Patent Description:
Plastic beverage bottles and closures are well known. There is an established need to reduce the material used in such bottle and closure designs in order to drive down manufacturing costs, reduce waste and meet legislative requirements. However, a reduction in material generally has an adverse effect on performance and so design parameters are normally established with a view to balancing these competing factors.

Plastic beverage closures normally include four main functional elements: a tubular body, securing feature(s), sealing feature(s) and tamper evidence feature(s). The body typically includes a top wall, usually circular, with an annular side wall depending from the top wall. The side wall is typically in the form of a cylindrical skirt extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the top wall. The securing feature usually includes either a screw thread, or a snap on feature, both of which are known in the art. The securing feature is normally formed integrally with the side wall on the inner surface thereof and adj acent to the container opening, for example the neck of a bottle. Several different sealing features are known in the art which can be applied in isolation or in various combinations and several tamper evidence features have also been developed.

There is a demand, especially in the beverage and food industry, for closures which can be sealingly fitted onto the neck of a container with liquid contents and have a pivotable lid that can be held in an open position. In general, such closures include a shell for securing the closure to a container neck, a lid pivotally connected to the shell by a hinge and means for locking the lid in an open position relative to the shell. The lid is normally connected to the shell by frangible bridges, which break upon first opening of the closure to provide tamper evidence in the event that the opening is unauthorised.

<CIT> discloses a closure of the aforementioned type, which includes a ratchet member projecting from the shell between a pair of elongate hinge elements on a first side of the closure. The lid engages the ratchet member when it is in an open position, thereby to lock the lid in place. The shell includes a plurality of cams that engage a tamper-evidence bead projecting from the container neck to retain the shell thereon. The lid includes a top panel with a depending side wall joined to the shell by frangible bridges. The lid includes an opening side, opposite the hinge, at which the height of the side wall increases, with a corresponding decrease in the height of the shell.

This region of increased height of the side wall provides a latch for releasably securing the lid in a closed position. An engaging tab projects inwardly from the side wall at the base of the latch, and engages the tamper-evidence bead to retain the lid in the closed position. The lid also includes a gripping tongue projecting outwardly from the side wall above the engaging tab, which is reinforced by a series of ribs beneath it to provide additional rigidity. The gripping tongue is configured to be gripped by a user for urging the lid upwardly to open the closure.

<CIT>, which accords with the preamble of claim <NUM>, describes a tamper-evident container closure with a hinged lid having a strap bight projecting outwardly at its lower edge opposite the hinge, a thinned line above the strap bight and an inwardly extending bight retaining projection between the strap bight and the thinned line for engaging a neck bead. The thinned line enables the strap bight to be hinged outwards to allow the bight retaining projection to pass over the neck bead.

The present invention is directed, in particular but not exclusively, to a closure for sealingly closing a neck opening of a container. The present invention is also directed to a mold stack, a mold and a molding system for molding such a closure.

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure according to claim <NUM>.

By positioning the engaging tab between the grip tab and the top wall, the engaging tab engages a different feature of the container to that which is engaged by the shell. This enables the shell to engage, e.g., a tamper-evidence bead about its entire periphery, which is not possible with the closure disclosed in <CIT>. In addition, positioning the engaging tab closer to the top wall provides a more rigid engagement between the lid and the container neck, which enables the engaging tab to be shallower and precludes the need for reinforcing ribs below the grip tab, thereby saving material.

The lid or side wall may comprise a latch, e.g. a deformable latch. The hinge line may delineate an arc portion or latch portion of the side wall. The side wall portion delineated by the hinge line may provide the deformable latch.

As such, the hinge line can be configured to create a predefined or preferential deformation of the side wall. This predefined or preferential deformation can be configured to facilitate the disengagement, or unlatching, of the engaging tab from the lip of the container.

The hinge line may extend over or around the grip tab and/or the engaging tab. The hinge line may comprise or describe a living hinge or living hinge portion. The hinge line, or the living hinge or living hinge portion, may extend over the grip tab and/or the engaging tab. The hinge line may extend to and/or from the lower edge of the side wall on either side of the engaging tab.

The side wall may comprise a reduced radial thickness along at least a portion of the hinge line, e.g. between the grip tab and/or engaging tab and the top wall. Preferably, the side wall comprises a reduced radial thickness along the hinge line, e.g. along the entire hinge line. The radial thickness of the side wall along at least part of the hinge line may be less than the radial thickness thereof on either side and/or above and/or below the hinge line. The radial thickness along the hinge line or hinge line portion may be reduced by at least <NUM>%.

Preferably, the radial thickness along the hinge line or hinge line portion may be reduced by at least <NUM>%. In preferred examples, the radial thickness along the hinge line or hinge line portion may be reduced by at least <NUM>%. In other preferred examples, the radial thickness along the hinge line or hinge line portion may be reduced by at least <NUM>%.

The hinge line may be described or defined by a recess or groove, hereinafter groove. The groove may be on the outer surface of the side wall. The groove may be curved. The base of the groove may describe the reduced radial thickness. The thickness of the side wall may be greater on either side of the base of the groove. The thickness of the side wall may be substantially the same on either side of the groove.

The lid may comprise a radial flange, which may extend from, and/or be contiguous with, the top wall. The lid may be configured such that the opening force may be applied, in use, to the grip tab by urging, pinching or clamping the radial flange and grip tab toward one another.

The shell may comprise one or more projections, which may project inwardly and/or from an internal or inner surface of the shell. The projections may comprise cams. Each projection may comprise an engaging surface, which may face the top wall and/or may extend substantially radially. Each projection may comprise a lead-in, e.g. on an opposite side to the engaging surface. The lead-in may comprise an angled or tapered surface.

The projections may be for engaging, or may be configured to engage, a tamper-evidence bead of a container neck. The engaging tab may for engaging, or may be configured to engage, a lip of the container, which may be located above the tamper-evidence bead and/or between the tamper-evidence bead and an opening or mouth of the container neck.

The side wall may be connected to the shell by a plurality of bridges, which may be configured to break upon first opening of the lid. The shell or the side wall may comprise an annulus. Each of the shell and the side wall comprises an annulus. The or each annulus may have a substantially constant axial depth. The side wall may be substantially cylindrical. The side wall may comprise an edge, e.g. a free edge, which may be connected to an adjacent edge of the shell, e.g. by the bridges. The shell may be substantially cylindrical.

The shell may comprise a recess or cutout, which may be aligned with one of the bridges. The bridge aligned with the cutout may join a base of the cutout to an adjacent portion of the lid, e.g. the deformable latch or latch portion. The lid, e.g. the deformable latch or latch portion, may comprise a recess or cutout, which may be aligned with one of the bridges. The bridge aligned with the cutout may join a base of the cutout of the lid to an adjacent portion of the shell. The shell may comprise one or more projections, which may extend toward the lid and/or be configured to limit the deformation of the bridges. The lid may comprise one or more projections, which may extend toward the shell and/or be configured to limit the deformation of the bridges.

The engaging tab may comprise a ridge or lip, which may extend about the inner circumference of the side wall. The engaging tab preferably extends about only a portion of the circumference of the side wall, e.g. opposite the hinge. The engaging tab may extend about less than <NUM>% of the inner circumference of the side wall, such as less than <NUM>% of the inner circumference of the side wall.

In preferred examples, the engaging tab extends about less than <NUM>%, or <NUM>°, of the inner circumference of the side wall. In other preferred examples, the engaging tab extends about <NUM>-<NUM>% of the inner circumference of the side wall. In certain preferred examples, the engaging tab extends about between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, for example approximately <NUM>°.

The side wall may comprise a relief, e.g. such that the lid clears, in use, a rim of the container neck as the lid is pivoted from a closed position to an open position. The side wall may comprise a relief on each side of the hinge.

The or each relief may taper or comprise a tapering relief. The or each relief may taper away from the hinge, e.g. from the top wall or adjacent the top wall and/or toward the shell. The relief may be larger at or adjacent a lower edge of the side wall, e.g. than at or adjacent the top wall. The side wall may comprise opposed tapered portions or edges. Each tapered portion or edge may at least partially describe the or a respective relief. The or each relief may be substantially triangular. The tapered portions or edges may be straight or curved, e.g. concave or convex.

The shell may comprise one or more projections or tabs. The shell may comprise a projection or tab on each side of the hinge. The or each projection or tab may extend from an upper edge of the shell and/or into the or a respective relief, e.g. to inhibit tampering of the closure. The or each projection or tab may fill the void created by the relief. The shape of the or each projection or tab may correspond substantially to that of the or the respective relief. The or each projection or tab may be triangular, or substantially triangular. In some examples, the or each projection or tab may have a curved edge and/or may be quarter-circular.

The closure may be injection molded or compression molded or formed by any other suitable process. The closure may, but need not, be formed of a plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene or any other suitable material. The closure may be for, e.g. adapted for use with, a bottle or container to be filled with a still beverage or other liquid.

The closure may comprise a locking means or mechanism, e.g. for locking the lid in an open position relative to the shell. The locking means or mechanism may be configured for locking or operable to lock the lid in one of two or more open positions, for example a fully open position and one or more (e.g. two or more) intermediate open positions.

The closure may comprise a rachet mechanism, as disclosed in <CIT>, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The closure or top panel may comprise a tongue, which may be adjacent the hinge. The hinge may comprise a pair of hinge elements, which may be elongate. The hinge elements may be spaced apart from each other. The closure or shell may comprise a ratchet member, which may be disposed between the hinge elements.

The hinge elements may be formed integrally with the shell and/or with the top panel. Each hinge element may have a lower portion and an upper portion. The wall thickness of the lower portion may be substantially the same as the wall thickness of the shell. The wall thickness of the upper portion may less than the wall thickness of the lower portion.

Each hinge element may have an intermediate portion, which may join the lower and upper portions together. The intermediate portion may comprise a step or slope, for example which provides a transition between the wall thicknesses of the upper and lower portions. The step or slope may be on an external surface of the hinge element.

The ratchet member may be formed integrally with the shell. The ratchet member may have an outer contour, which may comprise one or more recesses, e.g. upper and lower recesses. The recesses may be configured or operable to guide and/or engage an end portion of the tongue, e.g. during opening of the lid. The or each recess may be configured or operable to retain the tongue in an intermediate position, e.g. a respective intermediate position. The ratchet member, e.g. an upper end thereof, may be configured or operable to retain the tongue in a fully open position.

A package is disclosed comprising a container and the closure. The container may comprise a tamper evidence bead, e.g. for engaging the projections or cams of or on the shell. The container may comprise a lip, which may surround a mouth of the container, e.g. for engaging the engaging tab of the closure or lid or latch portion.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mold stack according to claim <NUM>.

Another aspect of the invention provides a mold according to claim <NUM>.

Another aspect of the invention provides a molding system according to claim <NUM>.

A computer program element may be provided which comprises and/or describes and/or defines a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a three-dimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of the closure.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed, provided always that they fall within the scope of the claims.

With reference to <FIG>, there is depicted a closure <NUM> for sealingly closing a container neck <NUM>. The closure <NUM> includes a shell <NUM> for securing the closure to the container neck <NUM>, a lid <NUM> with a top wall <NUM> and a side wall <NUM>, a pair of spaced hinge elements <NUM> pivotally connecting the top wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM> to the shell <NUM> and a ratchet member <NUM> projecting from the shell <NUM> between the hinge elements <NUM> and toward the top wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. The closure <NUM> is formed of a plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene or any other suitable material. The closure <NUM> is injection molded in this embodiment, but it will be appreciated that other methods of manufacture are also envisaged, such as compression molding. The container neck <NUM> forms part of a bottle in this embodiment, which is configured to be filled with a still beverage or other liquid.

The shell <NUM> is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a series of cams <NUM> projecting from its internal surface. Each cam <NUM> includes an upper, engaging surface <NUM>, which faces the top wall <NUM> and extends substantially radially for engaging a tamper-evidence bead <NUM> of the container neck <NUM>. Each cam <NUM> also includes a tapered lead-in <NUM>, on an opposite side to the engaging surface <NUM>, for engaging the tamper-evidence bead <NUM> to gradually deform the shell <NUM> as the closure <NUM> is urged onto the container neck <NUM> in the usual way. The shell <NUM> also includes an upper edge <NUM> with a pair of spaced cutouts <NUM> and three spaced projections <NUM> between the cutouts <NUM>, which are on the opposite side of the shell <NUM> to the hinge elements <NUM>.

The top wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is circular in plan and the side wall <NUM> depends from the top wall <NUM> adjacent, but spaced inwardly from, its periphery. As a result, the lid <NUM> includes a radial flange <NUM> about the periphery of the top wall <NUM>. The radial flange <NUM> includes a pair of interruptions <NUM> where the hinge elements <NUM> join the top wall <NUM>, which also creates a tongue <NUM> between the interruptions <NUM>. Similarly, part of the side wall <NUM> is omitted to accommodate the hinge elements <NUM> and ratchet member <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> also includes a plug seal <NUM>, which is formed integrally therewith and is configured to sealingly fit into the opening of the container neck <NUM>.

The hinge elements <NUM> are similar to those disclosed in <CIT>, and are formed integrally with the shell <NUM> and the top wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. Each hinge element <NUM> has a lower portion <NUM> projecting from the shell <NUM> and an upper portion <NUM> depending from the top wall <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> has a wall thickness equivalent to that of the shell <NUM>, while the wall thickness of the upper portion <NUM> is substantially less. The hinge portions <NUM>, <NUM> are joined together by an external step <NUM>, which provides the transition in wall thickness therebetween.

The ratchet member <NUM> is also similar to those disclosed in <CIT>, and is formed integrally with the shell <NUM>. The ratchet member <NUM> has an outer contour with upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, and ribs <NUM> on its inner side. The ratchet member <NUM> and its recesses <NUM>, <NUM> guide and engage an end portion of the tongue <NUM> during opening of the lid <NUM>, to retain it in intermediate and/or fully open positions, as explained in more detail in <CIT>.

The side wall <NUM> also includes a deformable latch portion <NUM> on the opposite side to the hinge elements <NUM>. The deformable latch portion <NUM> is delineated by hinge line <NUM> formed by a groove in the outer surface of the side wall <NUM>. The radial thickness of the side wall <NUM> along the hinge line <NUM> is approximately <NUM>% that of the rest of the side wall <NUM>. However, it is envisaged that this thickness may be more or less, depending on the requirements of the closure.

The hinge line <NUM>, illustrated most clearly in <FIG>, follows an arcuate path from a lower edge <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> to an upper portion thereof, along and adjacent the radial flange <NUM>, and back down to the lower edge <NUM>. The hinge line <NUM> therefore delineates an arc portion of the side wall, which provides the deformable latch <NUM>.

The deformable latch portion <NUM> includes a grip tab <NUM> projecting radially from its outer surface <NUM> and an engaging tab <NUM> projecting from its inner surface <NUM>. The engaging tab <NUM> is located axially between the grip tab <NUM> and the top wall <NUM>, but on the inside of the lid <NUM>. The engaging tab <NUM> extends about only part of the inner circumference of the side wall, approximately <NUM>°, or <NUM>% thereof. The engaging tab <NUM> is positioned and configured to engage a lip <NUM> surrounding the mouth of the container neck <NUM>. As such, the hinge line <NUM> delineates a portion of the side wall <NUM>, i.e. the deformable latch portion <NUM>, that includes the grip tab <NUM> and the engaging tab <NUM>.

The portion of the hinge line <NUM> that extends along and adjacent the radial flange <NUM>, above both the grip tab <NUM> and the engaging tab <NUM>, describes a living hinge 50a. As will be explained in more detail below, the grip tab <NUM> and engaging tab <NUM> of the latch portion <NUM> are able to pivot about the living hinge 50a, thereby to perform a latching operation.

The lid <NUM> is also connected to the shell <NUM> by eight bridges <NUM>, 52a, 52b in this example, which join the lower edge <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> to the upper edge <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The bridges <NUM>, 52a, 52b are spaced equally about the closure <NUM>, with the exception of the region incorporating the hinge elements <NUM> and the ratchet member <NUM>. However, the number of bridges <NUM>, 52a, 52b may vary depending on specific requirements.

A first pair of bridges 52a are aligned with the cutouts <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, which are longer as each of them joins the base of a respective one of the cutouts <NUM> to an adjacent portion of the lower edge <NUM> of the latch portion <NUM>. The cutouts <NUM> improve the visibility of the bridges 52a, enhancing their tamper evidence function by alerting more readily a user to unauthorised opening of the closure <NUM>.

A second pair of bridges 52b join the lower edge <NUM> of the latch portion <NUM> to the shell <NUM> between pairs of the projections <NUM>. The projections <NUM> limit the deformation of the lid <NUM> toward shell <NUM> during capping, which protects the bridges 52b from excessive deformation and damage. As such, the deformable latch portion <NUM> is connected to the shell <NUM> by four bridges 52a, 52b, whilst the remaining four bridges <NUM> (visible in <FIG>) connect the rest of the side wall <NUM> to the shell <NUM>.

In use and when the closure <NUM> is mounted to a container neck <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a user (not shown) urges the grip tab <NUM> upwardly, for example by urging, pinching or clamping the radial flange <NUM> of the top wall <NUM> and the grip tab <NUM> toward one another. This causes the deformable latch portion <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> to deform preferentially along the entire hinge line <NUM>. This deformation causes the engaging tab <NUM> to pivot about the living hinge 50a such that it rides up the lip <NUM> surrounding the mouth of the container neck <NUM>, as shown more clearly in <FIG>.

The grip tab <NUM> is then urged upwardly relative to the hinge elements <NUM>, such that the engaging tab <NUM> is urged over the lip <NUM> and snaps out of engagement therewith. The bridges 52a, 52b joining the deformable latch portion <NUM> to the shell <NUM> sever or break as the engaging tab <NUM> disengages the lip <NUM>. Further pivoting of the lid <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM> also causes the remaining bridges <NUM> to break, thereby providing evidence of opening in the usual way. The lid <NUM> may then be pivoted about the hinge elements <NUM> to an open condition, thereby to provide access to the contents of the container.

The skilled person will appreciate that the closure <NUM> may be opened at various intermediate or fully open positions, as described in <CIT>.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown a closure <NUM> according to another example, which is similar to the closure <NUM> of <FIG>, wherein like references depict like features which are incremented by <NUM>. The closure <NUM> according to this example differs from that of the closure <NUM> of <FIG> in that a tapered relief <NUM> is formed between the shell <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM> on each side of the hinge elements <NUM>.

More specifically, the omitted portion of the side wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is described between opposed tapered portions <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. This provides a void in the side wall <NUM>, which is in the form of a truncated triangle.

Each tapered portion <NUM> creates a tapered relief <NUM> between the side wall <NUM> and the adjacent hinge element <NUM>. The shell <NUM> includes a pair of triangular tabs <NUM> projecting upwardly from the upper edge <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. Each triangular tab <NUM> extends into a respective tapered relief <NUM>, and fills the void created by the tapered relief <NUM> to inhibit tampering of the closure <NUM>.

The tapered relief <NUM> in the side wall <NUM> on each side of the hinge elements <NUM> inhibits interference between the side wall <NUM> and the container neck <NUM> during opening. It has been observed that, as the lid <NUM> of the closure <NUM> of <FIG> is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, the opposed portions of side wall <NUM> on each side of the hinge elements <NUM> can interfere with the container neck <NUM>.

This causes the side wall <NUM> to deform on opening, which increases the force necessary to open the lid <NUM>. This interference can also cause the side wall <NUM> to fold toward the top wall <NUM> as the lid <NUM> is re-closed, which inhibit re-closing and/or can damage the side wall <NUM>.

The tapered relief <NUM> provided in the closure <NUM> of <FIG> inhibits such interference. This facilitates both opening and closing operations of the closure <NUM>, and can also avoid damage to the side wall <NUM> in use.

Claim 1:
A closure (<NUM>, <NUM>) for sealingly closing a neck opening (<NUM>) of a container, the closure (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) for securing the closure (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a container neck (<NUM>) and a lid (<NUM>, <NUM>) pivotally connected to the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) by a hinge (<NUM>, <NUM>), the lid (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a top panel (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) depending from the top panel (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) projecting radially from an outer surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
an engaging tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) projecting from an inner surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the top wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) for engaging a lip (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a container;
characterized in that
the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a hinge line (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from a lower edge (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) on a first side of the grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>), passing between the engaging tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the top wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) and to the lower edge (<NUM>, <NUM>) on a second side of the grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) to delineate a portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the side wall which includes the grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the engaging tab (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to deform, in use, around the grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) and along the hinge line (<NUM>, <NUM>) when an opening force is applied to the grip tab (<NUM>, <NUM>), thereby to disengage the engaging tab (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the lip (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the container.