U.S. patent application number 12/373689 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for packaging article.
Invention is credited to Peter Antony Farrar, Anthony Fraser, John Hein.
Application Number | 20100089864 12/373689 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37006069 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100089864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fraser; Anthony ; et
al. |
April 15, 2010 |
PACKAGING ARTICLE
Abstract
A container comprising a container body (1) including an opening
(4), a cap (5) to close the opening (4) and a collar (6), the
collar (6) being arranged to fit between the container body (1) and
the cap (5) so as to secure the cap (5) to the container body (1),
the collar (6) being moveable between a contracted configuration
and an expanded configuration such that circumferential parts (7B)
thereof are radially movable between inner and outer positions in
the contracted and expanded configurations, the collar (6) and cap
(5) being provided with mutually engageable parts (7, 5D, 5E, 5F)
permitting rotation of the cap (5) relative to the collar (6), said
rotation causing and/or permitting movement of the collar (6)
between the contracted and expanded configurations.
Inventors: |
Fraser; Anthony; (Rutland,
GB) ; Farrar; Peter Antony; (Leeds, GB) ;
Hein; John; (Leeds, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP
1825 EYE STREET NW
Washington
DC
20006-5403
US
|
Family ID: |
37006069 |
Appl. No.: |
12/373689 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB07/02838 |
371 Date: |
December 28, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/329 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 25, 2006 |
GB |
0614702.9 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A container comprising a container body including an opening
and having an externally projecting lip around said opening, a cap
to close the opening and a collar, the collar being arranged to fit
between the container body and the cap so as to secure the cap to
the container body, the collar being moveable between a contracted
configuration and an expanded configuration such that
circumferentially extending parts of the collar are radially
movable between inner and outer positions in the contracted and
expanded configurations, the collar being mountable over the
projecting lip in the expanded configuration and the collar, or at
least parts thereof, being enagageable with an underside of the lip
in the contracted configuration, the collar and cap being provided
with mutually engageable parts permitting rotation of the cap
relative to the collar, said rotation causing and/or permitting
movement of the collar between the contracted and expanded
configurations.
20. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the collar
comprises a ring, the diameter of which is reduced or enlarged to
move between said contracted or expanded configurations.
21. A container as claimed in claim 20 in which the circumference
of the ring can be reduced or enlarged so as to reduce or enlarge
its diameter.
22. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the cap and collar
are initially pre-assembled wherein the collar is mounted over said
projecting lip whilst assembled with the cap.
23. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the collar is
disposed removable from the container body together with the
cap.
24. A container as claimed in claim 20 in which an upper edge of
the ring engages the underside of the lip.
25. A container as claimed in claim 24 in which substantially the
entire ring engages under the lip.
26. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the collar
comprises a ring with a break in it which permits the collar to
move between expanded and contracted configurations.
27. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the collar
comprises a ring at least portions of which are resiliently
circumferentially extendable such that the collar can move between
expanded and contracted configurations.
28. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the collar has a
plurality of circumferentially extending radially movable parts
which engage under the lip in the contracted configuration.
29. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which, in use, after
being moved to the contracted configuration, the resilience of the
collar, or parts thereof, moves the collar back to the expanded
configuration.
30. A container as claimed in claim 19 in which the collar has one
or more inwardly directed projections for engaging one or more stop
features on the container body so as to inhibit rotation on the
collar relative to the container body at least in the tightening
direction.
31. A container as claimed in claim 30 in which said stop feature
comprises one or more shallow recesses in an external wall of the
container body.
32. A container as claimed in claim 30 in which said stop feature
comprises one or more projections immediately beneath a lip of the
container body.
33. A combination for closing an opening of a container body having
an externally projecting lip around the opening, the combination
comprising a cap and a collar, the collar being arranged to fit
between the container body and the cap so as to secure the cap to
the container body, the collar being moveable between a contracted
configuration and an expanded configuration such that
circumferentially extending parts of the collar are radially
movable between inner and outer positions in the contracted and
expanded configurations, the collar being mountable over the
projecting lip in the expanded configuration and the collar, or at
least parts thereof, being engageable with an underside of the lip
in the contracted configuration, the collar and cap being provided
with mutually engageable parts permitting rotation of the cap
relative to the collar, said rotation causing and/or permitting
movement of the collar between the contracted and expanded
configurations.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to containers, and
particularly relates to containers for supplying beverages to
consumers. The invention has particular utility for the storage and
supply of carbonated and other sparkling drinks, but is also
suitable for use with other types of drinks or other materials. The
invention also relates to container bodies, a cap and the
combination of a cap and collar for providing such containers.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Containers that have a separate ring or collar carrying a
screw thread for securing a cap to the container, are known from
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,603,472 and 4,576,296, International Patent
Application WO 84/01763, and European Patent Application EP
0517676, for example. The applicants have also proposed containers
with cap-on-collar closures as described, for example, in
WO2006/000774 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide improvements over
containers such as those disclosed in WO 2006/000774.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a container comprising a container body including an
opening, a cap to close the opening and a collar, the collar being
arranged to fit between the container body and the cap so as to
secure the cap to the container body, the collar being moveable
between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration
such that circumferential parts thereof are radially moveable
between inner and outer positions in the contracted and expanded
configurations, the collar and cap being provided with mutually
engageable parts permitting rotation of the cap relative to the
collar, said rotation causing and/or permitting movement of the
collar between the contracted and expanded configurations.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the collar comprises a ring with
a break in it which permits the collar to move between expanded and
contracted configurations.
[0006] In an alternative embodiment, the collar comprises a ring at
least portions of which are resiliently circumferentially
extendable such that the collar can move between expanded and
contracted configurations.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a cap and a collar for use in providing a container as
described above. The collar may be pre-assembled within the cap.
The cap and collar may be arranged so as to be manufactured as a
single component and then separated either before or after the
collar has been assembled within the cap. The cap and collar may be
joined by interconnecting parts which are ruptured as the cap is
rotated relative to the collar.
[0008] Further optional and preferred features of the invention
will be apparent from the following description and from the
drawings.
[0009] The present invention also extends to other novel
combinations of features described herein and is not limited to the
inventions referred to above.
[0010] An advantage of the invention is that by providing a collar
on a container body, to which a cap may be secured in order to
close the container, which collar preferably may be removed from
the container body, the container body can be made free from
exterior threads or other securement means for securing the cap
thereto. Providing a beverage container that is substantially free
from exterior threads or other securement means enables the
provision of a truly practical beverage container from which
consumers may drink directly. This is because the presence of
threads adjacent to the opening is a major reason for bottles and
known wide-mouth containers being impractical as truly acceptable
drinking vessels for consumers.
[0011] For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that the
term "collar" as used in this specification does not include known
cap-like parts that extend across openings in containers.
[0012] Other advantages that the present invention can (at least in
some embodiments) provide, include the following:
[0013] De-coupling the method of securing the cap to the container
body (i.e. via the collar) from any method of sealing the container
(e.g. via a seal provided between the cap and the container body).
This is to be contrasted from known containers in which an inner
cap-like part both provides a seal against the container body and
contributes to the securing of an outer cap to the container body,
for example. Such de-coupling can often provide both better sealing
and better securement.
[0014] The placing of the means of securing the cap to the
container body (i.e. the collar, or parts of the collar) under
compression (between part of the cap and part of the container
body) rather than under tension. This is to be contrasted from
known containers in which an inner cap-like part contributes to the
securing of an outer cap to the container body, via parts of the
inner cap-like part that are placed under tension. The placing of
securing parts under compression rather than under tension can
often provide stronger securement.
[0015] Preferably, the container body of the invention includes one
or more retaining parts by which the collar is retained on the
container body until removal of the cap causes the collar to be
removed or removable from the container body. Advantageously, the
retaining part may be a rim or lip of the container body,
preferably a radially-outwardly projecting lip. Preferably, the
collar is retained on the container body by being trapped beneath
the lip or other retaining part of the container body.
[0016] Preferably, the collar comprises a plurality of radially
movable features arranged spaced-apart from each other along the
circumferential extent thereof, and the cap and the collar include
cooperating securement means by which the cap may be secured to the
collar.
[0017] Preferably, the radially movable features of the collar are
indirectly connected to each other by means of a ring portion of
the collar to which the said features are directly connected. The
radially movable features of the collar preferably include
radially-inwardly projecting shoulders which preferably engage with
the lip or other retaining part of the container body to retain the
collar thereon.
[0018] The cap is releasably securable to the container body via
the collar, preferably by means of a threaded engagement with the
collar. Consequently, the (or each) securement means of the collar
and/or the cap preferably is a thread. The threaded engagement may
comprise a screw-threaded engagement. Preferably, however, the
threaded engagement is a bayonet-style engagement. The term
"thread" as used herein includes (at least in the broadest aspects
of the invention) continuous and discontinuous threads, (e.g.
continuous and discontinuous screw threads), and bayonet-style
threads, for example. Threads used in relation to the invention
may, for example, comprise a plurality of segments (each thread
segment comprising a said securement means), in which case the
thread may be discontinuous (e.g. a discontinuous screw-thread or a
bayonet-thread), or it may be substantially continuous because the
effect is that of a substantially continuous screw-thread
pattern.
[0019] The use of thread features comprising a plurality of
circumferentially spaced apart components reduces the torque
required to release the cap. This is of particular importance with
a wide mouth container otherwise the torque required to unscrew the
closure may be difficult for a user to apply by hand.
[0020] The opening of the container body is preferably a wide-mouth
opening. By a "wide-mouth opening" is meant (at least in its
broadest sense) an opening of a size suitable for a person to drink
from the container in the same manner as from a drinks glass or
similar drinking vessel. That is, in its broadest sense, the
wide-mouth opening of the container (for embodiments of the
invention having a wide-mouth opening) generally renders the
container suitable as a drinking vessel from which a beverage
supplied in the container may be conveniently drunk (in contrast to
conventional narrow-necked bottles and ring-pull cans which
generally are not regarded as comfortable drinking vessels). In
practice, this requirement means that the diameter of the
wide-mouth opening of the container will normally need to be at
least 40 mm, preferably at least 45 mm, and more preferably at
least 50 mm. Additionally, an excessively wide opening is generally
difficult for the consumer to drink from, and thus the wide-mouth
opening preferably has a diameter no greater than 150 mm, more
preferably no greater than 100 mm, and especially no greater than
80 mm. A particularly preferred diameter range for the wide-mouth
opening is 50 to 80 mm, and examples of particular preferred
diameters include 53 mm and 63 mm.
[0021] Alternatively, the opening of the container body may be a
narrow-mouth opening, e.g. a bottle-type opening. Such an opening
may have a diameter of less than 40 mm, for example. Conventional
standard bottle mouth sizes include diameters of 28 mm and 38 mm,
and the opening of the container body of some embodiments of the
present invention may have such a diameter.
[0022] The container body preferably has no thread or thread
segments on its exterior. Consequently, the container body
preferably is comfortable for a consumer to drink directly from the
container body.
[0023] A wide variety of thread forms for securing the cap to the
container body via the collar, is possible. As indicated at the
beginning of this specification, at least some embodiments of the
invention are intended for the storage and supply of carbonated and
other sparkling drinks, for example beers, ciders, sparkling wines
(including champagne), other fizzy alcoholic beverages, and
non-alcoholic fizzy and sparkling beverages, including sparkling
water and carbonated soft drinks. For such beverages, it is
preferred for the engagement between the cap and the collar to
include provision for gas venting upon partial removal of the cap
from the container body, to prevent so-called "missiling" of the
cap whereby the cap is violently ejected from the container body as
the container is opened, by the gas pressure of the contents of the
container.
[0024] Advantageously, therefore, the collar and the cap may
include means, preferably engageable elements, to block or restrict
removal of the cap from the collar beyond an intermediate position
(between fully secured and fully released) when the cap is under an
axial pressure in a direction emerging from the container body.
[0025] Preferably the cap, the collar and the container body are
constructed and arranged to provide a vent for venting gas from the
container body at least when the cap is in an intermediate position
(between fully secured and fully released).
[0026] Preferably, the act of removal of the cap from the container
body causes the collar to be removed from the container body causes
the collar to be removed from the container body together with the
cap. That is, the collar may be removed from the container body
together with the cap.
[0027] In some embodiments of the invention, the cap and/or the
collar may include tamper-evident means (e.g. a tamper-evident
band). Preferably the tamper-evident means is ruptured or removed
from the cap or the collar (respectively) by the act of removal of
the cap from the container body. Advantageously, the tamper-evident
means and/or the collar may include means to prevent the cap from
accidentally unscrewing from the collar under the influence of
pressurization within the container (e.g. due to a pressurized
beverage held in the container).
[0028] Embodiments of the invention preferably include sealing
means to seal the container. Such sealing means may comprise part
of the cap and/or the container body and/or the collar and/or a
separate component, for example. Preferred sealing means include
sealing flanges and/or other sealing members, for example gaskets
and the like. Another possible sealing member is a membrane seal,
for example comprising a metal foil seal (e.g. formed from
aluminium foil), which may optionally be provided with one or more
polymer layers on one or both major surfaces thereof. The foil seal
may provide an excellent gas barrier, for example. Advantageously,
the use of a metal foil seal may enable the formation of a seal by
induction heating, e.g. by bonding one or more polymer layers to
the container body and/or to the cap. The foil seal or other
membrane seal may be provided on the cap and/or the container body
and/or the collar and/or separately.
[0029] The container and its components may be made from any
suitable material, including metal and/or glass and/or polymer
material. Polymer materials are generally preferred for the cap and
the collar, especially polyolefins, e.g. polyethylene or
polypropylene. The container body preferably is formed from glass
or polymer material, especially a polyolefin, e.g. polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). The closure may also be formed of polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). The polymeric components preferably are formed
by moulding, especially injection moulding and/or blow
moulding.
[0030] The invention will now be further described, merely by way
of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a container
according to the invention showing a cap secured to a container
body;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 1
showing a cap, collar and container body;
[0033] FIG. 3 shows sectional views of the cap and collar of FIG. 1
and a side view of part of the container body;
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a perspective, sectioned view of the cap and
collar, with the collar fitted within the cap (prior to fitting to
a container body) and a perspective view of part of the container
body;
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a perspective, sectioned view of the cap and
collar when secured to the container body;
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 5
but with only the cap shown sectioned, the collar being shown in an
open position;
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 6
with the collar shown in a deflected position;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a collar as used in the first
embodiment, shown in the open position;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the collar as used in the first
embodiment, shown in the deflected position;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a side view of a second embodiment of a container
according to the invention showing a cap secured to a container
body;
[0041] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 10
showing a cap, collar and container body;
[0042] FIG. 12 shows sectional views of the cap and collar of FIG.
10 and a side view of part of the container body;
[0043] FIG. 13 shows a perspective, sectioned view of the cap and
collar, with the collar fitted within the cap (prior to fitting to
a container body) and a perspective view of part of the container
body;
[0044] FIG. 14 shows a perspective, sectioned view of the cap and
collar when secured to the container body, the collar being shown
in an open position;
[0045] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 14
with the collar shown in a closed position:
[0046] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a collar as used in the second
embodiment, shown in the open position;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the collar as used in the second
embodiment, shown in the closed position;
[0048] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a collar that can be used
in a third embodiment of the invention:
[0049] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another form of container
body that may be used in the above embodiments; and
[0050] FIG. 20 is a side view of the container shown in FIG.
19.
[0051] The Figures illustrate a wide mouth container and closure
which is particularly suited to holding and transporting a
sparkling beverage and, once opened, the container provides a
vessel from which a user can comfortably drink. The closure may
also be re-applied to the container should the user only consume
part of the beverage and wish to re-seal the container for later
use.
[0052] FIGS. 1-9 show a first embodiment of a container according
to the invention. The container body 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9
comprises a wall 2 with a rim 3 around its upper end defining a
wide mouth opening 4 through which the container body 1 can be
filled and through which a beverage can be dispensed or consumed.
The rim 3 comprises a lip which projects radially outwards from the
container wall 2.
[0053] The closure comprises a cap 5 having an upper circular
portion 5A for closing the opening 4 of the container body 1 and a
skirt portion 5B depending from the perimeter of the circular
portion 5A. The closure also comprises a collar 6 in the form of a
ring with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radially
movable portions 7 provided therein.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the mouth of the container body 1 has
a particularly simple and clean form compared to containers such as
those described in WO-2006/000774. The lip 3 has a smooth, curved
outer surface 3A and a substantially flat, horizontal underside 3B.
The exterior wall of the container body 1 is also generally smooth
and free of features apart from one or more small depressions or
recesses 2A at positions spaced from the lip 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).
Typically, the recesses 2A may be 2-5 mm wide (in the direction of
the circumference of the container) and 2-5 mm high (in a direction
parallel to the axis of the container) and less than 1-2 mm deep
(in a radial direction). Preferably, a single recess 2A or a small
number of recesses 2A are provided at spaced apart locations around
the circumference of the container, e.g. two at 180 degree spacing,
three at 120 degree spacing or four at 90 degree spacing. The
recesses 2A are spaced from the lip 3 by a distance corresponding
to, but slightly less, than the length of the skirt portion 5B of
the cap 5 (in a direction parallel to the axis of the cap).
Typically, for this type of container, the recesses 2A may be 4-7
mm beneath the underside of lip 3. The container body 1 thus has a
mouth which is comfortable to drink from in the manner of a
conventional glass or drinking vessel. However, the recesses 2A are
so small that they have little effect on the comfort of drinking
from the container and may be in other embodiments be positioned
immediately beneath the lip 3.
[0055] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the shape of the cap 5 used to close
the container body 1. The upper surface of the circular portion 5A
of the cap may be smooth and, in use, branding information may be
provided thereon (either directly on the cap or by means of a label
affixed thereto). The exterior surface of the skirt portion 5B is
provided with ribs 5C, or other formations, to provide more grip
for a user's hand. These may be formed by grooves in the skirt
portion 5B and/or by ribs projecting therefrom.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface of the cap 5 is
provided with a number of features. First, it has a plurality of
circumferentially spaced apart deep recesses or pockets 5D and,
second, a series of circumferentially extending shallower recesses
5E with ramps 5F between each pair of recesses 5D and 5E. It also
has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses or
cut-outs 5H, towards the distal end of the skirt portion 5B to
lighten the cap 5. It will be appreciated that ramps 5F and
shallower recesses 5E project radially inwards relative to the deep
recesses 5D and, in that sense, project from the inner surface of
the cap. These features, in effect, provide cam surfaces. The
functions of these various features will be described further
below.
[0057] FIGS. 2-9 illustrate the shape of the collar 6 which is used
to enable the cap 5 to be secured to the container body 1. The
collar 6 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radially
movable portions 7. Each of these portions 7 has an externally
projecting surface 7A and an internal surface 7B. The portions 7
are each provided between a pair of circumferential slots 7C, 7D
extending about 40-45 degrees around the collar 6 and are joined at
their ends to the ring by a flexible connection 7E, 7F, e.g. a
living hinge.
[0058] The portions 7 are arranged so as to be radially movable
between an open (radially outward) position as shown in FIGS. 2-6
and FIG. 8 and an inwardly deflected (radially inward) position as
show in FIGS. 7 and 9 by flexure about said flexible connections
7E, 7F. The portions 7 are preferably resiliently biased towards
the radially outward position so that they naturally revert to this
position unless a radially inward force is applied to hold them in
the radially inward position. In an alternative arrangement, they
may be arranged to snap between the radially outward and the
radially inward position when subjected to radially outward and
radially inward forces respectively.
[0059] As shown most clearly in FIG. 8, when the portions 7 are in
the radially outward position they project radially outward from
the outer surface of the collar ring whereas the inner surface of
the collar ring is substantially smooth and substantially circular.
In contrast, in the radially inward position (shown most clearly in
FIG. 9), the portions project radially inwardly from the inner
surface of the collar ring (they also project outwardly from the
collar ring but to a smaller extent than when in the radially
outward position). When in the radially outward position, the
portions 7 lie at a diameter similar to or slightly greater than
the maximum diameter of the container lip 3 so the collar can be
fitted over the lip. However, in the radially inward position, the
inner parts of the portions 7 lie at a smaller diameter than the
maximum diameter of the lip 3 such that the collar 6 is trapped
beneath the lip 3 of the container.
[0060] The collar 6 also has inwardly directed projections 9 for
engaging in the recesses 2A in the external surface of the
container body. Preferably, the number of projections 9 corresponds
to the number of recesses 2A but this need not be the case. In a
preferred arrangement, each projection 9 comprises a radial arm 9
extending inwardly from the collar 6, eg as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and
8-9. These may have a triangular form when viewed from above, eg as
shown in FIGS. 8-9, with a perpendicular face on one side to engage
a side surface of a recess 2A to inhibit rotation of the collar
relative to the container and an inclined face on the other side to
lead the arm 9 out of the recess 2A when the collar is rotated in
the loosening direction.
[0061] End faces 7G of the portions 7 provide the collar 6 with a
series of stops which limit the extent by which the collar 6 can be
rotated relative to the cap 5 in the loosening direction by
engaging end faces 5H at the ends of the deep recesses 5D (see FIG.
3) on the cap 5. Smaller end faces 7H of the portions 7 provide
stops which prevent over-tightening of the cap on the collar by
engaging end faces 5I at the ends of shallow recesses 5E.
[0062] The lower surfaces of portion 7 on the collar 6 are arranged
to engage the lower surfaces of ramps 5E of the cap 5 in a manner
such that upon rotation of the cap 5 in the tightening direction
relative to the collar 6, the cap 5 is moved axially relative to
the collar 6 so the cap 5 can be brought into sealing contact with
the lip 3 (either directly or via a sealing member), the engaging
surfaces being shaped or inclined so as to provide axial movement,
e.g. of 0.75-2.0 mm, upon rotational movement, e.g. of 20-40
degrees, therebetween.
[0063] To assemble the container body and closure, the collar 6 is
preferably first fitted into the cap 5 as shown in FIG. 4. Once
fitted therein, the collar 6 is recessed within the cap 5 and does
not project beyond the end of the skirt portion 5B (unlike the
arrangements described in WO 2006/000774). This improves the
appearance of the closure and the user need not handle the collar 6
when operating the closure. A sealing member (if used) may be
assembled in the cap 5 either before or after assembly of the
collar 6 with the cap 5.
[0064] The collar 6 is initially assembled with the cap 5 with the
radially movable portions 7 located in the recesses 5D. The collar
6 can be easily mounted within the cap 5 in this position by
axially inserting the collar 6 into the cap 5 with the portions 7
aligned with the recesses 5D. The upper surfaces of the portions 7
are chamfered to assist the portions 7 to flex radially inwards
until they snap into place in the recesses 5D. Location of the
radially outer parts of moveable portions 7 within the recesses 5D
in the cap serves to retain the collar 6 within the cap 5.
[0065] In this initial position, the portions 7 lie in their
radially outward positions so the cap 5 with collar 6 assembled
therein can be installed axially onto container 1 over the lip 3.
The cap 5 and collar 6 are then rotated on the container body in
the tightening direction until the projections 9 on the collar
engage in the respective recesses 2A in the container as shown in
FIG. 5. Engagement of the projection 9 in the recesses 2A
effectively prevents further rotation of the collar 6 relative to
the container body 1 (the projection 9 and recesses 2A each being
provided with substantially flat vertical sides which engage each
other to prevent such rotation). FIG. 6 shows the collar 6 in its
open position in the container prior to the cap 5 being
tightened.
[0066] If the cap 5 is then rotated in the tightening direction
(clockwise when viewed from above), the cap 5 rotates relative to
the collar 6 and the container body 1. Rotation of the cap 5
relative to the collar 6 moves the portions 7 up the ramps 5F from
recesses 5D to recesses 5E so urging the portions 7 to a radially
inward position in which they are engaged with the underside 3B of
the lip 3. The portions 7 of the collar 6 then slide over the
inclined lower surfaces of the recesses 5E so that the cap 5 is
axially tightened down onto the lip 3 of the container body so as
to seal the opening 4 of container body. By this means, the collar
6, and hence the cap 5, is securely held on the container body 1.
This position is illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0067] To remove the closure, the cap 5 is rotated in the loosening
direction (anti-clockwise when viewed from above) relative to the
collar 6 and the container body 1. During this unscrewing movement,
the portions 7 slide back along the lower surface of recesses 5E so
that the cap 5 is no longer urged downwards into tight engagement
with the lip 3 and the portions 7 move back down the ramps 5F into
the deep recesses 5D so they are able to revert to their radially
outward position. Once they reach a radial position in which the
portions 7 are no longer engaged beneath the lip 3, the cap 5 and
collar 6 are free to be lifted axially away from the container body
1. The cap 3 is free to lift slightly, eg due to elevated pressure
within the container, in order to vent the container as the
portions slide within the recesses 5E. This is preferably arranged
to occur before the portions 7 are fully disengaged from the lip 3
to reduce the risk of the cap 5 missiling away from the container
body 1. Alternatively, other venting means (not shown) may be
provided to reduce this risk. Venting the internal pressure also
helps reduce the torque required to unscrew the cap 5.
[0068] The upper surfaces of the recesses 2A are preferably
perpendicular to the wall of the container so the projections 9
cannot disengage therefrom easily in the vertical direction to
provide additional protection against the cap blowing off the
container. A side surface of the projection 9 and/or of the
recesses 2A is, however, inclined or chamfered to assist movement
of the projections 9 out of the recesses 2A as the collar is
rotated in the loosening direction.
[0069] If desired, the closure can be re-fitted to the container
body 1 by axially pressing it onto the lip 3, rotating to engage
the projections 9 with the location recesses 2A then rotating the
cap 5 to seal it onto the lip 3.
[0070] FIGS. 10-17 show a second embodiment of a container
according to the present invention comprising a container body 11
and a closure therefore comprising a cap 15 and collar 16.
[0071] The container body 11 is similar to that of the first
embodiment although, as shown in FIG. 10, it has a continuously
tapered form such that the mouth of the container body 11 is the
broadest part of the container body 11 (rather than a bulge in the
wall of the container body spaced from the mouth as shown in FIG.
1). The container body 11 again has a lip 13 around its mouth which
projects radially outwards from the container body.
[0072] The cap 15 is also similar to that of the first embodiment
and has deep recesses 15D, shallow recesses 15E, ramps 15F and end
faces 15G and 15I in the inner surface of the skirt portion 15B
similar to those of the first embodiment.
[0073] The collar 16 of the second embodiment is, however,
different from that of the first embodiment. The collar 16
comprises a ring 16A with a break 16B in it. The collar naturally
assumes an open position (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16) in which
there is only a small degree of overlap between the ends 16C, 16D
of the ring 16A but can be flexed to a closed position (as shown in
FIGS. 15 and 17) in which the ends 16C, 16D of the ring 16A
overlaps to a greater extent. It will be appreciated that in the
closed position (FIG. 17) the collar 16 has a smaller diameter than
in the open position (FIG. 16).
[0074] The collar 16 has a plurality of spaced apart radially
moveable portions 17 provided thereon. These correspond to the
portions 7 of the first embodiment as best illustrated by comparing
FIG. 16 with FIG. 8. These portions 17 interact with the features
on the inner surface of the skirt 15B of the cap 15 in a similar
manner to that described above for the corresponding features of
the first embodiment. The essential difference between the first
and second embodiments is that in the second embodiment, the
portions 17 move radially inwards and outwards as a result of the
ring 16A moving between closed and open positions as described
above rather than flexing of individual parts of the collar as in
the first embodiment. Also, in the closed position, the entire ring
16A engages under the lip 13 to secure the closure to the container
body rather than just localised portions thereof which have been
flexed inwards as in the first embodiment. FIG. 15 shows the collar
16 in the closed position engaged beneath the lip 13 to secure the
closure on the container body 11.
[0075] When the closure is to be released, the cap 15 is rotated
relative to the collar 16 in the unscrewing direction (as in the
first embodiment) whereupon the collar 16 expands to its open
position (by virtue of its own resilience) so that the upper edge
of the collar 16 disengages from the underside of the lip 13. FIG.
16 shows the collar 16 in this open position. The closure can then
be lifted away from the container body 11.
[0076] It will be appreciated that as the ends 16C, 16D of the
collar 16 overlap, the circumferential spacing of the portions 17,
particularly those closest to the break 16B, will reduce. The
portions 17 are thus positioned on the ring 16A so that when the
collar 16 is in its contracted state, they are substantially
equally spaced around the circumference of the collar 16 (as shown
in FIG. 17). This means that, when the collar is in the expanded
state, the portions 17, especially those nearest the break 16B,
will not be equally spaced around the ring 16A (as shown in FIG.
16). The circumferential lengths of the recesses 15D, 15E in the
cap 15 are thus also preferably varied to accommodate this, eg by
gradually increasing the lengths of the deep recesses 15D around
the cap whilst ensuring the shallow recesses 15E are of sufficient
length to securely engage the portions 17 of the collar in the
contracted configuration.
[0077] The collar 16 is also provided with an inwardly extending,
resilient, radial arm 19 for engaging in a recess 12A in the
exterior surface of the container body 11 to inhibit rotation of
the collar 16 relative to the container body 11. When the arm 19 is
engaged in the recess 12A and the collar 16 is in the closed
position, the arm 19 is compressed against the inner surface of the
ring 16A as illustrated in FIG. 17 but still engages side faces of
the recess 12A to prevent rotation of the collar 16 on the
container body. Preferably the arm 19 remains in this compressed
position upon expansion of the collar 16 so it does not inhibit
removal of the collar from the container. The end of the arm is
also preferably shaped so as to help it ride out of the recess 12A
as the collar is lifted off the container. As shown, in this
embodiment, the recess 12A may be provided immediately beneath the
lip 13 of the container body.
[0078] FIG. 18 illustrates a collar 26 that can be used in a
further embodiment. In this case, the collar 26 is resiliently
expandable between an inner position in which it or portions
thereof engage under a lip of a container and an outer, expanded
position in which it disengages from the lip so it can be lifted
off the container. In the example shown, the collar 26 comprises a
plurality of circumferentially spaced apart portions 26A each of
which carries thread portions 27 on an outwardly facing surface for
engaging features on the inner surface of a cap and projections 28
on an inwardly facing surface for engaging under the lip of the
container. The portions 26A of the collar are joined by resilient
connections 26B which can be resiliently extended such that the
circumference, and hence the diameter, of the collar 26 can expand
and contract. It will be appreciated that as the circumference of
the collar 26 increases and decreases, parts thereof are moved
radially outward and inward as in the previous embodiments.
[0079] FIG. 18 shows the resilient connections 26B as being
narrower than the portions 26A but they may also be of similar
dimensions so that collar is in the form of a ring with
substantially parallel upper and lower edges (as in the first and
second embodiments). Preferably the upper and lower edges are
substantially smooth. The resilience of connections 26B is
indicated schematically by serpentine lines in FIG. 18.
[0080] The resilient connections 26B can take a variety of forms.
In one possible form they comprise one or more zig-zag connections,
which can expand and contract in the manner of a concertina.
[0081] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a further form of container body 32
that may be used in place of those described in the above
embodiments. The stop feature which co-operates with radial arms
(or other inward projection) on the collar to inhibit rotation of
the collar relative to the container body 32 is, in this case,
provided by a projections 34 provided immediately beneath the lip
33 of the container body 32 (instead of recesses in a wall of the
container body). Two such projections 34 would typically be
provided spaced 180 degrees apart around the lip of the container
(only one projection being visible in the drawings).
[0082] Each projection has a face 34A at one end thereof which
extends substantially radially outward from the wall of the
container body to engage a radial arm of the collar as the latter
is rotated in the tightening direction in order to limit rotation
of the collar in this direction as the closure is being tightened
onto the container body. The other end 34B preferably has a tapered
or inclined form such that, when the closure and hence the collar
is rotated in the loosening direction, the arm 19 on the collar is
able to ride up the projection 34 so the arm 19 is moved radially
outwards in order to assist in detachment of the collar from the
container body 32. However, in some cases, this tapered or inclined
form may not be necessary to assist in removing the collar from the
container body.
[0083] Other forms of stop feature may be provided on the container
and, in particular, as part of the container lip as illustrated,
for example, in WO2006/000774 referred to above.
[0084] Each of the above embodiments employs components which lie
in the circumferential direction of the collar to provide features
which can be moved radially inwards and outwards. This is in
contrast to arrangements having flaps or features extending axially
from a ring to provide this function.
[0085] The illustrated embodiments each have eight
circumferentially spaced apart features on the collar but it will
be appreciated that a smaller or greater number of such features
can be used. The number of such features used may depend on the
circumference of the container mouth. Preferably, there are at
least four such features to ensure secure engagement of the closure
on the container body as well as a good seal therebetween, and
preferably fewer than twelve such features are used otherwise they
may become too small and/or difficult to fabricate.
[0086] The collar is preferably a snap-fit within the cap so it can
be mounted therein prior to the cap being fitted to the container
body and so it is retained within the cap when this is removed from
the container body. Preferably, once mounted within the cap, no
part of the collar projects out of the cap further than the skirt
of the cap. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the
closure.
[0087] As indicated above, each of the embodiments described
requires the container body to have only one (or a small number) of
recesses or projections in the outer surface or in (or beneath) the
lip thereof for engaging with part of the collar to inhibit
rotation of the collar relative to the container body. The outer
surface of the container body and the lip thereof can otherwise
have a smooth, unencumbered form. This, again, improves the
aesthetics of the product and makes the container body more
comfortable to drink from.
[0088] It will be appreciated that the outer surface of the collar
and inner surface of the skirt of the cap can be provided with a
variety of mutually engageable features for providing the functions
described above.
[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the resilience of the
collar, or parts thereof, is relied upon to move the collar back to
its open or expanded form (or vice versa). However, the cap and
collar may be arranged so that as the cap is rotated in the
tightening direction relative to the collar, it drives the collar
to its contracted form and when the cap is rotated in the loosening
direction relative to the collar it also drives the collar to its
open or expanded form.
[0090] The shape of the container wall 12, the lip 13 and the
recess 12A are preferably such that the container body can be
manufactured by an injection moulding process. This gives rise to
greater flexibility in the design and shape of the container body
and hence greater flexibility in the way it can be manufactured.
However, the containers described herein may also be manufactured
by the two-stage process of injection moulding and blow moulding if
desired.
[0091] A further advantage of the containers described herein is
that they can be shaped so as to be nestable with other similar
container bodies. This provides a significant space saving when
empty containers are stored or transported.
[0092] The illustrated container has, as mentioned above, a number
of advantages over the containers described in WO2006/00774. In
particular, its simpler form makes it easier to manufacture and
requires less material so reducing the cost of manufacture.
* * * * *