Patent Publication Number: US-2013248479-A1

Title: Container Closures

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/824,958, filed Mar. 18, 2013, which is a U.S. National Phase of International PCT Application Serial No. PCT/GB2012/000581, entitled “Container Closure,” filed Jul. 11, 2012, which claims priority to Great Britain Application Numbers 1113427.7, 1113424.4, 1113428.5, and 1113455.8, all filed Aug. 3, 2011, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     The present invention relates generally to the attachment of closures to container necks. 
     There are many cases in which a container closure must be firmly retained on a container neck. However, the requirements for strong retention and easy application are conflicting. The requirement for firm retention can make initial application of the closure difficult, particularly if there is a preference not to make significant modifications to a container neck, for example to accommodate increased capping forces. 
     The present invention seeks to address the problems with known systems of the general type know as push-on, press-on, snap-on and the like. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a moulded closure base including a sidewall and a top plate, the sidewall having a retention projection having a retention surface for engaging the complementary projection on a container neck, the top plate having one or more access slots through which part of a dye extends during moulding to form the retention surface. 
     The present invention is based upon the principle that if the part of the tooling which forms the retention projection is positioned “above it” then a very sharp top retaining surface can be provided. This represents a significant improvement over conventional moulding techniques in which retention beads are formed by tooling which fits in from underneath the closure so that the closure must be “jumped” or “bumped” off the mould. This technique requires a much smoother bead to allow it to be jumped off the mould and this generally requires a much deeper projection to provide sufficient retention capacity, which in turn leads to higher application forces. 
     The present invention can therefore be used to provide a sidewall which is complete and by this is meant that no lateral slots or the like need to be provided in the sidewall for tooling access points (which is known, for example, in the production of tamper-evident bands) and this in turn leads to a stronger sidewall which again will improve the retention capacity of the closure. 
     The slots in the top plate are the consequence of the tooling which passes “from the top” and into the interior of the base. 
     The retention surface may be generally straight and/or have straight edges. This can be used to provide the best possible engagement with a corresponding projection on a container neck. 
     At least part of the retention surface may extend at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the main base axis. For example, the retention surface may extend generally orthogonally from the sidewall. Alternatively or additionally at least part of the retention surface may extend at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the main base axis. The provision of a reverse taper can give an extremely strong retention with a relatively shallow projection which can be used to minimise the application force required. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a closure base including a sidewall having the retaining projection for engaging a complementary projection on a container neck, the retaining projection including a generally straight retention surface which extends at an angle of  90 ° or less with respect to the main base axis. 
     The base may include a dispensing orifice, for example a centrally positioned aperture for flowable product. 
     The retention projection may be continuous, for example an annular bead. 
     Alternatively the retention projection may be discontinuous, for example, consisting of a plurality of spaced arcuate sections. 
     The sidewall may include a tamper-evident band and the retention projection may be formed on the tamper-evident band. The projection could therefore be used to ensure that a band is retained on a neck after is it separated from the remainder of the sidewall. 
     Alternatively the base may be non-removable. In other words, in normal usage the whole base is difficult or impossible to remove after application. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a closure base comprising the steps of: moulding a body including a sidewall and a top plate; moulding a retention projection on the sidewall; in which the tooling for moulding at least part of the retention projection is introduced through the top plate. 
     The present invention also provides a container closure comprising or including a base as described herein and such a closure in combination with a container. 
     The closure may further comprise a lid. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-removable base for providing at least part of a container closure, the base comprising a body part including a sidewall, a flexing retention band being provided at one end of the sidewall, the band being spaced from the end of the sidewall and permanently connected thereto, in which the spacing between the band and sidewall provides one or more windows for receiving, in use, a retention projection on a container neck, such that the band can easily pass over a container neck projection and thereafter cannot pass back over the projection so that the base is firmly retained on the neck. 
     The present invention therefore seeks to provide a closure which can be easily applied to a container neck but thereafter is non-removable e.g. very difficult or impossible to remove under normal circumstances. 
     By providing the flexing band and the windows the retention projection on the container neck can be designed to be extremely good at retention. For example, a retention feature in the form of an annular bead with an inclined surface and a very sharp undercut could be used to allow the retention band to flex as it passes over the inclined section and thereafter become engaged underneath the undercut with the bead accommodated in the windows. 
     The bead or other retention projection on a container neck may be a complete annulus, or, for example, may be provided in a plurality of sections which then accommodate parts of the base extending between the sidewall and the band such as retaining straps, bridges and the like. 
     The retention band may be formed as a complete annulus. Alternatively the band may comprise a plurality of band sections, which may make it more easy to provide flexing band sections. 
     The retention band may be adapted to engage under part of the container neck retention projection, such as an undercut. Therefore, the “top” of the retention band abuts the underside of the neck projection. The section of the band may be reduced towards its end proximal to the sidewall. In some embodiments the end is relatively sharp so that a very firm engagement under the neck projection can be achieved. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a container closure comprising or including a base as described herein. Therefore, the base described herein could be the closure itself or alternatively form a base as part of a closure with other components such as a lid, which may be connected by a hinge or other suitable means to the base. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-removable base for providing at least part of a container closure, the base comprising a sidewall with a foldable retention flap, the flap movable from a first, unfolded position to a second, folded position in which it is engagable with a container neck retention projection whereby to prevent removal of the closure. 
     The present invention therefore uses an “upturned” flap principle to engage with a container neck projection subsequently to prevent removal of the closure. 
     The flap may be provided at an end of the sidewall. Alternatively or additionally a flap may be provided at a point along the length of the sidewall. 
     The base may include a top plate from which the sidewall depends. In some embodiments the top plate is provided with a dispensing orifice. 
     The flap may be a continuous annulus. For example a folding band may be provided at the free end of the sidewall. Alternatively the flap may comprise a plurality of flap sections each of which folds and engages under a section of neck retention projection. 
     Closures of the type formed in accordance with the present invention are not intended to be removed from a container following first application. Therefore, the sidewall may be solid because no slots or the like are required for the formation of frangible bridges. 
     The present invention also provides a closure comprising or including a base as described herein. For example, the base may be the closure or may form part of a closure with additional components such as a lid that may be formed separately from and connectable to the base or formed integrally therewith and connected, for example, by a hinge. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a container neck finish comprising a mouth with a foldable rim, the rim being movable from a first, unfolded position to a second, folded position in which it is engagable by a closure whereby to retain the closure on the neck. 
     This aspect of the present invention is therefore based on the idea that in a folded configuration the neck finish can provide excellent resistance to removal of a closure in which it is engaged. 
     The foldable rim may be formed by a material thinning. The band of material at the top of the neck finish can then be caused to fold upon application of a closure and to be retained in that folded configuration within the closure. 
     The rim may include a fold line to facilitate movement from the first to the second position. The folding could therefore be achieved by a hinging movement. Alternatively or additionally, the rim may be rollable between the first and second positions; in other words, the rim is gradually caused to bend and the bend line moves progressively along the rim. Thereafter the flap/rim is effectively locked in the second position and cannot return to the first position. 
     In the first position the rim may be inclined radially outwards. This means that when the closure is applied it may be more likely to be caused to be bent “downwards” so that it folds down towards the remainder of the neck finish. 
     The neck finish of the present invention may be provided in combination with a closure. The closure may be configured to cause the movement of the rim from the first to the second position and to include space to accommodate the folded rim adjacent a retention projection so that it is folded into and trapped in/against the closure. 
     The rim may be configured so as not to fold flat against the mouth in the second position. 
     The rim may extend from the free end of the mouth. In other words the mouth terminates with the rim. 
     The present invention also provides a closure as described herein. 
     The rim may be folded into the closure and for this purpose the closures may have a cavity, recess, groove or the like. 
     The rim may be jammed in the cavity or otherwise retained and constrained so it cannot unfold if an attempt is made to lift the closure off the neck. 
     The closure may prevent the rim from moving back to the first position. 
     The closure may be non-removably engaged with the rim in the second position. 
     The present invention also provides a container having a neck finish as described herein. 
     The present invention also provides a container as described herein in combination with a closure as described herein. 
     The present invention also provides a container having a neck finish as described herein and a container as described herein in combination with the closure as described herein. 
     Different aspects of the invention may be used separately or together. 
     Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims. 
    
    
     
       The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art closure to which aspects of the present invention may be applicable; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a closure base formed according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the closure/container neck of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional perspective view of the closure/container neck of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view illustrating a method of moulding according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view illustrating an alternative base structure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a closure formed according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the closure of  FIG. 7  shown connected to a container neck; 
         FIG. 9  is an alternative perspective view of the closure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the closure/container of  FIGS. 8 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a further section of the closure/container of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a closure base formed according to an aspect of the present invention and shown fitted to a container neck; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the underside of the closure of  FIG. 12  with a retention flap shown in a first, unfolded position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the closure of  FIG. 13  with the retention flap shown in a second, folded position; 
         FIG. 15  is a section of the closure of  FIGS. 12 to 14  shown fitted to a container neck and illustrating folding of the retention flap; 
         FIG. 16  is a cut-away sectional view of the closure/container neck of  FIGS. 12 and 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a neck finish shown in a first position; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the neck finish of  FIG. 17  shown in a second position; 
         FIG. 19  is a section of the container necks of  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrating the movement between the first and second positions; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a closure base fitted to the neck of  FIGS. 17 to 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a cut away sectional view of the closure/neck of  FIG. 20 ; and 
         FIG. 22  is a section of the closure/neck of  FIGS. 20 and 21 . 
     
    
    
     Referring first to  FIG. 1  there is shown a closure generally indicated  10  shown connected to a container generally indicated  15 . 
     The closure  10  comprises a base  11  with a central dispensing orifice  12  for dispensing product from the container  15 . The base  11  is connected to a lid  13  by a hinge  14 . The lid is much larger (in plan) than the base. 
     The shoulder region  16  of container is almost horizontal and this presents a technical problem when receiving a closure because it is less capable of supporting capping forces than a more conical shoulder. 
     Closures such as this need to be received on a container neck and strongly retained; in other words the closure is not meant to be removed under normal circumstances. This presents conflicting requirements because in known closures, the stronger the retention once the closure is in position, the greater the capping force usually is to apply it. 
     One alternative would be to strengthen the bottle, for example by increasing the thickness of the shoulder and neck region. However, this is not preferable because this would require an increased amount of material. 
     Therefore, the present invention is based on the desire for a closure which is very easy to apply (in other words, a closure which has a low capping force) but thereafter becomes extremely difficult to remove under normal circumstances. Having overcome this technical problem, of course, the principle can be used in a variety of circumstances to achieve low capping force with strong retention. Therefore the present invention is not limited in any way to closures of the type shown in  FIG. 1 , but rather any closure in which a base or base-like structure needs to be strongly retained on a container neck. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 to 4  there is shown a closure base generally indicated  20  formed in accordance with the present invention and shown fitted to a container neck generally indicated  25 . 
     The base  20  comprises a generally circular top plate  30  and a generally cylindrical sidewall  35  which depends from the periphery of the top plate  30 . 
     The top plate  30  has a central dispensing orifice  40  through which product from an associated container can be dispensed. 
     At the periphery of the top plate  30  a pair of arcuate slots  45 ,  50  are provided, one wall of which is defined by the sidewall  35 . In this embodiment there are two slots which are provided diametrically opposite each other, each slot extending approximately one third of the way around the top plate  30 . In other embodiments different numbers (one or more) of slots which extend to a greater or lesser extent around the top plate may be provided. 
     At the end of the sidewall  35  opposite the top plate  30  a pair of arcuate retention projections  55  (only one is shown in  FIG. 4 ) are provided. The projections  55  are in line with and of the same circumferential extent as the slots  45 ,  50 . The projections  55  are generally wedge-shape, having an inclined face  56  and a flat retention face  57 . In this embodiment the projections  55  are formed right at the free end of the sidewall  35 . In other embodiments (not shown) the projections may be formed part way up the sidewall. 
     An annular sealing projection  31  depends from the underside of the top plate  30 , radially inwardly of the sidewall  35 . 
     In order to be complementary with the base, the container neck  25  includes an annular retention bead  60 . The bead  60  includes an inclined face  61  and an undercut, flat face  62 . 
     In use, the base  20  is applied to the neck  25  in a generally axial direction illustrated by arrow A in  FIG. 4 . As the base is pushed onto the neck the inclined face  56  of the projections  55  will start to engage and pass over the inclined face  61  of the bead  60 . At this point the sidewall  35  will begin to flex outwardly by virtue of one or more notches  36 . Subsequently the projections  55  will snap under the bead  60  so that the face  57  will become engaged under the face  62 . The inter-engagement of the flat faces  57 ,  62  provides an extremely strong resistance to removal of the base from the container neck. 
     The projection  31  is received within the bore of the neck and the neck is received between the projection  31  and the wall  35 . 
     It will be noted that, other than the notches  36 , the sidewall is completely intact and solid. Referring now also to  FIGS. 5 and 6  the method by which a closure of the type shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4  can be manufactured with such a sharp top surface to a clip bead is described. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 5  the part of a closure base in the region of the free end of a sidewall  135  including a projection  155  is illustrated. The projection  155  comprises an inclined face  156  and a flat retention face  157  joined by an axial face  158 . The face  157  extends generally orthogonal to the sidewall  135  and therefore to the main cap axis A-A. In order for the face  157  to be moulded and de-moulded a die component  170  is introduced from above. Following moulding, the de-moulding process involves withdrawing the component  170  in a direction B axially away from the free end of the sidewall  135 . This requires the withdrawal of the component  170  through the opposite end of the base. For this reason slots of the type described in relation to  FIGS. 2 to 4  may be provided or other similar structures which would allow such a de-moulding process. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  there is shown a projection  255  formed according to an alternative embodiment. The de-moulding principle bringing the tooling in and out “from the top” is the same as described in relation to  FIG. 5 . The projection  255  is similar to the projection  155  except that the top surface comprises a flat face part  257  and an inclined face part  259 , giving a reverse taper or hook-like structure with the component  270  correspondingly shaped. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  there is shown a closure base generally indicated  320 . In this embodiment the base  320  is shown by itself. However, in other embodiments the base forms part of a larger closure arrangement, for example including a lid, spout, hinge and the like. 
     The base  320  comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall  325  closed at one end by a top plate  330  which carries a central dispensing orifice  335 . 
     At the end of the sidewall  325  opposite the top plate  330  a retention band  340  is provided. The band  340  is held securely on the sidewall  325  and is spaced therefrom by a gap  345 . 
     In this embodiment the band  340  is provided as two arcuate band sections  341 ,  342 . One end of each of the sections  341 ,  342  is connected to a respective leg  351 ,  352  of a generally inverted U-shape connector  350 . The other end of each section  341 ,  342  is connected to a generally rectangular connection strap (referenced  355 , see  FIG. 9 ). 
     The connectors  350 ,  355  hold the sections  341 ,  342  firmly in the spaced relationship with the sidewall  325 . The U-shape form of the connector allows for a degree of radially outward flexing of the sections  341 ,  342  as described in more detail below. 
     In use of the base  320  it is presented to a container neck as shown in  FIGS. 8 to 11 . 
     The container neck  360  includes a retention bead  365 . As shown best in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bead  365  is formed as two bead sections  366 ,  367  separated by diametrically opposed recesses  368 ,  369  which accommodate the connectors  350 ,  355 . 
     The section of the bead  365  is shown best in  FIGS. 10 and 11  and is shown to comprise a sloping upper surface  370  and an oppositely inclined, undercut lower surface  375 . 
     An annular sealing projection  380  depends from the top plate  330  radially inwardly of the sidewall  325 . When the base  320  is pushed onto the neck the projection fits sealingly with the neck bore. 
     In use, the base  320  is applied to the neck  360  by a generally axial, downward capping force. This causes the lower edge  343  of the band  340  to contact the sloping surface  370 . As the base  320  is pushed down the band sections  341 ,  342  are caused to flex outwardly by the sloping surface  370  and then the sections  341 ,  342  will flex back in to the position shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  in which the sections  341 ,  342  are engaged under the surface  375 . 
     As shown best in  FIG. 11 , the section of the band sections  341 ,  342  includes a tapered part  344  opposite the end  343 . This reduced thickness provides a particularly strong and stable abutment with the surface  375 . 
     With the base  320  engaged as shown in  FIGS. 8 to 11  removal is made extremely difficult by the engagement of the sections  341 ,  342  under the projections  366 ,  367 . 
     In some embodiments the closure is manufactured by a moulding process in which the manufacture is all in the line of draw, with the band/ring being bumped out of the mould. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-16  there is shown a closure base  420  formed according to the present invention and shown fitted to a container neck  425 . 
     The base  420  comprises a circular top plate  430  with a central dispensing orifice  435 . A generally cylindrical sidewall  440  depends from the periphery of the plate  430 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13  the base  420  is shown removed from the container neck and in an as-moulded, first position. The free end of the sidewall  440  is shown to comprise an annular retention flap  445 . The flap  445  is joined to the free end of the sidewall  440  by a hinge line  450  and is inclined radially inwardly. 
     The flap  445  is movable from the position shown in  FIG. 13  to the position shown in  FIG. 14  in which it has been folded up inside the sidewall  440 . 
     The folding operation of the flap  445  is illustrated in  FIG. 15  in which both the unfolded and folded positions of the flap are illustrated. 
     An annular sealing plug  455  depends from the underside of the top plate  30  radially inwardly of the sidewall  440 . 
     The container neck  425  comprises a generally cylindrical neck finish  426  with a clip retention bead  427  formed on its exterior surface. The bead  427  comprises an inclined face  428  and an undercut, retention face  429 . 
     In use, the base  420  is applied to the neck  425  from above. Initially the base  420  is in the position shown in  FIG. 13 , with the flap  445  downwardly extending. As the closure base  420  is applied the flap  445  contacts the inclined face  428  and begins to be folded. Ultimately the flap  445  becomes fully folded and passes under the clip retention bead  427  so that the free end of the now upturned flap  445  engages under the retention surface  429 . The plug  455  fits within the bore of the finish  426  and the neck is received between the plug  455  and the sidewall  440 . 
     In this position the upturned flap  445  is firmly engaged under the surface  429  and cannot be unfolded so that the base  420  is securely retained on the neck  425 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , there is shown the neck region of a container generally indicated  520 . The container shoulder  525  supports a generally tubular neck finish  530 . The neck finish  530  comprises a tubular mouth  535  which at its end opposite the shoulder  525  includes a terminal rim  540 . The rim  540  is formed as a generally outwardly flared band joined to the mouth  535  at a hinge line  545 . 
     The rim  540  is moveable from the position shown in  FIG. 17  to the position shown in  FIG. 18 . In this position, the rim  540  has been folded along the line  545  from the “upwardly” flared configuration in  FIG. 17  to the “downwardly” flared position shown. 
     The folding movement of the rim  540  is also shown in  FIG. 19 , in which it can be seen that the rim  540  folds down towards the exterior of the mouth  535 . An inverted V- or U-shape is formed at the mouth opening. The rim  540  does not fold flat against the mouth. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 20 to 22 , the neck finish  530  is shown fitted with a closure base  550 . The closure  550  comprises a generally circular top plate  555  with a central dispensing orifice  560 . A generally cylindrical sidewall  565  depends from the periphery of the plate  550 . At the free end of the sidewall  565  a retaining projection  570  is provided. The projection  570  comprises an inclined face  575  and a retention face  580 . 
     An annular sealing plug  585  depends from the underside of the top plate  550  radially inwardly of the sidewall  565 . 
     In use, the base  550  is presented to the neck finish  530  and pushed down from above. The inclined projection face  575  will contact the rim  540 , which initially is in the position shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     Continued axially movement of the base then causes the rim  540  to be folded down by the projection  570  to the position shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . In this position, the rim  540  is retained in its folded configuration between the sidewall  565  and the plug  585 . The top  541  of the rim  540  is then adjacent to (and may contact) the retention face  580  of the projection  570 . The rim  540  is then effectively trapped in the closure and will resist removal of the base. This is because the rim cannot now be folded back to the first position along the fold line  545  because of the dimensional constraints placed upon it by the interior of the closure. In other words, the closure blocks unfolding of the rim/flap, and effectively the rim is locked in the second position. 
     The rim  540  is rigid enough to resist bending along its length so that the rim is constrained to move only by bending along the line  545 . 
     Relative to the main axis of the container neck, the rim moves from a 45° ‘upward’ position to a 45° ‘downward’ position in a 90° ‘elbow’-like configuration. In this embodiment the rim is moulded in the unfolded, upward inclination and movable to the folded, downward inclination either by the application of a closure or in a separate, pre-folding step prior to application of a closure. 
     Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.