CROWN CAP CLOSURE AND CLOSURE METHOD

Abstract

A crown cap closure and closure method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading Abstract of the Disclosure. The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Claims

1. A cap-like closure system for containers, comprising a plurality of crown caps comprising jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends, which is formed at least in part by a metal and/or aluminum-containing material, with the crown cap being formed such that, after the intended deformation of the crown cap, which deformation seals the container, the shaped ends of one or a plurality of cavities is formed between the outer container surface and the shaped ends, wherein in the region of the shaped ends a deformable sealing material is provided which closes the cavities at least to the extent of the end that points to the base of the container, with the sealing material forming a ring-like or hoop-like element separate from the crown cap and which interacts with the crown cap in such a way that when the shaped ends are deformed for the container closure they press or sink into the sealing material.

2. The cap-like closure system of claim 1 wherein the sealing material is a rubber-like or foam-like material, in particular a rubber-like or foam-like material whose outer surface compared with its inner surface is devoid or essentially devoid of pores.

3. The cap-like closure system of claim 2 wherein the sealing material is a material which can be activated in regard to its volume.

4. The cap-like closure system of claim 3 wherein the sealing material can be activated by an input of energy, in particular thermal energy, in that it expands under the influence of heat.

5. The cap-like closure system of claim 3 wherein the sealing material comprises a memory effect and after pressure is removed retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume form again.

6. The cap-like closure system of claim 5 wherein the sealing material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.

7. The cap-like closure system of claim 3 wherein the sealing material is one or a plurality of coats of a hot-melt adhesive.

8. A method for closing containers with the cap-like closure system of claim 1 whereby the containers and the crown caps are fed to the closure device and wherein the deformable sealing material is applied in one step and the deformation of the shaped ends takes placed in a subsequent step.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the sealing material is applied as a ring or collar in the mouth region of the container in a first step and in a subsequent step the crown cap is placed on the mouth and then deformed, with the sealing material being placed in an axial position such that the free ends of the shaped ends pointing to the base of the container lie in the sealing material or form an edge or ridge together with it.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein, after activation, the sealing material which projects after deformation radially covers the free shaped ends and forms a ring or collar beneath the free shaped ends.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the sealing material which projects after deformation is chemically and/or physically cured and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step in which the shaped ends are deformed is followed by an activation step in which energy is indirectly by applied to the crown caps or directly applied to exposed areas of the sealing material, bringing about an at least temporary alteration in the shape and/or state of the sealing material.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein the step in which the shaped ends are deformed is followed by an activation step in which energy is indirectly by applied to the crown caps or directly applied to exposed areas of the sealing material, bringing about an at least temporary alteration in the shape and/or state of the sealing material.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the sealing material which projects after deformation is chemically and/or physically cured and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.

15. The cap-like closure system of claim 1 wherein the sealing material is a material which can be activated in regard to its volume.

16. The cap-like closure system of claim 15 wherein the sealing material can be activated by an input of energy, in particular thermal energy, in that it expands under the influence of heat.

17. The cap-like closure system of claim 15 wherein the sealing material comprises a memory effect and after pressure is removed retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume form again.

18. The cap-like closure system of claim 15 wherein the sealing material is one or a plurality of coats of a hot-melt adhesive.

19. The cap-like closure system of claim 1 wherein the sealing material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.

20. The cap-like closure system of claim 4 wherein the sealing material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1A shows an exemplification with the cap-like closing system installed on a bottle;

[0047] FIG. 1B shows the exemplification of FIG. 1A, in another sectional view, which shows the cap-like closing system installed;

[0048] FIG. 2 shows one possible exemplification of sealing material;

[0049] FIG. 3 shows activation of sealing material;

[0050] FIG. 4 shows memory effect sealing material;

[0051] FIG. 5 shows another exemplification of sealing material;

[0052] FIG. 6 shows another possible exemplification of sealing material comprising coats;

[0053] FIG. 7 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0054] FIG. 8 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0056] FIG. 10 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0057] FIG. 11 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0058] FIG. 12 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0059] FIG. 13 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0060] FIG. 14 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0061] FIG. 15 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application;

[0062] FIG. 16 is a box diagram showing one possible exemplification of a method according to the present application; and

[0063] FIG. 17 shows schematically the main components of one possible embodiment example of a system for filling containers.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLIFICATION OR EXEMPLIFICATIONS

[0064] FIG. 1A shows an exemplification with the cap-like closing system installed on a bottle. The system comprises a metal crown cap 10 with an upper seal 12 disposed between the metal crown cap 10 and the extreme upper mouth of the bottle 14 with the jagged or tooth-shaped ends 16 of the crown cap 10 pressed against the bottom portion 18 of the bottom portion of the furthest upward extending portion of the bottle 14.

[0065] A ring or ring element projects in the axial direction downwardly at the extreme end 22, which points downwardly, of the crown cap 10. The ring 20 is tensioned by the free lower edges 22 of the jagged or tooth-shaped ends 16.

[0066] The right-hand portion of the FIG. 1A shows the portion of the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 which has not been collapsed by the closing of the bottle 14.

[0067] FIG. 1B shows the exemplification of FIG. 1A, in another sectional view, which shows the cap-like closing system installed.

[0068] As can be seen, the right-hand of the bottle 14 with the crown cap 10 installed covers the open portion 16 (shown in FIG. 1A) of the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16. The right-hand portion of the FIG. 1B shows the portion of the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 which has been collapsed by the closing of the bottle 14. The ring 20 as shown on the right-hand portion of the figure closes or seals the open portion 26.

[0069] A recess 24 is formed on the bottom portion of the ring or ring segments 20.

[0070] The exemplifications in FIGS. 1A and 1B show the regions of the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16, where a deformable sealing material 19 is provided, which closes the cavities 17 at least to the extent of the end that points toward the base of the container with the sealing material 19 forming a ring-like or hoop-like element 20 separate from the crown cap 10 and which interacts with the crown cap 10 in such a way that when the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 are deformed for the container closure, the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 press or sink into the sealing material 19.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing material 19 is a rubber-like or foam-like material 19, that is, a rubber-like or foam-life material 19 whose outer surface 21 compared with its inner surface 23 is devoid or essentially devoid of pores.

[0072] Alternatively, the pores could extend out of the outer surface 21 and inner surface 23 or only one of them such that at least one of the surfaces 21 and 23 are essentially devoid of pores.

[0073] In FIG. 3, the sealing material 19 is a material that can be activated in regard to its volume. The original volume 25 is shown to the left in FIG. 3, and the expanded volume is shown as 27. Further, with regard to FIG. 3, the addition of energy shown as Q, shown as 29, indicates that the application of energy, such as a thermal energy, expands the original volume 25, under the influence of heat, to the volume 27.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a memory effect material of which the sealing material 19 can be made. The original volume of the material 19 with a force F against the material 19 as shown in the left-hand portion of 31 initiates the reduction of the volume of the sealing material 19. Upon application of the force upon the sealing material 19 shown by the force F.sub.1 as shown as 33 in FIG. 4, the volume of the sealing material 19 is reduced to a minimum for the sealing procedure. After a time, after the release of forces F and F.sub.1, the sealing material 19 begins to expand as shown by the time t.sub.1. The sealing material 19 as shown as 37 then expands after a time t.sub.2, which is greater than time t.sub.1, to a dimension that is greater than the dimension of 35.

[0075] Finally, after a time t.sub.3, which is greater than time t.sub.2, which was greater than time t.sub.1, the sealing material 19 as shown as 39 expands to approximately or exactly the original volume of the sealing material shown in FIG. 4. Thus the memory effect, and after pressure is removed, retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume form again, as shown in 31.

[0076] FIG. 5 shows another exemplification in which the sealing material 19 and the upper seal 12 are in one piece and extend over the extreme upward portion of the bottle 14 down the sides of the mouth of the bottle 14 such that the sealing material 19 covers the actual mouth head area 41 and a part of the side of the mouth side wall 43.

[0077] FIG. 6 shows where the sealing material 19 comprises a plurality of coats of hot melt adhesive. These coats of sealing material 19 are shown as 45, 47, and 49. The coat 45 is the portion of the sealing material 19 which contacts the mouth side wall 43 of the bottle 14. The coat 47 is an intermediate layer between coats 45 and 49, and the coat 49 is an outer layer. Additionally, only one coat of hot melt adhesives could be used, rather than the three as shown.

[0078] The left-hand portion of FIG. 6 is shown with a thickened sealing material 19, which could be under one of the jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16 disposed further away from the mouth side wall 43 of the bottle 14. The right-hand portion of FIG. 6 could be under one of the compressed jagged or tooth-shaped shaped ends 16.

[0079] In other words, the thickness of the sealing material 19 disposed around bottle 14 and between the bottle 14 and the crown cork 10 was originally a consistent and even thickness. The compression of the crown cap 10 around the bottle mouth area resulted in jagged edges 16 of the crown cork 10 compress the sealing material 19. The compressed portions of the crown cork 10 are therefore depressed further into the sealing material 19 than the tooth portions 16 of the crown cork 10, forcing the sealing material 19 to be compressed more beneath the compressed portions of the crown cork 10. The sealing material 19 between the bottle 14 and the jagged teeth 16 of the crown cork 10 is permitted to expand farther away from the bottle 14, and therefore appears to be thicker.

[0080] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 201, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 7, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 7, as shown by 202, includes forming ring-like or hoop-like sealing element with rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 7, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 201, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 8, as shown by 204, includes forming outer surface of sealing material devoid or essentially devoid of pores. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 8, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0082] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 9, as shown by 206, includes activating sealing material by energy. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 9, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0083] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 10, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 10, as shown by 207, includes activating sealing material by heat.

[0084] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 11, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 11, as shown by 208, includes applying pressure and compressing the sealing material to reduce volume and then expanding sealing material slowly.

[0085] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 205, includes inserting rubber-like or foam-like sealing material between cavities in at least a portion of an installed crown cork and activating a foam-like material to increase foam volume. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 12, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 12, as shown in 209, includes applying pressure and compressing the sealing material to reduce volume for at least a while.

[0086] FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 210, includes covering mouth area of a bottle with a sealing cap extending down the neck of bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 13, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 13, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0087] FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 219, includes putting a crown cap in a coating machine. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 14, as shown by 211, includes applying sealing material in at least one coat. A following or subsequent A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 14, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 14, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0088] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 219, includes putting a crown cap in a coating machine. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 15, as shown by 212, includes applying sealing material as hot-melt adhesive. A following or subsequent A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 15, as shown by 217, includes putting crown cork on bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 15, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0089] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of one possible method according to the present application. A step in this method, as shown by 219, includes putting a crown cap in a coating machine. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 16, as shown by 213, includes applying sealing material to crown cork. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 16, as shown by 214, includes deforming jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork to seal bottle. A following or subsequent step in the method as shown in FIG. 16, as shown by 203, includes deforming sharp ends of jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends of crown cork.

[0090] FIG. 17 shows schematically the main components of one possible embodiment example of a system for filling containers, specifically, a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles 130 with at least one liquid beverage, in accordance with at least one possible embodiment, in which system or plant could possibly be utilized at least one aspect, or several aspects, of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0091] FIG. 17 shows a rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101, to which the containers, namely bottles 130, are fed in the direction of travel as indicated by the arrow 131, by a first conveyor arrangement 103, which can be a linear conveyor or a combination of a linear conveyor and a starwheel. Downstream of the rinsing arrangement or rinsing station 101, in the direction of travel as indicated by the arrow 131, the rinsed bottles 130 are transported to a beverage filling machine 105 by a second conveyor arrangement 104 that is formed, for example, by one or more starwheels that introduce bottles 130 into the beverage filling machine 105.

[0092] The beverage filling machine 105 shown is of a revolving or rotary design, with a rotor 105, which revolves around a central, vertical machine axis. The rotor 105 is designed to receive and hold the bottles 130 for filling at a plurality of filling positions 113 located about the periphery of the rotor 105. At each of the filling positions 103 is located a filling arrangement 114 having at least one filling device, element, apparatus, or valve. The filling arrangements 114 are designed to introduce a predetermined volume or amount of liquid beverage into the interior of the bottles 130 to a predetermined or desired level.

[0093] The filling arrangements 114 receive the liquid beverage material from a toroidal or annular vessel 117, in which a supply of liquid beverage material is stored under pressure by a gas. The toroidal vessel 117 is a component, for example, of the revolving rotor 105. The toroidal vessel 117 can be connected by means of a rotary coupling or a coupling that permits rotation. The toroidal vessel 117 is also connected to at least one external reservoir or supply of liquid beverage material by a conduit or supply line. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, there are two external supply reservoirs 123 and 124, each of which is configured to store either the same liquid beverage product or different products. These reservoirs 123, 124 are connected to the toroidal or annular vessel 117 by corresponding supply lines, conduits, or arrangements 121 and 122. The external supply reservoirs 123, 124 could be in the form of simple storage tanks, or in the form of liquid beverage product mixers, in at least one possible embodiment.

[0094] As well as the more typical filling machines having one toroidal vessel, it is possible that in at least one possible embodiment there could be a second toroidal or annular vessel which contains a second product. In this case, each filling arrangement 114 could be connected by separate connections to each of the two toroidal vessels and have two individually-controllable fluid or control valves, so that in each bottle 130, the first product or the second product can be filled by means of an appropriate control of the filling product or fluid valves.

[0095] Downstream of the beverage filling machine 105, in the direction of travel of the bottles 130, there can be a beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 which closes or caps the bottles 130. The beverage bottle closing arrangement or closing station 106 can be connected by a third conveyor arrangement 107 to a beverage bottle labeling arrangement or labeling station 108. The third conveyor arrangement may be formed, for example, by a plurality of starwheels, or may also include a linear conveyor device.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage bottle labeling arrangement or labeling station 108 has at least one labeling unit, device, or module, for applying labels to bottles 130. In the embodiment shown, the labeling arrangement 108 is connected by a starwheel conveyor structure to three output conveyor arrangements: a first output conveyor arrangement 109, a second output conveyor arrangement 110, and a third output conveyor arrangement 111, all of which convey filled, closed, and labeled bottles 130 to different locations.

[0097] The first output conveyor arrangement 109, in the embodiment shown, is designed to convey bottles 130 that are filled with a first type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 123. The second output conveyor arrangement 110, in the embodiment shown, is designed to convey bottles 130 that are filled with a second type of liquid beverage supplied by, for example, the supply reservoir 124. The third output conveyor arrangement 111, in the embodiment shown, is designed to convey incorrectly labeled bottles 130. To further explain, the labeling arrangement 108 can comprise at least one beverage bottle inspection or monitoring device that inspects or monitors the location of labels on the bottles 130 to determine if the labels have been correctly placed or aligned on the bottles 130. The third output conveyor arrangement 111 removes any bottles 130 which have been incorrectly labeled as determined by the inspecting device.

[0098] The beverage bottling plant can be controlled by a central control arrangement 112, which could be, for example, computerized control system that monitors and controls the operation of the various stations and mechanisms of the beverage bottling plant.

[0099] The present application relates to a cap-like closure system for containers, in the form of crown caps, which have a plurality of jag- or tooth-like shape ends. The crown caps are composed at least partially of a metal and/or aluminum-containing material (main body) and can comprise an inner coating composed of one or more layers (rubber, plastic) for improving the sealing between the container opening and the underside of the crown cap. The crown cap is shaped in such a way that the shape ends have the fundamentally known corrugated or jagged radial contour after the intended deformation which closes the opening of the container, such that one or more cavities are formed between the outer container surface close to the opening and the shape ends. A deformable sealing material is provided in the region of the shape ends. The sealing material closes the cavities at least in the periphery of the end pointing toward the container bottom. The sealing material is a ring- or hoop-like element, which is separate from the crown cap and is attached in the corresponding opening region of the container separately from, i.e., independently of, the main body of the crown cap. However, the element then interacts with the crown cap (main body) in such a way that, when the shape ends of the crown cap are deformed for the final container closure, the form ends press or sink into the sealing material at least in some sections.

[0100] One feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a cap-like closure system for containers, comprising a plurality of crown caps comprising jag-like or tooth-like shaped ends, which is formed at least in part by a metal and/or aluminum-containing material, with the crown cap being formed such that, after the intended deformation of the crown cap, which (deformation) seals the container, the shaped ends of one or a plurality of cavities is formed between the outer container surface and the shaped ends, wherein in the region of the shaped ends a deformable sealing material is provided which closes the cavities at least to the extent of the end that points to the base of the container, with the sealing material forming a ring-like or hoop-like element separate from the crown cap and which interacts with the crown cap in such a way that when the shaped ends are deformed for the container closure they press or sink into the sealing material.

[0101] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing material is a rubber-like or foam-like material, in at least one possible exemplification a rubber-like or foam-like material whose outer surface compared with its inner surface is devoid or essentially devoid of pores.

[0102] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing material is a material which can be activated in regard to its volume.

[0103] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing material can be activated by an input of energy, in at least one possible exemplification thermal energy, in that it expands under the influence of heat.

[0104] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing material comprises a memory effect and after pressure is removed retains a compressed, reduced volume form for a while and/or slowly loses it and aspires to the original, enlarged volume form again.

[0105] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing material is a seal cap with which the actual mouth head area and a part of the mouth's side wall can be covered.

[0106] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the cap-like closure system wherein the sealing material is one or a plurality of coats of a hot-melt adhesive.

[0107] One feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a method for closing containers with the cap-like closure system of the present application whereby the containers and the crown caps are fed to the closure device and wherein the deformable sealing material is applied in one step and the deformation of the shaped ends takes placed in a subsequent step.

[0108] Another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method wherein the sealing material is applied as a ring or collar in the mouth region of the container in a first step and in a subsequent step the crown cap is placed on the mouth and then deformed, with the sealing material being placed in an axial position such that the free ends of the shaped ends pointing to the base of the container lie in the sealing material or form an edge or ridge together with it.

[0109] Yet another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method wherein, after activation, the sealing material which projects after deformation radially covers the free shaped ends and forms a ring or collar beneath the free shaped ends.

[0110] Still another feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method wherein the sealing material which projects after deformation is chemically and/or physically cured and/or embrittled in a subsequent step.

[0111] A further feature or aspect of an exemplification is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the method wherein the step in which the shaped ends are deformed is followed by an activation step in which energy is indirectly by applied to the crown caps or directly applied to exposed areas of the sealing material, bringing about an at least temporary alteration in the shape and/or state of the sealing material.

[0112] The components disclosed in the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used in possible exemplifications of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof.

[0113] The purpose of the statements about the technical field is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patent application. The description of the technical field is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the technical field of this patent application. However, the description of the technical field may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the technical field are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0114] The appended drawings in their entirety, including all dimensions, proportions and/or shapes in at least one exemplification of the invention, are accurate and are hereby included by reference into this specification.

[0115] The background information is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately provide background information for this patent application. However, the background information may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the background information are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0116] All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of the various exemplifications may be used with at least one exemplification or all of the exemplifications, if more than one exemplification is described herein.

[0117] The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patent application. The description of the object or objects is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the object or objects of this patent application. However, the description of the object or objects may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the object or objects are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0118] All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein.

[0119] The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately summarize this patent application. However, portions or all of the information contained in the summary may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the summary are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0120] It will be understood that the examples of patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents which are included in this application and which are referred to in paragraphs which state Some examples of . . . which may possibly be used in at least one possible exemplification of the present application . . . may possibly not be used or usable in any one or more exemplifications of the application.

[0121] The sentence immediately above relates to patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents either incorporated by reference or not incorporated by reference.

[0122] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Sep. 27, 2016, having inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK, Attorney Docket No. NHL-HOL-314, and title CROWN CORK CLOSURE AND CLOSING METHOD, and its corresponding Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 322.7, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/056264, filed on Mar. 24, 2015, having WIPO Publication No. WO 2015 144710 A1 and inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0123] U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Sep. 27, 2016, having inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK, Attorney Docket No. NHL-HOL-315-PPH, and title CROWN CAP AND CLOSING DEVICE, and its corresponding Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 316.2, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2015/056263, filed on Mar. 24, 2015, having WIPO Publication No. WO 2015/144709 A1and inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas FAHLDIECK are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0124] The following patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions indicated herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein: DE 4018121 A1, having the English translation of the German title Filling and closing bottlesinvolves mechanism which forms seal press seat between closure and bottle, published on Dec. 12, 1991; DE 1018121 A1, having the German title Freiluft-Hochspannungsverbundisolator aus Kunststoff, published on Oct. 24, 1957; DE 4036306 A1, having the English translation of the German title Fitting sealing caps to filled bottles, published on Jun. 4, 1992; and DE 35 15 334 A1, having the English translation of the German title VESSEL CLOSING MACHINE, published on Oct. 30, 1986.

[0125] All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions indicated herein, which were cited in the German Office Action dated Jul. 9, 2015, and/or cited elsewhere, as well as the German Office Action document itself, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein, as follows: DE 10 2014 010 626 A1, having the German title Verschluss einer Flasche mit einem Kronkorken, published on May 7, 2015; and DE 10 2005 004 996 B3, having the English translation of German title Crown cap for bottles is produced by stamping from a metal sheet, with the seals laid in position, to give a base and a peripheral wall with a toothed structure, published on Jun. 20, 2006.

[0126] All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions indicated herein, which were cited in the International Search Report dated May 29, 2015, and/or cited elsewhere, as well as the International Search Report document itself, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein, as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 2,974,816, having the title Closing and sealing bottles and other receptacles, published on Mar. 14, 1961.

[0127] The corresponding foreign and international patent publication applications, namely, Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application No. 10 2014 104 323.5, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, having inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas KRIEG, and DE-OS 10 2014 104 323.5 and DE-PS 10 2014 104 323.5, and International Application No. PCT/EP2015/056266, filed on Mar. 24, 2015, having WIPO Publication No. WO 2015/144711 A1 and inventors Heinz HILLMANN and Andreas KRIEG, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, except for the exceptions indicated herein, for the purpose of correcting and explaining any possible misinterpretations of the English translation thereof. In addition, the published equivalents of the above corresponding foreign and international patent publication applications, and other equivalents or corresponding applications, if any, in corresponding cases in the Federal Republic of Germany and elsewhere, and the references and documents cited in any of the documents cited herein, such as the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents, except for the exceptions indicated herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein.

[0128] The purpose of incorporating the corresponding foreign equivalent patent application(s), that is, PCT/EP2015/056266 and German Patent Application 10 2014 104 323.5, is solely for the purposes of providing a basis of correction of any wording in the pages of the present application, which may have been mistranslated or misinterpreted by the translator, and to provide additional information relating to technical features of one or more exemplifications, which information may not be completely disclosed in the wording in the pages of this application.

[0129] Statements made in the original foreign patent applications PCT/EP2015/056266 and DE 10 2014 104 323.5 from which this patent application claims priority which do not have to do with the correction of the translation in this patent application are not to be included in this patent application in the incorporation by reference.

[0130] Any statements about admissions of prior art in the original foreign patent applications PCT/EP2015/056266 and DE 10 2014 104 323.5 are not to be included in this patent application in the incorporation by reference, since the laws relating to prior art in non-U.S. Patent Offices and courts may be substantially different from the Patent Laws of the United States.

[0131] All of the references and documents cited in any of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, except for the exceptions indicated herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein. All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, include all of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited anywhere in the present application.

[0132] Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the author of all patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein and not directly relating to the technical details of the description of the exemplifications therein are not incorporated by reference.

[0133] The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, ideal, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more exemplifications of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents, are not considered to be incorporated by reference herein for any of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein.

[0134] The description of the exemplification or exemplifications is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the exemplification or exemplifications of this patent application. However, portions of the description of the exemplification or exemplifications may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the exemplification or exemplifications are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0135] The details in the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein may be considered to be incorporable, at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentably distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.

[0136] The purpose of the title of this patent application is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patent application. The title is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately reflect the general nature of this patent application. However, the title may not be completely applicable to the technical field, the object or objects, the summary, the description of the exemplification or exemplifications, and the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, the title is not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0137] The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b): [0138] A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading Abstract of the Disclosure. The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

[0139] The exemplifications of the invention described herein above in the context of the preferred exemplifications are not to be taken as limiting the exemplifications of the invention to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplifications of the invention.