SCREWCAP AND BOTTLE ASSEMBLY

A screwcap and a bottle assembly are disclosed. The screwcap seals a neck of a bottle. The screwcap includes a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck. The shell includes a head, and a skirt having a nominal outer diameter and detachable connected to the head along a bridge line. The skirt includes a first support ring disposed proximal to the bridge line, a second support ring disposed distal to the bridge line, and a third support ring disposed between the first support ring and the second support ring relative to the longitudinal axis. The first support has a first maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diamater. The second support ring has a second maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter. The third support ring has a third maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a screwcap and a bottle assembly, and in particular to a screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle, and a bottle assembly including the screwcap.

BACKGROUND

Screwcaps are generally used to seal a bottle. However, conventional screwcaps may undergo distortion during a capping process and experience various defects due to the distortion. In some cases, the defects may result in leakage of a product stored in the bottle. Further, the defects may cause the product stored in the bottle to deteriorate. In some other cases, the defects may result in undesired pull-offs of the conventional screwcaps from the bottle. Thus, the defects may also promote tampering of the product stored in the bottle. Moreover, the defects may negatively affect an appearance of the bottle.

SUMMARY

A screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle has been developed. The screwcap may reduce or eliminate various defects that may occur during a capping process. Further, the screwcap may improve an appearance of the bottle after the capping process.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle. The screwcap includes a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck. The shell includes a head. The shell further includes a skirt having a nominal outer diameter and detachably connected to the head along a bridge line. The skirt includes a first support ring disposed proximal to the bridge line. The first support ring has a first maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt. The skirt further includes a second support ring disposed distal to the bridge line. The second support ring has a second maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt. The skirt further includes a third support ring disposed between the first support ring and the second support ring relative to the longitudinal axis. The third support ring has a third maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt.

The first support ring may be configured to protect the bridge line during crimping of the shell. The second support ring may be configured to improve an appearance of the screwcap after crimping of the shell.

The third support ring may reduce distortion of the first and second support rings during crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle. Therefore, the third support ring may prevent various defects, such as bird beaks and facets, that may occur during the capping process.

The third support ring may allow improved crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle, thereby enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle. Specifically, the third support ring may enable reduction of a crimped diameter of the shell on the neck. Thus, the third support ring may prevent undesired pull-offs of the screwcap from the bottle.

The third support ring may further allow lowering a position of the second support ring, thereby increasing a distance between the first support ring and the second support ring along the longitudinal axis. This may further reduce distortion of the second support ring during crimping of the shell. Moreover, the third support ring may not be visible after crimping. Consequently, the screwcap may improve an appearance of the bottle after the capping process.

In some embodiments, the first support ring includes a first peak having the first maximum outer diameter. The second support ring includes a second peak having the second maximum outer diameter. The third support ring includes a third peak having the third maximum outer diameter. A first distance between the first peak and the third peak is less than a second distance between the second peak and the third peak.

In some embodiments, the second distance is greater than the first distance by a factor of at least 1.3.

In some embodiments, the first distance is about 3 millimeters (mm), and the second distance is about 4 mm.

In some embodiments, the first support ring further includes a first proximal end proximal to the bridge line and having a first minimum outer diameter of the first support ring. The first support ring further includes a first distal end distal to the bridge line and having the first minimum outer diameter of the first support ring. The first peak is disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end along the longitudinal axis. A first proximal peak distance between the first proximal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis is greater than a first distal peak distance between the first distal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the first proximal peak distance is greater than the first distal peak distance by a factor of at least about 1.3.

In some embodiments, the second support ring further includes a second proximal end proximal to the bridge line and having a second minimum outer diameter of the second support ring. The second support ring further includes a second distal end distal to the bridge line and having the second minimum outer diameter of the second support ring. The second peak is disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end along the longitudinal axis. A second proximal peak distance between the second proximal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis is less than a second distal peak distance between the second distal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the second distal peak distance is greater than the second proximal peak distance by a factor of at least about 1.9.

In some embodiments, the third support ring further includes a third proximal end proximal to the bridge line and having a third minimum outer diameter of the third support ring. The third support ring further includes a third distal end distal to the bridge line and having the third minimum outer diameter of the third support ring. The third peak is disposed between the third proximal end and the third distal end along the longitudinal axis. A third proximal peak distance between the third proximal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis is substantially equal to a third distal peak distance between the third distal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the third maximum outer diameter is greater than the nominal outer diameter by at least 0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the first maximum outer diameter, the second maximum outer diameter, and the third maximum outer diameter are substantially equal to one another.

In some embodiments, the first support ring has a first length along the longitudinal axis. The second support ring has a second length along the longitudinal axis. The third support ring has a third length along the longitudinal axis. The third length is less than each of the first length and the second length.

In some embodiments, the first length is greater than the third length by a factor of at least 1.16.

In some embodiments, the second length is greater than the third length by a factor of at least 1.45.

In some embodiments, the first length is about 2.8 mm, the second length is about 3.5 mm, and the third length is about 2.4 mm.

In some embodiments, the third support ring has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the third support ring has a V-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second support rings has a curved cross-sectional shape.

In some cases, the second support ring may have an asymmetric cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal axis. The asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the second support ring may provide increased rigidity to the second support ring during crimping.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the third support ring is configured to deform and engage a shoulder of the neck after crimping.

In some embodiments, the shell has an average thickness of about 0.25 mm.

In some embodiments, the head of the screwcap includes at least one internal thread configured to engage with at least one external thread of the neck of the bottle.

In some embodiments, the screwcap further including an insert disposed between the shell and the neck. The insert includes at least one internal thread configured to engage with at least one external thread of the neck.

In some embodiments, the screwcap further including a plurality of bridges disposed along the bridge line and detachably connecting the head to the skirt. The plurality of bridges defines a plurality of perforations therebetween.

As discussed above, the third support ring may reduce distortion of the first support ring during crimping of the shell. Consequently, the third support ring may prevent breakage or rupture of the plurality of bridges disposed along the bridge line during crimping. Thus, the third support ring may prevent leakage of a product stored in the bottle.

In some embodiments, the screwcap further including a sealing arrangement disposed between the shell and the neck. The sealing arrangement is configured to seal an opening of the neck.

The sealing arrangement may provide an air-tight seal between the screwcap and the opening of the bottle.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a bottle assembly. The bottle assembly includes a bottle and the screwcap. The bottle includes a neck. The neck includes a shoulder and an opening. The shell is crimped to the neck, such that at least a portion of the third support ring deforms and engages the shoulder of the neck after crimping. The third support ring has a third maximum crimped outer diameter after crimping. The third maximum crimped outer diameter is less than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt.

The third support ring may reduce distortion of the first and second support rings during crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle.

In some embodiments, the second support ring has a second maximum crimped outer diameter after crimping and a second minimum crimped outer diameter after crimping. A difference between the second maximum crimped outer diameter and the second minimum crimped outer diameter is less than about 0.25 mm.

In some embodiments, the first support ring has a first maximum crimped outer diameter after crimping. The first maximum crimped outer diameter is substantially equal to the first maximum outer diameter.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. It will be understood, however, that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same (or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle. The screwcap may reduce or eliminate various defects that may occur during a capping process. Further, the screwcap may improve an appearance of the bottle after the capping process.

The screwcap includes a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck. The shell includes a head. The shell further includes a skirt having a nominal outer diameter and detachably connected to the head along a bridge line. The skirt includes a first support ring disposed proximal to the bridge line. The first support ring has a first maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt. The skirt further includes a second support ring disposed distal to the bridge line. The second support ring has a second maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt. The skirt further includes a third support ring disposed between the first support ring and the second support ring relative to the longitudinal axis. The third support ring has a third maximum outer diameter greater than the nominal outer diameter of the skirt.

The first support ring may be configured to protect the bridge line during crimping of the shell. The second support ring may be configured to improve an appearance of the screwcap after crimping of the shell.

The third support ring may reduce distortion of the first and second support rings during crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle. Therefore, the third support ring may prevent various defects, such as bird beaks and facets, that may occur during the capping process.

The third support ring may allow improved crimping of the neck to the shell of the bottle, thereby enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle. Specifically, the third support ring may enable reduction of a crimped diameter of the shell on the neck. Thus, the third support ring may prevent undesired pull-offs of the screwcap from the bottle.

The third support ring may further allow lowering a position of the second support ring, thereby increasing a distance between the first support ring and the second support ring along the longitudinal axis. This may further reduce distortion of the second support ring during crimping of the shell. Moreover, the third support ring may not be visible after crimping. Consequently, the screwcap may improve an appearance of the bottle after the capping process.

As used in the present application, the term “crimping” may refer to any suitable process of joining two parts by mechanically deforming one or both of the two parts to hold the other, and the term “crimp” may refer a region of deformation that may result from crimping.

As used in the present application, the term “bridge line” may refer to a line of weakness including continuous or non-continuous series of holes, vents, slits, slots, perforations, notches, punctures, orifices, openings, inlets, channels, etc., in the surface of or throughout a shell. Its depth may extend from a first surface of the shell to a second surface of the shell (i.e., throughout an entire thickness of the shell). Alternatively, its depth may extend from about 50% to about 95% of the thickness of a shell.

As used in the present application, the term “nominal outer diameter” may refer to a minimum outer diameter of a body prior to undergoing a metalworking process, such as crimping.

As used in the present application, the terms “circularity” or “roundness” may refer to a degree of deviation of an object from a geometrically perfect circle. The terms “circularity” or “roundness” may further refer to a tolerance zone defined between two concentric circles.

As used in the present application, the term “circularity rate” may refer to a difference between a maximum outer diameter and a minimum outer diameter of an object.

FIG.1shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a bottle assembly300in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Bottle assembly300includes a bottle100. Bottle100is partially shown inFIG.1. Bottle100includes a neck102. Neck102includes a shoulder104and an opening106. Neck102further includes at least one external thread108.

In some embodiments, bottle100may be made of glass. Bottle100may be used to store any suitable product. In some cases, bottle100may be used to store liquid products. For example, bottle100may be used to store alcoholic drinks, such as wines, aperitifs, liqueurs, and alcohols. In another example, bottle100may be used to store juices, carbonated drinks, and the like.

Bottle assembly300further includes a screwcap110for sealing neck102of bottle100. Screwcap110includes a shell112extending along a longitudinal axis10and configured to be disposed on neck102.

Shell112may be made from any suitable metal. In some embodiments, shell112may be made of aluminum. Shell112may be formed using a suitable drawing process, by drawing a sheet of metal into a cylindrical shape that is open on one side.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1, screwcap110further includes an insert114disposed between shell112and neck102. In some embodiments, insert114includes at least one internal thread116configured to engage with at least one external thread108of neck102. Insert114may be made of any suitable plastic, such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.1, screwcap110further includes a sealing arrangement118disposed between shell112and neck102. In some embodiments, sealing arrangement118is configured to seal opening106of neck102. In some embodiments, sealing arrangement118may facilitate providing an air-tight seal between neck102and screwcap110to seal opening106. In some embodiments, sealing arrangement118may include a liner. In some embodiments, the liner of sealing arrangement118may be made from a composition including a thermoplastic elastomer, polyisobutylene, and polybutylene. In some other embodiments, the liner of sealing arrangement118may include a multilayer liner including a layer of expanded polyethylene (EPE), a layer of white kraft, a layer of tin, a layer of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and the like.

FIG.2Ashows a schematic front view of screwcap110in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.2A, shell112has a shell length113. Shell length113may depend upon design and dimensions of bottle100(shown inFIG.1). Shell length113is measured along longitudinal axis10. In some embodiments, shell length113may be from about 50 millimeters (mm) to about 70 mm. In some embodiments, shell length113may be about 60 mm.

Shell112includes a head120. As shown inFIG.2A, head120has a head length121. Head length121is measured along longitudinal axis10. Head length121may depend upon design and dimensions of neck102(shown inFIG.1). In some embodiments, head length121may be from about 10 mm to about 30 mm. In some embodiments, head length121may be about 18 mm.

Shell112further includes a skirt122. Skirt122is detachably connected to head120along a bridge line126. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2A, screwcap110further includes a plurality of bridges128disposed along bridge line126and detachably connecting head120to skirt122. Further, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.2A, plurality of bridges128defines a plurality of perforations134therebetween. Thus, in some cases, bridge line126may provide a line of weakness about which head120may be detachable from skirt122. Head120may be detached from skirt122about bridge line126to access a product stored in the bottle100(shown inFIG.1). Bridge line126may also act as a tamper-proof feature.

In some embodiments, a width of each bridge128substantially normal to longitudinal axis10may be from about 1.25 mm to about 1.35 mm. In some embodiments, a number of plurality of bridges128may be from about 5 to about 15. In some embodiments, the number of plurality of bridges128may be 8, and plurality of bridges128may define 8 perforations134therebetween.

Skirt122further includes a first support ring140, a second support ring160, and a third support ring180.

As shown inFIG.2A, first support ring140is disposed proximal to bridge line126. Further, second support ring160is disposed distal to bridge line126. Moreover, third support ring180is disposed between first support ring140and second support ring160relative to longitudinal axis10.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of third support ring180is configured to deform and engage shoulder104(shown inFIG.1) of neck102(shown inFIG.1) after crimping. In other words, in some embodiments, shell112may be crimped, such that at least a portion of third support ring180may deform and engage shoulder104. Therefore, it may be noted that a position of first, second, and third support rings140,160,180may depend upon a profile of neck102.

In some embodiments, first support ring140may be configured to protect bridge line126during crimping of shell112. In some embodiments, second support ring160may be configured to improve an appearance of screwcap110after crimping of shell112. In some embodiments, third support ring180may be configured to reduce or eliminate distortion of the first and second support rings140,160during crimping of shell112.

As shown inFIG.2A, skirt122has a nominal outer diameter124. Nominal outer diameter124of skirt122may be defined as a minimum outer diameter of skirt122. Specifically, nominal outer diameter124of skirt122may be defined as a minimum outer diameter of skirt122before crimping. In some embodiments, nominal outer diameter124is defined between third support ring180and second support ring160relative to longitudinal axis10. Nominal outer diameter124of skirt122may depend upon the design and dimensions of bottle100(shown inFIG.1). In some embodiments, nominal outer diameter124of skirt122may be from about 25 mm to about 35 mm. In some embodiments, nominal outer diameter124of skirt122may be from about 29.5 mm to about 30 mm.

FIG.2Bshows a schematic front view of a screwcap110A in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Screwcap110A is substantially similar to screwcap110ofFIG.2A, with like elements designated by like numbers. However, screwcap110A includes a shell112A having a different configuration as compared to shell112of screwcap110.

Referring toFIGS.1and2B, in some embodiments, head120includes at least one internal thread117(shown by dashed lines) configured to engage with at least one external thread108of neck102. Therefore, insert114may be omitted from screwcap110A.

FIG.3shows a schematic cross-sectional view of shell112in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Shell112has an average thickness T. Average thickness T of shell112may depend upon desired application attributes and a material of shell112. In some embodiments, shell112may have average thickness T of about 0.20 mm to about 0.30 mm. In some embodiments, shell112has average thickness T of about 0.25 mm.

First support ring140has a first maximum outer diameter142greater than nominal outer diameter124of skirt122. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, first support ring140includes a first peak144having first maximum outer diameter142. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, first maximum outer diameter142is a maximum outer diameter of first support ring140at first peak144.

Second support ring160has a second maximum outer diameter162greater than nominal outer diameter124of skirt122. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, second support ring160includes a second peak164having second maximum outer diameter162. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, second maximum outer diameter162is a maximum outer diameter of second support ring160at second peak164.

As shown inFIG.3, in some embodiments, each of first and second support rings140,160has a curved cross-sectional shape. However, first and second support rings140,160may have any suitable cross-sectional shape depending on desired aesthetics and application attributes. In some embodiments, each of first and second support rings140,160may have an asymmetric shape. The asymmetric shape may increase rigidity of first and second support rings140,160during crimping of shell112. In some cases, second support ring160may be positioned lower to further reduce distortion of second support ring160during crimping of shell112. This may further reduce defects such as facets on screwcap110.

Third support ring180has a third maximum outer diameter182greater than nominal outer diameter124of skirt122. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, third support ring180includes a third peak184having third maximum outer diameter182. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, third maximum outer diameter182is a maximum outer diameter of third support ring180at third peak184. In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter182is greater than nominal outer diameter124by at least 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter182may be greater than nominal outer diameter124by at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.6 mm, at least 0.7 mm, or at least 0.8 mm.

In some embodiments, third support ring180has a symmetric shape along longitudinal axis10. However, in some other embodiments, third support ring180may have an asymmetric shape along longitudinal axis10. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.3, third support ring180has a V-shaped cross-section along longitudinal axis10.

In some embodiments, first maximum outer diameter142, second maximum outer diameter162, and third maximum outer diameter182are substantially equal to one another. However, in some other embodiments, first maximum outer diameter142, second maximum outer diameter162, and third maximum outer diameter182may be different from one another. For example, in some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter182of third support ring180may be greater than both first maximum outer diameter142of first support ring140and second maximum outer diameter162of second support ring160.

In some embodiments, first peak144and third peak184define a first distance202therebetween. Further, in some embodiments, second peak164and third peak184define a second distance204therebetween. In some embodiments, first distance202between first peak144and third peak184is less than second distance204between second peak164and third peak184. In some embodiments, second distance204is greater than first distance202by a factor of at least 1.3. In other words, in some embodiments, second distance204is greater than or equal to 1.3 times of first distance202. In some embodiments, first distance202is about 3 mm, and second distance204is about 4 mm. Therefore, second support ring160is positioned relatively lower in skirt122along longitudinal axis10.

FIG.4shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of skirt122in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, first support ring140further includes a first proximal end146proximal to bridge line126. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, first support ring140further includes a first distal end150distal to bridge line126. In some embodiments, first peak144is disposed between first proximal end146and first distal end150along longitudinal axis10.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, first proximal end146has a first minimum outer diameter148of the first support ring140. Further, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, first distal end150has first minimum outer diameter148of first support ring140. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, first proximal end146and first distal end150have a substantially equal outer diameter, that is, first minimum outer diameter148.

In some embodiments, first proximal end146and first peak144define a first proximal peak distance152therebetween along longitudinal axis10. In some embodiments, first distal end150and first peak144define a first distal peak distance154therebetween along longitudinal axis10.

In some embodiments, first proximal peak distance152between first proximal end146and first peak144along longitudinal axis10is greater than first distal peak distance154between first distal end150and first peak144along longitudinal axis10. In some cases, first proximal peak distance152being greater than first distal peak distance154may improve rigidity of first support ring140during crimping of shell112.

In some embodiments, first proximal peak distance152is greater than first distal peak distance154by a factor of at least about 1.3. In other words, in some embodiments, first proximal peak distance152is greater than or equal to 1.3 times of first distal peak distance154. In some embodiments, first proximal peak distance152may be about 1.6 mm, and first distal peak distance154may be about 1.2 mm.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, first support ring140has a first length156along longitudinal axis10. In some embodiments, first length156may be defined as a sum of first proximal peak distance152and first distal peak distance154. In some embodiments, first length156is about 2.8 mm. However, in some other embodiments, first length156may be about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, second support ring160further includes a second proximal end166proximal to bridge line126. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, second support ring160further includes a second distal end170distal to bridge line126. In some embodiments, second peak164is disposed between second proximal end166and second distal end170along longitudinal axis10.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, second proximal end166has a second minimum outer diameter168of second support ring160. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, second distal end170has second minimum outer diameter168of second support ring160. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, second proximal end166and second distal end170have a substantially equal outer diameter, that is, second minimum outer diameter168.

In some embodiments, second proximal end166and second peak164define a second proximal peak distance172therebetween along longitudinal axis10. Further, in some embodiments, second distal end170and second peak164define a second distal peak distance174therebetween along longitudinal axis10.

In some embodiments, second proximal peak distance172between second proximal end166and second peak164along longitudinal axis10is less than second distal peak distance174between second distal end170and second peak164along longitudinal axis10. In some cases, second proximal peak distance172being less than second distal peak distance174may improve rigidity of second support ring160during crimping of shell112.

In some embodiments, second distal peak distance174is greater than second proximal peak distance172by a factor of at least about 1.9. In other words, in some embodiments, second distal peak distance174is greater than or equal to about 1.9 times of second proximal peak distance172. In some embodiments, second proximal peak distance172may be about 1.2 mm, and first distal peak distance154may be about 2.3 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, second support ring160has a second length176along longitudinal axis10. In some embodiments, second length176may be defined as a sum of second proximal peak distance172and second distal peak distance174. In some embodiments, second length176is about 3.5 mm. However, in some other embodiments, second length176may be about 3.3 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.7 mm, or about 3.8 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, third support ring180further includes a third proximal end186proximal to bridge line126. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, third support ring180further includes a third distal end190distal to bridge line126. In some embodiments, third peak184is disposed between third proximal end186and third distal end190along longitudinal axis10.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, third proximal end186has a third minimum outer diameter188of third support ring180. Further, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, third distal end190has third minimum outer diameter188of third support ring180. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, third proximal end186and third distal end190have a substantially equal outer diameter, that is, third minimum outer diameter188.

In some embodiments, third proximal end186and third peak184define a third proximal peak distance192therebetween along longitudinal axis10. Further, in some embodiments, third distal end190and third peak184define a third distal peak distance194therebetween along longitudinal axis10.

In some embodiments, third proximal peak distance192between third proximal end186and third peak184along longitudinal axis10is substantially equal to third distal peak distance194between third distal end190and third peak184along longitudinal axis10. Specifically, in some embodiments, third support ring180may be symmetric about third peak184along longitudinal axis10. In some embodiments, third proximal peak distance192may be about 1.2 mm and third distal peak distance194may be about 1.2 mm.

However, in some other embodiments, third proximal peak distance192between third proximal end186and third peak184along longitudinal axis10may be different from third distal peak distance194between third distal end190and third peak184along longitudinal axis10. In other words, in some embodiments, third support ring180may be asymmetric about third peak184along longitudinal axis10.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.4, third support ring180has a third length196along longitudinal axis10. In some embodiments, third length196may be defined as a sum of third proximal peak distance192and third distal peak distance194. In some embodiments, third length196is about 2.4 mm. However, in some other embodiments, third length196may be about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, or about 2.7 mm.

In some embodiments, third length196is less than each of first length156and second length176. That is, in some embodiments, third support ring180may be smaller than each of first support ring140and second support ring160along longitudinal axis10.

In some embodiments, first length156is greater than third length196by a factor of at least 1.16. In other words, in some embodiments, first length156is greater than or equal to about 1.16 times of third length196.

Further, in some embodiments, second length176is greater than third length196by a factor of at least 1.45. In other words, in some embodiments, second length176is greater than or equal to about 1.45 times of third length196.

FIGS.5A and5Bshow schematic cross-sectional views of bottle assembly300in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG.5Ashows a schematic cross-sectional view of bottle assembly300before crimping of shell112, andFIG.5Bshows a schematic cross-sectional view of bottle assembly300after crimping of shell112.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, in some embodiments, crimping rollers304may be used to crimp shell112to neck102of bottle100. In some cases, shell112may be crimped to neck102by crimping rollers304at an optimal position302. Optimal position302may reduce defects and improve sealing of opening106of bottle100by screwcap110. In some embodiments, optimal position302may be about 0.3 mm below neck102of bottle100. Specifically, in some embodiments, optimal position302may be about 0.3 mm below shoulder104of neck102.

In some embodiments, shell112is crimped to neck102, such that at least a portion of third support ring180deforms and engages shoulder104of neck102after crimping. Third support ring180has a third maximum crimped outer diameter198after crimping.

Third maximum crimped outer diameter198is less than nominal outer diameter124of skirt122.

Advantageously, third support ring180may allow crimping of shell112at a greater penetration by crimping rollers304on neck102to reduce third maximum crimped outer diameter198. Reduction of third maximum crimped outer diameter198may prevent the undesired pull-off of screwcap110from bottle100.

Further, third support ring180may allow second support ring160of skirt122to be positioned lower as compared to a conventional screwcap. This may further reduce distortion of second support ring160during crimping, thereby preventing several defects such as bird beaks and facets.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.5B, first support ring140has a first maximum crimped outer diameter158after crimping. In some embodiments, first maximum crimped outer diameter158is substantially equal to first maximum outer diameter142. In other words, in some embodiments, first maximum outer diameter142of first support ring140may remain substantially unchanged after crimping.

FIG.5Cshows a plan view of second support ring160depicting a circularity of second support ring160after crimping. Referring toFIGS.5A to5C, second support ring160has a second maximum crimped outer diameter178(shown by a dashed circle inFIG.5C) after crimping and a second minimum crimped outer diameter179(shown by a dotted circle inFIG.5C) after crimping. In some embodiments, second maximum crimped outer diameter178may be substantially equal to second maximum outer diameter162. In other words, in some embodiments, second maximum outer diameter162may remain substantially unchanged after crimping.

In some embodiments, a difference between second maximum crimped outer diameter178and second minimum crimped outer diameter179is less than about 0.25 mm. That is, in some embodiments, second maximum crimped outer diameter178—second minimum crimped outer diameter179<0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between second maximum crimped outer diameter178and second minimum crimped outer diameter179may be in a range between about 0 mm and about 0.25 mm.

Thus, third support ring180may improve the circularity of second support ring160. This may further improve an appearance of screwcap110on bottle100.

FIG.6shows a graph400. Referring toFIGS.5A to6, graph400represents a circularity rate with respect to different positions of crimping rollers304. The circularity rate may be defined as a difference between a maximum crimped outer diameter and a minimum crimped outer diameter.

Specifically, graph400represents the circularity rate of second support ring160with respect to the different positions of crimping rollers304during crimping of shell112. The circularity rate of second support ring160may be defined as a difference between second maximum crimped outer diameter178and second minimum crimped outer diameter179. Graph400further represents the circularity rate of a second support ring of a conventional screwcap with respect to the different positions of crimping rollers304during crimping of the conventional screwcap.

Graph400depicts the circularity rate (in mm) on the ordinate (Y-axis), and the different positions of the crimping rollers304during crimping on the abscissa (X-axis). The different positions of the crimping rollers304during crimping include a first position402, a second position404, and a third position406. First position402is optimal position302of the crimping rollers304during crimping. Second position404is about 0.5 mm below optimal position302. Third position406is about 1 mm below optimal position302.

Graph400includes a first bar408and a second bar410representing the circularity rates of second support ring160of screwcap110and the second support ring of the conventional screwcap, respectively, at first position402. As depicted by first and second bars408,410, second support ring160has a smaller circularity rate (about 0.09 mm vs. about 0.13 mm) than the conventional screwcap at first position402. Consequently, second support ring160has a greater circularity than the second support ring of the conventional screwcap at first position402. Thus, when crimped at first position402, screwcap110of the present disclosure may have a better appearance than the conventional screwcap.

Graph400further includes a third bar412and a fourth bar414representing the circularity rates of second support rings of screwcap110and the second support ring of the conventional screwcap, respectively, at second position404. As depicted by third and fourth bars412,414, second support ring160has a substantially smaller circularity rate (about 0.14 mm vs. about 0.28 mm) than the conventional screwcap at second position404. Consequently, second support ring160has a substantially greater circularity than the second support ring of the conventional screwcap at second position404. Thus, when crimped at second position404, screwcap110of the present disclosure may have a substantially better appearance than the conventional screwcap. Further, screwcap110may prevent bird beaks when crimped at second position404, while the conventional screwcap may experience bird beaks when crimped at second position404.

Graph400further includes a fifth bar416and a sixth bar418representing the circularity rates of second support rings of screwcap110and the conventional screwcap, respectively, at third position406. As depicted by fifth and sixth bars416,418, second support ring160has a substantially smaller circularity rate (about 0.20 mm vs. about 0.33 mm) than the conventional screwcap at third position406. Consequently, second support ring160has a substantially greater circularity than the second support ring of the conventional screwcap at third position406. Thus, when crimped at third position406, screwcap110of the present disclosure may have a substantially better appearance than the conventional screwcap. Further, screwcap110may prevent facets when crimped at third position406, as compared to the conventional screwcap that may experience facets when crimped at third position406.

As depicted by graph400, the circularity rates of second support ring160of screwcap110are lower than the circularity rates of the second support ring of the conventional screwcap. The circularity rates of second support ring160of screwcap110at the different positions are less than 0.25 mm. Therefore, second support ring160of screwcap110may not experience defects, such as bird beaks and facets, during crimping, and improve the appearance of the bottle100.

Comparative Examples

The screwcap of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as “the new screwcap”) was crimped to a neck of a bottle at different positions and under different lateral loads (about 8.5 kilograms (kg) and about 9.5 kg) by crimping rollers. Similarly, a conventional screwcap was crimped to the neck of the bottle at the different positions and under the different lateral loads by the crimping rollers.

The crimping of the new screwcap and the conventional screwcap was repeated 10 times for each of the different positions and lateral loads. Defects were observed for the different lateral loads applied at the different positions by the crimping rollers on the new screwcap and the conventional screwcap.

The new screwcap and the conventional screwcap were crimped to the neck of the bottle at an optimal position under the different lateral loads by the crimping rollers. The optimal position was about 0.3 mm below the neck of the bottle.

Percentage occurrence of defects in the new screwcap and the conventional screwcap due to crimping at the optimal position under the different lateral loads was determined and is tabulated in Table 1 below.

Referring to Table 1, it was determined that when crimped at the optimal position and under 8.5 kg lateral load, the conventional screwcap experienced a pull-off defect (i.e., undesirable removal of a screwcap from the bottle upon application of a force) 100% of the times. Further, at the optimal position and under 9.5 kg lateral load, the conventional screwcap experienced the pull-off defect 30% of the times. On the other hand, the new screwcap did not experience the pull-off defect when crimped at the optimal position and under both 8.5 kg and 9.5 kg lateral loads. It was observed that the new screwcap clenched better to the bottle after crimping.

The new screwcap and the conventional screwcap were crimped to the neck of the bottle at a second position about 0.25 mm below the optimal position under the different lateral loads by the crimping rollers.

Percentage occurrence of defects in the new screwcap and the conventional screwcap due to crimping at the second position under the different lateral loads was determined and is tabulated in Table 2 below.

Referring to Table 2, it was determined that when crimped at the second position and under 8.5 kg lateral load, the conventional screwcap experienced the pull-off defect as well as bird beaks 100% of the times. Further, when crimped at the second position and under 9.5 kg lateral load, the conventional screwcap experienced the bird beaks 100% of the time, and the pull-off defect 30% of the times.

However, the new screwcap did not experience the pull-off defect and the bird beaks at the second position and under both 8.5 kg and 9.5 kg lateral loads. The new screwcap prevented both the pull-off defect and the bird beaks when crimped at the second position under the different lateral loads.

The new screwcap and the conventional screwcap were crimped to the neck of the bottle at a third position about 0.375 mm below the optimal position under the different lateral loads by the crimping rollers.

Percentage occurrence of defects in the new screwcap and the conventional screwcap due to crimping at the third position under the different lateral loads was determined and is tabulated in Table 3 below.

Referring to Table 3, it was determined that when crimped at the third position and under 8.5 kg lateral load, the conventional screwcap experienced the pull-off defect, facets, as well as bird beaks 100% of the times. Further, when crimped at the third position and under 9.5 kg lateral load, the conventional screwcap experienced the bird beaks and the facets 100% of the times.

However, the new screwcap did not experience the pull-off defect, the facets, and the bird beaks at the third position and under both 8.5 kg and 9.5 kg lateral loads. The new screwcap prevented all three of the defects at the third position under the different lateral loads.

Thus, it was concluded that the new screwcap overcame the defects, such as the bird beaks, facets, and pull-off, regardless of the different lateral loads and the different positions of the crimping rollers.

Each and every document cited in this present application, including any cross referenced, is incorporated in this present application in its entirety by this reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed in this present application or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this present application conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present application governs.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing sizes, amounts, ranges, limits, and physical and other properties used in the present application are to be understood as being preceded in all instances ay the term “about”. Accordingly, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present application are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation using the teachings disclosed in the present application.

As used in the present application, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the present application, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or”, “unless” the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “lower”, “upper”, “beneath”, “below”, “above”, “bottom” and “top”, if used in the present application, are used for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described in the present application. For example, if an object depicted in the drawings is turned over or flipped over, elements previously described as below, or beneath other elements would then be above those other elements.

The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings.

The description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as limiting. The present invention includes the description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed; but it is not limited to such description, examples, embodiments, or drawings. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that features of one disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the packaging arts, and all such modifications and other embodiments are intended and deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.