US20100102021A1

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Publication number: US20100102021A1
Application number: US12/256,636
Authority: US
Inventors: Bernard Guglielmini; Jean-Yves Rognard
Original assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Current assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
Priority date: 2008-10-23
Filing date: 2008-10-23
Publication date: 2010-04-29
Also published as: US20110283665A1; US8931243B2

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a closure and particularly to a closure of the type known as a sport cap.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent times the use of so-called sport caps has increased. Sport caps differ from the more traditional so-called single caps in that they have two areas of sealing: i) between the closure and the container neck (which single caps have); and ii) between two parts of the closure. The two parts of the closure may include, for example, a spout and a lid or a push-pull spout and a base.

Hotfill is a filling technique in which containers are filled with product at process temperature, hot, to ensure continued sterility of the container and the product during and after the fill process. When such containers are capped the closure must be suitable for application.

It is known to provide closures having two or more components, such as a body and a spout. In many cases it is necessary for extraneous fluid to be applied to such closures. For example, cooling or cleaning fluid is sprayed onto closures during the manufacturing process. It is difficult to produce closures which can reliably prevent the ingress of water between various parts of a body and an insert. The result is that the fluid can become trapped within the closure which is undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to address the problems with known sports cap closures.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a linerless, hotfill, sports cap closure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hotfill sports cap closure comprising a body having two or more parts and two or more sealing areas, the first sealing area being sealable to a container neck and the second sealing area being between two body parts.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hotfill sports cap closure comprising a body formed with an absence of a sealing liner, and having a base with a spout, and a lid for sealing the spout.

The closure comprises a single piece. For example a base may be formed with an integral spout and an integrally formed lid may be provided.

Alternatively the closure may be formed from two or more separate components. For example, the closure may comprise a body and an insert. Such closure may have a drainage system for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure comprising a body and an insert, and having a drainage system for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof.

By providing a drainage system the closure is particularly, although not exclusively, suitable for hotfill applications in which spraying of the closure following capping for cooling and/or sterilisation purposes is common.

The drainage system may comprise one or more drainage paths formed at the interface between the insert and the body.

The drainage path/s may be formed wholly or partly in either or both of the body and the insert.

In some embodiments, each drainage path may comprise one or more slots formed at the periphery of the insert.

The insert may comprise a plurality of ribs or radial projections at its periphery. The slots may be formed between the ribs.

The one or more slots may comprise an inclined drainage face to assist drainage.

The insert may comprise a plurality of mutually spaced retention spokes. The spokes may define, at least in part, the drainage paths.

The insert may comprise a spout. For example, a drinking spout would require sterilisation with a cleaning fluid and thereafter the fluid needs to be removed so as not to affect the user's taste.

The body of closure formed according to the present invention may comprise a base and a lid. The base and lid may be joined by a hinge, such as a snap-hinge. The interface between the lid and the base is a likely point at which fluid will enter.

Closure formed according to the present invention may be provided with tamper-evident means.

According to a further aspect there is provided an insert for a closure body, comprising one or more drainage paths for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a section of a closure formed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the closure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section of a closure formed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the closure ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5ais an exploded perspective view of the components making up the closure ofFIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 5bis a side elevation of the view ofFIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a spout insert forming part of the closure ofFIGS. 3 to 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure ofFIGS. 3 to 6 shown with a cut-out section illustrating the internal structure; and

FIG. 8 is a magnified view of the cut-out section ofFIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention describes a linerless, hotfill, sports cap closure. More particularly, the hotfill sports cap closure of the invention is one which comprises a body having two or more parts and two or more sealing areas, the first sealing area being sealable to a container neck and the second sealing area being between two body parts. The sports cap closure is one that is without a sealing liner, and preferably has a base with a spout, and a lid for sealing the spout.

In some embodiments, the closure is a single piece whereas in other embodiments, the closure is made from two or more separate components such as a body and an insert. The closure will preferably have a drainage system that allows fluid to be passed between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body.

The drainage system in the closure is useful in that it allows spraying of the closure in for example hotfill applications in which it is desirable to spray the closure following capping for cooling and/or sterilisation purposes.

The drainage system may comprise one or more drainage paths formed at the interface between the insert and the body. These drainage paths may be located either wholly or partly in the body of the closure, partly or wholly in the insert of the closure, or partly or wholly in both the insert and the body of the closure.

The drainage paths may be configured to comprise one or more slots formed at the periphery of the insert. For example, the insert may contain a plurality of ribs or radial projections at its periphery and the slots may be formed between the ribs. Drainage may be facilitated by configuring one or more of said slots to comprise an inclined drainage face. The insert may also comprise a plurality of retention spokes which may define at least in part, the drainage paths for the closure. The retention spokes preferably are evenly spaced.

The insert may comprise a spout, e.g. a drinking spout would require sterilisation with a cleaning fluid and thereafter the fluid needs to be removed so as not to affect the user's taste.

The body of the closure may comprise a base and a lid. Preferably the base and lid are joined by a hinge, such as a snap-hinge. The interface between the lid and the base is a likely point at which fluid will enter. The closure also may be provided with a device to show tampering.

In a preferred closure there is provided an insert that comprises one or more drainage paths for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal of the fluid.

The above aspects of the invention are depicted in the attached drawings. Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a sports cap closure generally indicated10. Theclosure10 comprises a body with abase15 and alid30.

Thebody15 comprises a generallycylindrical side wall16 having at one end a tamper-evidentannular ring17 connected thereto by a plurality offrangible bridges18. Theside wall16 terminates at its end opposite theband17 with anannular shoulder16cwhich extends radially inwards. A generally turret-like lid30 is connected to the free end of theshoulder16cvia ahinge32.

The interior of theside wall16 comprises internalscrew thread formations16afor engaging corresponding external screw thread formations on a container neck. The interior of theside wall16 further comprises anannular retention bead16b.

The interior of theband17 comprises a plurality ofupturned flaps17afor engagement under a locking bead on a container neck so that if the closure is unscrewed the band will remain on a container neck.

Thelid30 is generally frustoconical and comprises a generally circulartop plate34 from the centre of which depends aspigot36 and from the periphery of which depends aninclined sidewall35. Opposite thehinge32 thelid30 includes asmall peak38 used to lift the lid and flip it open with respect to thebase15.

A tamper-evident strip40 is frangibly connected between thelid30 and thebase15. Thestrip40 terminates with atab42 at either end to allow it to be torn away prior to first opening of the lid.

The base includes aspout portion20 which extends from theshoulder16c.Thespout20 comprises a generally cylindricallower portion50 and a generally frustoconicalupper portion52.

Theupper portion52 comprises a curved, generally frustoconical outer surface defining a spout. At the end of the spout side wall opposite thelower portion50 is acylindrical terminal portion70. Anannular orifice wall72 extends inwards from the free end of theportion70 and defines an orifice. In the closed position of the closure shown the orifice is sealed by thelid spigot36.

It is to be noted that the closure as a whole is formed without a liner. In use theclosure10 can be applied to a hot-filled container neck.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 to 5 there is shown a closure generally indicated110. The closure110 comprises a body115, a spout insert120 and a self-closing valve assembly125.

The body115 comprises a generally cylindrical side wall116 having at one end a tamper-evident annular ring117 connected thereto by a plurality of frangible bridges118.

The side wall116 terminates at its end opposite the bond117 with an annular shoulder116cwhich extends radially inwards. A generally turret-like lid130 is connected to the free end of the shoulder116cvia a hinge132.

The interior of the side wall116 comprises internal screw thread formations116afor engaging corresponding external screw thread formations on a container neck. The interior of the side wall116 further comprises an annular retention bead116b.

The interior of the band117 comprises a plurality of upturned flaps117afor engagement under a locking bead on a container neck so that if the closure is unscrewed the band will remain on a container neck.

The lid130 comprises a generally hexagonal top plate134 from which depends a spigot136. Opposite the hinge132 the lid130 includes a small peak138 used to lift the lid and flip it open with respect to the base115.

A tamper-evident strip140 is frangibly connected between the lid130 and the base115. The strip140 terminates with a tab142 at either end to allow it to be torn away prior to first opening of the lid.

Referring now also toFIG. 6, the spout120 comprises a generally cylindrical lower portion150, a generally cylindrical central portion151 and a generally frusto conical upper portion152.

The lower portion150 comprises an annular sealing part154 having an external sealing bead156. In use, the sealing part154 enters a container neck such that the sealing bead156 seals against its inner surface (as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8).

The central retention portion151 comprises an annular base158 from which project a plurality of spacedaxial ribs160 which are used to secure the insert120 in the body115.

The base158 further includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending retention spokes162 positioned at the bottom of eachrib160. Between each spoke162 is an inclined ledge164 which extends radially outwardly approximately the same extent as theribs160. The spokes162 are generally L-shape with the shorter leg projecting away from the upper portion152.

As shown inFIG. 3, the upper portion152 comprises a curved, generally frusto conical outer surface defining a spout. At the end of the spout side wall opposite the central portion151 is a cylindrical terminal portion170. An annular orifice wall172 extends inwards from the free end of the portion170 and defines an orifice174. An annular retention bead176 depends internally from the base of the terminal portion.

The self-closing valve assembly125 comprises a body126 and a valve127. This structure is itself known from the Applicant's International Patent Application No PCT/EP2005/053917. The valve body125 includes a retention bead128 which clips over the spout retention bead. The valve assembly125 is received between the retention bead176 and the annular wall172 as shown best inFIG. 3.

Referring now also toFIGS. 7 and 8, the spout120 is received into the body115. The retention spokes162 engage over the retention bead116band theribs160 fit tightly within the orifice defined by the shoulder116cso that the spout is held firmly in position. Theribs160 also fit tightly within the lid130 to hold it in the closed position. The spigot136 enters the orifice174 and abuts against the valve127 to prevent it from opening with the lid closed.

As will be appreciated by referring toFIGS. 6 to 8, with the insert120 in position slots are formed between the spokes162 and ledges164 of the central portion151 and the side wall116. Furthermore, a passage between the lid130 and the base158 is established by theribs160.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, when fluid is sprayed at the closure110, it may enter the interior of the closure via the hinge line interface between the lid130 and the base115. If this happens, the fluid can pass between theribs160 and down over the ledges164 before passing through the slots and then between the closure and container screw threads and out at the bottom of the side wall116. This means that there is an unobstructed drainage path for fluid to follow if it enters the closure. It may be necessary to force fluid through the drainage path, for example by blowing air at the closure.

Claims

1. A linerless, hotfill, sports cap closure.

2. A hotfill sports cap closure comprising a body having two or more parts and two or more sealing areas, the first sealing area being sealable to a container neck and the second sealing area being between two body parts.

3. A hotfill sports cap closure comprising a body formed with an absence of a sealing liner, and having a base with a spout, and a lid for sealing the spout.

4. A sports cap closure as claimed in any one ofclaims 1 to3, in which the closure comprises a single piece.

5. A sports cap closure as claimed inclaim 1, comprising a body and an insert, and having a drainage system for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof.

6. A sports cap closure comprising a body and an insert, and having a drainage system for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof.

7. A closure as claimed inclaim 5, in which the drainage system comprises one or more drainage paths formed at the interface between the insert and the body.

8. A closure as claimed inclaim 6, in which the drainage system comprises one or more drainage paths formed at the interface between the insert and the body.

9. A closure as claimed inclaim 7, in which the one or each drainage path comprises one or more slots formed at the periphery of the insert.

10. A closure as claimed inclaim 8, in which the one or each drainage path comprises one or more slots formed at the periphery of the insert.

11. A closure as claimed inclaim 5, in which the insert comprises a plurality of ribs at its periphery.

12. A closure as claimed inclaim 6, in which the insert comprises a plurality of ribs at its periphery.

13. A closure as claimed inclaim 11, in which the slots are formed between the ribs.

14. A closure as claimed inclaim 12, in which the slots are formed between the ribs.

15. A closure as claimed inclaim 9, in which the slot/s comprise an inclined drainage face.

16. A closure as claimed inclaim 10, in which the slot/s comprise an inclined drainage face.

17. A closure as claimed inclaim 5, in which the insert comprises a plurality of mutually spaced retention spokes.

18. A closure as claimed inclaim 17, in which the spokes define, at least in part, the drainage paths.

19. A closure as claimed inclaim 5, in which the insert comprises a spout.

20. A closure as claimed inclaim 18, in which the insert comprises a spout.

21. A closure as claimed inclaim 5, in which the body comprises a base and a lid.

22. A closure as claimed inclaim 5, further comprising tamper-evident means.

23. An insert for a closure body, comprising one or more drainage paths for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof.