Venting resealable container closure and associated method of manufacture

A cap for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container wall having an opening therein circumscribed by a sealing surface has an end wall and a depending skirt with a portion for securing the cap to the container wall. The cap is preferably composed of about 94.5 to 99.89 weight percent low density polyethylene and may have a polybutylene copolymer present in an amount of about 0.01 to 5.0 weight percent. A mold release agent may be employed. A tab for manual engagement to rotate the cap between a container wall sealing surface engaging position and a storage position may be provided. The cap has a vent region provided by a weakened zone that is preferably located on or near the tab. The cap is adapted once in gas-tight sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the container wall to vent automatically in the weakened zone upon predetermined internal container pressure being attained and to subsequently reseal automatically. A container in combination with such a cap is also disclosed. A method of cap manufacture is disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to a resealable, easy open container wall, such as a 
can end and, more specifically, it relates to a unique closure composition 
for use in such container walls. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
The prior art teaches various structures for containers such as drawn and 
ironed cans having end panels which have integral opening devices which 
are generally called "easy open ends" double seamed to the can. Examples 
of easy open ends of the prior art are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 
3,929,251; 3,977,341; 3,997,076; 4,024,981; and 4,148,410. 
The market for containers having easy open ends may be extended, 
particularly, though not exclusively, with respect to containers having 
larger capacities. This may be accomplished through the utilization of a 
cap to close and reseal the spout or pouring opening defined by the easy 
open end prior to discharge of all of the contents. Without a resealable 
closure cap, the liquid contents of an open container could easily spill 
or otherwise be lost. Also, dissociable gases, i.e., carbonation, in the 
remaining liquid are readily lost from unsealed, open containers, thereby 
altering the character of the product. 
One construction for a resealable closure cap assembly is taught in U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,580,692. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,685,849 and 4,783,985. These 
patents teach constructions for such a resealable closure cap assembly in 
association with a selectively contoured can end to accommodate the 
resealable closure while retaining the advantages characteristic of the 
easy open end. These patents disclose a sealing cap having a seal portion, 
an arm for securement to the container wall by means such as a rivet and a 
tab for use in grasping the cap to move it from one position to another. 
The cap is generally circular and has the arm emerging therefrom at a 
position generally about 90 degrees offset from the place where the tab 
projects outwardly. 
United States patent application Ser. No. 338,096, filed on Apr. 14, 1989, 
discloses venting of such a resealing cap during removal of the resealing 
cap from the container so as to resist undesired reverse displacement of 
the container wall end panel which would establish a potentially serious 
hazard. This application discloses the use of venting channels which are 
transversely located in an inwardly directed ledge of the closure. See 
generally U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,844. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,555 discloses such a system which creates zones of 
weakness between the cap and the rivet securing the arm connecting the cap 
with the rivet. 
United States patent application Ser. No. 338,310, filed Apr. 14, 1989, is 
directed toward such a system wherein improvements are provided to the 
container wall spout. 
United States patent application Ser. No. 338,580, filed Apr. 17, 1989, 
discloses a releasable fastening assembly in the form of an additional 
projection from the cap which is adapted to cooperate with a button-like 
member formed in a container wall to resist undesired rotation of the cap. 
United States patent application Ser. No. 397,218, filed Aug. 23, 1989, 
discloses the use of a plurality of stiffening ribs in such a reclosure 
cap so as to provide zones of different elasticity from other zones. It 
also discloses the absence of such ribs in the region connecting the arm 
which secures the cap to the container and the remainder of the cap. It 
also contemplates the possible omission of ribs from the region adjacent 
to the arm in order to provide for venting in this region. 
The disclosures of all of these United States patents and co-pending United 
States patent applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
The provision of commercially acceptable resealable easy open can end 
constructions for current and larger volume beverage containers requires 
ease of application of the resealing cap over the spout, sealed retention 
of remaining container contents and accommodation of inherent internal can 
pressure that builds after resealing the can. Also desired is a can end 
configuration having an easy open can end which does not require the use 
of lever mechanisms or the like to accomplish opening of the pouring 
spout. Ideally, the easy open end is easily and readily opened by a user 
through the mere application of digital pressure in a simple and safe 
manner. Such construction of a resealable easy open can end should be 
accomplished without diminution of the convenience and cost effective 
nature of the basic easy open end construction during manufacturing, 
filling, handling, shipping, distributing, selling and consumer usage. 
Experience to date with resealable caps and can end constructions, such as 
those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,580,692 and 4,648,528, the disclosures 
of which are incorporated herein by reference, has indicted a need to 
assure proper application and retention of the resealable cap over the 
spout defined by the easy open end. 
In United States patent application Ser. No. 601,453, filed Oct. 22, 1990, 
entitled "Venting Resealable Container Closure Container Combination," the 
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, a 
unique self-venting construction for reclosure caps for pressurized 
containers is disclosed. In that invention the closure is so designed that 
if the internal container pressure exceeds a predetermined upper limit a 
portion or portions of the closure will be unseated so as to vent the 
excess pressure and will automatically reseat itself. In order to provide 
optimum performance of the invention disclosed in this application it is 
desirable to have a closure material having a number of unique properties. 
It has been known to improve the characteristics of polyethylene film by 
blending polyethylene with other materials to enhance certain properties. 
See, generally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,434,662 and 2,499,756. 
The use of anti-blocking agents to resist undesired blocking in 
polyethylene films has been known. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,770,608, 3,021,296 
and 3,969,304. 
It has also been known to blend polyethylene with waxes, such as paraffin 
wax or microcrystalline wax. See, generally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,504,270, 
4,130,618 and 4,632,955. 
U.S Pat. No. 2,615,857 discloses a gel of polyethylene and polyisobutylene 
employed in potting electrical components. The preferred composition 
contains about 71/2% polyethylene and 92% polyisobutylene. 
It has been known to use polyethylene materials in packaging. U.S. Pat. No. 
2,577,816 discloses a mixture of paraffin wax, polyisobutylene and 
polyethylene to form a strong blocking resistant, waterproof coating for 
paper. U.S. Pat. No. 2,238,681 discloses screw closures and crown closures 
having ethylene polymer cushion lining having a crystalline structure. It 
also teaches employing modifying agents such as paraffin wax. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,352 is directed toward low density polyethylene plastic 
extruded film of the type used in wrapping and displaying foods that are 
to be refrigerated. It also discloses the use of a large number of 
possible additives for increasing the cling properties of the polyethylene 
film. Among the suggested cling additives are polyisobutylene. 
One of the problems with caps having self-venting capabilities employed to 
reclose containers of pressured liquids is the need to have a material 
that will withstand a variety of conditions. For example, an opened 
container left in the hot sun or placed horizontally must be capable of 
venting increased pressure while resisting undesired spillage. 
In spite of the prior art disclosures, there remains a very real and 
substantial need for a material having the unique properties required for 
a reclosure for container walls having a weakened zone which is adapted to 
fracture and create an opening which will be reclosed by cap of this 
invention. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention has met the above-described need by providing a cap 
having properties uniquely designed for effective performance as a 
reclosure on easy open end type container walls. This is particularly so 
with respect to self-venting reclosures used in such an environment where 
the container contents are under pressure. 
The cap has a top wall and a depending skirt which cooperate to define a 
sealing portion that is sealingly engageable in gas-tight relationship 
with the container sealing surface. The cap may be provided as a separate 
item or may be secured to the container wall as by means that will permit 
the cap to pivot with respect to the container wall. The cap has vent 
means provided by at least one weakened zone formed in the cap. Internal 
container pressure of a container having a pressurized liquid therein such 
as a carbonated soda or beer will cause venting action to occur when a 
predetermined pressure level has been reached with the closure 
subsequently resuming its sealed relationship after sufficient venting has 
occurred to reduce the internal container pressure to the desired level. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the composition of the material 
has about 94.5 to 99.89 weight percent low density polyethylene (which may 
be a blend of low density polyethylenes) and about 0.01 to 5 weight 
percent of a polybutylene copolymer. It is also preferred to employ a mold 
release agent in the amount of 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent. In general, the 
higher the polyethylene amount the lower the pressure at which the cap 
will vent. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide such a reclosure which 
will have a long shelf life and a method of manufacturing the same. 
It is another object of the invention to provide such a closure which has 
the desired strength, flexibility and lubricity for use as an easy open 
end self-venting reclosure. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a cap 
composition that cures quickly and has the flexibility required for use in 
a self venting container environment. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a 
composition that can be converted into caps quickly and economically by 
conventional injection or compression molding techniques. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a composition 
which may rapidly be advanced to the degree of crystallinity desired 
through curing. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a reclosure for easy 
open end container wall which may be made rapidly, has the desired 
properties and is economical to use. 
These and other objects of the invention will be fully understood from the 
following description of the invention with reference to the drawings 
appended hereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The present invention is described in association with a resealable easy 
open end construction of the type generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 
4,580,692 and 4,648,528. However, it should be understood that the present 
invention is not limited to that construction and may be used in other 
easy open can end constructions. 
Where the words "upwardly," "downwardly," "inwardly," "outwardly," and like 
words of orientation are used herein, unless specifically indicated to the 
contrary, they are to be applied with reference to a can or other 
container standing on its base in an upright position having a can end 
attached to the top end thereof. 
All percentages referred to herein are weight percent. 
Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan 
view of an easy open can end construction. FIG. 1 shows a cap 10 secured 
to a can end closure 12 prior to securement to the top end of a generally 
cylindrical can body, such as by conventional double seaming, for example. 
Such can end closure 12 is generally made of sheet metal, such as 
aluminum, steel or tinplate, but may be made of nonmetallic or laminated 
materials. The closure 12 includes a generally flat or planar end wall 16, 
a countersink defining an inner panel wall 17, and an outer chuckwall 14 
terminating in an upwardly and outwardly projecting annular flange 18 
forming a chime for conventional attachment of the sheet metal can end 12 
to a can body by double seaming. 
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the can end closure 12 further includes an 
upwardly projecting dispensing spout 20 or pouring opening. The spout 20 
is typically of circular configuration and is formed as an integral 
portion of the can end closure 12. Although the preferred spout 20 is 
circular, it should be understood that alternate configurations, including 
oval, teardrop and ellipsoidal shapes, or other desired shapes may be 
employed with the present invention. The spout 20 may include a removable 
or partially removable panel 27 defined by a pair of spiral score lines 
26, 29 or any other desired score line pattern. The central portion 31 of 
panel 27 has a depressed section adjacent to score lines 26, 29. The score 
lines 26, 29 are interrupted by a hinge 28, but otherwise the score lines 
26, 29 circumscribe and define an opening panel 27 which is depressible 
inwardly into the can upon progressive fracture of the score lines 26, 29. 
The opening panel 27 and the score lines 26, 29 are surrounded by a 
continuous lip 24 having substantially smooth sealing surfaces 30 and 32 
to which the resealing cap 10 will be secured. In the preferred 
embodiment, the lip 24 is circular in plan. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention has a resealing cap 10 
which is adapted to be positioned over the lip 24 to seal the spout 20 
after opening. The cap 10 is preferably molded in one piece of a resinous 
material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity. In addition to a 
low modulus of elasticity, suitable cap materials typically exhibit 
thermal and dimensional stability, chemical resistance, strength and 
durability. 
As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the resealing cap 10 includes a top panel 59 and a 
depending skirt 61 which has a sealing portion defining an inwardly open 
annular locking recess 68, adapted to be placed in sealing overlying 
relationship over the opening in spout 20 and in sealed engagement with 
sealing surfaces 30, 32. The cap 10 also includes an integral tab 38 (FIG. 
4) projecting generally radially outwardly from the cap skirt 61. The tab 
38 has a generally circumferentially oriented gripping portion to 
facilitate digitally manipulating the cap 10. In a preferred embodiment an 
integrally formed, generally radially extending arm 34 extends generally 
radially from the cap skirt 61 at a position generally 90 degrees offset 
from tab 38 in the form shown and terminates in a boss 35. The boss 35 has 
an opening 37 therethrough to accommodate a rivet 36 (FIG. 1) for 
pivotally securing the cap assembly 10 to the can end wall 12. An example 
of another construction to which the cap assembly of this invention may be 
applied, such as by an integral rivet, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 
4,890,759. 
As shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, the cap 10 preferably has a plurality of 
alternating radial sections having relatively reduced thickness with 
respect to adjacent radial sections. These relative thicknesses may be 
achieved by providing radial zones of lesser thickness than the remaining 
alternating zones. For convenience of reference herein, this construction 
will be considered as having a plurality of outwardly projecting ribs 60 
extending from the top panel 59 into skirt 61 and are relatively spaced by 
unribbed thinner portions 64. An upwardly open annular channel 63 (FIG. 6) 
separates the inner portion of top panel 59 from the radially outer rib 
containing portion thereof. 
The outer portion of a flange of the rivet 36 (FIG. 1) is formed downwardly 
a controlled amount when the rivet 36 is staked to securely attach the cap 
10 to the can end closure 12. The rivet 36 also permits the cap 10 to be 
rotated by hand about the rivet 36 with relative ease as indicated by 
dotted line 41 in FIG. 1. Preferably the rivet is an integrally formed 
portion of a sheet metal end wall 16 created in a manner well known to 
those skilled in the art. 
Tab 39 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is integrally formed with the cap 10. It projects 
generally radially outwardly from cap skirt 61, and has a generally 
circumferential gripping tab extension, has a portion which is 
frictionally engaged with bubble 40 which is formed within and projecting 
out of the container end wall 12, and serves to resist undesired rotation 
of the cap about rivet 36. Details of such construction, which form no 
part of the present invention, are illustrated in co-pending U.S. patent 
application Ser. No. 338,580. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the tab means 38 which are adapted to be 
manually engaged in lifting the cap so as to rotate the same between a 
container sealing position (FIG. 3) and a storage position (FIG. 1) is 
preferably integrally formed with cap. The tab means 38 projects generally 
radially from the cap skirt 61 and consists of a gripping portion 80 and a 
connecting portion 82 which is connected to cap skirt 61. In the form 
illustrated, the connecting portion 82 has a generally hourglass shape 
which surrounds a central opening 84. The portion which is connected to 
the gripping portion 80 is enlarged with respect to intermediate portion 
90 and is of lesser transverse extent than the portion 92 which is 
connected to the main body of the cap. This hourglass configuration of the 
connecting portion 82 and opening 84 provides a very flexible construction 
so as to facilitate flexing thereof and localized deformation which 
creates a venting action in this region of the closure cap. 
The closure cap will automatically vent in a weakened region at a 
predetermined pressure. After venting, the closure cap will automatically 
reseat itself in sealed position. This is accomplished by creating a zone 
of weakness in the closure cap, preferable in the general region where tab 
means 38 connects to cap skirt 61. This zone of weakness facilitates local 
venting when the predetermined pressure is reached. Numerous means for 
providing such zone of weakness may be employed alone or in various 
combinations. The cap composition of the present invention facilitates 
effective venting and automatic resealing. 
Shown in FIG. 4 is a region 100 of the top panel 59 and depending skirt 61 
of the cap. This region 100 is preferably devoid of ribs. This results in 
region 100 being more flexible than other comparably sized zones of the 
cap and will serve in a manner described hereinafter to facilitate 
circumferential expansion of the closure skirt during venting. The 
hourglass shape of the tab connecting means 88 similarly serves to 
facilitate this. 
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the top wall 59 has a central region which is 
essentially devoid of ribs 60 and has a diamond shaped portion 103 
underlying which is a downwardly projecting boss 106 which in a manner 
taught by the prior art serves to facilitate fracture of container wall 
score line 26 by positioning the cap in overlying relationship with 
respect to opening panel 27 and manually pressing downwardly in the region 
of the diamond 104. In a preferred form, additional downwardly projecting 
bosses 104, 105 serve to enhance this opening action. 
In a preferred embodiment, the region 100 will be symmetrical about or 
centered on the centerline A (FIG. 4) of tab connecting means 82 and will 
cover an arc of about 30 to 70 degrees of the cap with about 40.degree. F. 
degrees being preferred. 
It will be appreciated that while it is preferred to use a single venting 
zone 100 which is positioned adjacent to tab means 38, if desired, one or 
more additional such zones could be provided or a single zone disposed in 
another location could be employed. 
A reason for preferring to have the zone of weakness disposed adjacent to 
where the tab means 38 and connection portion 82 meet the cap skirt 61, is 
that lifting the tab means 38 facilitates immediate venting. This reduces 
the likelihood of undesired, uncontrolled acceleration of cap removal due 
to rapid pressure release. 
It will be appreciated that the weakened venting zone also facilitates 
automatic venting and reseating of the cap during container storage after 
opening and restorage. 
The preferred composition of the cap of the present invention comprises a 
low density polyethylene present in the weight percent based on total 
composition of about 94.5% to 99.89 weight percent and a copolymer of 
polybutylene in the amount of about 0.01 to 5 percent and preferably about 
0.5 to 1.5 weight percent. It is also preferred to employ a mold release 
agent in the amount of about 0.01 to 0.5 percent. The low density 
polyethylene may be a blend of different low density polyethylenes rather 
than using just a single low density polyethylene. Linear low density 
polyethylene may be employed. The reference herein to "low density 
polyethylene" shall refer to such blends as well as a single low density 
polyethylene. 
The low density polyethylene preferably has a density of about 0.917 to 
0.925 gm/cm.sup.3, a melt index of about 10 to 30 grams per ten minutes at 
180.degree. C. in accordance with ASTM Standard D-1238 and a modulus of 
about 25,000 psi to 75,000 psi and preferably about 14,000 to 36,000 psi. 
A suitable low density polyethylene is that marketed by Chevron under the 
trade designation 1008.5 or Dow Chemical under the trade designation 993. 
Other suitable materials for the low density polyethylene are Chevron 
KN230B with antiblock, and Chevron KN230. 
A suitable copolymer of polybutylene may contain about 0.01 to 5 weight 
percent of ethylene. 
The copolymer of polybutylene reduces the cycle time needed to get the 
material out of a mold so that the material remains flexible in a process 
where one side is warm while the opposite side is cool. It further reduces 
the curing time in the mold. For example, the total melt cycle time for 
the composition of the present invention may be less than about 4 seconds. 
Further, the copolymer of polybutylene serves to interfere with or inhibit 
crystallization. The increases in crystallinity equates with a higher 
modulus. In preferred practice of the invention, the cap has been cooled 
after molding and then heat-treated after forming so as to enhance 
shelf-life of the material by restraining crystallinity. While the 
post-treatment may be preferred in an aging process at room temperature, 
it is preferred to cure the cap at about 100.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. 
for at least about 8 to 16 hours. This post-treatment serves to establish 
the desired low modulus by accelerating crystallization to its asymptote 
and thereby stabilize this property at the desired level. This causes the 
cap to resist undesired changes in properties during storage. 
The shelf-life of the cap material has been found to be on the order of 
about 6 to 12 months without undesired change in properties due to 
undesired crystallization. 
The mold releasing agent or blooming agent serves to aid in molding the 
cap. It provides an internal and external lubricant to allow the cap after 
molding to be readily removable from the forming mold. 
A suitable copolymer of polybutylene is that sold by Shell Oil under the 
trade designation 8640. A suitable mold release agent is that sold under 
the trade designation Kemamide-U by Hunke Chemical Corporation. 
The preferred cured material of the present invention has been found to be 
flexible in terms of tensile modulus which was on the order of about 
14,000 psi to 36,000 psi in the sheet form having a thickness of about 60 
to 125 mil prior to molding and most preferably about 8,000 to 18,000 psi. 
Flexibility is important as it facilitates sealed application of the 
reclosure to the opening in the container and the ability to flex in 
response to internal can pressure so as to vent automatically. Finally, it 
facilitates ease of removal. 
The preferred low density polyethylene of the present invention will have a 
shear viscosity range from about 10.sup.6 poise at a shear rate of about 
10.sup.-2 /sec to about poise at a shear rate of about 10.sup.4 /sec 
within the processing temperature range of about 180.degree. C. to 
260.degree. C. The shear viscosity for a given shear rate is reduced with 
increasing temperature. 
It will be appreciated therefore, that the composition of the present 
invention is uniquely suited to manufacture of a cap for use as a 
reclosure on easy open end containers. The material is moldable, cures 
quickly, is strong and yet flexible. It may be molded by conventional 
injection molding or compression molding techniques. The material uniquely 
suited for use in connection with reclosure of containers having 
pressurized contents. 
In the manufacture of the cap of the present invention, the component 
materials may be mixed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, 
melted at a temperature of about 260.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. and then 
molded in a conventional manner as by injection molding techniques. It may 
be advantageous to design the cap mold so as to mold a plurality of caps 
connected to each other such as about 4 to 12, for example, to facilitate 
ease of handling of multiple units. The individual caps may be separated 
easily at the desired time. 
It is desired that the annealed product have a density in grams per cubic 
centimeter of about 0.912 to 0.935 gm/cm.sup.3. The cap should preferably 
have elastic elongation in the range of about 5 to 10 percent. 
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, variations in the 
properties of the cap may be effected within the parameters of the 
compositions preferred hereunder in relationship to the specific 
structural design of the closure cap. Such variations may be made readily 
by those skilled in the art on the basis of the information disclosed 
herein. Also, if desired, additives well known to those skilled in the art 
may be added. 
An example of a suitable polybutylene copolymer is one which which has a 
melt index of 1.0 grams per 10 minutes, a density of 0.908 grams per cubic 
centimeter, a tensile strength at yield of 1700 psi and at fracture of 
4500 psi with a percentage of elongation of 1000 percent. It may have a 
modulus of elasticity of 2.8.times.10.sup.4, a brittleness of -4.degree. 
F. 
EXAMPLES 
In order to provide additional guidance as to the preferred practice of the 
invention several examples will be provided. 
A cap of the type disclosed herein was made employing 98.975 weight percent 
low density polyethylene, 1 weight percent copolymer of polybutylene and 
0.025 weight percent mold release agent. The cap was allowed to cool to 
room temperature after molding and was then cured at about 120.degree. F. 
for about 12 hours. Both dynamic and static pressure testing of the cap 
applied to container of a carbonated beverage confirmed that the cap 
vented and unseated at the desired pressure range and resealed. The 
venting occurred at 50-60 psi in the dynamic vent pressure test. The cap 
static test maintained a sealed condition at an internal pressure of about 
35-45 psi for over the desired 5 day test period and maintained a sealed 
condition at pressures of about 55-60 psi for over the desired 28 hours. 
A similar test employing a blend of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) 
and another low density polyethylene (LDPE) in the ratio of about 2 parts 
LLDPE to LDPE with similar successful results. 
The cap of the present invention, therefore, accomplishes the desired 
objectives. 
It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention has provided 
a cap for reclosing an easy open end container wall and particularly one 
suited to use in a self-venting closure employed on containers having 
pressurized liquid therein. The cap has the desired blend of flexibility 
and strength to permit it to withstand the forces required to avoid 
leakage of the contents while facilitating closure, reclosure and 
self-venting in the desired manner. The cap also has prolonged shelf-life, 
is readily moldable, and is economically practical. Post thermal treatment 
accelerates crystallization to reach the maximum level and thus stabilize 
the cap and resist subsequent undesired changes. 
Whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been described for 
purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art 
that numerous variations of the details may be made without departing from 
the invention as defined in the appended claims.