U.S. patent application number 13/824972 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for closure for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to OBRIST CLOSURES SWITZERLAND GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Lino Dreyer, Alexandre Rouquette. Invention is credited to Lino Dreyer, Alexandre Rouquette.
Application Number | 20130256306 13/824972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43567958 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130256306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dreyer; Lino ; et
al. |
October 3, 2013 |
Closure for a Container
Abstract
A closure for a container comprises a circular base, a skirt
extending from the periphery of the base, an outer seal, a plug
seal in the form of an annulus, and at least one rib lying on the
surface of the base in a substantially radial direction and in
contact with the radially inner surface of the plug seal at one end
for transferring any movement of the base, relative to the skirt,
to the plug seal such that the plug seal is pulled radially inward
to allow venting of excess pressure within the container. The outer
seal of the closure comprises at least one deformation portion
which partially interrupts the sealing effect of the outer seal in
case overpressure occurs.
Inventors: |
Dreyer; Lino; (Rixheim,
FR) ; Rouquette; Alexandre; (Mulhouse, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dreyer; Lino
Rouquette; Alexandre |
Rixheim
Mulhouse |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
OBRIST CLOSURES SWITZERLAND
GMBH
Reinach
CH
|
Family ID: |
43567958 |
Appl. No.: |
13/824972 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 7, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/072039 |
371 Date: |
June 13, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/203.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/1633 20130101;
B65D 41/0421 20130101; B65D 51/1661 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/203.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2010 |
EP |
10196924.4 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A closure for a container comprising a circular base, a skirt
extending from the periphery thereof, a plug seal in the form of an
annulus and at least one rib lying on the surface of the base in a
substantially radial direction and in contact with a radially inner
surface of the plug seal at one end for transferring any movement
of the base, relative to the skirt, to the plug seal such that the
plug seal is pulled radially inward to allow venting of excess
pressure within the container, wherein the closure is provided with
an outer seal having at least one deformation portion to deform in
the case of overpressure to partially interrupt a sealing effect of
the outer seal.
14. The closure according to claim 13, wherein a top bulge is
located at an underside of the base concentrically to and between
the plug seal and the outer seal and interrupted with at least one
gap.
15. The closure according to claim 14, wherein the gap of the top
bulge is aligned with the deformation portion.
16. The closure according to claim 13, wherein the outer seal is
inclined radially inwardly.
17. The closure according to claim 13, wherein the outer seal is
inclined radially outwardly.
18. The closure according to claim 13, wherein an end of the rib in
contact with the radially inner surface of the plug seal is
thinner, in a plane parallel to the base, than in an area of the
rib arranged spaced from the inner surface of the plug seal.
19. The closure according to claim 13, wherein the rib has a first
part and a second part, the second part terminating at an end in
contact with the plug seal and the first part extending radially
inwards from the other end of the second part.
20. The closure according to claim 19, wherein the first part of
the rib is substantially stiffer than the second part.
21. The closure according to claim 13, wherein the rib is aligned
to a deformation portion.
22. The closure according to claim 13, wherein the deformation
portions are distanced constantly and an angle included between
lateral sides of the deformations portions is preferably between
34.degree. to 50.degree..
23. The closure according to claim 13, wherein a thickness of the
deformation portions is preferably between 0.3 to 0.5 mm as
compared to a thickness of 0.7 mm of the outer seal.
24. The closure according to claim 13, wherein a circumferential
length of the deformation portion is determined by a radial angle
from the centre of the circular base including preferably between
6.degree. to 30.degree..
25. The closure according to claim 22, wherein the angle is between
34.degree. to 45.degree..
26. The closure according to claim 22, wherein the angle is between
34.degree. to 40 .degree..
27. The closure according to claim 23, wherein the thickness is
between 0.3 to 0.4 mm.
28. The closure according to claim 23, wherein the radial angle is
between 6.degree. to 20.degree..
29. The closure according to claim 23, wherein the radial angle is
between 6.degree. to 15.degree..
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a closure according to the
preamble of the independent claim.
[0002] Screw closures for containers with pressurized fluids such
as carbonated beverages are widely known. If the pressure build-up
in the container exceeds a desired level sufficient to overcome the
thread engagement, the closure may be suddenly ejected from the
container neck, an effect also called "closure missiling" which may
lead to possible injury of users.
[0003] Closures for container have therefore been developed,
whereby excessive gas pressure in the container is decreased by
automatic self-venting of the closure-container arrangement in the
sense of a pressure control valve.
[0004] EP 0 858 416 discloses a closure with a base and a
downwardly depending skirt defining the outside of the closure.
Within the closure, a bore seal downwardly depends from the base.
Radially between this bore seal and the skirt, a stop also
downwardly depends from the base. This stop acts to prevent
over-tightening of corresponding screw threads located within the
shell and on an associated container, and acts against the rim of
the container. Between the stop and the bore seal the thickness of
the base is thinned. A rib of uniform thickness lying on the inside
of the base extends from the bore seal towards the axial centre of
the base and the bore seal is bulged radially outwardly by its
presence in case of overpressure, whereby the container is
vented.
[0005] The venting mechanism of EP 0 858 416 functions in that the
thinned portion as described works as a hinge allowing the portion
of the base, including the part which has the bore seal depending
from it, to move upwards. Hence, the bore seal has to be lifted
slightly from the inner side of the container neck to allow
venting.
[0006] WO 2006/051068 discloses a closure suitable for self-venting
of excessive gas by a rib which is lying on the surface of its base
and in direct contact with a bore seal and transfers any movement
of the centre of the base by excessive gas to that bore seal
allowing venting.
[0007] In accordance with self-venting mechanism of WO 2006/051068
the bore seal moves away from the inner side of the container
because of its direct contact to the neck.
[0008] The bore seal disclosed in these documents seals by pressing
against the inner side of the neck of the container when the
closure is applied. In this context, it is a known problem that
damages or tortures at the rim or within the neck reduce the
sealing effect.
[0009] Therefore, in case of damages or tortures at the inner
surface of the container neck, such arrangements for self-venting
further reduce the desired sealing effect of the bore seal or lead
to premature venting intensifying the problem as mentioned.
[0010] It is therefore the object of the present invention to
overcome the drawback of the prior art and in particular to provide
a closure which supports the functionality of such bore seal to
improve the sealing properties and thereby not decreasing the
workability of the self-venting function.
[0011] This problem is solved with a closure according to the
characterizing part of claim 1.
[0012] The invention provides a closure for a container comprising
a circular base, a skirt extending from the periphery thereof, a
plug seal in the form of an annulus, typically also called dive
seal, and at least one rib lying on the surface of the base in a
substantially radial direction.
[0013] The plug seal seals the closure against the inner side of
the container. The rib is in contact with the radially inner
surface of the plug seal at one end for transferring any movement
of the base, relative to the skirt, to the plug seal such that the
plug seal is pulled radially inward to allow venting of excess
pressure within the container.
[0014] An outer seal is arranged concentrically to the skirt. Such
outer seal seals against an outer surface of the container weal and
further centers the closure against the container and generates a
counterforce to the plug seal supporting its sealing properties
against the container neck.
[0015] The outer seal has at least one deformation portion which is
weaker than a main fraction of the outer seal and which will
interrupt partially the sealing effect of the outer seal in case
overpressure occurs. Such a deformation portion maintains the
desired functionality of automatical self-venting, whereas,
especially at normal gas and ambient temperature conditions in the
container, the sealing effect at the position of such deformation
portion is as effective as at the main fraction of the outer seal.
The deformation portion may be formed by locally reducing the size
of the seal, e.g. its axial length and/or by its radial thickness.
The deformation portion might also be formed by influencing the
material properties. The deformation portion may even break when
extreme pressure conditions are built up inside the container.
[0016] The closure preferably comprises 6 main fraction and
deformation portions, respectively, if the circular base has a
diameter of 28 mm. The closure preferably comprises 8 or 9 main
fractions and deformation portions, respectively, if the circular
base has a diameter of 38 mm.
[0017] The closure provides further preferably a top bulge located
at the under side of the upper wall between the plug seal and the
outer seal. The top bulge features at least one gap whereby
excessive gas can pass through. Thereby, in addition to the
deformation portions, a defined route for the gas to escape
strengthens the effect of self-venting.
[0018] Preferably, the top bulge is arranged concentrically to and
between the plug seal and the outer seal
[0019] There is some free radial space between the top bulge and
the outer seal such that excessive gas can reach and pass the
deformation portion. However, preferably the gap of the top bulge
is circumferentially aligned with the deformation portion to
guarantee a defined and direct route for excessive gas, thereby
increasing the effect of the self-venting.
[0020] The outer seal of the closure is preferably arranged
vertically to the circular base or may be inclined slightly
radially inwardly or outwardly. Such inclination of the outer seal
will reduce the surface contact and thereby reduce friction, in
order to keep removal torques low.
[0021] The end of the rib in contact with the radially inner
surface of the plug seal is preferably thinner, in a plane parallel
to the base, than in a region spaced from the end of the rib in
contact with the radially inner surface, in particular thinner than
the other end of the rib. A relatively thin contact to the plug
seal brings several advantages such as a minimized reduction of the
flexibility of the plug seal. Such an arrangement is described in
WO 2006/051068.
[0022] The deformation portion may be formed by reduction of the
radial thickness of the outer seal.
[0023] Preferably, the rib is aligned to a deformation portion in
order to shorten the way of excessive gas when venting.
[0024] The deformation portions are preferably located in a
constant circumferential distance to each other.
[0025] The radial angle included between the deformation portions
is preferably between neighbourly internal sides of 34.degree. to
50.degree., more preferably between 34.degree. to 45.degree., most
preferably 34.degree. to 40.degree.. A constant distance between
the deformation portion leads to a homogeneous force allocation and
centering when the closure is applied to the container.
Furthermore, self-venting is effected homogeneously over the whole
circumference of the outer seal.
[0026] Furthermore, the thickness of those deformations portions is
preferably between 0.3 to 0.5 mm, more preferably between 0.3 to
0.4 mm, as compared to a thickness of 0.7 mm of the outer seal.
[0027] The circumferential length of the deformation portion is
determined by a radial angle from the centre of the circular base
including preferably between 6.degree. to 30.degree., more
preferably between 6.degree. to 20.degree., most preferably between
6.degree. to 15.degree..
[0028] Embodiments of the inventions will now be described, by way
of example, with reference to the following drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an external view on the closure shell
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the closure when
self-venting
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a part of the base of the
closure
[0032] FIG. 1 shows an external view on a closure 10. A base 20 is
comprised as a circular upper fundament and depending downwardly
from its periphery is a skirt 30.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows approximately half of the closure shell 10 in
cross-section. The base 20 may be seen here and depending
downwardly from its periphery is the skirt 30.
[0034] Located at the inner surface of this skirt 30 are screw
threads 40. These screw threads 40 cooperate with corresponding
container screw threads 45 located on a radially outer surface of a
container.
[0035] Moreover, an olive type plug seal 50 is depending downwardly
from the base 20 extending in a complete annulus as shown in FIG. 3
and which seals with a radially projecting rib 51 against an inner
side of a neck of a container.
[0036] A top bulge 70 acts as a limitation for the container
progressing towards the base 20. The top bulge 70 is interrupted
with at least one gap 75 constituting a passage for excessive gas P
and the gap of the top bulge 70 is aligned with the deformation
portion as also shown in FIG. 3.
[0037] Concentrically to and as a next inner annulus to the skirt
30 is an outer seal 60 depending vertically from the base 20. The
outer seal 60 may also be slightly inclined radially inwardly or
outwardly. The outer seal 60 is provided with at least one
deformation portion 65 which is relatively thinner than a main
fraction 61 of the outer seal 60.
[0038] A rib 80 extends radially between a position of the base 20
and the inner surface of the plug seal 50.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a part of the base of the
closure. FIG. 3 shows a base 20 which is substantially circular.
Depending downwardly from the base 20 and extending as a complete
annulus from the centre of the base 20 is the plug seal 50, thereby
providing a seal with an inside of a neck of a container as can be
seen in FIG. 1.
[0040] The outer seal 60 is arranged concentrically to the skirt
30. At least one deformation portion 65 is shown as part of the
outer seal 60 which is relatively thinner than the main fraction 61
of the outer seal 60.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of those
deformation portions 65 is between 0.3 to 0.4 mm.
[0042] The radial angle between lateral sides of the deformation
portions 65 is between 34.degree. to 40.degree. and includes a
constant circumferential length between the deformation portions
65.
[0043] The circumferential length of the deformation portion 65 is
determined by a radial angle of the circular base 20 including
6.degree. to 15.degree..
[0044] Such closures comprise 8 or 9 deformation portions 65 and
main fractions 61, respectively and their circular base 20 has a
diameter of 38 mm.
[0045] The closure with 8 deformation portions 65 and main
fractions 61, respectively, comprises a thread 40 which is
two-start. The closure with 9 deformation portions 65 and main
fractions 61, respectively, comprises a thread 40 which is
three-start.
[0046] The top bulge 70 is located radially outwardly to the plug
seal 50. The top bulge 70 is placed between the plug seal 50 and
the outer seal 60. The top bulge 70 is thereby interrupted by at
least one gap 75 defining a passage for excessive gas P during
self-venting.
[0047] The rib 80 extends radially between a position of the base
20 and the inner surface of the plug seal 50. It may been seen in
FIG. 2 that the end 81 of the rib 80 contacting the inner surface
of the plug seal 50 is thinner compared with the opposite end 84.
It may be seen that the rib 80 has a first part 83 and a second
part, the second part terminating at an end 81 in contact with the
plug seal 50 and the first part 83 extending radially inwards from
the other end of the second part. In a preferred embodiment, the
first part 81 of the rib 80 is substantially stiffer than the
second part 82.
* * * * *