U.S. patent application number 12/040609 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for vacuum container with protective features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Silgan Containers Corporation. Invention is credited to Thomas J. Clyde, Elizabeth A. Metzger.
Application Number | 20090218349 12/040609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41012386 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090218349 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Metzger; Elizabeth A. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
VACUUM CONTAINER WITH PROTECTIVE FEATURES
Abstract
A container kit for use with a closure configured to be held to
the container by atmospheric pressure, the closure having a maximum
closure diameter, is provided. The kit includes a body having a
principal diameter and a first feature that extends beyond the
principal diameter and the maximum closure diameter.
Inventors: |
Metzger; Elizabeth A.;
(Milwaukee, WI) ; Clyde; Thomas J.; (Milwaukee,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
Silgan Containers
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
41012386 |
Appl. No.: |
12/040609 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/316 ;
206/223; 220/378; 220/669 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 7/04 20130101; B65D
81/2015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/316 ;
206/223; 220/669; 220/378 |
International
Class: |
B65D 45/00 20060101
B65D045/00; B65D 69/00 20060101 B65D069/00; B65D 8/04 20060101
B65D008/04; B65D 53/00 20060101 B65D053/00 |
Claims
1. A container kit for use with a closure, the container kit
comprising: a closure having a maximum closure diameter; and a body
having a principal diameter and a first feature that extends beyond
the principal diameter and the maximum closure diameter; wherein
the closure is adapted to be held to the body by atmospheric
pressure.
2. The container kit of claim 1 wherein the body is substantially
shaped as a cylinder.
3. The container kit of claim 1 wherein the body is substantially
shaped as a prism.
4. The container kit of claim 1 wherein the first feature surrounds
the body.
5. The container kit of claim 1 wherein the body is metal.
6. The container kit of claim 1 wherein the body includes at least
one bead.
7. A container comprising: a closure having a maximum closure
diameter, the closure adapted to be coupled to the container by a
vacuum; and a body comprising: a side wall; a center portion having
a principal diameter; a neck opening adapted to receive the
closure; a first feature extending radially from the side wall, the
first feature having a first diameter; and a second feature
extending radially from the side wall, the second feature having a
second diameter; wherein the first diameter is greater than the
principal diameter and the maximum closure diameter.
8. The container of claim 7 wherein the body is generally a
cylinder.
9. The container of claim 7 wherein the body is generally a
prism.
10. The container of claim 7 wherein the second diameter is equal
to the first diameter.
11. The container of claim 7 wherein the first diameter is greater
than the maximum closure diameter by between about 5 to 25
percent.
12. The container of claim 7 wherein the first diameter is greater
than the maximum closure diameter by between 8 to 15 percent.
13. The container of claim 7 wherein the closure further includes a
pressure release hole.
14. The container of claim 7 wherein the body is metal.
15. The container of claim 7 wherein the center portion is located
between the first feature and the second feature.
16. The container of claim 7 wherein the closure further comprises
a sealing material.
17. The container of claim 7 wherein the center portion further
comprises a constant diameter.
18. The container of claim 7 wherein the center portion further
comprises one or more beads.
19. A food or drink storage container comprising: a top end; a
bottom end; a substantially cylindrical body comprising: a
sidewall, the sidewall including a center portion having a
principal diameter; a first feature extending from the sidewall and
surrounding the body, the first feature having a first diameter
greater than the principal diameter, wherein the first feature is
disposed between the center portion and the top end; a second
feature extending from the sidewall and surrounding the body, the
second feature having a second diameter greater than the principal
diameter, wherein the second feature is disposed between the center
portion and the bottom end; and a neck opening at the top end; and
a closure having a maximum closure diameter, wherein the closure is
adapted to be held to the neck opening by atmospheric pressure, and
wherein the first diameter is greater than the maximum closure
diameter.
20. The container of claim 19 wherein the first diameter and second
diameter are equal.
21. The container of claim 20 wherein the first and second
diameters are greater than the maximum closure diameter by at least
about 5 percent.
22. The container of claim 19 wherein the center portion further
comprises a constant diameter.
23. The container of claim 19 wherein the center portion further
comprises one or more beads.
24. The container of claim 19 wherein the closure further includes
a pressure release hole.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The application generally relates to food containers capable
of maintaining a vacuum upon closure and sealing. The application
relates more specifically to food containers capable of maintaining
a vacuum upon closure and sealing with features to protect the
sealed closure, and/or provide improved container structure.
[0002] Containers are used to store a variety of materials and
objects. Some types of containers are used to store perishable
material such as organic material, solid food, food having a liquid
component, and liquids. These containers must often meet a variety
of requirements depending on their intended use. For example, some
containers must be able to withstand acidity of certain levels such
that the container's intended contents do not compromise the
container. Other containers must be able to successfully store
liquid such that manipulation of the container during shipping and
typical use do not cause the container to deform, break an airtight
seal, and/or leak the container's contents. Yet other containers
must be able to withstand food cooking processes involving the
container. Some containers must meet all of the aforementioned
requirements.
[0003] One type of food and beverage container is provided with a
closure that is affixed to the container primarily by the pressure
differential between external atmospheric pressure and a lower
internal pressure. Containers with vacuum closures are vulnerable
to impacts during processing, labeling, and transport. Such impacts
may break the hermetic vacuum seal and release the closure, thus
causing leakage and exposing the container contents to spoilage.
Some conventional containers address this problem by mating a
threaded closure to the container. However, this solution increases
manufacturing cost and complexity. Additionally, a threaded and
vacuum sealed closure may be more difficult to open than a closure
maintained in place solely by a vacuum seal. Other conventional
containers may provide protection for sealed closures by reducing
the diameter of the neck and closure relative to the principal
diameter of a cylindrical container. However, this results in an
opening that is limited in size relative to the principal diameter
of the container, thereby inhibiting access to the container
contents. Reducing the diameter of the closure also lowers the
force exerted on the closure by the atmosphere, in turn lowering
the strength of the vacuum seal.
[0004] Food storage containers are subjected to a variety of
stresses and impacts during manufacture, filling and processing,
sales, and transport. Containers must be strong enough to resist
these forces without deformation. Additionally, containers with an
internal vacuum must be strong enough to resist compressive
deformation by the external atmospheric pressure. One solution is
to make the container material thicker. However, this approach
increases the container weight and the cost of raw materials.
[0005] Some containers are filled with hot, pre-cooked food then
sealed for later consumption, commonly referred to as a "hot fill
process." As the contents of the container cool, a vacuum develops
inside the container. The resulting vacuum may partially or
completely secure the closure to the body of the container. Foods
packed with a hot fill process often have certain advantages. For
example, end-users often appreciate pre-cooked food contents as
preparation times are often shorter and more convenient.
[0006] Other containers are filled with uncooked food, the
container is sealed, and the food is cooked to the point of being
commercially sterilized or "shelf stable" while sealed within the
container. This process is commonly called a thermal process. Also
commonly, the required heat for the process is delivered by a
pressurized device, or retort. Thermal processes also have certain
advantages. First, the resulting shelf-stable package offers
long-term storage of food in a hermetically sealed container.
Second, cooking the food inside the container commercially
sterilizes the food and the container at the same time.
[0007] Many conventional containers used with thermal processes use
ends that require considerable effort and the use of a tool to
open. For example, some conventional containers suitable for use
with thermal processes are metal cans having an end designed for
use with a can-opener. Other conventional containers suitable for
use with thermal retort processes are containers having "pop-tops",
"pull tops", convenience ends, or convenience lids. Thermal retort
processes present challenges to the design and manufacture of
vacuum containing containers. For example, the pressure and
temperature rigors of the thermal retort process may compromise the
seal. In addition, differences in internal container pressure and
external pressure during the thermal retort process may cause an
unsecured vacuum sealable lid to separate from the container
body.
[0008] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a container
capable of maintaining a vacuum having one or more protective
features. Further, it would be desirable to provide a vacuumized
container with protective features that is suitable for use with
hot fill and/or thermal processes.
SUMMARY
[0009] The invention relates to a container kit for use with a
closure configured to be held to the container by atmospheric
pressure, the closure having a maximum closure diameter, the kit
including a body having a principal diameter and a first feature
that extends beyond the principal diameter and the maximum closure
diameter.
[0010] The invention further relates to a container comprising a
body, the body having a side wall including a central portion
having a principal diameter, a neck opening adapted to receive a
closure having a maximum closure diameter, a first feature
extending radially from the side wall, the first feature having a
first diameter, and a second feature extending radially from the
side wall, the second feature having a second diameter, wherein the
first feature diameter is greater than the principal diameter and
the maximum closure diameter.
[0011] The invention still further relates to a food or drink
storage container comprising a substantially cylindrical body, a
top end, and a bottom end, the body including a sidewall, the
sidewall including a central portion having a principal diameter, a
first feature extending from the sidewall and surrounding the body,
the first feature having a first diameter greater than the
principal diameter, wherein the first feature is disposed between
the center portion and the top end, a second feature extending from
the sidewall and surrounding the body, the second feature having a
second diameter greater than the principal diameter, wherein the
second feature is disposed between the center portion and the
bottom end, a neck opening at the top end having a neck opening
diameter approximately 83 percent of the principal diameter, and a
closure having a maximum diameter held to neck opening by
atmospheric pressure, wherein the first feature diameter is greater
than the maximum closure diameter.
[0012] Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features
and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] The application will become more fully understood from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
elements, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container having the
protective features of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a container having the
protective features of the present invention, and a cross-sectional
view of a container closure proximal to the container.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
container of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a detail cross-sectional view of a portion of
the container closure of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Before turning to the figures which illustrate the exemplary
embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application
is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the figures. It should also
be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the
purpose of description only and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0019] Referring generally to the figures, a container (i.e., a
metal can) is shown having protective features integrally formed
from the material of the container body. The container is provided
with a closure whose integrity is maintained by internal vacuum and
atmospheric pressure. The container is typically a food container
suitable for use with a thermal process. It should be understood
that the phrase "food" used to describe various embodiments of this
disclosure may refer to dry food, moist food, powder, liquid, or
any other drinkable or edible material, regardless of nutritional
value. It should be further understood that the container may be
formed from any material, including metals, various plastics, and
glass.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a container 1 is
shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Container 1 includes a
body 10 having a sidewall 20 and a bottom end wall 32. Body 10 is
shown as generally cylindrical (i.e., the container walls or piece
forming sidewall 20 are curvilinear). Body 10 is generally a
cylinder having a circular cross section. More specifically, body
10 is generally a right cylinder wherein vertical axis 13 forms a
right angle with bottom end wall 32. According to various other
embodiments, body 10 may take any number of other container shapes
as may be desirable for different applications or aesthetic
qualities. For example, body 10 may be formed as a prism having one
or more angles that create a horizontal polygonal cross section
such as a rectangular cross section. In another embodiment,
container 1 may be formed with an elliptical horizontal cross
section. Container 1 may be sized to store about twenty-six ounces
of liquid contents or combination of liquid and solid contents, or
may be sized differently (e.g., less than twenty-six ounces, more
than twenty-six ounces, twelve ounces, sixteen ounces, thirty two
ounces, etc.).
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of container 1 is shown,
including body 10 having a principal diameter 12, a vertical axis
13, and a first protective feature diameter 14. In an exemplary
twenty-six ounce embodiment, principal diameter 12 is about 3.01
inches, and the height of body 10 is about 6.08 inches. In other
embodiments, both the principal diameter and body height be greater
or lesser, and may vary according to the volumetric size of the
container.
[0022] Body 10 is shown having a neck 40 integrally formed from the
material of sidewall 20. Neck 40 may extend upward from a tapered
transition 22 along the vertical axis of container body 10. The
diameter and height of neck 40 are generally determined based on
the diameter and depth of a closure 60 with which neck 40 will be
used. Closure 60 comprises a maximum closure diameter 65.
[0023] Neck edge 42 may be curled or rounded to provide a suitable
sealing surface (e.g., uniform and having some substantial diameter
relative to the gauge of the container walls). Neck edge 42 may
also be curled or rounded to provide a suitable surface for mouth
contact or drinking. Neck edge 42 may curl to the inside or outside
of neck 40. The exterior diameter of the neck and structures of the
neck may be appropriately sized to allow a closure to function
properly. Neck 40 and neck edge 42 define a neck opening 48. In an
exemplary twenty-six ounce embodiment, neck opening 48 is a
circular opening having a diameter of about 2.89 inches. In other
embodiments, neck opening 48 may be about 83 percent of first
protective feature diameter 14. In alternative embodiments, neck
opening 48 may have a diameter that is more than 83 percent of
first protective feature diameter 14 (i.e., 90 percent, 95 percent,
99 percent), or less than 83 percent of first protective feature
diameter 14 (i.e., 80 percent, 75 percent, 70 percent, or
less).
[0024] Referring further to FIG. 2, the top of body 10 and sidewall
20 angle inward to create a tapered transition 22. In a typical
embodiment, tapered transition 22 is a frusto-conical shoulder
area. According to other various exemplary embodiments, where body
10 is provided with a polygonal cross section, tapered transition
22 may include a transition from the polygonal cross section of
body 10 to a circular neck edge 42 and neck opening 48. In
alternative embodiments where body 10 is provided with a polygonal
cross section, tapered transition 22 need not include a transition
from the polygonal cross section of body 10 to a circular neck edge
42, and neck edge 42 may thereby define a similarly polygonal neck
opening 48.
[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, tapered transition 22
is angled around thirty degrees from the vertical axis 13 of body
10. According to various other embodiments, tapered transition 22
is angled more or less than thirty degrees from vertical. According
to an exemplary embodiment, tapered transition 22 is angled so that
the diameter of neck opening 48 is about 83 percent of principal
diameter 12 of body 10. Tapered transition 22 may also be provided
with additional curvature to improve the visual aesthetics and/or
structural stability of container 1. The curvature may create an
aesthetically pleasing container top, provide a user with increased
leverage for opening the top, and/or prevent the container top and
closure from experiencing some amount of the unavoidable contact
that containers typically have with adjacent containers or other
structures during manufacture, shipping, and/or use.
[0026] Referring still further to FIG. 2, body 10 is further
provided with a center portion 21. In an exemplary embodiment,
center portion 21 is a cylindrical portion having a diameter equal
to principal diameter 12 having vertical sidewalls. In an exemplary
twenty-six ounce embodiment, center portion 21 has a height of
about 1.25 inches. In an alternative embodiment, center portion 21
is smoothly concave such that the diameter at the midpoint of
center portion 21 is a minimum diameter, and the container body
diameter increases in the direction of first and second protective
features 24 and 26.
[0027] Center portion 21 may optionally be provided with one or
more beads 70, shown as beads 70a and 70b. In an exemplary
embodiment, center portion 21 is provided with two beads 70a and
70b, wherein bead 70a is positioned near the top of cylindrical
center portion 21, and bead 70b is positioned near the bottom of
cylindrical center portion 21. However, one or more beads 70 may be
placed at other locations on center portion 21, or within the
curved portions of sidewall 20 comprising the protective features
described in greater detail below. Beads 70 provide a contour that
strengthens center portion 21, thereby increasing resistance to
deformation of center portion 21 caused by the pressure
differential between the internal vacuum and the external
atmospheric pressure. Beads 70 may further be configured to provide
a contour to facilitate the grasping of container 1 by a user.
[0028] As shown best in FIG. 3 according to one exemplary
embodiment, beads 70 are provided with a smoothly curved cross
sectional profile concaving radially inward. In other embodiments,
beads 70 may have other cross sectional profiles, such as a
sinusoidal profile, a triangular profile, or a sawtooth profile. In
an exemplary embodiment, beads 70 have a depth of about 0.03
inches, a radius of approximately 0.075 inches, and form a fillet
with sidewall 20 with a radius of approximately 0.065 in. In
alternate embodiments, beads 70 may have a depth of about 0.02
inches or less, or about 0.04 inches or more. In still another
embodiment, beads 70 may extend radially outward from cylindrical
center portion 21.
[0029] According to one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
1-3, body 10 includes two beads 70. Beads 70 are generally located
symmetrically along the length of center portion 21. In an
exemplary twenty-six ounce embodiment, beads 70 may be spaced about
1.02 inches apart. However, beads 70 may be provided at the
transitions from center portion 21 to the first and second
protective features, or beads 70 may be located on the protective
features. In other exemplary embodiments, a third bead may be
provided equidistant between beads 70a and 70b. In still other
exemplary embodiments, more or fewer beads may be provided and may
be otherwise spaced.
[0030] Referring yet further to FIG. 2, body 10 is provided with a
first protective feature 24. First protective feature 24 generally
smoothly extends sidewall 20 radially outward relative to center
portion 21. First protective feature 24 may be any radial structure
having a first diameter 14 that is greater than principal diameter
12. In an exemplary embodiment, first protective feature 24 reaches
a local maximum diameter at a first contact point 25. Contact
between container 1 and one or more adjacent containers, shown as
container 1A, is thereby limited to contact point 25. In an
alternative embodiment, first protective feature 24 may include a
substantially vertical portion having a constant first diameter 14
that is greater than principal diameter 12, defining a first
vertical contact surface. In an exemplary embodiment, first
diameter 14 is about 15 percent greater than principal diameter 12
at first contact point 25. In an exemplary twenty-six ounce
embodiment, first diameter 14 is about 3.46 inches. In other
embodiments, first diameter 14 may be greater than principal
diameter 12 by less than 15 percent (e.g., 2 percent, 5 percent, 10
percent, 12 percent), or by more than 15 percent greater than
principal diameter 12 (e.g., 18 percent, 20 percent, 25 percent, or
more).
[0031] Body 10 may also be provided with at least a second
protective feature 26. Second protective feature 26 generally
smoothly extends sidewall 20 radially outward relative to center
portion 21. Second protective feature 26 may be any radial
structure having a second diameter 16 that is greater than
principal diameter 12. In an exemplary embodiment, second
protective feature 26 reaches a local maximum diameter at a second
contact point 27. In an exemplary embodiment, second diameter 16 is
equal to first diameter 14. Contact between container 1 and one or
more adjacent containers 1A is thereby limited to contact points 25
and 27. In an alternative embodiment, second protective feature 26
may include a substantially vertical portion having a constant
second diameter 16 that is greater than principal diameter 12,
defining a second vertical contact surface.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of container body 10
between the maximum diameter of first protective feature 24 and the
maximum diameter of second protective feature 26 is vertically
symmetrical, wherein the plane of symmetry is located at the
midpoint of center portion 21 and perpendicular to vertical axis
13. In an exemplary embodiment, second diameter 16 is about 15
percent greater than principal diameter 12. In an exemplary
twenty-six ounce embodiment, second diameter 16 is about 3.46
inches. In other embodiments, second diameter 16 may be greater
than principal diameter 12 by less than 15 percent (e.g., 2
percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, 12 percent), or by more than 15
percent greater than principal diameter 12 (e.g., 18 percent, 20
percent, 25 percent, or more). In an alternative embodiment, second
diameter 16 is greater than principal diameter 12 and also
different than first diameter 14.
[0033] First and second protective features 24 and 26 provide
limited contact surfaces between two or more adjacent containers at
first contact point 25 and second contact point 27. The protective
features strengthen the sidewalls of the container against side
impacts, thereby improving panel resistance to denting or other
compressive deformation. Any type of label or design (not shown)
may be disposed on central portion 21 of sidewall 20. A label or
design disposed on center portion 21 is thereby protected from
abrasive contact with adjacent containers 1A during manufacturing,
processing, shipping, and/or display. In an exemplary embodiment,
the container may be provided with a plastic shrink sleeve. A
plastic shrink sleeve may optionally extend to partially cover
closure 60 and incorporate tamper evident features. In yet another
embodiment, the material of container body 10 may further be
painted, coated, or provided with a decorative finish.
[0034] Referring still further to FIG. 2, body 10 is provided with
a second tapered transition 34 connecting second protective feature
26 to bottom seal structure 30. In an exemplary embodiment, bottom
seal structure 30 has a diameter of about 3.31 inches. In a typical
embodiment, second tapered transition 34 is angled from the
vertical axis at an angle of about 12 degrees. However, second
tapered transition 34 may be provided angles greater or lesser than
12 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, second tapered transition
34 may be approximately vertical. If second tapered transition 34
is approximately vertical, the diameter of bottom seal structure 30
is approximately equal to second diameter 16.
[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, container 1 is formed
of metal about 0.0095 inches thick and is primarily made of
tin-plated steel. According to various other exemplary embodiments,
container 1 is formed from steel having a working gauge range from
about 0.006 inches thick to about 0.012 inches thick, or other
available working ranges. According to various other alternative
embodiments, container 1 may be formed of aluminum, tin free steel,
and/or another material that may be used to form food or beverage
containers. The material of container 1 may also be more or less
thick along certain structures or locations of sidewall 20. For
example, the material of sidewall 20 may be thicker at first
protective feature 24 and second protective feature 26 than the
remaining portions of sidewall 20, thereby strengthening container
1 at points of contact 25 and 27 with adjacent containers. In
another example, in center portion 21, the material may be more
thin than material closer to the top end or bottom end.
[0036] Referring yet still further to FIG. 2, container 1 is shown
having a bottom seal structure 30 at the lower end of container
body 10. Bottom seal structure may couple and seal a bottom end
wall 32 to container body 10. According to an exemplary embodiment,
bottom seal structure 30 is a double seam including folds of metal
joining a bottom lip or flange of sidewall 20 and bottom end wall
32 (i.e., sanitary end) so that a hermetic seal is created. In an
alternative embodiment, sidewalls 20 and bottom end wall 32 are
contiguously formed or molded from a single piece of material.
According to an exemplary embodiment, bottom end wall 32 is
provided with a concave recession adapted to releasably receive a
closure 60. Nesting of closure 60 into bottom end wall 32 thereby
facilitates the orderly vertical stacking of several
containers.
[0037] Closure 60 (e.g., cap, cover, top, lid, etc.) is shown
proximate to neck 40 in FIG. 2 in a cross sectional view to reveal
several internal features, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Closure 60 is shown having a closure underside or interior surface
61 and a maximum closure diameter 65. A closure gasket 62 may be
disposed on closure underside 61 to contact and seal against neck
edge 42. According to an exemplary embodiment, closure 60 has a
vacuum safety button that requires a 5 inch Hg vacuum to verify the
seal is intact. According to various other exemplary embodiments,
the closure may include other tamper evidencing features or no
tamper evidencing features.
[0038] Closure 60 is adapted to cover and seal neck opening 48.
Neck opening 48 is sized such that the maximum diameter 65 of
closure 60 is less than first protective feature diameter 14,
thereby protecting closure 60 from impact with adjacent containers
1A. According to an exemplary twenty-six ounce embodiment, closure
60 may have a maximum diameter of 78 millimeters. According to one
alternative embodiment, closure 60 is a 67 mm diameter closure.
However, closure 60 may be any size appropriate to fit differently
sized neck openings, as required by variations in the neck opening
and/or volumetric size of the container. In alternative
embodiments, closure external diameter 65 is 88 percent of first
protective feature diameter 14. However, closure external diameter
65 may be greater than 88 percent of first protective feature
diameter 14 (i.e., 90 percent, 95 percent, 98 percent) or lesser
than 88 percent of first protective feature diameter 14 (i.e., 85
percent, 80 percent, 70 percent), provided that external closure
diameter 65 is less than first protective feature diameter 14.
[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, closure 60 is a
press-on, vacuum seal closure (e.g., a Dot Top closure). A
press-on, vacuum seal closure refers to a closure that is initially
coupled to a body by a press-on (i.e., placed on) movement, and is
substantially retained on the body by the pressure differential
between the exterior and interior of the container. A vacuum seal
closure is later removed by breaking the vacuum seal formed during
the filling and closing process.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, closure 60 may be provided with a
closure skirt 67 and a closure bottom rim 64. Closure skirt 67 is a
substantially vertical wall portion extending below the
circumference of closure 60. The lower edge of skirt 67 terminates
in a closure bottom rim 64, which may be a rolled edge, a rounded
edge, or a bead of a similar or different material than skirt 67.
Closure skirt 67 may be further provided with one or more lugs 63.
Lugs 63 are indentations or dimples in the circumference of skirt
67 that releasably engage the outer diameter of neck edge 42,
thereby mechanically coupling closure 60 to neck edge 42. After the
initial vacuum seal is broken by a user, lugs 63 permit the user to
reattach closure 60 by popping closure 60 over neck edge 42. A
single lug 63 may extend partially or entirely around the
circumference of skirt 67, or two or more discreet lugs 63 may be
disposed about the circumference of skirt 67. According to an
exemplary embodiment, closure skirt 67 is provided with three lugs
63, each lug having a circumferential length of about 0.3 to 0.5
inches.
[0041] According to other embodiments, closure skirt 67 and bottom
rim 64 are smooth such that bottom rim portion does not have any
lugs, threads, or other structures to mechanically couple closure
60 onto neck 40 and/or neck edge 42. According to various
alternative embodiments, closure 60 may be a plastic closure or
another closure other than metal. According to other alternative
embodiments, closure 60 may be a press-on, twist-off type metal
closure (i.e., push-on/twist-off cap, etc.). A press-on, twist-off
closure refers to a closure that is initially coupled to a body by
a press-on (i.e., push-on) movement, but then is later removed or
reattached to threads configured on neck 40 by a twisting
motion.
[0042] Referring again to FIG. 2, according to an exemplary
embodiment, the metal of closure 60 is between about 0.006 inches
and about 0.012 inches thick. Closure underside 61 may be coated
with a gasket or gasket material 62. According to an exemplary
embodiment, gasket 62 is a plastisol material or compound applied
to closure underside 61. Materials other than plastisol may serve
as the gasket. Plastisol may provide sufficient resistance to acids
of food products that may come into contact with the plastisol, may
permit hot-fill processes to produce a vacuum, and may withstand a
heat-based commercial sterilization or cooking process. A
sufficient amount of the gasket material coats closure underside
61. The plastisol compound need not contain preformed indents or
receiving structures. Rather, steam or another application of heat
is used to soften the plastisol material prior to pressing closure
60 onto neck 40 and neck edge 42 of the container. The difference
between the diameter of the gasket material and the structure of
neck edge 42 cause the softened gasket 62 to move and flow around
neck edge 42 so that the interface between neck edge 42 and closure
underside 61 forms a hermetic seal. Following cooling of the
plastisol, the plastisol stiffens or hardens to create a resilient
foam that maintains the hermetic seal without any additional
mechanical restraint.
[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, gasket 62 specifically
comprises a plastisol compound that may be characterized as a "508
compound" or similar material. Gasket 62 may be a liquid applied
gasket or any other suitable gasket material. Material comprising
gasket 62 may alternatively or additionally be applied to neck edge
42 prior to coupling with closure 60.
[0044] The user of various exemplary embodiments of a container
described throughout this application may open the container by
applying a lifting force to a point on the circumference of closure
bottom rim 64. Closure 60 will thereby be directed upward relative
to body 10, breaking the vacuum seal and releasing closure 60 from
body 10. In an alternative embodiments, a pressure release hole 66
and plug 68 (e.g., a Dot Top) may optionally be incorporated into
closure 60 to provide an alternate method of breaking the vacuum
seal and releasing closure 60 from body 10.
[0045] Container 1 may be formed by stretching, rolling, welding,
molding, or any other forming process. During the manufacturing
process, the container may also be washed and coated as required
for workability, cleanliness of the container, and longevity of the
container surfaces when subjected to container contents, liquids,
and/or air.
[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment, the container may be a
three-piece can wherein a flat blank or sheet of material is shaped
or bent until a first side and a second side of the shaped sheet
may be welded together. According to various alternative
embodiments, although the container includes a closure at the top
end, and a bottom end part at the bottom end, the container
embodies a 2-piece can in that one continuous blank of material
forms the container body, neck, and protective features and a
vertical seam or weld line does not run down the side wall of the
container.
[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the container material
is pre-coated before the forming process. According to various
other exemplary embodiments, the interior and/or exterior of the
container are coated with a preservative organic coating after the
container is formed or substantially formed. Coating may be applied
via spraying or any other suitable method. Different coatings may
be provided for different food applications. The coating material
may be a vinyl, polyester, epoxy, and/or other suitable
preservative spray.
[0048] According to various other embodiments, a container kit may
be provided utilizing various containers and closures described
herein. A container kit may comprise a container body, blanks used
to form a container body, a closure, and/or gasket material.
[0049] Processing may include steps of controllably ramping up
temperature, cooking, and then controllably bringing temperature
down or dropping temperature. As the container and the food inside
the container are heated, the food is commercially sterilized (made
shelf-stable) so that the food does not bacteriologically
spoil.
[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, a container as
described herein may be used with a hot fill process. In a hot fill
process, hot food is added to a container and a closure 60 is
coupled to body 10 at neck edge 42. Gasket 62 may be pre-warmed to
soften the gasket material, or it may be warmed by contact with a
hot container. When closure 60 is coupled to body 10, a seal is
formed by the gasket material deforming and flowing around neck
edge 42. As the gasket cools, it hardens and forms around neck edge
42 and resembles a resilient foam. As the container begins cooling,
a negative pressure relationship or a vacuum develops on the
container interior. A strong vacuum (e.g., 19 inHg to 22 inHg) is
thereby formed between closure 60 and container body 10 that holds
the closure onto the body and maintains the hermetic seal.
According to various other exemplary embodiments, a weaker or
stronger vacuum sufficient to maintain lid to container integrity
may be created and maintained. Control of product characteristics
(e.g. air content, temperature), closure conditions, overall
container temperature, container headspace, steam supplementation,
and thermal process conditions may be used to yield a weaker or
stronger vacuum.
[0051] The container disclosed herein may be further subjected to a
thermal process. A thermal process may generally be characterized
as a process of subjecting the filled and closed container to a
cooking or sterilization process within a closed or open vessel
containing a heating medium having different heat, time, and
pressure variables sufficient to substantially sterilize the
interior and contents of the food container. In an exemplary
embodiment, the thermal processes is an overpressure thermal retort
process, where pressure outside the container is substantially
matched or slightly exceeded relative to the pressure that builds
on the inside of the container due to heating a sealed container.
Overpressure thermal retort processes may generally include
inserting a filled and closed container (or group of containers)
into a retort vessel that heats the container via steam, water,
steam/air, or a combination of steam and water or steam and air and
provides external overpressure to prevent container deformation,
breakage, or separation of closure 60 from body 10 due to pressure
build-up inside the container.
[0052] During a thermal retort process, the container and the food
inside the container will be brought to a temperature of about at
least 200 degrees Fahrenheit. According to various exemplary
embodiments, a thermal retort process may include bringing the
container to a temperature of between 220 degrees Fahrenheit and
275 degrees Fahrenheit. According to yet other embodiments, a
thermal retort process includes bringing the container to a
temperature of at least 240 degrees Fahrenheit. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the container and closure should be able to
withstand a thermal retort process of about 250 degrees Fahrenheit
with about 32 pounds per square inch of total pressure (15 psi
process pressure plus 17 psi overriding pressure) for a period of
about 45 minutes and a 3 pounds per square inch differential
between overriding pressure and internal pressure.
[0053] The specifications of the thermal retort process will vary
depending on the food being cooked, heating medium, the machinery
(e.g., retort vessel) being used, the amount of agitation used with
the heat, and any number of other variables. It may be desirable to
cook different types of food to certain different minimum
temperatures for certain different minimum amounts of time to
ensure commercial sterilization or "shelf stability". A container
and closure of the present application should be able to withstand
a variety of typical temperature, time, and pressure levels such
that the container may be considered suitable for use with a
thermal retort process for a wide variety of foodstuffs, including,
for example, adult nutritional drinks, to those skilled in the art
of food sterilization using a retort process.
[0054] In another embodiment, a container as described herein may
be used with a non-thermal process. In a non-thermal process, food
is added to a container at an ambient temperature, such as 65
degrees Fahrenheit. The container and contents are subjected to a
strong vacuum (e.g., 19 inHg to 22 inHg), and a closure is attached
to the container. Gasket 62 may be pre-warmed to soften the gasket
material. When closure 60 is coupled to body 10, a seal is formed
by the gasket material deforming and flowing around neck edge 42.
As the gasket cools, it hardens and forms around neck edge 42 and
resembles a resilient foam. After the seal is formed, the pressure
outside the container may be returned to a standard atmospheric
pressure. The closure and seal preserve the vacuum inside the
container, thereby retaining the closure against the body until the
vacuum seal is broken.
[0055] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures
and described herein are presently preferred, it should be
understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example
only. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a
particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that
nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. The
order or sequence of any processes or method steps may be varied or
re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.
[0056] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the container as shown in the various exemplary
embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments
have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in
the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that
many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,
dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various
elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of
materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter
recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the
position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the
nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered
or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present application. The order or
sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or
re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims,
any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in
the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary
embodiments without departing from the scope of the present
application.
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