Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a cap including a capsule made of plastic material and a covering element, on which a metal coating is applied. The covering element is formed over the capsule by vacuum metallization. The capsule is visible under the covering element for providing a desired aesthetic.

<CIT> discloses a device constituted by a stopper comprising an external ring and a cap formed by an external skirt. The ring associated with the stopper has a top free edge which has a shape corresponding to the lower free edge of skirt so that it can be connected to the skirt by co-operation of the catch engagement projections of the cap with the engagement slots of the stopper.

<CIT> discloses a premium container for use with a vehicle having a neck portion. A cap is provided to secure the container to a vessel, which is suitable for holding the product to be sold. The cap is formed internally with threads which are screwed down onto the threads of the neck of the vessel. The cap further has a flange such that when the cap is screwed down onto the threads of the neck, the flange of the cap engages the cover of the container and secures the container to the vessel.

<CIT> discloses a collapsible dispensing tube formed from a laminate which includes two separate layer of metallic foil.

According to the present invention, a cap for a container is set forth in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent claims. The present invention is directed to a double walled cap. An external wall of the cap is formed of a metal material, and an internal wall of the cap is formed of a plastic material. The internal wall of the cap is an insert that may be removed from the cap. The insert includes interior threading and/or may provide sealing integrity (e.g., to prevent and/or reduce fluid from entering and/or exiting the container. In an example, the cap may be formed by having a stamped metal exterior assembled with a plastic molded interior portion. The plastic threaded portion may have lugs that match up with the stamped metal to form a friction fit for a secure assembly and/or may provide anti-rotation. The plastic portion may provide the seal integrity and the metal exterior may provide a desired aesthetic.

In an aspect, the invention is a cap coupled to a container. The cap includes a skirt component and a seal component. The skirt component is formed of a metal material. The skirt component includes an annular outer sidewall defining a skirt cavity that extends along a skirt axis and has an open bottom end. The seal component is formed of a plastic material. The seal component may include an annular seal sidewall having a threaded inner surface configured to mate with a threaded outer surface of a neck of a container body. The annular seal sidewall defines a neck cavity having a closed top end and an open bottom end for receiving the neck of the container. The seal component may be mounted to the skirt component and located within the skirt cavity so that the annular outer sidewall of the skirt component circumscribes the annular seal sidewall of the seal component.

In another aspect, the invention may be a container containing the cap described above. The container may include a container body and the cap. The container body may have a body portion and/or a neck. The body portion may define a product chamber. The neck may have a threaded outer surface and/or may define a passageway into the product chamber. The cap may be coupled to the container body via threaded engagement between the threaded outer surface of the neck and the threaded inner surface of the cap so that the seal component seals the passageway. The neck may be, at least, partially located within the neck cavity of the cap.

In yet another aspect, the container of the invention may be used in a packaged product, which may include a material (e.g., oral care material) in the product chamber of the container.

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be defined by the appended claims.

The present invention may be directed to a cap (e.g., double walled cap) that couples to a container, as described herein. The container may have multiple layers. An external wall of the double walled cap is formed of a metal material. An internal wall of the cap is formed of a plastic material. The internal wall of the cap is an insert that may be removable from the exterior portion of the cap. The insert includes interior threading. The insert may provide sealing integrity which may, for example, prevent and/or reduce fluid from entering and/or exiting the container. In an example, the cap may be made and/or formed of a stamped metal assembled with a plastic molded interior portion. The plastic threaded portion may have lugs that match up with the stamped metal to form a friction fit for a secure assembly and/or may provide anti-rotation. The plastic portion may provide coupling features and/or seal integrity and the metal exterior may provide a desired aesthetic.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an example cap (such as cap <NUM>) coupled to an example container (such as container <NUM>). Cap <NUM> has a skirt component <NUM>, a closed top end <NUM>, and/or a skirt end wall <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may be coupled to the container <NUM> via a threading. The container <NUM> may define an internal volume, which may be filled with any flowable material or product (e.g., adhesives, lubricants, lotions, medicants, shampoos, hair dressings, oral care products (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), edible products (such ketchup or pickles), and other materials that are typically dispensed via a container). The internal volume of the container <NUM> may be any volume capable of storing flowable material, but preferably should be a volume that consumers find acceptable for day-to-day use. Cap <NUM> may be configured to prevent and/or slow the flow of the material from container <NUM>. Although <FIG> shows container as an example mouthwash container, and <FIG> shows container as an example toothpaste container (e.g., tube), it should be understood that these examples are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

<FIG> show different views of an example cap <NUM> in which cap <NUM> is separated from a container. As shown on <FIG>, cap <NUM> includes a skirt component <NUM> and/or a seal component <NUM> positioned therein. In an example, the seal component <NUM> may be centered within the skirt component <NUM>, although in other examples the seal component <NUM> may be offset with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the cap <NUM>. The skirt component <NUM> is formed of a metal material, such as aluminum, steel, or another metal used in consumer products. In examples skirt component <NUM> may be (e.g., also be) formed of another material (such as a plastic) and the metal may be formed around the other material. As shown on <FIG> and <FIG>, the skirt component <NUM> includes a sidewall, such as an annular outer sidewall <NUM>. Outer sidewall <NUM> has an outer surface and an inner surface (e.g., inner surface <NUM> of annular outer sidewall <NUM>; <FIG>).

The annular outer sidewall <NUM> defines a skirt cavity <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>). Skirt cavity <NUM> extends along a skirt axis SA (<FIG>). In examples skirt cavity <NUM> has an open bottom end <NUM>. Open bottom end <NUM> is formed by annular outer sidewall <NUM>. The circumference of open bottom end <NUM> may be greater than the circumference of annular outer sidewall <NUM>, less than the circumference of annular outer sidewall <NUM>, or the same as the circumference of annular outer sidewall <NUM>. The open bottom end <NUM> is configured to receive a portion of a container, such as container <NUM>. Specifically, open bottom end <NUM> is configured to receive a neck of a container, a neck and shoulders of a container, and the like.

Cap <NUM> includes seal component <NUM>. Seal component <NUM> is formed of a plastic material. Seal component <NUM> may be shaped in one or more form factors that may include a sidewall and an end wall. Seal component <NUM> is shaped in an annular manner and includes an annular seal sidewall <NUM>.

The sidewall of the seal component <NUM> (i.e., annular seal sidewall <NUM> of seal component <NUM>) has a threading. The threading is located on an inner surface of annular seal sidewall <NUM>, as threaded inner surface <NUM>. The threaded surface (i.e., threaded inner surface <NUM>) is configured to mate with a threaded surface of a container, such as threaded outer surface of a portion of a container. For example, the threaded inner surface <NUM> may be configured to mate with a threaded outer surface <NUM> of a neck <NUM> of a container body <NUM> (<FIG>).

As shown on <FIG>, the annular seal sidewall <NUM> defines a cavity (i.e., neck cavity <NUM>). The neck cavity <NUM> has a closed top end <NUM> (<FIG>) and an open bottom end <NUM> (<FIG>). The open bottom end <NUM> is configured to receive the neck <NUM> of container <NUM>. The seal component <NUM> is mounted to the skirt component <NUM>. The seal component <NUM> is located within skirt component <NUM>. Specifically, seal component <NUM> is located within the skirt cavity <NUM>. More specifically, the annular outer sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component circumscribes the annular seal sidewall <NUM> of the seal component <NUM>.

The skirt component <NUM> may be formed of a stamped metal material component, as described herein. The metal material may be any type of metal that may be used for a cap, such as aluminum, steel (e.g., tinplate steel), and the like. The seal component <NUM> may be formed of an injection molded plastic material component. For example, the seal component <NUM> may be formed of polypropylene, polyethylene, and the like. The seal component <NUM> may be injection molded separately from the skirt component <NUM> and/or friction fit into the skirt component <NUM>. The skirt component <NUM> and/or the seal component <NUM> may be a singular monolithic component.

As shown on <FIG>, the skirt component <NUM> and the seal component <NUM> includes an interference element. The interference element <NUM> of the seal component <NUM> is configured to mate with interference elements <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>. The mating of the interference elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> and the seal component <NUM> may prevent a movement between the skirt component <NUM> and the seal component <NUM>. For example, the mating of the interference elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> and the seal component <NUM> may prevent a rotation (e.g., a relative rotation) between the skirt component <NUM> and the seal component <NUM>. The mating of the interference elements of the skirt component <NUM> and seal component <NUM> may establish a friction fit between the skirt component <NUM> and the seal component <NUM>.

As shown on <FIG>, the skirt component <NUM> includes a sidewall (i.e., inner annular sidewall <NUM>, outer annular sidewall <NUM>), a skirt end wall <NUM> (<FIG>), and interference element <NUM>. The inner annular sidewall <NUM> is surrounded by the outer annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>. The inner annular sidewall <NUM> is surrounded by the outer annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> so that an annular space <NUM> (<FIG>) exists between the inner and outer annular sidewalls of the skirt component <NUM>. The inner annular sidewall <NUM>, and the outer annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> extend downward from the skirt end wall <NUM>. The interference element <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> is located on an inner surface of the inner annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>. The interference element <NUM> of the seal component <NUM> is located on an outer surface of the annular seal sidewall <NUM>.

The seal component <NUM> may include a seal end wall <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>). The annular seal sidewall <NUM> may extend downward from the seal end wall <NUM>. The seal end wall <NUM> may have an annular flange portion <NUM> extending circumferentially beyond the outer surface of the annular seal sidewall <NUM>. In an example, the annular flange portion <NUM> may engage a shoulder <NUM> (e.g., an annular shoulder; <FIG>) formed in the inner surface of the inner annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>.

As described herein and shown on <FIG>, inner annular sidewall <NUM> is surrounded by the outer annular sidewall <NUM>. The outer annular sidewall <NUM> surrounding the inner annular sidewall <NUM> forms an annular space <NUM> between the inner annular sidewall <NUM> and outer annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>. A skirt end wall <NUM> (e.g., an annular skirt end wall) may define an opening <NUM> (e.g., a central opening; <FIG>) into the skirt cavity <NUM>. The inner annular sidewall <NUM> and outer annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> extend downward from the skirt end wall <NUM>.

The seal end wall <NUM> may have a top surface and/or a bottom surface. The annular seal sidewall <NUM> may extend downward from the bottom surface of the seal end wall <NUM>. The seal component <NUM> is mounted to the skirt component <NUM>. For example, the seal component <NUM> may be mounted to the skirt component <NUM> to close the central opening <NUM> such that a top surface of the skirt end wall <NUM> and the top surface of the seal end wall (e.g., each of a top surface of the skirt end wall and the top surface of the seal end wall) remain exposed.

The annular seal sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> may extend downward. For example, the annular seal sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> may extend downward beyond a bottom edge of the inner annular sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>. The annular outer sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> may extend downward. For example, the annular outer sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> may extend downward beyond a bottom edge of the annular seal sidewall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM>.

As described herein and shown on <FIG>, cap <NUM> may couple to container <NUM>. Container <NUM> may include a container body <NUM>. Container body <NUM> may include a body portion <NUM> and/or a neck <NUM>. Body portion <NUM> may define a chamber, such as a chamber for holding a product (e.g., a product chamber). In examples the body portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM> may be a thermoformed bottle. Neck <NUM> of container body <NUM> may have a threaded outer surface. In examples the neck <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material, although other examples may include neck <NUM> being formed of one or more materials, such as plastic, metal, and the like. Neck <NUM> may define a passageway, such as passageway <NUM>. Passageway <NUM> may be configured to allow a material to flow into the product chamber.

Cap <NUM> may be coupled to the container body <NUM>. For example, cap <NUM> may be coupled to the container body <NUM> via threaded engagement between the threaded surface (e.g., outer surface) of the neck <NUM> of the container and the threaded surface (e.g., inner surface <NUM>) of the cap <NUM>. The coupling of cap <NUM> and container body <NUM> may result in seal component <NUM> sealing the passageway <NUM>. In examples the neck <NUM> may be located within (e.g., at least partially located within) the neck cavity <NUM> of the cap <NUM>.

The container body <NUM> may include a shoulder portion <NUM>. The neck <NUM> of the container may extend upward from the shoulder portion <NUM>. In examples a bottom edge of annular outer wall <NUM> of the skirt component <NUM> may be adjacent the shoulder portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> of the container body <NUM> may be a collapsible tube, a container (such as a rigid or semirigid container), and the like. Container body <NUM> may include a multi-layer structure, such as a multi-layer laminate structure. A bottom end of the container (e.g., collapsible tube) may be sealed. The neck <NUM> of the container may be coupled to a top end of the collapsible tube.

<FIG> shows a multi-layer structure <NUM> of an example container. The multi-layer structure may be extrusion blow molded as a tube. As shown on <FIG>, the shoulder <NUM> of the container (e.g., tube) may comprise a neck (such as neck <NUM>). The neck <NUM> may have a passageway <NUM> and threads <NUM> for the attachment of a closure article, such as cap <NUM>. The multi-layer structure <NUM> may include two or more layers. For example, the multi-layer structure <NUM> may include at least two coextruded layers. The multi-layer structure <NUM> may include a plurality of layers, such as a plurality of coextruded layers. The plurality of layers may include an innermost layer <NUM>, a first interdisposed layer <NUM>, and/or an outermost layer <NUM>. In examples, the plurality of layers may include a second interdisposed layer <NUM> disposed between the first interdisposed layer <NUM> and the outermost layer <NUM>.

In examples, the first interdisposed layer <NUM> may be disposed between the innermost layer <NUM> and the outermost layer <NUM>. An adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the innermost layer <NUM> and the first interdisposed layer <NUM>. An adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first interdisposed layer <NUM> and the second interdisposed layer <NUM>. The second interdisposed layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> may be fused together, for example, by melting (e.g., partially melting) them at an interface. The second interdisposed layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> may include the same material and/or may be formed together during a co-extrusion process. A layer of the multi-layer structure may function as a barrier layer. For example, any one or more of the inner layer <NUM>, first interdisposed layer <NUM>, second interdisposed layer <NUM>, and outermost layer <NUM> may function as a barrier layer. In an example, the first interdisposed layer may function as a flavor barrier, an oxygen barrier, or both. In an example, the innermost layer <NUM>, the second interdisposed layer and/or the outermost layer <NUM> may function as a moisture barrier.

The container and/or cap may be part of a packaged product. For example, a packaged product may include the container, the cap, and/or a material in the product chamber of the container. The material may be an oral care material, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or the like. The packaged product may be secured (e.g., wrapped) for transit, storage, sale, and the like. The container and the cap may be coupled such that the components of the cap remain intact, the cap and container remain intact, and/or the material stored in the container remains within the container.

Claim 1:
A cap (<NUM>) for a container (<NUM>), the cap (<NUM>) comprising:
a skirt component (<NUM>) formed of a metal material, the skirt component comprising an annular outer sidewall (<NUM>) defining a skirt cavity (<NUM>) that extends along a skirt axis (SA) and has an open bottom end (<NUM>), the skirt component (<NUM>) comprising a first interference element (<NUM>); and
a seal component (<NUM>) formed of a plastic material, the seal component comprising an annular seal sidewall (<NUM>) having a threaded inner surface (<NUM>) configured to mate with a threaded outer surface (<NUM>) of a neck (<NUM>) of a container body (<NUM>), the annular seal sidewall (<NUM>) defining a neck cavity (<NUM>) having a closed top end (<NUM>) and an open bottom end (<NUM>) for receiving the neck (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>), the seal component (<NUM>) comprising a second interference element (<NUM>) that mates with the first interference element (<NUM>) of the skirt component (<NUM>);
wherein the seal component (<NUM>) is mounted to the skirt component (<NUM>) and located within the skirt cavity (<NUM>) so that the annular outer sidewall (<NUM>) of the skirt component circumscribes the annular seal sidewall (<NUM>) of the seal component (<NUM>);
characterized in that the skirt component (<NUM>) comprises:
an inner annular sidewall (<NUM>) that is surrounded by the outer annular sidewall (<NUM>) so that an annular space (<NUM>) exists between the inner and outer annular sidewalls of the skirt component; and
an annular skirt end wall (<NUM>), the inner and outer annular sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the skirt component (<NUM>) extending downward from the skirt end wall (<NUM>);
wherein the first interference element (<NUM>) of the skirt component is located on an inner surface of the inner annular sidewall (<NUM>) of the skirt component (<NUM>); and
wherein the second interference element (<NUM>) of the seal component is located on an outer surface of the annular seal sidewall (<NUM>).