apart, stripped apart or unwound as if they were made from a
helically or spirally wound web. In this regard, the cylindrical
core members of the present invention can be considered (and are
described herein) as being helically or spirally wound webs which
are joined along their edges by the weakened or frangible
structures. The cylindrical core members can be fabricated by
molding or tooling the weakened or frangible helical or spiral
structure into the walls of the cylindrical core members.
[0024] In another embodiment, the cylindrical core members can
comprise helically or spirally wound web elements that are held in
a tubular form by the annular sealing member.
[0025] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
cylindrical core members can be provided with a pair or more of
grooves, perforations or other weakened or frangible structures
which extend axially and which can be parallel or non-parallel to
one another. In this embodiment, one or more longitudinal web
strips can be pulled internally from the cylindrical core members
to relieve radial pressure or compression acting or the annular
sealing members and allow the cylindrical core members to be
removed.
[0026] Due to the manner in which the cylindrical core members are
pulled apart, striped or unwound to effect removal of the closures
of the present invention, the closures have an inherent
tamper-evident characteristic which can be an important safety
factor.
[0027] The cylindrical core members can be made from various
plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, nylons,
fluorocarbons, polypropylene and others. The cylindrical shape of
the core members enable these members to withstand or support large
radial forces, due to the manner in which such forces are evenly
distributed around the core members. Thus, as will be understood
from the following description of the invention, the cylindrical
core members can be suitable thin-walled, thereby enabling them to
be easily pulled or torn apart along their frangible
structures.
[0028] The annular sealing members provide a seal between the
cylindrical core members and the inner surface of a receptacle or
container which is sealed by the closures of the present invention.
The annular sealing members are compressed or pressed into a
sealing relationship with the inner surface of a receptacle or
container by the cylindrical core members. In this regard, the
closures of the present invention can pressed into an opening of a
receptacle or container, e.g. a bottle, in much the same way that a
conventional cork or stopper is pressed into the opening in a neck
of a bottle or similar receptacle or container. Once the closures
of the present invention are pressed into a receptacle or
container, the cylindrical core members ensure that the compressive
sealing forces of the annular sealing members are maintained
against the inner surfaces of the receptacle or containers.
[0029] The annular sealing members can comprise any suitable
material which is sufficiently compressible to create a seal
between the cylindrical core members and the inner surface of a
receptacle or container. Suitable materials from which to
manufacture the annular sealing members include, cork, buna rubber,
butyl-nitrile rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, cork filled
rubbers, ENBR, EPDM, EPR, ethylene acetate copolymers, fluorocarbon
polymers such as Vikon, hydrin rubbers, hydrogenated nitrile
rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, neoprene rubber,
polyacrylates, polynorborene, polyurethane, silicon,
styrenebutadiene rubber, Teflon, and similar materials. According
to one embodiment of the present invention, the annular sealing
members can made from cork and have the appearance of conventional
wine corks.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
annular sealing members can be coupled or partially coupled to the
cylindrical core members so that the annular sealing members are
removed from a receptacle or container as the cylindrical core
members are pulled apart, stripped or unwound and removed from the
receptacles or containers. According to another embodiment of the
present invention, the annular sealing members are not coupled to
the cylindrical core members, so that the cylindrical core members
can be pulled apart, stripped or unwound and removed from the
receptacles or containers independently of the annular sealing
members. In this embodiment, the annular sealing members can be
easily removed once they are no longer radially supported by the
(removed) cylindrical core members.
[0031] The coupling of the annular sealing members to the
cylindrical core members can be accomplished using suitable
adhesives, thermal bonding, or by manufacturing the annular sealing
members from a resinous, elastomeric, or polymeric material which
is coated on the outer surface of the cylindrical core members.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a closure according to
one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 the closure is
depicted as being positioned in the neck of a bottle 1. The closure
includes a cylindrical core member 2 and an annular sealing member
3. As depicted in FIG. 1, the annular sealing member 3 is
positioned between the inner surface 4 of the bottle 1 and the
cylindrical core member 2. The sealing member 3 is preferably
compressed between the inner surface 4 of the bottle 1 and the
cylindrical core member 2 to provide a seal therebetween. The
cylindrical core member 2 includes a helical or spiral perforation,
groove, or other weakened or frangible structure generally
identified by reference numeral 5. This frangible structure 5
allows the cylindrical core members to be pulled apart as if they
were helically or spirally wound webs (as depicted in FIG. 2).
[0033] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1 the
closure includes a bottom 6 which is integral with the annular
sealing member 3. Also in this embodiment, the closure is provided
with a cover or top 7 which is integral with the cylindrical core
member 2. The top 7 can be grasped, lifted from the mouth of the
bottle 1 and used to pull apart, strip or unwind the cylindrical
core member 2. The top 7 can include a perforated tab 8, opening,
or other structure by which one can lift the top 7 from the mouth
of the bottle 1. Although the top 7 is shown as fitting in the
mouth of bottle 1, it is possible to use a top which extends above
the mouth of the bottle or one which even extends partially over
the sides of the bottle.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
cylindrical core member 2 is removed and separated from the annular
sealing member 3, by grasping a leading end of the helically or
spirally wound web that makes up the cylindrical core member 2. In
the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1, the top 7 of
the closure is connected to the leading end of the helically or
spirally wound web at 9. Once the cylindrical core member 2 is
removed, any compressive forces which the cylindrical core 2
maintained on the annular sealing member 3 are released and the
annular sealing member 3 can be pulled out of the mouth of the
bottle 1 with little resistance.
[0035] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1 a tab
10 is coupled to the bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3 and
can be used to pull the annular sealing member from the mouth of
the bottle 1. Tab 10 can comprise an elongate strip or cord which
can be rigid enough to extend towards the open end of annular
sealing member 3. Otherwise, tab 10 can be a non-rigid strip, cord,
etc., in which case the act of pulling, stripping or unwinding the
cylindrical core member 2 would cause tab 10 to be pulled towards
and out the open end of the annular sealing member 3.
[0036] Tab 10 is depicted as being anchored to the bottom 6 of the
annular sealing member 3 by an anchor member 11 which extends
through the bottom 6. Other manners of anchoring or coupling tab 10
to the bottom could be used, including gluing tab 10 to the bottom
6 of the annular sealing member 3 or embedding tab 10 into the
bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3.
[0037] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1, the
bottom of the closure has a tapered portion 12 which rises above
the lowest point 13 of the cylindrical core member 2. This
configuration will ensure that all the compressive forces on the
annular sealing member 3 are released once the cylindrical core
member 2 is removed from the annular sealing member. While the use
of a tapered portion 12 is useful for eliminating substantially all
the compressive forces on the annular sealing member 3, it has been
determined that there would not be sufficient compressive forces
acting on the bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3, absent a
tapered portion 12 to prevent easy removal of the annular sealing
member 3 once the cylindrical core member 2 is removed.
Accordingly, the bottom 6 can be flat or curved.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment which can be similar to that
depicted in FIG. 1, the lower portion of the cylindrical core 2 can
be coupled to the annular sealing member 3 by a suitable adhesive,
glue, etc. In this embodiment, as the bottom portion of the
cylindrical core member 2 is pulled, stripped or unwound from the
annular sealing member 3, the coupled, lower portion of the
cylindrical core member 2 will pull out and remove the annular
sealing member 3 from the mouth of the bottle 1, so that tab 10
will not be required.
[0039] It is noted that the embodiment of the invention depicted in
FIG. 1 and similar embodiments which allow for the cylindrical core
member 2 to be removed independently of the annular sealing member
3, will allow for the bottle 1 to be resealed by merely inserting a
cylindrical element into the center of the (removed) annular
sealing member 3 and reinserting the thus reinforced annular
sealing member 3 into the opening of the bottle 1.
[0040] As discussed above, the annular sealing member can be made
from various materials, including cork. The use of cork will give
the closures of the present invention the appearance of
conventional cork closures, which may be desirable when using the
closures of the present invention for packaging wine. The closures
of the present invention can be covered with a label or seal which
will enhance the appearance of the closures, and the marketability
of the products contained in the bottles, receptacles, containers,
etc. Such labels can also include pictorial instructions regarding
the operation, i.e., removal of the closures.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the closure of FIG.
1 which depicts how the cylindrical core member is pulled, stripped
or unwound to remove the closure. In FIG. 2 the upper portion of
the cylindrical core member 2 is depicted as being pulled apart,
stripped or unwound, so that the web 14 of the cylindrical core
member 2, which is otherwise maintained in a wound state by the
weakened or frangible structure, can be seen in its unwound state.
Arrow "a" illustrates the direction in which the lead end of the
web 14 is pulled to remove the cylindrical core member 2 from the
annular sealing member 3. In FIG. 2 the lower portion of the
annular core member 2 is coupled to the annular sealing member 3 by
a suitable adhesive 15, so that pulling the tailing end portion of
web 14 from the annular sealing member 3 will effect removal of the
annular sealing member 3. It is noted that the lead end of the web
14 does not have to be coupled to the cover or top 7 which is
depicted in FIG. 1. In one alternative embodiment, the lead end of
web 14 can merely extend radially inward or have a radially
inwardly directed tab which can be grasped and pulled to remove the
cylindrical core member 2. Such a structure can be covered by a
separate cover or label which can be positioned in or above the
mouth of the bottle, receptacle or container.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In the
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 3, tab 10 is coupled
to the bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3 by means of an
anchoring structure 16 which is structurally coupled in a groove 17
formed in the annular sealing member 3. In this embodiment, the tab
10 is coupled to the anchoring structure 16. In this embodiment,
the anchoring structure 16 can comprise a disk or any suitable
shaped structure.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In the
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 4, the bottom 6 of the
closure is integrally formed at the lower portion of the
cylindrical core member 2 or at the tailing end of the web 14 in a
manner similar to how the top 7 is coupled to the upper portion of
the annular core member (also depicted in FIG. 1). In this
embodiment, the bottom 6 of the closure is removed after the
cylindrical core member 2 is pulled apart, stripped or unwound, and
as the tailing end of web 14 is pulled from the mouth of bottle 1.
In this embodiment, an adhesive material 15 is provided at the
lower portion of the cylindrical core 2 to effect removal of the
annular sealing member 3, as discussed above.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. The
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 5 is similar to that
depicted in FIG. 4, the difference being that in FIG. 5 the annular
sealing member 3 includes a bottom 6' which extends beneath the
bottom 6 of the cylindrical core member 2. In this embodiment, an
adhesive layer 15 is provided between the bottom of the annular
sealing member 3 and the bottom of the cylindrical core member 2,
so that as the bottom of the cylindrical core member 2 is removed,
i.e. pulled from the mouth of bottle 1, the annular sealing member
3 is also removed.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. The
closure of FIG. 6 includes a cylindrical core member 2 which is
similar to that discussed above and an annular sealing member 3
which is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical
core member 2. For example, in this embodiment of the invention,
the annular sealing member 3 can comprise a resinous, elastomeric,
or polymeric material which is coated on the outer peripheral
surface of the cylindrical core member 2. Such coating can be
accomplished by dipping the cylindrical core member 2 in an uncured
resin or polymeric composition and thereafter curing the same to
form a compressible sealing element which is bonded to the
cylindrical core member 2. In this embodiment, as the cylindrical
core member 2 is pulled apart, stripped or unwound, the annular
sealing member 3 bonded thereto is also pulled apart, stripped or
torn and removed. Suitable materials from which the annular sealing
member 3 can be fabricated in this embodiment include
polymerizable, curable or moldable materials including those listed
above and similar materials which demonstrate sufficient
compressible characteristics for purposes of forming a seal and
which can be torn by relatively moderate sheer forces. These
materials can be applied by conventional coating techniques,
including dipping, spraying, brushing, etc. It is possible to form
a helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure on or in the annular sealing members 3 and
thereby use a sealing material which would be otherwise less
subject to being pulled apart, stripped or torn.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In FIG.
7 the cylindrical core member 2 is provided with a pair of
frangible structures 5' which define a web 16 that can be striped
or pulled from the side of the cylindrical core member 2. In this
embodiment a pull tab 10' is connected to the bottom of the web 16
to allow it to be pulled from the bottom up. The tapering of the
side edges of the web 16 will allow it to gradually relieve radial
forces as it is torn from the side of the cylindrical core
member.
[0047] The closures of the present invention can be used in
conjunction with a variety of products including, but not limited
to wines and other beverages, medical and laboratory materials,
food products, etc. The materials from which the annular sealing
member 3 is made should be compatible with a desired use, e.g.
non-toxic, non-reactive, inert, etc. Likewise, the materials from
which the cylindrical core member 2 is made should be compatible
with a desired use.
[0048] The closures of the present invention are compatible with
conventional bottling techniques which compress and press corks,
stoppers and similar closures into bottles, receptacles,
containers.
[0049] A significant advantage of the closures of the present
invention is that they an be removed without the need for auxiliary
tools such as corkscrews. Thus, products which are packaged and
sealed by the closures of the present invention, such as for
example wine, can be opened easily at picnics, and other events or
locations wherein opening tools such corkscrews may not be
available. It is believed that the closures of the present
invention can be manufactured so as to have the appearance of
conventional wine corks, and thus, in addition to reducing the use
of cork, will be readily accepted by wine consumers.
[0050] Another advantage of the closures of the present invention
which relates to safety is that due to the manner in which the
cylindrical core members are pulled apart, striped or unwound to
effect removal of the closures of the present invention, the
closures have an inherent tamper-evident characteristic which can
be an important safety factor.
[0051] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present invention and various
changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *