U.S. patent application number 10/379148 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for retained satellite ring cap and bottle assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alto Plastics Limited. Invention is credited to Noonan, Michael Patrick.
Application Number | 20040040928 10/379148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31980711 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noonan, Michael Patrick |
March 4, 2004 |
Retained satellite ring cap and bottle assembly
Abstract
A retained satellite ring cap having an outer skirt adapted for
engagement with a bottle neck and a satellite tamper evident ring
connected by at least one frangible connector to the outer skirt.
Satellite tamper evident ring having retaining means adapted for
engagement with the bottle neck. Satellite ring including a
transitional wall which extends upwardly and inwardly from the
satellite ring to immediately below a lower edge of the outer skirt
and is linked by at least one frangible connector to the outer
skirt. The arrangement being such that when the cap is fitted to a
bottle, the tamper evident ring is located with the retaining means
engaged with the bottle neck. On twisting removal of the cap, at
least one frangible connector is broken, allowing the cap to be
removed while the satellite tamper evident ring is retained in
position on the bottle neck by the retaining means.
Inventors: |
Noonan, Michael Patrick;
(Christchurch, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
805 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Assignee: |
Alto Plastics Limited
|
Family ID: |
31980711 |
Appl. No.: |
10/379148 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/252 ;
215/258 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/325 20130101;
B65D 41/3447 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/252 ;
215/258 |
International
Class: |
B65D 041/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2002 |
NZ |
NZ 402932 |
Sep 9, 2002 |
NZ |
NZ 521268 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A retained satellite ring cap having an outer skirt adapted for
engagement with a bottle neck and a satellite tamper evident ring
connected by at least one frangible connector to the outer skirt,
the satellite tamper evident ring having retaining means adapted
for engagement with the bottle neck, and the satellite ring
including a transitional wall which extends upwardly and inwardly
from the satellite ring to immediately below or adjacent to a lower
edge of the outer skirt, the transitional wall being linked by the
at least one frangible connector to the outer skirt, the
arrangement being such that initially with the cap fitted to a
bottle the tamper evident ring is located with the retaining means
engaged with the bottle neck so that on twisting removal of the cap
the at least one frangible connector is broken to allow the cap to
be removed while the satellite tamper evident ring is retained in
position on the bottle neck by the retaining means.
2. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
transitional wall is continuous about the circumference of the
ring.
3. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
transitional wall is discontinuous about the circumference of the
ring.
4. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 3 wherein the
transitional wall comprises a plurality of spaced ramp
sections.
5. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
retaining means comprise a rib/ridge or ribs/ridges on the tamper
evident ring and/or bottle which co-operate together when the cap
is fitted to the bottle to retain the tamper evident ring on the
bottle neck.
6. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 5 wherein a
rib is provided on the bottle neck below a thread form on the
bottle neck to provide the co-operation between the rib/ridge or
ribs/ridges.
7. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 6 wherein the
rib provided on the bottle co-operates with a series of ribs or
recesses on an inner periphery of the satellite tamper evident
ring.
8. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 4 wherein each
ramp section is linked by a frangible connector to the outer
skirt.
9. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 4, wherein
each ramp section is linked by two frangible connectors to the
outer skirt.
10. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
retaining means comprise a ridge or rib provided on the tamper
evident ring adjacent to at least one of the spaces between
adjacent ramp sections.
11. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
retaining means comprise a ridge or rib provided on the tamper
evident ring adjacent to each of the spaces between adjacent ramp
sections.
12. A retained satellite ring cap having an outer skirt adapted for
engagement with a bottle neck and a satellite tamper evident ring
connected by frangible connectors to the outer skirt, the satellite
tamper evident ring having retaining means adapted for engagement
with the bottle neck, wherein the satellite ring or the frangible
connectors include a plurality of spaced ramp sections which extend
upwardly and inwardly from the satellite ring to immediately below
or adjacent to a lower edge of the outer skirt, each ramp section
being linked by at least one frangible connector to the outer
skirt, the arrangement being such that initially with the cap
fitted to a bottle the tamper evident ring is located with the
retaining means engaged with the bottle neck so that on twisting
removal of the cap the frangible connectors are broken to allow the
cap to be removed while the satellite tamper evident ring is
retained in position on the bottle neck by the retaining means.
13. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein
adjacent ramp sections are be adjoined to provide a substantially
continuous transitional wall between the at least one frangible
connector and the outer skirt.
14. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the retaining means comprise a rib/ridge or ribs/ridges on the
tamper evident ring and/or bottle which co-operate together when
the cap is fitted to the bottle to retain the tamper evident ring
on the bottle neck.
15. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 14 wherein a
rib is provided on the bottle neck below a thread form on the
bottle neck to provide the co-operation between the rib/ridge or
ribs/ridges.
16. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 15 wherein
the rib provided on the bottle co-operates with a series of ribs or
recesses on an inner periphery of the satellite tamper evident
ring.
17. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein
each ramp section is linked by two frangible connectors to the
outer skirt.
18. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the retaining means comprise a ridge or rib provided on the tamper
evident ring adjacent to at least one of the spaces between
adjacent ramp sections.
19. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the retaining means comprise a ridge or rib provided on the tamper
evident ring adjacent to each of the spaces between adjacent ramp
sections.
20. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the angle between a central axis of the cap and the ramp sections
is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees.
21. A retained satellite ring cap as claimed in claim 12 wherein 2
to 10 ramp sections are provided.
22. A bottle for use with the retained satellite ring cap according
to claim 1, the bottle having a neck adapted for engagement with
the cap, the neck incorporating retaining means, the retaining
means being formed as a rib or recess below a thread form on the
neck, the retaining means being located above or spaced above a
shoulder or lower section below which the remainder of the bottle
is formed, the arrangement being such that the cap, when fitted to
the bottle after it is filled, is locked thereto with a rib and/or
ridge(s) or recess(es) on the satellite ring engaging with the
retaining means such that when the cap is removed the frangible
connectors between the satellite ring and the skirt of the cap are
ruptured leaving the satellite ring on the bottle neck.
23. A bottle as claimed in claim 22 wherein the means for engaging
the cap and bottle together are complementary screw threads formed
on the bottle neck and skirt of the cap.
24. A bottle for use with the retained satellite ring cap according
to claim 12, the bottle having a neck adapted for engagement with
the cap, the neck incorporating retaining means, the retaining
means being formed as a rib or recess below a thread form on the
neck, the retaining means being located above or spaced above a
shoulder or lower section below which the remainder of the bottle
is formed, the arrangement being such that the cap, when fitted to
the bottle after it is filled, is locked thereto with a rib and/or
ridge(s) or recess(es) on the satellite ring engaging with the
retaining means such that when the cap is removed the frangible
connectors between the satellite ring and the skirt of the cap are
ruptured leaving the satellite ring on the bottle neck.
25. A bottle as claimed in claim 24 wherein the means for engaging
the cap and bottle together are complementary screw threads formed
on the bottle neck and skirt of the cap.
26. A retained satellite ring a cap and bottle assembly
incorporating the retained satellite ring cap of claim 12 and a
bottle having a neck adapted for engagement with the cap, the neck
incorporating retaining means, the retaining means being formed as
a rib or recess below a thread form on the neck, the retaining
means being located above or spaced above a shoulder or lower
section below which the remainder of the bottle is formed, the
arrangement being such that the cap, when fitted to the bottle
after it is filled, is locked thereto with a rib and/or ridge(s) or
recess(es) on the satellite ring engaging with the retaining means
such that when the cap is removed the frangible connectors between
the satellite ring and the skirt of the cap are ruptured leaving
the satellite ring on the bottle neck.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application incorporates by reference the entire
disclosure of U.S. Design Application, filed Mar. 4, 2003, filed by
the same inventor. Attorney reference number 1115/0M622-USO.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a cap for a bottle and particularly
to a cap with a satellite ring assembly whereby removal of the cap
results in the satellite tamper evident ring being retained on the
bottle. The invention also relates to a bottle and cap assembly and
to a bottle for use with the cap.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] At present a large number of cap and bottle combinations are
on the market. Popular caps often include tamper evident rings
attached to the cap. Upon opening the bottle by removing the cap,
the tamper evident ring is detached from the cap by various
mechanisms, leaving evidence that the cap has been removed.
Examples of these kinds of caps including satellite rings are the
subject of New Zealand design registrations, nos. 21330 and 401068
to the Applicant but there are a variety of others available as
well. The caps incorporate a satellite ring which is of a larger
diameter than the cap and which is linked to the cap by frangible
links. The frangible links are broken when a cap is first turned
and removed thereby giving evidence that the cap has been
removed.
[0004] A difficulty with the cap of registration No 21330 and the
bottle with which it is normally used, is that after removal of the
cap the ring itself can fall off or can readily be removed. This is
a common problem with caps having a satellite ring assembly. A
difficulty with the cap of registration No. 401068 is that the cap
and bottle require between them a ratchet mechanism to overcome
problems with the satellite ring being removed with the cap when
the cap is turned.
[0005] Many companies in the world have moved away from satellite
ring closures to an "in-line" closure. This is where the
tamper-evident ring is directly below the skirt of the cap and
generally of the same diameter as the skirt of the cap. Many
examples of such caps are available in the market.
[0006] An advantage of the "in line" type closure is that when the
cap is removed the tamper evident ring typically drops 2-4 mm
giving the consumer a visible indication that the package has been
tampered with, whilst the ring is retained on the bottle neck.
[0007] The ability to retain the in-line ring in the bottle is
enhanced as the in-line ring can be positioned underneath a ridge
on the bottle, so that when the cap is detached from the in-line
ring, the in-line ring is retained on the neck of the bottle
beneath this ridge. This cannot easily be done with a satellite
ring because the satellite ring is of a wider diameter than the
bottle neck and it readily falls off.
[0008] When mechanisms are added to hold the satellite ring to the
bottle neck and the cap is twisted to remove it from the bottle,
some pressure is required to break the links between the cap and
the satellite ring. This pressure can often distort or bend the
satellite ring because of the extra leverage created by the larger
diameter of the ring. The frangible portion which attaches the ring
to the cap can buckle through the twisting motion of the cap, which
can in turn pull the bottom of the ring outward away from the
bottle neck. This can allow the satellite ring to be removed with
the cap and render the mechanism which is intended to retain it
useless, or at least it can reduce its effectiveness as a tamper
evident option.
[0009] A disadvantage with the "in line" closure, while it creates
a more satisfactory means for retaining the tamper evident ring, is
that the tooling to produce this type of closure is more complex
and therefore more expensive. It therefore follows that the unit
price of the closure is usually greater than that of a satellite
ring cap. The greatest disadvantage of the "in line" cap for
manufacturers who have been supplying satellite ring closures, and
who wish to supply caps with tamper evident rings that are retained
on the bottle, is costly modification of their filling and capping
equipment, or purchasing new equipment. This expense, and the
relatively high unit cost, make use of "in line" cap constructions
undesirable.
[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a retained
satellite ring cap or a bottle therefor which goes some way toward
overcoming the identified disadvantages or which offers a useful
alternative.
[0011] In this specification the term "cap" is used to describe any
cap, lid or closure for a bottle or container with a generally top
opening. The term "bottle" is used to describe any container or
vessel with a generally top positioned opening, which bottle is
capable of holding a liquid or other flowable material. The cap and
bottle may be made from any of the range of materials known in the
trade.
[0012] For the purposes of this specification and claims, the term
"retained satellite ring cap" means a satellite ring cap which,
when the cap is removed from a bottle to which the retained
satellite ring cap is attached, will result in the satellite ring
being retained on the bottle to which the cap was attached.
[0013] For the purposes of this specification and claims, the term
"comprise", or variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" is
to be interpreted in an inclusive sense.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention there is
provided a retained satellite ring cap having an outer skirt
adapted for engagement with a bottle neck and a satellite tamper
evident ring connected by at least one frangible connector to the
outer skirt, the satellite tamper evident ring having retaining
means adapted for engagement with the bottle neck, and the
satellite ring including a transitional wall which extends upwardly
and inwardly from the satellite ring to immediately below or
adjacent to a lower edge of the outer skirt, the transitional wall
being linked by the at least one frangible connector to the outer
skirt, the arrangement being such that initially with the cap
fitted to a bottle the tamper evident ring is located with the
retaining means engaged with the bottle neck so that on twisting
removal of the cap the at least one frangible connector is broken
to allow the cap to be removed while the satellite tamper evident
ring is retained in position on the bottle neck by the retaining
means.
[0015] The transitional wall may be continuous or discontinuous. In
a discontinuous form, the transitional wall may comprise a
plurality of spaced ramp sections.
[0016] The retaining means can be a rib/ridge or ribs/ridges on the
tamper evident ring and/or bottle which co-operate together when
the cap is fitted to the bottle to retain the tamper evident ring
on the bottle neck. The co-operation between the rib/ridge or
ribs/ridges can be created by incorporating a rib on the bottle
neck below a thread form on the bottle neck. The rib/ridge or
ribs/ridges co-operate with a series of ribs or recesses on an
inner periphery of the satellite tamper evident ring.
[0017] Preferably each ramp section is linked by two frangible
connectors to the outer skirt.
[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a retained satellite ring cap having an outer skirt
adapted for engagement with a bottle neck and a satellite tamper
evident ring connected by frangible connectors to the outer skirt,
the satellite tamper evident ring having retaining means adapted
for engagement with the bottle neck, wherein the satellite ring or
the frangible connectors include a plurality of spaced ramp
sections which extend upwardly and inwardly from the satellite ring
to immediately below or adjacent to a lower edge of the outer
skirt, each ramp section being linked by at least one frangible
connector to the outer skirt, the arrangement being such that
initially with the cap fitted to a bottle the tamper evident ring
is located with the retaining means engaged with the bottle neck so
that on twisting removal of the cap the frangible connectors are
broken to allow the cap to be removed while the satellite tamper
evident ring is retained in position on the bottle neck by the
retaining means.
[0019] Adjacent ramp sections may be adjoined to provide a
substantially continuous transitional wall between the at least one
frangible connector and the outer skirt.
[0020] The retaining means may comprise a rib/ridge or ribs/ridges
on the tamper evident ring and/or bottle which co-operate together
when the cap is fitted to the bottle to retain the tamper evident
ring on the bottle neck.
[0021] A rib is preferably provided on the bottle neck below a
thread form on the bottle neck to provide the co-operation between
the rib/ridge or ribs/ridges. The rib provided on the bottle
co-operates with a series of ribs or recesses on an inner periphery
of the satellite tamper evident ring.
[0022] Each ramp section is preferably linked by two frangible
connectors to the outer skirt. The retaining means comprise a ridge
or rib provided on the tamper evident ring adjacent to at least one
of the spaces between adjacent ramp sections. In a preferred
embodiment the retaining means comprise a ridge or rib provided on
the tamper evident ring adjacent to each of the spaces between
adjacent ramp sections.
[0023] Preferably the angle between a central axis of the cap and
the ramp sections is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, and most
preferably 30 degrees.
[0024] Preferably two to ten, and most preferably six ramp sections
are provided.
[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention there is
provided a bottle for use with the retained satellite ring cap
according to either of the first or second aspects, the bottle
having a neck adapted for engagement with the cap, the neck
incorporating retaining means, the retaining means being formed as
a rib or recess below a thread form on the neck, the retaining
means being located above or spaced above a shoulder or lower
section below which the remainder of the bottle is formed, the
arrangement being such that the cap, when fitted to the bottle
after it is filled, is locked thereto with a rib and/or ridge(s) or
recess(es) on the satellite ring engaging with the retaining means
such that when the cap is removed the frangible connectors between
the satellite ring and the skirt of the cap are ruptured leaving
the satellite ring on the bottle neck.
[0026] The means for engaging the cap and bottle together are
preferably complementary screw threads formed on the bottle neck
and skirt of the cap.
[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is
provided a retained satellite ring cap and bottle assembly
incorporating the features of the first, second and third aspects
of the invention.
[0028] Further aspects of the invention which should be considered
in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following
descriptions which are given by way of example only.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Examples of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a cap according
to a first aspect of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of the cap shown in
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation taken along the lines 4-4
shown in FIG. 3 through the cap shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation taken along lines 5-5 shown
in FIG. 3 of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view of a neck of a bottle adapted for use
with the cap shown in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the bottle neck shown in FIG.
7;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cap shown in FIGS. 1 to 6
fitted on the bottle neck shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a sectional elevation taken along lines 10-10
shown in FIG. 9 through the assembled cap and bottle;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a sectional elevation taken along lines 11-11
shown in FIG. 9 through the assembled cap and bottle;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a side view of the assembled cap and bottle shown
in FIGS. 9 to 11;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a sectional elevation taken along lines 13-13
shown in FIG. 12;
[0043] FIG. 14 is a detail of the region 14 as indicated in FIG.
13;
[0044] FIG. 15 is a side view of the bottle shown in FIGS. 7 to 14
with the cap removed and a satellite ring of the cap retained on
the bottle;
[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view from above similar to that
shown in FIG. 15;
[0046] FIG. 17 is a perspective view from above of a cap according
to a second aspect of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 18 is a perspective view from below of the cap shown in
FIG. 17;
[0048] FIG. 19 is a sectional elevation taken along lines 19-19 of
the cap shown in FIG. 17;
[0049] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of that part of the sectional
view of FIG. 19 located within circle 20; and
[0050] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of that part of the sectional
view of FIG. 4 located within circle 21.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0051] FIGS. 1-16 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the
invention. In FIGS. 1 to 6 is shown an example of a retained
satellite ring cap 1 having an upper surface 2 from which depends
an outer skirt 3. In the example the outer skirt 3 incorporates a
screw thread 4 (shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). The skirt 3
incorporates a plurality of finger ribs 5 on its outer periphery to
aid removal and placement of the cap 1.
[0052] The skirt 3 has formed in association therewith a satellite
tamper evident ring 6 connected to the skirt 3 by ramp members 7
which extend inwardly and upwardly from the ring 6. The upper
inward edge 8 of each ramp member 7 is connected to the skirt 3 by
frangible connectors or links 9 shown most clearly in FIGS. 1, 2, 5
and 6. together the ramp members 7 and the frangible links 9 may be
referred to as the frangible portion of the cap. As seen in the
Figures, the ramp members have spaces 12 between them.
[0053] The satellite tamper evident ring 6 in FIG. 1 is shown with
a rib 10 and a series of ridges 11. The rib 10 extends around an
inner edge of the ring 6 below the level of the ramp members 7. The
ridges 11 are positioned in spaces 12 between adjacent ramp members
7 at a level above the rib 10. In the example a series of ridges 11
are shown although it is to be appreciated the ridges 11 could be
linked to form a continuous ridge.
[0054] An example bottle in accordance with a second aspect of the
invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In these Figures there is
shown a bottle neck 13 preferably incorporated integrally with a
container or the like (not shown).
[0055] The bottle neck 13 incorporates an open end or mouth 14 and
a screw thread means 15 for engagement with the screw thread 4 on a
cap such as the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0056] The bottle neck 13 in FIGS. 7 and 8 incorporates as a
retaining means a rib 16 the diameter of which is greater than the
external diameter of the screw thread 4. The lower edge 17 of the
rib 16 acts as a ledge below which, and spaced from which, is a
shoulder 18 (FIG. 7). In the example shown in FIG. 7 the space
between the rib 16 and the shoulder 18 constitutes a rebated region
19 which is above the remainder of the bottle which is not shown in
the drawings.
[0057] FIGS. 9 to 14 then show a combination of the cap of FIGS. 1
to 6 and the bottle of FIGS. 7 and 8. The cap is shown in place on
the bottle.
[0058] FIGS. 15 and 16 then show the cap removed from the bottle
while the satellite ring remains on the bottle.
[0059] The preferred angle L between the central axis X and ramp
member 7 is approximately 15 degrees to 45 degrees (refer FIG. 5),
and most preferably 30 degrees. The number of ramp members 7 is
preferably two to ten, and most preferably six. The spaces between
ramp members are preferably 8.5 in length and 2.5 in height (i.e. a
direction parallel to the central axis X). The overall diameter of
the upper surface 2 is 35-45, most preferably 40.25. The overall
height of the cap is preferably 10-20, most preferably 15.45. The
height of the ramp members is preferably 3 to 6, most preferably
4.7. The overall diameter of the ring is preferably 40-50, most
preferably 45.
[0060] In use a cap 1 of the type shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 is fitted
to a bottle neck of the type shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The cap 1 is
shown fitted to the bottle neck in FIGS. 9 to 14. Normally the cap
1 is fitted in a bottling plant and the rotational motion of
screwing on the cap 1 causes the ridges 11 of the cap 1 to ride
over the rib 16 on the bottle neck. The rotational motion distorts
the flexible satellite tamper evident ring 6 until the ridges 11
snap over the rib 16 on the bottle. In this position an upper
extension 20 of the bottle neck contacts the inner surface 21 of
the cap 1 and if provided an inner skirt 22 of the cap 1 engages
within the mouth of the bottle as shown in FIG. 11 to seal the
bottle against accidental discharge of the filled material.
[0061] When the contents of the bottle are required the unscrewing
of the cap 1 tends to raise the skirt 3. With the ridges 11 snap
fitted in the stepped and rebated region 19 and beneath the rim 18
the frangible connectors 7 are eventually broken by the upward
movement of the skirt 3. Removal of the cap 1 is thus possible
while the satellite tamper evident ring 6 is left in position on
the bottle.
[0062] As will be appreciated, the spaces between the ramp sections
7 could be in-filled to provide a continuous "look" to the cap
without altering the working of the ramp sections themselves. The
infill would be predominantly aesthetic but may also offer some
rigidity advantages.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 17-21, a second less preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated. For ease of
understanding, like reference numerals illustrate like features of
the two embodiments. In this embodiment the ramp members 7 of FIGS.
1-16 have been extended to create a continuous transitional wall 7A
which us ramped to provide at least some of the advantages of the
spaced apart ramp members 7. Frangible portions 9 such as those
illustrated in the first embodiment may be used, but the preferred
arrangement is a plurality of elongate frangible portions 9A.
However, a single frangible portion (not shown) which extends about
a part of, or the entire, circumference of the skirt may be
used.
[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 18, a plurality of ridges 11 are
provided, although a continuous ridge (not shown) may be provided.
In FIG. 19 the cap of this second embodiment is shown in cross
section, and in FIG. 20 the "land", i.e. the inward extent, of a
ridge 11 is shown. Turning now to FIG. 21, the inward extend of the
ridge 11 for the first embodiment is also shown, so that a direct
comparison may conveniently be made of the extent of ridges 11
between the two embodiments. As can be clearly seen, ridge 11 of
the first embodiment is clearly greater than that of the second
embodiment. This provides the first embodiment with a significant
advantage, since this greater length provides a greater surface
over which the ring contacts lower edge 17 of the bottle rib 16.
Accordingly, the ring of the first embodiment is more likely to be
advantageously retained on the bottle.
[0065] In addition the spaces between ramp members 7 of the first
embodiment allow the ring to be easily removed from those portions
of the machinery (most preferably moulding tools or dies) used to
form the ridges 11 during manufacture. The second embodiment
requires ridges 11 of a reduced extent and more complex tooling to
allow the ring to be removed from the tool during manufacture. In
particular, the second embodiment is much less likely to distort
when ejected from the tooling using conventional means. The spaces
or windows between ramp members 7 also have the practical advantage
of allowing the area surrounding the closure to be washed once
positioned on the bottle. Thus materials packaged within the
container that the cap closes, which have escaped during the
packaging process can be washed away from the closure using water
for example. The water can access portions of the closure through
the spaces and improve the appearance of the packaged product. This
is a particular advantage when the cap is being used as a closure
on milk containers.
[0066] The use of the cap and ring of the second embodiment, and
the dimensions thereof are substantially the same as described
above with reference to the first embodiment.
[0067] With both embodiments the inward and upward extension of the
wall 7A, or ramp members 7 and the presence of the spaces 12 in the
ring 6, decrease the tension that is transferred to the ring by the
twisting of the cap 1 and the resulting upward movement of the
skirt 3. The wall 7A, or ramp members 7, give the ring greater
inherent structural integrity, so the ring is better able to
maintain its shape, and so is successfully retained on the bottle
beneath the rib 16. Also, the frangible portions have a reduced
length, so the shear forces during separation of the cap from the
ring are localised resulting in an improved separation in use. If
the cap 1 is reinstated on the bottle and it is subsequently
removed it will be clear to whoever is removing the cap that it has
already been previously released because no extra effort is
required to break the frangible connectors.
[0068] This ability of the ring 6 to be retained on the bottle neck
13, after removal of the cap 1 allows caps of this kind to be
fitted onto the bottle using existing capping and filling machinery
which is designed to dispense non-retained satellite ring caps.
This is a significant commercial advantage to manufacturers of such
bottle/cap combinations. It also avoids the problems traditionally
associated with retained satellite ring caps.
[0069] Where in the foregoing description particular mechanical
integers have been described it is envisaged that their mechanical
equivalents can be incorporated as if they were individually set
forth herein.
[0070] Thus by the invention there is provided a retained satellite
ring cap, bottle and the cap, and a bottle assembly in which
removal of the cap results in a tamper evident ring being retained
on the bottle.
[0071] Particular examples of the invention have been described and
it is envisaged that improvements and modifications can take place
without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the attached
claims.
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