U.S. patent application number 11/658288 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for closure for a container, especially a bottle.
Invention is credited to Sven-Ake Magnusson.
Application Number | 20080283486 11/658288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34925977 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080283486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Magnusson; Sven-Ake |
November 20, 2008 |
Closure for a Container, Especially a Bottle
Abstract
The invention relates to a closure for a container, especially a
bottle, comprising an upper covering panel and a circumferential
collar adjoining the panel on the outside, wherein a scaling insert
is arranged on the underside of the covering panel which has a
circumferential profile seal on the outside. The upper covering
panel has at least one partly circumferential embossing which
interacts with the profile seal forming a valve.
Inventors: |
Magnusson; Sven-Ake;
(Antibes-Juan Les Pins, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
34925977 |
Appl. No.: |
11/658288 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
June 18, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2005/006592 |
371 Date: |
January 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/1661
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/28 20060101
B65D041/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 29, 2004 |
EP |
04017931.9 |
Claims
1. A closure for a bottle for carbonated beverages, which closure
is constructed as crown-cork closure or tear-off closure,
comprising an upper covering panel (1) made of metal and comprising
a circumferential collar or skirt (2) adjoining the covering panel
(1) on the outside, wherein a sealing insert (5) is arranged on the
underside of the covering panel (1), which has a circumferential
profile seal (6) on the outside, characterised in that the upper
covering panel (1) has on its underside at least one embossing (12,
12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b), extending at least over a predefined
angular region, which projects in the area of or close to the
profile seal (6) and interacts therewith forming a valve.
2. The closure according to claim 1, characterised in that the
profile seal (6) is constructed as substantially L-shaped in
cross-section with an outer first sealing ring (6a) and an inner
second sealing ring (6b), wherein the outer sealing ring (6a) has a
greater height and/or a smaller width than the inner sealing ring
(6b).
3. The closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in
that the or embossing is constructed as a circumferential step (12,
12a, 12b) with a side (14) which descends towards the centre (M) of
the panel forming a, for example, pressed down cap central region
(15).
4. The closure according to claim 3, characterised in that the
circumferential step has a plurality of step sections (12a, 12b)
with different radii (R, R') which each extends over a
predetermined angular region (.delta., .delta.', .delta.'').
5. The closure according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the
(upper and/or lower) radius of the step (12) or at least of a step
section (12a, 12b) is smaller than or equal to the outer radius
(P.sub.a) of the profile seal (6) and/or greater than or equal to
the inner radius (P.sub.i) of the profile seal (6).
6. The closure according to anyone of the claims 3 to 5,
characterised in that the (upper and/or lower) radius of the step
(12) or at least one step section (12a, 12b) is (slightly) greater
than the outer radius (P.sub.a) of the profile seal (6) or
(slightly) smaller than the inner radius (P.sub.i) of the profile
seal (6).
7. The closure according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised
in that the side angle (.alpha.) of the step (12, 12a, 12b) with
respect to the horizontal is about 40.degree. to 90.degree., e.g.
60.degree. to 80.degree., or is about 5.degree. to 40.degree., e.g.
10.degree. to 15.degree..
8. The closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in
that the embossing is constructed as a groove (13, 13a, 13b) formed
in the upper covering panel of predetermined width (B) and height
(H), with an outer side (16) descending towards the centre (M) of
the cap and an inner side (17) ascending towards the centre (M) of
the cap.
9. The closure according to claim 8, characterised in that the
groove (13) extends over the entire full angle as an annular groove
(13).
10. The closure according to claim 8, characterised in that a
plurality of grooves or groove sections (13a,b) are provided which
each extend over a predetermined angular section (.delta.,
.delta.', .delta.'').
11. The closure according to claim 10, characterised in that all
the grooves or groove sections (13a,b) have the same radius.
12. The closure according to claim 10, characterised in that the
grooves or groove sections (13a,b) have at least partly different
radii.
13. The closure according to any one of claims 8 to 12,
characterised in that the outer radius (R.sub.a) and/or inner
radius (R.sub.i) of the groove or at least one groove section is
smaller than or equal to the outer radius (P.sub.a) of the profile
seal (6) and/or greater than or equal to the inner radius (P.sub.i)
of the profile seal (6).
14. The closure according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterised
in that the outer radius (R.sub.a) and/or inner radius (R.sub.i) of
the groove or at least one groove section is (slightly) greater
than the outer radius (P.sub.a) of the profile seal (6) or
(slightly) smaller than the inner radius (P.sub.i) of the profile
seal (6).
15. The closure according to any one of claims 8 to 14,
characterised in that the side angle (.beta.) of the descending
side (16) with respect to the horizontal and/or the side angle
(.gamma.) of the ascending side (17) with respect to the horizontal
is about 40.degree. to 90.degree., e.g. 60.degree. to
80.degree..
16. The closure according to any one of claims 8 to 15,
characterised in that the side angle (.beta.) of the descending
side (16) with respect to the horizontal and/or the side angle
(.gamma.) of the ascending side (17) with respect to the horizontal
is 5.degree. to 40.degree., e.g. 10.degree. to 15.degree..
17. The closure according to any one of claims 8 to 16,
characterised in that the width (B) of the groove is 1 mm to 5 mm,
e.g. 1 mm to 3 mm.
18. The closure according to any one of claims 3 to 17,
characterised in that the height (H) of the groove or step is 0.1
mm to 0.8 mm, e.g. 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.
19. The closure according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
characterised in that the shape, position, height and if
appropriate the width of the groove(s) or step(s) are set depending
on the profile seal such that the valve opens at a predetermined
inner pressure of, for example, 6 bar to 10 bar and then closes
again after the pressure has fallen by a predetermined difference
of, for example 0.5 bar to 3 bar.
20. The closure according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterised
in that the bending radius (r) of the step is made to 0.2 to 1.5
mm, e.g. 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, or that the bending radius (r) of the
groove or groove section is made 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, e.g. 0.3 mm to
0.8 mm.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a closure for a container,
especially a bottle, comprising an upper covering panel and a
circumferential collar or skirt adjoining the covering panel on the
outside, wherein a sealing insert or liner is arranged on the
underside of the covering panel which has a circumferential profile
seal along the outside periphery. Such a closure is also known as
(closure) lid or (closure) cap. The closure within the scope of the
invention is especially a bottle closure which can be constructed
for example as a crown cork closure or a tear-off closure. These
closures are sealed to the container by a crimping operation. In
both cases, the upper covering panel of the closure incorporating
the profile seal is pressed against the bottle top at the sealing
of the closure on the bottle. The circumferential band or collar
which forms a cylindrical closure skirt, embraces the bottle neck
bead after sealing and the lower part of the skirt provides a firm
grip under the bead ring. In the embodiment as a crown cork
closure, the skirt is provided with the usual crown cork stamping
or teeth with the corrugations pressed against and slightly in
under the bead ring, giving the appropriate grip. Crown cork
closure means standard crown corks to be opened with a tool as well
as twist crown corks that can be unscrewed by hand at opening or
bent off with tool like standard crown cork. In the case of a
tear-off container closure, the skirt is crimped in under the bead
ring and a tear-off strip is provided, which is defined by score
lines in the covering panel and the skirt wherein this tear-off
strip continues as a tongue protruding beyond the skirt and a
pulling member, e.g. a pull-ring, is connected to this tongue.
[0002] Bottle closures are known in a wide range of embodiments
both as crown-cork closures and as tear-off closures. A constant
problem is the handling of carbonated liquids in bottles. In order
to ensure a high and constant quality of carbonated beverage for
example, the bottles must be securely closed with the provided
closures eliminating leakage of carbonisation. In this case, there
is the problem that considerable internal pressures can occur in
bottles filled with carbonated liquids. Such high internal
pressures can especially occur when the filled and closed bottles
are exposed to high temperatures and/or violent movements, e.g.
during transport. Considerable problems can arise therefrom since
at such high pressures there is the risk that the bottles, whether
these are made of glass or plastic, will explode or burst. A
considerable risk of injury is associated therewith for the user or
neighbouring third parties.
[0003] The same applies if in the case of a closure sealed by
crimping, e.g. a crown cork closure, the closure is caused fiercely
leaving the bottle top by such a high inner pressure. For the
manufacturers of bottle closures and for the beverage manufacturers
or bottlers, such risks are already barely acceptable because of
the risk of any liability associated therewith. However, in spite
of this it must be taken into account that the filled and closed
bottles must easily be able to withstand pressures of 6 bar without
any significant pressure loss since beverages are exposed to such
pressures for example during pasteurisation processes. For this
reason crown corks and other closures are constructed to stay
firmly on the bottle top at inner pressures below 10 bar.
[0004] Basically, there is thus a need to create bottle closures
which minimise the problems explained and make it possible for
pressure to be released via the closure at such high internal
pressures. In this connection, it is known to use seals made of
particularly resilient PVC or the like wherein these soft-elastic
PVC seals make it possible to release pressure at high pressures.
For various reasons however, PVC should no longer be used as a
sealing material for foodstuffs, especially beverages. However, the
PVC-free sealing materials having a fairly high molecular density
used in practice have the disadvantage that they are less elastic
or resilient and cannot ensure a release of pressure at such high
inner pressure and "resealing" during a subsequent drop in
pressure.
[0005] Already 1956 the need for releasing pressure for bottles
sealed with crown corks was recognized. Special liner
configurations made of soft-elastic sealing materials was combined
with closures made of resilient metal, making the upper covering
panel bulging or booming (see U.S. Pat. No. 2,739,724).
[0006] In tear-off container closures it is known to render
possible a release of pressure in the case of carbonated beverages
by arranging a type of pressure-release valve in the region of the
tear-off strip or the connecting section or pulling member
connected thereto, in which the adhesion or grip of the cap skirt
to the bottle is reduced in this region (see DE 37 37 467 A1 or
U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,667). Such measures have basically proved
effective. However, they are depending on soft-elastic linear
materials like PVC, and are not applicable to other types of
closure, such as crown cork closures for example.
[0007] US 2003/0127421 A1 discloses a venting plastic closure
comprising an outer plastic cap having a top wall portion and
annular skirt portion. The skirt portion includes at least one
internal thread formation, so that the closure is constructed as a
screw cap to be screwed onto a threaded container. In order to
effect the desired sealing corporation with an associated
container, venting plastic closure includes a disk-shaped sealing
liner positioned adjacent the inside surface of the top wall
portion of the closure cap. The sealing liner can be compression
moulded within the outer closure cap during closure manufacture and
is configured for effecting a so-called "top/inside seal" with the
associated container. To this end the sealing liner includes a
depending annular sealing bead portion having a generally
downwardly and outwardly facing sealing surface. The outer closure
cap includes an annular liner support element depending from the
inside surface of the top wall portion. The liner support element
is positioned within the annular sealing bead of the liner and
defines a liner support surface positioned inwardly of and
generally parallel to sealing surface of the liner. The liner
support element cooperates with the sealing bead of the sealing
liner to effect sealing engagement of the sealing bead with the
surface of the associated container and also desirably reduced the
quantity of relatively expensive liner material employed in the
closure. Moreover the outer closure cap includes positive stop
elements depending from the inside surface of the top wall portion.
The stop elements can be positioned radially outwardly of sealing
liner. The closure should facilitate removal and venting of
internal gas pressure by obviating problems associated with
over-application of the screw cap closure.
[0008] GB 960 296 discusses a very special ventable milk bottle cap
moulded of thin, sheet plastics material for application to milk
bottles having an external bead at top edge thereof.
[0009] GB 958 417 A shows a cap closure for the neck of a bottle or
similar container, which cap closure is moulded from synthetic
thermoplastic material as a unitary structure. It is used for gas
producing liquids like bleach.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,423 A discloses a special type of
closure cap for food products to be kept under vacuum. The closure
cap includes an annular container engaging gasket applied over a
substantial portion of the cap skirt and extending inwardly over
the bottom cap cover beyond the inner edge of the container rim.
When the cap is applied to the container finish a portion of the
skirt portion of the gasket is caused to bulge inwardly into a
number of slots in the glass finish thereby forming lug-like cap
anchoring projections to retain the closure cap on the
container.
[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a closure for a
container, especially a bottle closure, which can not only be used
universally on conventional bottle neck beads and is simple and
cheap to manufacture and seal but in addition, on reaching a
predicted inner pressure makes it possible to achieve a specific
release of pressure and subsequent problem-free reclosure.
[0012] In order to solve this problem, in a generic closure for a
container, especially a bottle, the invention defines and instructs
that the upper covering panel has on its underside (facing the
sealing insert) at least one projection, e.g. embossing, extending
at least over a predefined angular region, which projects in the
area of or close to the profile seal and interacts therewith
forming a venting valve. According to the invention the upper
covering panel has on its underside an annular sealing liner
located peripherally with an outer protrusion adjoined inside with
a lower and wider ring, in combination, constituting a liner
configuration ("profile seal") being designed to interact with a
defined embossing, stamping or shaping of the upper covering panel,
thereby forming a venting valve.
[0013] In this case, the invention starts from the knowledge
verified by experiments that the function of the seal can be
specifically influenced if the covering panel is provided with an
underside projection, e.g. embossing, stamping, moulding in
connection with the area of the profile seal and constructed to
interact with the profile seal. By selecting a suitable combination
between the profile seal and the embossing, a closure can thus be
provided which allows a release of pressure at a predetermined
inner pressure of 7 bar to 10 bar, for example and after a
predetermined reduction in pressure of 2 bar for example,
automatically seals again. The risks for injuries and associated
liabilities described initially can thus be eliminated in a simple
and cheap fashion without any need to accept loss of quality in the
filled beverages. Position, shape, height and width of the
embossing are to be combined in such a way that the closure starts
to release pressure at a predetermined inner pressure level and
that a problem-free reclosure or re-sealing takes place at a
predetermined reduction in pressure. In this case, the solution
according to the invention functions in the same way in tear-off
closures as in crown cork closures. The performance of the closure
is not influenced, for example, by score lines provided with
tear-off closures. There is no need to adapt the bottles, the
conventional standard bottle necks of crown cork type can be used.
This is valid for all known bottle neck standards including the
European, the American (GPI), the Japanese and similar, all having
slightly different neck profile or configuration. The bottles can
be made of glass or plastic. "Profile seal" means a seal with a
"step-like" cross section.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the profile seal is constructed
as substantially L-shaped in cross-section with an outer first
(lip-type) sealing ring and an inner second (flat) sealing ring or
sealing surface, wherein the outer sealing ring has a greater
height and/or a smaller width than the inner sealing ring. In this
case, the invention starts from the knowledge that such a profile
seal in interaction with the projection or embossing according to
the invention makes it possible to achieve a particularly specific
and above all reproducible release of pressure. The seals known
from practice having a substantially C-shaped liner cross section
comprising a high outer lip-type sealing ring, a low and rather
flat middle sealing surface and a high lip-type inner sealing ring
do not provide any specific release of pressure below 10 bar. Of
particular importance regarding the invention is that there is no
longer any need to accept or provide any bulging or even lifting of
the closure covering panel as the profile seal together with the
embossing form a degassing or venting valve, which operates without
any bulging or lifting of the upper covering panel.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the projection
or embossing is constructed as a circumferential step with a side
descending steeply downwards, forming for example a lower central
plate of the covering panel. This step can, for example, be
constructed as a completely circumferential step with completely
identical radius, forming a circular cap central region when viewed
from above. It is to be understood that the step itself is located
radially to interact with the profile seal, forming a valve. The
desired venting effect can be adjusted by tuning the various
parameters. In a modified embodiment the circumferential step can
have a plurality of step sections with different radii which each
extend over a predetermined angular region. It is thus possible
that the step is arranged over a predetermined circumferential
region in such a radius which fulfils a stronger venting valve
function together with the profile 5 seal whilst the other regions
of the step are arranged on a different radius which merely possess
a small valve-forming function. Thus, the desired pressure release
or venting effect can be further specified by selecting the
corresponding circumferential regions.
[0016] The radius of the step or at least of a step section can be
smaller than or equal to or slightly greater than the outer radius
of the profile seal and/or greater than or equal to or slightly
smaller than the inner radius of the profile seal, thus including
that the radius of the step can be of any size greater than the
inner radius of the inner sealing ring up to the outer radius of
the outer sealing ring. In addition the venting valve constituted
by the interaction between the profile seal and the embossing
possibly can be given a form extending to a radius greater than the
outer radius of the profile seal or smaller than the inner radius
of the profile seal. However the step or step section is close
enough to the profile seal to interact with the sealing ring or the
sealing rings and thereby to influence the sealing properties of
the profile seal.
[0017] The side angle of the step or of a step section with respect
to the horizontal or with respect to the upper covering panel is
for example 40.degree. to 90.degree., e.g. 60.degree. to
80.degree.. Here also the choice of angle offers a sensitive
parameter for setting the desired venting function. By means of a
steep angle of approximately 90.degree., e.g. 80.degree., the seal
can be especially strongly influenced and thus a stronger venting
valve effect can be achieved. However, it is also possible to work
with flat angles of 10.degree. to 40.degree..
[0018] In another embodiment, the projection or embossing is
constructed not as a (single) step but as a groove or channel of
predetermined width and height, which runs around or extends over a
predetermined angular region, with an outer side descending towards
the centre of the cap and an inner side ascending towards the
centre of the cap. The ascending inner side can directly adjoin the
descending outer side. However, it is also possible to provide an,
as it were, flat base region between the sides. The groove can be
constructed as a circular-ring-shaped, completely circumferential
groove viewed from above, which extends over the total area of the
cap and thus over a full angle of 360.degree.. However, it is also
possible to provide a plurality of grooves or groove sections which
each extend merely over a limited predetermined angular region. In
embodiments with pluralities of grooves or groove sections all
grooves can be arranged on the same radius. However, it is also
possible for the grooves or groove sections to be arranged at least
partly on different radii. The grooves or groove sections are
embossed into the upper covering panel during manufacture of the
closure. However, the invention also comprises embodiments in which
the projection is constructed as a protrusion connected to or
moulded onto the underside of the upper covering panel. The
possible configurations described in connection with the groove
equally exist here. However, the embodiment with embossed groove(s)
or step(s) are all distinguished by their particularly simple
manufacture.
[0019] In the embodiments with circumferential or partly
circumferential grooves or protrusions, there are numerous
possibilities for influencing the valve-forming effect by setting
the desired parameters. Thus, the angle of inclination of the
descending side with respect to the horizontal and/or the angle of
inclination of the ascending side with respect to the horizontal
can be 40.degree. to 90.degree., e.g. 60.degree. to 80.degree.. The
angle(s) of inclination can also be 5.degree. to 40.degree., e.g.
10.degree. to 40.degree.. The groove or the protrusion can be
constructed symmetrically or asymmetrically, i.e., with identical
or unequal angles of inclination. Thus, it can be appropriate if
the outer side is constructed as a steep side and the inner side is
constructed as a flat side or vice versa. Also by selecting
suitable radii of the grooves or groove sections relative to the
profile seal, the desired degassing effects can be sensitively
influenced. Thus, the invention proposes that the outer radius
and/or inner radius of the groove or at least one groove section is
smaller than or equal to the outer radius of the profile seal
and/or greater than or equal to the inner radius of the profile
seal. The grooves or groove sections are thus arranged at least
partly in the area of the profile seal. They can be arranged
completely in the area of the outer sealing ring or also completely
in the area of the inner sealing ring. Furthermore, the groove or a
groove section can also extend from the area of the outer sealing
ring into the area of the inner sealing ring. Moreover it is
possible that the inner radius and/or the outer radius of the
groove is slightly smaller than the inner radius of the profile
seal or that the outer radius and/or the inner radius of the groove
is slightly greater than the outer radius of the profile seal.
However the groove or at least one groove section must be close
enough to the profile seal to interact with the profile seal and
thereby to influence the sealing properties of the profile
seal.
[0020] The width of the groove is preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, e.g. 1
mm to 3 mm. The height of the groove or step can be 0.1 nm to 0.8
mm, e.g. 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.
[0021] The covering panel forming the closure together with the
skirt or collar connected thereto are made, according to the
invention, of metal, e.g. of tin plate, aluminium or tin-free steel
as well as suitable alloys thereof and other metals. The sealing
insert or liner assigned to the underside of the covering panel is
preferably manufactured in one piece and made of plastic. The
sealing insert or liner is preferably made of polyethylene (PE)
e.g. of low molecular density PE (LDPE) or modification thereof,
with or without a scavenger agent. In any case, a PVC-free plastic
is preferably used.
[0022] The thickness of the (metal) closure shell (covering panel
and skirt) is 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, e.g. 0.17 mm to 0.24 mm,
preferably 0.17 mm to 0.21 mm. As already explained, the closure
can be constructed as a tear-off closure or as a bend-off closure
type crown cork. The diameter of the closure is around 18 mm to 45
mm. Crown cork closures are usually manufactured with a diameter of
26 mm to 27 mm. The sealing insert within the scope of the
invention is preferably constructed as a full-area liner having a
circumferential profile seal on the outside and a low central
region which itself has no sealing function. Such liners are
preferably formed by compression moulding directly into the
prefabricated closure which already has the embossing, and moulded
onto the underside of the upper covering panel. However, it is also
possible for the sealing insert to be fabricated in a separate
production step, for example, by being stamped out of an extruded
plastic sheet and then affixed, e.g. glued, to the underside of the
upper covering panel.
[0023] The invention is explained in detail subsequently with
reference to the drawings which merely show exemplary embodiments.
In the figures:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a bottle closure in the embodiment as a
tear-off closure,
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a bottle closure in the embodiment as a crown
cork closure,
[0026] FIG. 3,3a shows a tear-off closure in plan view and in a
section A-A through the subject matter from FIG. 3,
[0027] FIG. 4,4a,4b shows a tear-off closure in a modified
embodiment in a plan view and in a section A-A, as well as a
section B-B,
[0028] FIG. 5,5a,5b shows a tear-off closure in a modified
embodiment in a plan view and in a section A-A, as well as a
section B-B,
[0029] FIG. 6,6a,6b shows a tear-off closure in a modified
embodiment in a plan view and in a section A-A, as well as a
section B-B,
[0030] FIG. 7,7a shows a tear-off closure in another embodiment in
a plan view and in a section A-A,
[0031] FIG. 8,8a shows a tear-off closure in another embodiment in
a plan view and in a section A-A,
[0032] FIG. 9,9a shows a tear-off closure in another embodiment in
a plan view and in a section A-A,
[0033] FIG. 10,10a shows a tear-off closure in another modified
embodiment in a plan view and in a section A-A,
[0034] FIG. 11,11a,11b shows a tear-off closure in a plan view and
in a section A-A, as well as a section B-B,
[0035] FIG. 12,12a,12b shows a tear-off closure in a plan view and
in a section A-A, as well as a section B-B,
[0036] FIG. 13,13a,13b shows sections of further embodiments of the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 14,14a,14b shows a tear-off closure in another
embodiment in a plan view, in a section A-A and a section B-B,
[0038] FIG. 15,15a shows a container closure according to the
invention in the embodiment as a crown cork closure in plan view
and in a section A-A,
[0039] FIG. 16,16a,16b shows a crown cork closure in a modified
embodiment in plan view and in a section A-A and a section B-B,
[0040] FIG. 17,17a shows a crown cork closure in another embodiment
in plan view and in a section A-A,
[0041] FIG. 18,18a shows a crown cork closure in another embodiment
in plan view and in a section A-A,
[0042] FIG. 19,19a shows a crown cork closure in another embodiment
in plan view and in a section A-A,
[0043] FIG. 20,20a shows the subject matter from FIG. 6 or 6a
during sealing,
[0044] FIG. 21,21a shows the subject matter from FIG. 19 or 19a
during sealing.
[0045] The figures show closures for bottles or other container
openings. FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a bottle closure in
the embodiment as a tear-off closure. The closure consists of an
upper, round covering panel 1 adjoining which on the outside is a
substantially cylindrical collar or skirt 2 which embraces the
bottle neck 3 in the course of sealing and grips under a bead 4 or
a flange of the bottle neck. On the underside of the covering panel
1 is a sealing liner 5 (which cannot be seen in FIG. 1) which has a
circumferential profile seal the outer circumferential side. It can
also be seen in FIG. 1 that the tear-off closure has a tear-off
opening strip 7 with a tongue 8 projecting from the cap skirt 2,
wherein the tear-off strip is defined by score lines 9, 9' arranged
in the closure. The score lines on both sides are normally of the
same length, but can vary from half length 9' to full length 9. The
tongue 8 is connected to a pulling member 10. Different embodiments
of such a tear-off closure according to the invention are shown in
FIGS. 3 to 14.
[0046] In contrast, FIG. 2 shows a bottle closure in the embodiment
as a crown cork closure wherein the circumferential skirt 2 is here
provided with the usual embossed corrugations or teeth 11.
Different embodiments of such a crown cork closure according to the
invention are shown in FIGS. 15 to 19.
[0047] According to the invention, the upper covering panel 1 has
one or a plurality of at least partly circumferential projections
12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b on its underside facing the sealing
insert 5, which are made of embossings and interact with the
profile seal 6 forming a venting valve and for this purpose project
or protrude into the area of the profile seal 6. These embossings
are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The profile seal is constructed as
a substantially L-shaped cross-section with an outer first sealing
ring 6a and an inner second sealing ring or surface 6b, wherein the
outer sealing ring 6a has a larger height and a smaller width than
the inner sealing ring 6b.
[0048] In the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 to 7, and 15 to 17
the projections or embossings are constructed as circumferential
steps 12, 12a or 12b having a descending side 14 towards the centre
M of the cap. In this way, a pressed down cap central region 15 is
created in the area of the cap centre so that overall a lower
central panel 15 is provided. A comparative examination of FIGS. 3
and 15, for example, clearly shows that the embossing according to
the invention can be identically provided both for tear-off
closures and for crown cork closures. Its functioning principle is
not influenced by the score lines provided with the tear-off
closures.
[0049] Whereas the step 12 in the embodiments according to FIG. 3
or 15 runs around or extends completely over a full angle of
360.degree., FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 for example show embodiments in which
a plurality of step sections 12a, 12b with different radii R, R'
are provided. According to FIG. 4, 5, 6 the step sections 12a, 12b
each extend over a predetermined angular range .delta. or .delta.'
or .delta.''. The radius R, R' of the step here means the upper
radius, that is the radius in the area of the upper edge of the
step.
[0050] According to FIG. 4, two circumferential steps 12a are
provided, each running around over an angle .delta. of
approximately 150.degree. and giving a reduced venting effect, said
steps having a radius R which substantially corresponds to the
inner radius P.sub.i of the profile seal 6. Arranged diametrically
opposite between these two steps 12a are valve-forming step
sections 12b whose radius R' is configured such that the step 12b
is arranged substantially in the area of the outer sealing ring 6a.
In this case, the two valve-forming step sections are provided with
different lengths, that is they cover different angular regions
.delta.' or .delta.''. The same applies to the embodiment in FIG.
16 in which four valve-forming step sections 12b are provided, that
extends over different angular regions.
[0051] According to FIGS. 5 and 6 one step section 12a runs over an
angle .delta. of about 320.degree. and one step section 12b runs
over an angle .delta.' of about 40.degree.. FIG. 5 shows an
embodiment where the step sections 12a, 12b are partly inside the
region of the profile seal 6. The (upper) radius R' of step 12b and
(upper) radius R of step 12a are both smaller than the outer radius
Pa and greater than the inner radius Pi of the profile seal.
However the "lower" radius of the steps is smaller than the inner
radius Pi of the profile seal 6. Lower radius is the radius in the
area of the lower edge of the step. The flat step size 12b with an
inclination .alpha. of about 10.degree. constitutes the venting
valve 12b influencing the inner sealing ring 6b to release inner
pressure to open the outer sealing lip 6a at a predetermined inner
pressure in the bottle. This valve function is strengthened by the
steeper step side 12a with an inclination .alpha. of about
20.degree. located approximately to 50% inside the inner radius of
the profile seal. The step 12b of FIG. 6 corresponds to step 12b of
FIG. 5. Moreover there is also a step 12a that runs over an angle
.delta. of 340.degree.. The steep step 12a has an inclination
.alpha. of about 60.degree. and an (upper) radius R that is
identical to or slightly smaller than the inner radius Pi of the
profile seal. The lower radius is smaller than Pi, however the step
is close enough to influence the inner sealing ring 6b. The valve
function is completed 30 by the flat step side 12b with an
inclination .alpha. of about 10.degree. forming the narrow venting
valve.
[0052] In the embodiments from FIGS. 8 to 14 and 18 and 19, the
embossings are constructed as grooves 13, 13a, 13b of predetermined
width B and height H running over a predetermined angular range,
wherein the grooves each have an outer side 16 which descends
towards the centre of the cap and an inner side 17 which ascends
towards the centre M of the cap. Width B here means the "upper
width", that is the total width of the groove in the area of its
upper edges. In the embodiments from FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 19 the
groove 13 is respectively constructed as a completely
circumferential annular groove 13. That is, the groove 13 extends
over the total angular region or over a full angle of 360.degree..
The venting effect can be specifically set by the position of the
groove 13 relative to the profile seal 6. Thus, FIG. 10 shows an
embodiment with a reduced venting effect compared with FIGS. 8 and
9 since the groove according to FIG. 10 is displaced further into
the region of the inner sealing ring 6b. However, the groove 13 is
also constructed as a completely circumferential groove. In
contrast, FIGS. 11, 12 for example show embodiments in which a
plurality of groove sections 13a,b are provided which each extend
merely over a limited angular region .delta., .delta.',
.delta.''.
[0053] A comparative examination of FIG. 12 and FIGS. 12a and 12b
clearly shows that the individual grooves of the four grooves
13a-13b are each configured differently. For example, two grooves
13a with a very strong valve effect are provided in which the outer
side 16 is arranged in the area of the outermost edge of the
profile seal (or somewhat outside). The outer radius R.sub.a of the
groove approximately corresponds in this region to the outer radius
P.sub.a of the profile seal 6 or is even somewhat larger. The inner
radius R.sub.i is in this region smaller than the outer radius
P.sub.a of the seal 6 and larger than the inner radius P.sub.i of
the seal 6. Another but weaker pressure-releasing valve effect is
achieved via the two diametrically opposite grooves 13b of same
length where the descending outer side 16 extends over
approximately the total width b of the profile seal 6.
[0054] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment with one long groove section 13b
extending over an angle .delta. and one short groove section 13a
extending over an angle .delta.' as a venting valve. The groove 13b
is completely within the region of the profile seal whereas the
groove section 13a is only partly in the region of the profile
seal. The groove side 16 of groove 13a has flat inclination and is
partly outside the profile seal increasing the venting effect.
[0055] FIG. 14 furthermore shows an embodiment in which a plurality
of groove sections 13a, b are provided which all have the same
shape but are arranged on different radii R.sub.a, R.sub.i. Thus,
the two diametrically opposite short grooves 13a are arranged on a
relatively large outer radius R.sub.a and inner Radius R.sub.i in
the area of the lip-kind outer sealing ring 6a whereas the grooves
13b which are lengthened in comparison as shown in FIG. 14b are
arranged in the area of the flat inner sealing ring 6b and thus
over a reduced outer radius R.sub.a and inner radius R.sub.i. The
valve function is substantially taken over here by the two outer
grooves 13a. The groove sections 13a,b here are substantially
U-formed in cross section.
[0056] A comparative analysis of the various exemplary embodiments
clearly shows that the geometry of the embossings 12, 12a, 12b, 13,
13a, 13b according to the invention can be adapted in many ways to
the desired circumstances and especially to the sealing
configuration used. Thus, the angle of inclination .alpha. of the
step can be constructed as relatively steep and have an angle of
45.degree. to 90.degree., e.g. 60.degree. to 80.degree. with
respect to the horizontal (see FIG. 3a). However, it is also
possible to select a flat angle of inclination .alpha. in the area
of the step which can, for example, be 10.degree. to 45.degree.
(see FIG. 4a). The angles of inclination .beta. and .gamma. of the
sides 16, 17 of the circumferential grooves can be selected
similarly. For example, FIG. 8a shows an embodiment with a
relatively steep angle of inclination .beta. of the outer side 16
wherein a relatively flat ascending inner side 17 then adjoins this
side 16. An inverse arrangement is provided, for example, in the
embodiment in FIG. 12b.
[0057] The figures furthermore make clear that the L-shaped profile
seal 6 can also be adapted within limits to the circumstances. A
substantially vertically downward-directed outer sealing ring or a
sealing lip 6a is always realised, which is compressed with its
inner surface 18 as shown in FIG. 20 or 21 at sealing on the outer
top 3a and outside surfaces 3b of the bottle neck 3 providing a
satisfactory sealing. In contrast, the inner sealing ring or
surface 6b is flat so that it is softly compressed on the top
surface 3a without embracing the inner surface 3c of the bottle. In
this way, it is ensured that in the course of the pressure rise,
the inner sealing ring 6b can yield so that a release of pressure
can take place. It can also be seen in the figures that the lower
sealing surface 19 of the inner sealing ring 6b is arranged
substantially horizontally. Substantially horizontally in this case
also includes those embodiments in which the sealing surface 19 is
inclined at a relatively small angle of 1.degree. to 20.degree.
e.g. 15.degree. with respect to the horizontal in the one direction
or in the other. For this purpose reference should be made to FIGS.
18 and 19 which show suitably inclined sealing surfaces 19. Of
particular importance however is that a true inner sealing ring of
substantial height and at a distance from the outer sealing ring or
lip, which inner sealing ring embraces the inner surface 3c of the
bottle neck (type C-shaped profile seal) prevent or strongly reduce
a release of pressure and an interaction of the profile seal with
the embossings.
[0058] In each case, the thickness and sealing efficiency of the
profile seal 6 is reduced in a certain degree by the embossing so
that the sealing properties can be adjusted by the choice of shape
and depth and position of the embossing. In addition, a quite
considerable saving of material can be achieved and overall
manufacture will be cheap as established conventional technique can
be used with minor changes of toolings. Finally, it is possible to
additionally achieve a stiffening of the cap provided by the
embossing whereby the opening process can be advantageously
influenced, by specifically utilising lever effects. In this
respect, in FIG. 7 for example, another upwardly directed step-like
shaping 20 is provided at a distance inside the inner radius of the
profile seal which has no influence on the valve effect but fulfils
a stiffening function. The same applies to the embodiments in FIG.
4, 12 or 14, for example. In these cases, the valve-forming effect
is substantially achieved by the "short" embossing whilst the
"long" shapings along the tear-off lines are only of secondary
importance in connection with the valve formation but facilitate
tearing off the closure by the favourable lever arrangement.
[0059] In the figures the bending radius r of the step between the
covering panel and the step descending side 14 and between the step
descending side and the bottom plate and the bending radius r of
the grooves between the covering panel and the descending side 16,
between the descending side 16 and the ascending side 17 and
between the ascending side 17 and the covering panel also are
indicated. At a smaller radius r a distinct embossing bend is
achieved and at a greater radius r a rounder embossing bend. A
distinct bend is influencing the venting valve effect more strongly
than a rounder bend, increasing the flexibility of the
invention.
[0060] FIG. 20 shows the tear-off closure of FIG. 6 ready for
sealing. FIG. 20a shows this closure after sealing with the
crimped-in skirt.
[0061] FIG. 21 shows the crown cork closure of FIG. 19 ready for
sealing. FIG. 21a shows this closure after sealing with the skirt
pressed to the bottle neck 3 and slightly crimped-in under the
bottle neck bead.
* * * * *