Patent Publication Number: US-2020290779-A1

Title: Container cap with a liner retention structure

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates generally to container caps. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to break-resistant ribs located in a container cap that improves retention of a cap liner. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A cap for a container or bottle often needs a liner to seal the contents in the container once an original, safety seal is broken or removed from the container. Further, the cap will be repeatedly removed from the container during use and thus maintaining the liner securely in place is significant. Therefore, there is a need to maintain the integrity of the structure that retains the liner in place during repeated opening and closing of the cap on the container. 
     In addition, it is important to have such a cap that can be mass produced without defects or minimized defects in a large number of produced caps. 
     There is a present need to provide such a cap that addresses all of the above needs. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a cap for a container having a retention system that holds the liner in place during opening and closing of the cap on the container without deterioration of the retention system. 
     The present disclosure also provides such a cap that can be produced in bulk, quickly and without damage to the structure for retaining the liner in the cap. 
     The present disclosure further provides an improved retention of the liner, yet enables the caps to be both manufactured and lined more efficiently. 
     The present disclosure still further provides such a cap for a container having a pair of curved side walls that are joined to each other. Each side wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, and each side wall extends around a center axis of the cap. The inner wall surface of each side wall has a plurality of ribs. Each rib has arcuate surfaces forming a curved structure on the inner wall surface and a curved surface in the latitudinal extant. 
     The present disclosure yet further provides that the radius of curvature of the ribs minimize breakage of the ribs when the cap is opened from and closed on the container. 
     The present disclosure also provides a preferred embodiment in which each side wall has three curved ribs and with each of the three curved ribs having a different configuration. 
     The present disclosure further provides such a preferred embodiment in which there are an additional pair of edge ribs and a pair of locking tabs located where the pair of side walls are joined. 
     The present disclosure still further provides that the application and retention of a liner is enhanced by the plurality of ribs having a radius of curvature since the shape of the ribs avoid breakage during continual opening and closing of the cap from the bottle. 
     The present disclosure also provides that in some embodiments, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, one or more fastening elements can be used to retain the liner in the cap. 
     The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cap and bottle assembly according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the bottle used with the cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 1  with a liner. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise of the rib taken along line D-D in the cap of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view rotated 180 degrees clockwise of the rib taken along line C-C in the cap of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of the cap of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of the cap of  FIG. 6 , with a liner. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial front cross-sectional view of the cap of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of a rib taken along line J-J, in the dashed portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side cross-sectional view taken along line K-K of the cap of  FIG. 6 , with a liner. 
         FIG. 14  is a side partial cross-sectional view taken along line K-K of the cap of  FIG. 6 , without a liner. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a rib taken along line K-K, in the dashed portion of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the bottle of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the bottle of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the bottle of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front partial cross-sectional view of the cap and bottle assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  is a side partial cross-sectional view of the cap and bottle assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings and, in particular to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a cap and bottle assembly according to the present disclosure is shown and is generally referred to by reference numeral  10 . Cap and bottle assembly  10  has a cap  100  and a bottle  300 . Cap  100  is removably connected to bottle  300 . 
       FIG. 2  shows cap  100  of a preferred embodiment.  FIG. 3  shows bottle  300  that can be used with cap  100 . As noted bottle  300  has an upper neck portion  310  with a lip  320  having a plurality of flanges  340 ,  350  to receive cap  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a preferred cap  100  has a pair of side walls  110  and an inner underside surface  140  that are joined together. It should be understood that the side wall  110  have an arcuate shape. However, the precise shape or configuration of side walls  110  can vary to form cap  100 . 
     Each of the pair of side walls  110  has an inner wall surface  120  and an outer wall surface  130 . Inner underside surface  140  preferably has a cup structure  150  in the center thereof, and preferably a circumferential rim  160  that intersects areas of inner underside surface  140  and an inner wall surface  120  as shown. 
     Cup structure  150  preferably has a circular shape with a height  151  and a top surface  155 . As shown, circumferential rim  160  has an oblong shape that matches the contour of inner wall surface  120 . Circumferential rim  160  preferably has an undulated wall structure  162  with a top surface  165 . In a preferred embodiment, top surfaces  155  and  165  are coplanar. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the pair of side walls  110  are joined or connected at edges  112 . At each edge  112 , there is an edge rib  172  and a first locking tab  400  that align latitudinally with each other. 
     Each of the two inner wall surfaces  120  has the same structure. Accordingly, one inner wall structure is described. Inner wall surface  120  has a plurality of ribs. Preferably, there are three side wall ribs, namely first side wall rib  220 , second side wall rib  230  and third side wall rib  240 . Also, each inner wall surface  120  has a second locking tab  420 , preferably aligned latitudinally with second rib  230 . Second locking tab  420  assists to selectively connect cap  100  to bottle  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment of cap  100  is shown with a liner, such as an induction liner  190 . Induction liner  190  is inserted into cap  100  and contacts top surfaces  155  and  165 . In some embodiments, fastening elements, such as but not limited to glue, can be used between any combination of top surfaces  155 ,  165  and induction liner  190 . In some embodiments, fastening elements can be used between cup structure  150  and induction liner  190 . One skilled in the art can use various fastening elements between appropriate surfaces of cap  100  and induction liner  190 . A liner, such as Induction liner  190 , has a generally elliptical shape, and has a major axis distance, along the axis of cap  100 , and a minor axis distance that is perpendicular (latitudinal) to the major axis distance. The major axis distance is preferably about 50.65 millimeters (“mm”), and the minor axis distance is preferably about 34.05 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, and edge ribs  172  (thus all eight ribs from both edges  112  and both side walls  110 ) retain induction liner  190  once it is inserted into cap  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230  and  240 , respectively, have a round radius thereby preventing breaking and shaving of the ribs that can occur when cap  100  is connected to, or disconnected, especially repeatedly from a bottle such as bottle  300 . However, as discussed below, rib edge  172  and first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230  and  240 , respectively, each has a slightly different configuration that is predicated based, in part, on their location on inner wall surface  120 . The different configurations can include but are not limited to variations in height, depth, concave and convex radii of curvature, of which some embodiments are further described in  FIGS. 7, 8 and 15 . Thus, there are four different rib configurations twice along the inner wall surfaces  120  of cap  110 . 
     It should be understood that due to the size and configuration of inner wall surface  120  and cap  100 , it is envisioned that there can be as few as two side wall ribs and as many as five side wall ribs, per each half of cap  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the two side walls  110  extend around central axis  142 , that originates at the intersection of lines K-K and J-J, to form cap  100 . Central axis  142  extends into the center of cup structure  150 , and into surface  140 , and to the outer surface  130  of cap  100 . Cap  100  has a distance  174  that is measured between the innermost edge of first locking tabs  172 . Cap  100  has a distance  128  that is measured between the innermost edges of second locking tabs  420 . 
     In the embodiment shown, distance  174  is 53.62 mm, and distance  128  is 35.38 mm, with each distance  174 ,  128  plus or minus (±) 0.38 mm. Again, distances  174 ,  128  may vary slightly based in the configuration of cap  100  and the mating structure in bottle  300 . 
     Referring to the cap embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , cap  100  has a latitudinal extant or height  102  and an axial extant or length  104 . The underside of cap  100  has a radius of curvature  106 . The arc on the underside inner wall surface  120  is represented by radius of curvature  106  and can be defined by a circle with a center originating below cap  100 . Cap  100  also has a latitudinal or vertical distance  404  that is measured from the lowest edge of cap  100  to first locking tab  400 , and a vertical distance  178  that is measured from the lowest edge of cap  100  to edge rib  172 . 
     In the cap embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , height  102  is 29.21, and length  104  is 71.25 mm, again with each measurement ±0.38 mm. Radius of curvature  106  is preferably about 94.93 mm. Also, vertical distance  404  is preferably about 14.71 mm, and vertical distance  178  is preferably 19.15 mm±0.38 mm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , cap  100  preferably has a draft  115  on outer wall surface  130 . The draft  115  is symmetrically about line J-J shown in  FIG. 6 . Draft  115  is preferably about 1 degree. 
     Again, it should be understood that the dimensions set forth herein are for a preferred embodiment of cap  100 . However, cap  100  and bottle  300  dimensions can vary based on the precise shape of the cap  100  and bottle  300 . Notwithstanding, the dimensions of first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, may vary in height, diameter and depth, but such height, diameter and depth will not vary in proportion with respect to the radius of curvatures and slope dimensions of first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , cup structure  150  has a diameter  152 . Surface  165  of circumferential rim  160  has a width  166 . Circumferential rim  160  has a major axis distance  167  and a minor axis distance  168 , both measured along line K-K. 
     In the embodiment shown, diameter  152  is preferably about 15 mm, and width  166  is preferably about 0.51 mm. Major axis distance  167  is preferably 48.86 mm, and minor axis distance  168  is preferably 32.26 mm. 
     As will be discussed below, each one of edge ribs  172  is placed at an edge  112  and preferably aligns with one of the pair of first locking tabs  400 . Also, edge rib  172  is closer than first locking tab  400  to underside surface  140 . Edge rib  172  has a width  173 . Width  173  is preferably 0.51 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, on one side wall  110  faces third, second and first ribs  240 ,  230  and  220 , respectively on the other side wall  110 . Also, in each side wall  110 , second rib  230  is placed approximately mid-way on inner wall surface  120  and preferably aligns with one of the pair of second locking tabs  420 . Also, second rib  230  is closer than second locking tab  420  to underside surface  140 . 
     The alignment of edge ribs  172  and first locking tabs  400 , and second ribs  230  and second locking tabs  420  are to reduce the number of areas on the inner wall surface  120  having abutments or protuberances from the inner wall surface  120 . This structure results in easier manufacturing, and is believed to reduce the possibly of breakage of edge ribs  172  and second ribs  230  during normal use, namely twisting on and off of cap  100  from bottle  300 . 
     There is a second less preferred embodiment of cap  100  in which there are only edge ribs  172  and two pairs of ribs, namely first ribs  220  and third ribs  240 . Specifically, second ribs  230  that are believed to better secure induction liner  190  to cap  100  are missing, however in this embodiment second ribs  230  is not needed. In this embodiment, it is important that one first rib  220  on one inner wall surface  120  align longitudinal, namely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cap  100 , and this longitudinal direction is parallel to line J-J of  FIG. 6 . Thus, the rib pattern about inner wall surface  120  starting from the leftmost edge rib  172  shown in  FIG. 6 , is one first rib  220 , then one third rib  240 , the other edge rib  172 , the other first rib  220 , the other third rib  240  and ending at leftmost edge rib  172 . 
     Second rib  230  is positioned, preferably equidistant, between first rib  220  and third rib  240 , and first rib  220  and third rib  240  is preferably the same distance from edge rib  172 . Each of first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, has a different cross-sectional configuration as shown more clearly in  FIGS. 7, 8 and 15 , respectively. It should be noted that each first, second and third rib,  220 ,  230 ,  240  respectively, may each have a different concave radius of curvature, which after the apex of the curve, each rib  220 ,  230  and  240  curves in gradually toward inner wall  120  and in the direction of underside surface  140 . Also, each of first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, has a different cross-sectional configuration than edge rib  172 . Amongst the three side wall ribs, first rib  220  has a diameter  221 . Second rib  230  has a diameter  231 . Third rib  240  has a diameter  241 . Preferably, first rib  220  has a diameter of about 2.14 mm, second rib  230  is about 2.74 mm, and third rib  240  is about 2.71 mm. Thus, second rib  230  has the largest diameter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , first rib  220  has basically a stepped inner and elongated slanted outer shape viewed cross-section. Specifically, first rib  220  has a depth  226 , a height  228  and a convex radius of curvature  225 . First rib  220  also forms a concave surface on inner wall surface  120  with a radius of curvature  224 . 
     In the embodiment shown, depth  226  is preferably about 1.96 mm, height  228  is preferably about 4.51 mm, and radius of curvature  224  is preferably about 1.98 mm. Convex radius of curvature  225  is preferably about 19.05 mm. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 7  is a vertical distance  227  that is a subset of height  228 . Vertical distance  227  is measured from the bottom of first rib  220  to top surface of circumferential rim  165 . There is also a distance  223  that is measured between cap  100  and a portion of first rib  220 . 
     In the embodiment shown, vertical distance  227  is preferably about 2.76 mm. Distance  223  is preferably about 0.64 mm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , third rib  240 , as shown in cross-section, has a straight surfaces inner, and elongated outer sloped, shape, that differs from the shape of first rib  220 . Specifically, third rib  240 , as shown in cross-section, has a depth  245 , a height  247  and a concave surface with a concave radius of curvature  243 . The concave surface of second rib  240  is formed on inner wall surface  120 . Third rib  240  also has a convex arc. The convex arc is represented by the radius of curvature  244 . Radius of curvature  244  can be measured as a circle with a center originating away from the outer wall surface  130  of side wall  110  to inner wall  120 . The convex arc or radius of curvature  244  produces a slope that enhances the ease of application of a liner, such as induction liner  190 , into cap  100 . 
     As shown in this embodiment, depth  245  is preferably about 3.21 mm, and distance  247  is preferably about 10.07 mm. Also, concave radius of curvature  243  is preferably about 1.98 mm, and convex radius of curvature  244  is preferably about 19.05 mm. 
     Third rib  240  has a latitudinal or vertical distance  246 , that is a subset of height  247 . Height  246  is measured from top surface  165  to substantially the bottom of third rib  240 . As shown in this embodiment, distance  246  is preferably about 5.46 mm. As also shown, cap  100  has a distance  242  that is preferably about 0.64 mm. 
     Before proceeding with a description of second rib  230  shown in  FIG. 15 , edge rib  172 , as well as first locking tab  400  will be discussed.  FIG. 9  shows the cross-sectional areas  176  and  402  of edge rib  172  and first locking tab  400 , respectively. As discussed above, cap  100  has two side walls  110  that meet at the two edges  112 . Thus, each edge  112  has located thereat one edge rib  172  and one first locking tab  400 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the structure of cap  100  without induction liner  190 . The axial alignment of top surfaces  155 ,  165  are shown. Further, the alignment of the tops of edge ribs  172  (shown via cross-sectional area  176 ), and first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230  and  240 , respectively, are also shown. 
     Each rib  220 ,  230 ,  240  has a slope that enhances the ease of application into and the retention in cap of induction liner  190 . Advantageously, the entire structure of first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, provide enhanced ease of application and retention of induction liner  190 . Further, the structure of cap  100  with edge rib  172  and first, second, third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, and their shape results in decreased production times of cap  100  and ease of inserting induction liner  190  into position in cap  100 , thereby increasing manufacturing efficiency. Further, the configuration of first, second, third ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , respectively, also withstand the friction caused by the twisting action during opening and closing of cap  100  on bottle  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , when induction liner  190  is placed into cap  100  as shown, induction liner  190  contacts surfaces  155  and  165 . In some embodiments, fastening elements are used between any combination of surfaces  155 ,  165  and  190 , to further improve retention of induction liner  190  in cap  100 . The fastening elements include, but are not limited to glue. The fastening element can be used on or in cup structure  150  and especially on top surface  155 . The fastening elements can also be used on circumferential rim  160  especially on top surface  165 , or in any combination thereof, with the contact surface of induction liner  190 . 
       FIG. 12  shows cross-sectional area  176  and  402  of edge rib  172  and first locking tab  400 , respectively, taken along line J-J of  FIG. 6 . Edge rib  172  begins to slope at an angle  182  that begins at a distance  180  measured from surface  165 . Edge rib  172  protrudes out at a distance  184  from a surface  186  that is perpendicular to surface  165 . Edge rib  172  has a height  175  that is measured from surface  165  to substantially the bottom of edge rib  172 . Edge rib  172  has a depth  177  that is measured from surface  186  to surface  130 . 
     In the embodiment shown for edge rib  172 , distance  180  is preferably about 1.65 mm, and distance  184  is preferably about 0.25 mm. Also, angle  182  is preferably about 45 degrees. Height  175  is preferably 2.92 mm. Depth  177  is preferably 2.37 mm. 
     First locking tab  400  protrudes out a distance  408  from a surface  188 . First locking tab  400  has a height  410 , and tapers at an angle  406 . In the embodiment shown, distance  408  is preferably about 0.94 mm and height  410  is preferably about 0.97 mm. Angle  406  is preferably about 20 degrees. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , second rib  230  has a cross-sectional area  232  and second locking tab  420  has a cross-sectional area  422  taken along line K-K of  FIG. 6 . Induction liner  190  is shown inserted in cap  100  contacting top surfaces  155  and  165 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , second rib  230  has a width  236 , a height  237  and a concave arc having a radius of curvature  234 , and a convex arc having a radius of curvature  235 . The concave arc on inner wall  120 , represented by the radius of curvature  234 , is a circle with a center originating away from inner wall surface  120  and towards outer wall  130 . While the convex arc on inner wall  120 , represented by the radius of curvature  235 , is a circle with a center originating away from outer wall  130  and towards inner wall  120 . Also, the bottom of second rib  230  to surface  165 , cap  100  is a distance  233 . 
     In the embodiment shown, width  236  is preferably about 2.99 mm, and height  237  is preferably about 4.04 mm. Radius of curvature  234  is preferably about 1.52 mm, and radius of curvature  235  is preferably about 6.35 mm. Also, distance  233  is preferably about 2.92 mm. 
     Second locking tab  420  has a height  421 . Second locking tab  420  protrudes out from surface  238  at a distance  428  and tapers at an angle  426 . 
     In the embodiment shown, height  421  is preferably about 0.97 mm, and distance  428  is preferably about 0.97 mm. Angle  426  is preferably about 20 degrees. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , an exemplary bottle  300  that can be used with the cap  100  of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, bottle  300  has a pair of first flanges  340 , which are symmetrical about the line L-L, and a second pair of flanges  350 , which are symmetrical about the line W-W that protrude from the surface of a neck portion  310  described in  FIG. 17 . 
     Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , bottle  300  has a neck or neck portion  310 . Neck portion  310  has a distance  311  measured from the free edges of second flanges  350 . Upper neck portion  310  has an oblong opening with a maximum outer dimension  312 , and a maximum inner dimension  313 . In the embodiment shown, distance  311  is 54.72 mm, maximum outer dimension  312  is 50.42 mm, and maximum inner dimension  313  is 46.99 mm, and all three dimensions are ±0.38 mm. 
     In the embodiment shown, bottle  300  has a height  302 , a maximum width  306 , and a base  360  to neck portion  310  with a maximum outer dimension  362 . Height  302  is 82.76 mm, and maximum width  306  is 79.29 mm, with both ±0.78 mm. Maximum outer dimension  362  is preferably 52.94 mm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , upper neck portion  310  has an outer width  315 , and a distance  314  measured from the free edges of first flanges  340 . Upper neck portion has a height  317 . Base neck portion  360  has a width  364 . Bottle  300  has a width  308 , of preferably 41.51 mm plus or minus 0.63 mm. 
     In the embodiment shown, outer width  315  is 33.71 mm and distance  314  is 37.03 mm, each ±0.38 mm. Height  317  is preferably about 7.57 mm. Width  364  is preferably about 36.34 mm. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , cap  100  is selectively connectable to bottle  300 , when cap  100  is placed on bottle  300 , and a downward force on cap  100  is applied, until cap  100  engages onto bottle  300 . 
       FIG. 19  shows a cross-sectional area  352  of one first flange  350 , and a cross-sectional area  402  of one first locking tab  400 .  FIG. 20  shows cross-sectional area  342  of one second flange  340 , and a cross-sectional area  422  of one of second locking tab  420 . 
     First locking tab  400  of cap  100  and first flange  350  of bottle  300  engage with each other, and second locking tab  420  and second flange  340  engage with each other as shown to interlock together cap  100  and bottle  300 . Gap  390  between cap  100  and bottle  300 , shows an area which induction liner  190  is placed in cap  100 . 
     Cap  100  can be selectively disconnected from bottle  300  through application of a twisting force in a predetermined direction on cap  100 . The round radius portions of first, second and third ribs  220 ,  230 , and  240 , respectively, that can be in contact with portions of bottle  300 , prevent breakage of these ribs  220 ,  230 , and  240  when cap  100  is removed from bottle  300  by application of a twisting force. 
     Furthermore, some embodiments of cap  100  are circular. The round radius characteristics of first and second ribs  220  and  230 , respectively, and the round radius and sloping portion of third ribs  240 , enable improved retention and application of induction liner  190  into cap  100 , while minimizing or even eliminating breakage of the side wall ribs. Further, the application and retention of the liner is improved and there is also an increase in manufacturing efficiency of the aforementioned caps  100 . During manufacturing, if a mold is used to create cap  100 , the round radius of ribs  220 ,  230 , and  240 , prevent or minimize breakage of the ribs when separating the cap from the mold. 
     In the most preferred embodiment, cap  100  is for a container or bottle  330 , and comprises a cap body having an inner wall surface  120  and at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240  distributed on the inner wall surface. Each rib of the at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240  has a concave arc with a concave radius of curvature and a convex arc with a convex radius of curvature. Also, each pair of the at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240  has a different configuration than the other two of the at least three pairs of ribs. This cap embodiment can further comprise a pair of edge ribs  172 , and also further comprise a liner  190 . The at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240  and the pair of edge ribs  172  secure in place liner  190  in the cap  100 . 
     In this embodiment, the inner wall surface  120  comprises two inner wall surfaces that are joined together with each of the two inner wall surfaces having one rib from each pair of the at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240 . It is preferable that all ribs of each pair of the at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240  are equally spaced apart on the inner wall surface  120 . This preferred embodiment also further comprises a pair of first locking tabs  400  on the inner wall surface  120 . More preferably, one of the pair of edge ribs  172  aligns latitudinally with the pair of first locking tabs  400  on the inner wall surface  120 . This preferred embodiment also preferably has a pair of second locking tabs  420  on the inner wall surface  120 . Most preferably, each of the second ribs  230  is in the midmost portion of one of the two inner wall surfaces  120 . 
     Further, each locking tab of the pair of first locking tabs  400  has a base and an end and forms a taper therebetween. The taper narrows the locking tab from the base that is closer to the inner wall surface to the end. 
     This preferred embodiment has a pair of second locking tabs  420  on the inner wall surface  120 . One pair  230  of the at least three pairs of ribs  220 ,  230 ,  240  aligns latitudinally with the pair of second locking tabs  420  on the inner wall surface  120 . 
     The cap  100  has a cap body with an inner underside surface  140 . Inner underside surface  140  has a cup structure  150  centered around the center axis of cap  100  and a circumferential rim  160  extending at a distance from cup structure. Cup structure  150  has a top surface  155  and circumferential rim  160  has a top surface  165 . Preferably, top surfaces  155  and  165  are coplanar. The cap  100  can also have a fastening element to connect the top surfaces to liner  190  in cap  100 . 
     It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.