Abstract
The invention is directed to a closure (1) having a base (3) with a top deck (4) and a therewith adjacent skirt (5) extending in an axial direction (z) comprising an internal thread (6). The closure (1) is comprising a sealing arrangement (16) with an inner seal (18) extending in the axial direction (z) from the top deck (4). The inner seal (18) is having an inner annular sealing surface (29) arranged radially inward with respect to an outer seal (17) and pointing in an outward direction. The sealing arrangement further comprises an outer seal (17), which in its cross-section comprises a base section (20) extending in the axial direction (z) from the top deck (4) and an end section (21), which is bend inwardly with respect to the course of the base section (20) in the direction of the inner seal (18) and which terminates in a sealing surface (22) pointing in an inward direction.
Claims
1. A closure (1) comprising: a. a base (3) with a top deck (4) and an adjacent skirt (5) extending in an axial direction (z) comprising an internal thread (6); b. a sealing arrangement (16) with an inner seal (18) extending in the axial direction (z) from the top deck (4) comprising an inner annular sealing surface (29) arranged radially inward with respect to an outer seal (17) and pointing in an outward direction; and c. the outer seal (17), which in its cross-section comprises i. a base section (20) extending in the axial direction (z) from the top deck (4) and ii. an end section (21), which is bent inwardly with respect to the course of the base section (20) in the direction of the inner seal (18) and which terminates in a sealing surface (22) pointing in an inward direction; wherein the sealing arrangement (16) comprises a location surface (28) arranged between the outer seal (17) and the inner seal (18) and wherein in the axial direction (z): iii. the outer sealing surface (22) of the outer seal (17) is spaced a first distance (D1) apart from the location surface (28); and iv. the inner sealing surface (29) of the inner seal (18) is spaced a second distance (D2) apart from the location surface (28); wherein the annular base (30) of the inner seal (18) is supported by ribs (31) from inside, wherein extension of the ribs (31) in the axial direction (z) with respect to the location surface (28) is defined by a third distance (D3); and wherein the second distance (D2) is larger than the first distance (D1) and the third distance (D3) is between the first and the second distance (D1, D2).
2. The closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the outer seal (17) is defined by an inner concave side wall (26) and an outer convex side wall (27) which merge into the sealing surface (22).
3. The closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer seal (17) has a cross-section having a thickness that constantly decreases in the direction of the outer sealing surface (22).
4. The closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base section (20) of the outer seal (17) blends by an inner transition region (24) into the top deck (4) and by an outer transition region (25) into the skirt (5).
5. The closure (1) according to claim 4, wherein in a cross section an average radius of the inner transition region (24) is larger than an average radius of the outer transition (25) region.
6. The closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein a wall thickness of the area of the top deck (4) arranged radially inside the inner seal (18) is at least partially thinner than a wall thickness of the top deck (4) in the area of the locating surface (28).
7. The closure (1) according to claim 6, wherein the thread (6) comprises several rows of thread segments (32) spaced apart by channels (33) extending in the axial direction along an inner side wall of the skirt (5).
8. The closure (1) according to claim 7, wherein the channels (33) in the axial direction end a fourth distance (D4) apart from the location surface (28), wherein the fourth distance (D4) is less than the second distance (D2).
9. The closure (1) according to claim 1, wherein a tamper band (8) is interconnected to the skirt (5) by at least one frangible element (9).
10. The closure (1) according to claim 9, wherein the tamper band (8) comprises a base section (34) and a foldable section (35) interconnected to the base section (34) by a hinge (36) and foldable between an unfolded and a folded position.
11. The closure (1) according to claim 10, wherein the foldable section (35) comprises retainer beads (37) distributed along the foldable section (35) and extending from a free end (38) of the foldable section (35).
12. The closure (1) according to claim 9, wherein the tamper band (8) comprises at least one drainage hole (39) arranged adjacent to the hinge (36).
13. The closure (1) according to claim 10, wherein in the folded position, the closure includes extensions (40) arranged between the foldable section (35) and the base section (34) of the tamper band (6).
14. The closure (1) according to claim 9, wherein the hinge is arranged inside of the base section (34) separated by a circumferential groove (41) from a lower end (42) of the base section (34).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:
(2) FIG. 1 is a closure according to the invention in perspective view from above;
(3) FIG. 2 is the closure according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from below;
(4) FIG. 3 is the closure according to FIG. 1 in a side view;
(5) FIG. 4 is a section view along section line AA;
(6) FIG. 5 is detail B according to FIG. 4;
(7) FIG. 6 is detail C according to FIG. 4;
(8) FIG. 7 is a top view of the closure according to FIG. 1;
(9) FIG. 8 is a section view according to section line DD according to FIG. 7;
(10) FIG. 9 is detail E according to FIG. 8;
(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a neck finish for a closure according to FIG. 1
(12) FIG. 11 is detail F according to FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(13) Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.
(14) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a closure 1 according to the invention in a perspective view from above. FIG. 2 is showing the closure 1 in a perspective view from below. FIG. 3 is showing the closure 1 in a side view, and FIG. 4 in a section view along section line AA of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is showing detail B according and FIG. 6 detail C according to FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is showing the closure 1 in a top view and FIG. 8 in a section view along section line DD according to FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is showing detail E according to FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is showing a neck finish 2 suitable to receive a closure 1.
(15) The closure 1 comprises a base 3 with a top deck 4 and a therewith adjacent skirt 5 with an internal thread 6 or similar retaining means suitable to be engaged with an external thread 7 of a neck finish 2 as shown in FIG. 10. In the shown variation the top deck 4 is disc like. Depending the field of application, the top deck 4 can have a different design, e.g. a spout, etc. (not shown in detail).
(16) The closure 1 further comprises a tamper band 8 attached to a lower free end of the outer skirt 5. In the shown variation it is integrally attached thereto by frangible bridges 9 or similar means such as a thin web of material (not shown in detail).
(17) The closure 1 is foreseen to be used with standardized neck finishes 2 as known from prior art. An example of a standardized neck finish is shown in FIG. 10. The standardized neck finish 1 comprises an outer peripheral surface 10 with an external thread 11. The outer peripheral surface 10 blends by an edge surface 12 into an annular top surface 13. Between the annular top surface 13 and the external thread 11 an outer free surface 14 extends over a length of approximately 1 mm to 3 mm of the neck, which is not covered by the thread and suitable for sealing purposes. The neck 2 comprises an in general cylindrical, inner peripheral surface 15 adjacent to the annular top surface 13. Furthermore the neck finish 2 comprises a circumferential bead 47 protruding outwardly in a radial direction. The circumferential bead 47 is arranged parallel at a certain distance H (see FIG. 8) from the annular top surface 13 below the external thread 7. It is foreseen to provide hold for the tamper band 7 of a closure applied thereon.
(18) As visible in the sectional view according to FIG. 5 the closure 1 comprises on the inside a sealing arrangement 16 comprising an outer seal 17 and a bore seal 18 which are arranged concentric with respect to an axial direction of a closure axis 19. In its cross-section the outer seal 17 extends from the top deck 4 into the outer skirt 5. Wherein a base section 20 extends approximately perpendicular from the top deck and merges into an end section 21 which is bend inwardly against the bore seal 18 as will be described hereinafter in more detail. The end section 21 terminates in an outer annular sealing surface 22 protruding radially inwardly. The principle course of the outer seal 17 is in the cross-section according to FIG. 5 schematically indicated by dotted line 23. In the shown variation the outer seal 17 is interconnected to the top deck 4 by an inner and an outer transition region 23, 24. The cross-section of the outer seal 17 is defined by an inner and an outer sidewall 26, 27, which blend at the free end of the outer seal 17 into the annular sealing surface 22. In the sectional view the inner sidewall 26 is having a concave design bent in an inward direction against the bore seal 18. The outer side wall 27 has basically a convex design following the inner side wall 26.
(19) When in a mounted position as schematically shown in FIG. 9 the outer annular sealing surface 22 interacts with the outer free surface of the neck finish 2. The with respect to the radial direction most inner point of the outer annular sealing surface 22 is arranged at a distance D1 from a locating surface 28 arranged between the outer and the inner seal 17, 18. The locating surface 28 acts as a stop for the annular top surface of the neck finish 13. If appropriate it can contribute to the sealing performance of the sealing arrangement 16.
(20) As visible, the wall thickness of the area of the top deck 4 arranged radially inside the inner seal 18 is in the shown embodiment at least partially thinner than the wall thickness of the top deck 4 in the area of the locating surface 28. This offers the opportunity to reduce the overall weight of the closure without negative influence on the sealing performance.
(21) As visible in the section view according to FIG. 5, the inner seal (bore seal) 18 is extending from the top deck of the closure 1 inside the outer skirt 5. It comprises an inner annular sealing surface 29 protruding in an outward direction above an annular base 30. The with respect to the radial direction most outer point of the inner annular sealing surface 29 is arranged at a distance D2 from a locating surface 28 arranged between the outer and the inner seal 17, 18. The bore seal 18 is supported by ribs 31 which extend from the top deck 4 into the bore seal 18. Depending on the field of application, the design of the ribs 31 can have a relevant influence on the functionality of the closure 1 when breaking the seal in combination with the behavior of the tamper evidence, i.e. breaking of the bridges between the tamper band 8 and the outer skirt 5. In the shown variation the axial length of the ribs 31 is indicated by distance D3.
(22) In a variation the closure 1 is having a base 3 with a top deck 4 and a therewith adjacent skirt 5 extending in an axial direction z. The skirt comprises an internal thread 6 foreseen to be interconnected to the external thread 7 of the neck finish 2 as schematically shown in FIG. 8. The closure 1 is shown in an undeformed manner sitting on the neck finish 2. This behavior does not correspond to the behavior of the real closure when applied on a neck finish, as the geometry of the closure 1 is foreseen to deform in a controlled manner to achieve the specifications needed. The interaction of the several elements and dimensions is preferably as described hereinafter. Thereby it is possible to achieve a lightweight closure which provides a superior performance compared to other closures known from the prior art. The closure 1 is having a sealing arrangement 16 with an inner seal 18 extending in the axial direction z from the top deck 4 comprising an inner sealing surface 29 arranged radially inward with respect to an outer seal 17 and pointing in an outward direction. In the applied position the inner sealing surface 29 interacts with the inner peripheral surface 15 of the neck finish forming a first sealing area 43. The sealing arrangement 16 comprises an outer seal 17, which in its cross-section comprises a base section 20 extending in the axial direction z from the top deck 4 inside the skirt 5. The base section 20 merges into an end section 21, which is bend inwardly with respect to the course of the base section 20, in the direction of the inner seal 18 and which terminates in a sealing surface 22 pointing in an inward direction. In the applied position as visible in FIG. 8, the sealing surface 22 forms a second sealing area 44 with the outer free surface 14 of the neck finish 2. The cross-section of the outer seal 17 is preferably defined by an inner and an outer concave side wall 26, 27 which merge into the sealing surface 22. If appropriate a third sealing area 45 can be established between the inner transition region 24 and an edge surface 46 arranged between the outer free surface 14 and the annular top surface 13 of the neck finish 2. In the preferred variation as shown the thickness of the outer seal 17 constantly decreases in the direction of the outer sealing surface 22. The average radius of the inner transition region 24 is preferably larger than the average radius of the outer transition 25 region. The sealing arrangement 16 comprises a location surface 28 arranged between the outer seal 17 and the inner seal 18 and wherein in the axial direction z the outer sealing surface 22 of the outer seal 17 is spaced a first distance D1 apart from the location surface 28 and the inner sealing surface 29 of the inner seal 18 is spaced a second distance D2 apart from the location surface 28. The annular base 30 of the inner seal 18 is supported by ribs 31 from the inside, wherein the extension of the ribs 31 in the axial direction z with respect to the location surface 28 is defined by a third distance D3. In the shown variation the second distance D2 is larger than the first distance D1 and the third distance D3 is between the first and the second distance DE D2. If appropriate the third distance can be chosen larger than the second distance D2.
(23) As visible in FIG. 5, the thread 6 comprises several rows of thread segments 32 spaced apart by channels 33 extending in the axial direction along an inner side wall of the skirt 5. The channels 33 in the axial direction end a fourth distance D4 apart from the location surface 28, wherein the fourth distance D4 is less than the second distance D2. This helps to support venting of the closure 1 when unscrewing it from the neck finish.
(24) In FIG. 11 the tamper band 8 is shown in a schematical manner on the neck finish 2. As visible in detail in FIG. 6, the tamper band 8 comprises a base section 34 and a foldable section 35 interconnected to the base section 34 by a hinge 36 (not shown in FIG. 11) and foldable between an unfolded (see FIG. 6) and a folded position (see FIG. 11). The foldable section 35 comprises retainer beads 37 arranged distributed along the foldable section 35 and extending from a free end 38 of the foldable section 35. The retainer beads 37 are foreseen to interact with an edge surface 47 of the neck finish 2. The tamper band 8 may comprise at least one drainage hole 39 which is preferably arranged adjacent to the hinge 36. If appropriate the at least one drainage hole 39 can interrupt the hinge. If appropriate extensions 40 can be arranged between the foldable section 35 and the base section 34 of the tamper band 6 to guarantee that the foldable section 35 is kept in the correct position, when applied to the neck finish 2. The tamper band 8 should thus be considered a separate inventive concept, which may be made subject of one or several divisional patent applications.
(25) When disengaging the closure from the neck finish by unscrewing, it comes to a point where the inner seal contact point begins to disengage with the finish. The thread rotates until the bridges break via rotation torsion. Then the closure shell separates with the tamper band. The closure will continue to disengage the inner seal contact point 43. Until product begins to leak from the neck finish 2. The ribs 31 supporting the inner seal 18 from the inside allow to hold the inner seal in place without unwanted deforming after the closure 1 has been applied to the neck finish 2.
