CHEMICAL CONTAINER CAP BREAKSEAL, CHEMICAL CONTAINER CAP THEREOF, AND CHEMICAL CONTAINER ASSEMBLY THEREOF

Abstract

A breakseal is for a chemical container cap. A chemical container cap includes a cap body and a breakseal. The breakseal is disposed in an opening of a hole in the cap body. The breakseal includes a base portion extending over the hole, an outer periphery portion extending outwards from the base portion, and a first ring protruding from the body portion. The base portion is configured to rupture under an external force. The outer periphery portion curves away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards. The ring portion is configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container. An assembly includes a chemical container with a port and a chemical container cap coupled to the chemical container over the port.

Claims

1. An article comprising: a chemical container cap including: a cap body including a hole and an opening for the hole; and a breakseal disposed in the opening of the cap body, the breakseal including: a base portion extending over the hole, the base portion configured to rupture under an external force, an outer periphery portion extending outwards from the base portion, the outer periphery portion curving away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards, and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes an upper surface facing the hole in the cap body and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer periphery portion curving in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protruding from the lower surface of the base portion.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the outer periphery portion extends outward from the base portion in a first direction, and the first ring protruding from the body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The article of claim 1, wherein the first ring is configured to be inserted into the opening of the chemical container body, and the radial seal being formed between an outer circumferential surface of the first ring and an inner circumferential surface of the port of the chemical container.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the first ring is configured to surround the port of the chemical container, the radial seal formed between an inner circumferential surface of the first ring and an outer circumferential surface of the port of the chemical container.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the breakseal includes a second ring protruding from the body portion and encircling the first ring, a groove formed between the first ring and the second ring, and the groove configured to receive a neck that forms the port of the chemical container.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the breakseal is held in the opening of the cap body by outward tension of the outer periphery portion on an inner side surface of the opening of the cap body.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein the breakseal disposed in the opening of the cap body with the outer periphery portion in a compressed state, and the compressed state of the outer periphery portion providing the outward tension of the outer periphery portion on the inner side surface of the opening of the cap body.

9. The article of claim 7, wherein the outer periphery portion is configured to have reducible circumference that provides the outward tension of the outer periphery portion on an inner side surface of the opening of the cap body.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the hole is a blind hole in the cap body, the cap body includes a tear tab forming a rear of the blind hole, the tear tab is configured to be removed to reform the blind hole into a through-hole in the cap body.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the breakseal includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the first ring protruding from the lower surface of the body portion, and the cap body includes a rib extending downward into the opening, the rib contacting the upper surface of the breakseal.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein the base portion has a lower surface configured to form a face seal with an upper surface of the port of the chemical container.

13. The article of claim 1, wherein a vertical cross-section of the base portion and the outer periphery portion form a concave shape.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes at least one thinner portion configured to rupture under application of the external force that is at least a predetermined external pressure threshold.

15. The article of claim 1, wherein the breakseal is a molded thermoplastic polymer.

16. An article comprising: a breakseal for a chemical container cap, the breakseal including: a base portion configured to be externally rupturable, an outer periphery portion extending outward from the base portion, the outer periphery portion curving away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards, the outer periphery portion configured such that a circumference of the outer periphery portion is reducible so as to provide tension against an opening for a hole in a chemical container cap to thereby hold the breakseal in the opening with the base portion extending over the hole, and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the base portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer periphery portion curving in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protruding from the lower surface of the base portion.

18. The article of claim 16, wherein a vertical cross-section of the base portion and the outer periphery portion form a concave shape.

19. The article of claim 16, wherein the breakseal is a single component formed of polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) polymer.

20. An assembly comprising: a chemical container including a port; a chemical container cap coupled to the chemical container over the port, the chemical container cap including: a cap body including a hole and an opening for the hole; and a breakseal disposed in the opening of the cap body and over the port, the breakseal including: a base portion extending over the hole, the base portion configured to rupture under an external force, an outer periphery portion extending outwards from the base portion, the outer periphery portion curving away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards, and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion forming a radial seal with the port of the chemical container.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a chemical container assembly.

[0007] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the chemical container assembly in claim 1, according to an embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the chemical container assembly as indicated in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the chemical container assembly as indicated in FIG. 3, with a tear tab of the chemical container assembly omitted, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a breakseal of the chemical container assembly in FIG. 4, according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a breakseal of the chemical container assembly in FIG. 4, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional view of a chemical container assembly with a conventional breakseal.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a conventional breakseal of the chemical container assembly in FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a conventional breakseal of the chemical container assembly in FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.

[0015] Like numbers represent like features throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This disclosure relates to breakseal for a chemical container cap. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a breakseal for a chemical container cap of a chemical container assembly.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a chemical container assembly 1. The chemical container assembly 1 includes a chemical container 10 and a chemical container cap 30. Liquid chemical is stored within the container 10 and the cap 30 is configured to seal the liquid chemical within the container 10 during transport of the chemical container assembly 1. The liquid chemical can be one or both of dangerous (caustic, acidic, or the like) and expensive. Accordingly, the chemical container assembly 1 is configured to have improved sealing to prevent leakage of the container 10 from the coupled container 10 and cap 30.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the chemical container system 1, according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 is in the form of a bottle. It should be appreciated that the container 10 in other embodiments may be in different type of vessel. The container 10 includes a liner 24 (e.g., see FIG. 3). The linear 24 is omitted from the exploded view in FIG. 2.

[0019] The container 10 includes a container body 12 with an opening 14 and a port 20. The interior of the container body 12 can be accessed through the port 20 (e.g., the port 20 is configured to provide access into the container 10). The container 10 includes a neck 18 that forms the port 20. The neck 18 defines an inlet of the port 20. The container 10 can include a fitment 11 disposed in the opening 14 of the container body 12 and forms the port 20. The neck 18 can be provided by the fitment 12. It should be appreciated that the container body 12 may include the fitment 11 in some embodiments.

[0020] The cap 30 is coupled onto the container 10 to seal the liquid inside the container 10. For example, the cap 30 can be removeably coupled to the container 10. In the illustrated example, the cap 30 is configured to screw onto the container 10 via threads on the container body 12 and the cap 30. It should be appreciated that the cap 30 may be configured to couple to the container 10 in a different manner in other embodiments (e.g., via clamp(s), bolt(s), etc.). The cap 30 can include a ring seal 48 to provide sealing between the cap 30 and the container 10. For example, the ring seal 48 is configured to provide sealing between the cap 30 and the container body 12.

[0021] The cap 30 includes a cap body 32 and a breakseal 50. The cap body 32 couples onto the container 10 with the breakseal 50 disposed therebetween. The breakseal 50 is pressed between cap body 32 and the container 10. The breakseal 50 is discussed in more detail below.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 30 includes a tear tab 36 in the cap body 32. The tear tab 36 can be formed as a continuous piece with the cap body 32. The tear tab 36 is configured to be removable from the cap body 32 (e.g., configured to at least partially tear away from the rest of the material of the cap body 32). In another embodiment, the cap 30 may not include the tear tab 36.

[0023] The cap body 38 includes a hole 38A (obscured in FIG. 2; e.g., shown in FIG. 3). The hole 38A extends into the bottom of the cap body 38. The removal of the tear tab 36 forms the hole 38A into a through-hole 38B, as discussed in more detail below. For example, the tear tab 36 can protect the breakseal 50 during transport. In one example, the tear tab 36 prevents access to the breakseal 50 until reaching the chemical container assembly 1 reaches its desired destination. A user (e.g., technician, operation, etc.) can remove the tear tab 36 to open the through-hole 38A and allow access through the cap body 32 to the breakseal 50.

[0024] The cap 30 can include a cover portion 34 that couples onto the top of the cap body 32. For example, the cover portion 34 in FIG. 2 is snap fit onto the cap body 32. The cover portion 34 may not be configured to be hand removable once snap fit onto the cap body 32 (e.g., cannot be removed from the cap body 32 by hand). The cover portion 34 may be configured to protect from accidental removal of the tear tab 36 and/or access to the through-hole 38A after removal of the tear tab 34. In an embodiment, the cover portion 34 and cap body 32 may be formed as a single piece. In another embodiment, the cap 30 may not include the cover portion 34.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the chemical container system 1, according to an embodiment. For example, the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG. 3 is along a vertical plane as indicated in FIG. 1.

[0026] The container 10 includes an interior volume 22 within the container body 12 for storing liquid. This interior volume 22 can also be described as a liquid storage volume of the container 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the container 10 may include a polymer liner 24 disposed within the container body 12 that defines the interior volume 22 for storing liquid. The polymer liner 24 is a protective liner that forms a pouch, pocket, bag, etc. within the container body 12. For example, the container body 12 can provide a rigid shell that protects the flexible pouch, pocket, bag, etc. formed within the container 12 that contains liquid chemical. The polymer liner 24 forms a liquid storage bag within the container body 12, such that this liner configuration can also be referred to as a bag-in-a-bottle.

[0027] The open end of the polymer liner 24 can be affixed to the opening 14 of the container body 12, such that liquids directed into via the opening 14 (into the port 20) flow into the interior volume 22 formed by the polymer liner 24 within the container body 12. In one example, the open end of the polymer linear can be welded, such as by ultrasonic welding or the like, to container body 12. The polymer liner 24 can be made of a generally non-reactive flexible polymer such as including, but not limited to, one or more fluoropolymers, polyolefins, or the like. The container body 12 can be made of a relative rigid polymer such as including, but not limited to, one or more fluoropolymers, polyolefins, polyethylene, or the like.

[0028] The port 20 opens into the interior volume 22 of the container 10. The cap body 32 of the cap 30 includes a hole 38A. The hole 38A is formed in the bottom of the cap 30 and in the bottom of the cap body 32. The hole 38A aligns with the port 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the port 20 can extend into the hole 38A. The breakseal 50 is disposed in an opening 40 of the hole 38A. For example, the breakseal 50 is disposed in the opening that is the inlet of the hole 38A.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the cap 30 with the tear tab 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear tab 36 forms a rear of the hole 38A in the cap body 32 (e.g., defines a rear surface of the hole 38A). The tear tab 36 blocks the hole 38A (e.g., blocks the hole 38A from being a through-hole that extends entirely through the cap body 32). For example, the hole 38A is a blind hole defined by the tear tab 36. In the illustrated embodiment, hole 38A is a blind hole in which the tear tab 36 forms the rear wall of the hole 38A. For example, the tear tab 36 is disposed in and blocks an upper opening (e.g., second opening 42 as shown in FIG. 4) for the hole 38A such that the hole 38A does not extend entirely through the cap body 32.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the chemical container system 1, according to an embodiment. In particular, the partial view in FIG. 4 corresponds with an enlarged view of the area A in FIG. 3 of the chemical container system 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the cap 30 with the tear tab 36 removed. The removal of the tear tab 36 forms the blind hole 38A in the cap body 32 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) into a through-hole 38B in the cap body 32 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). The through-hole 38B is a passageway extending entirely through the cap body 32. The through-hole 38B allows external access to the breakseal 50 in the assembled chemical container assembly 1, without uncoupling the cap 30 from the container 10. The through-hole 38B allows for external access to the breakseal 50 through the cap body 30 coupled to the container 10.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, The breakseal 50 is disposed between the cap body 30 and the container 10. In particular, the breakseal 50 is disposed between the cap body 30 and the port 30 of the container 10. The breakseal 50 is disposed in the through-hole 38B. The breakseal 50 is disposed in the opening 40 of the through-hole 38B. The breakseal 50 covers the port 20 of the container 10. The breakseal 30 also covers the through-hole 38B. The breakseal 50 can block the opening 40 of the through-hole 38B. The breakseal 50 extends across the through-hole 38B.

[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the breakseal 50 of the cap 10 of the container assembly 1, according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the breakseal 50. FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the breakseal 50.

[0034] The breakseal 50 includes a base portion 52 and an outer periphery portion 60. The outer periphery 60 extends outward from the base portion 52. The outer periphery extends 60 radially outward from the base portion 52. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer periphery portion 60 surrounds the base portion 52.

[0035] The base portion 52 includes an upper surface 54 and a lower surface 56. The lower surface 56 is opposite to the upper surface 54. The breakseal 50 includes rings 70, 76 that each protrude from base portion 52. The rings 70, 76 each protrude from the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52. The breakseal 50 includes an inner ring 70 and an outer ring 76. The inner ring 70 is disposed within the outer ring 76. The inner ring 70 and outer ring 76 are discussed in more detail below.

[0036] The breakseal 50 is configured to rupture under an external force. For example, this rupturing of the breakseal 50 under the external force may refer to as puncturing of the breakseal 50. In particular, the base portion 52 is configured to rupture under an external force. The external force is applied to the upper surface 54. The base portion 52 is configured to rupture when a predetermined amount of external force is applied against the base portion 52.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base portion 52 can include perforations 53. The perforations 53 can be configured to break open when the predetermined amount of external force is applied to the base portion 52. In another embodiment, the base portion 52 may have feature(s), in addition or in alternative, to the perforations 53 to cause the base portion 52 to rupture under the predetermined amount of external force. For example, such feature(s) can include, but are not limited to, thinner portion(s) formed in the base portion 52 that rupture under the predetermined amount of external force.

[0038] The breakseal 50 is compressed to fit into the opening 40 in the cap body 32. The outer periphery portion 60 is configured to have reducible circumference. For example, the reducible circumference of the outer periphery portion 60 provides outward tension when the breakseal 50 is disposed in the cap body 32 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3-5). The insertion of the breakseal 50 into the cap body 32 compresses the outer periphery portion 60 of the breakseal 50 to a smaller circumference. The smaller circumference allows for the breakseal 50 to fit into the cap body 32. The compressed outer periphery portion 60 then pushes against the cap body 32 to maintain the position of the breakseal 50 in the cap body 32.

[0039] The outer periphery portion 60 includes one or more notches 62 that extend through the outer periphery portion 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 includes a plurality of the notches 62. Each notch 62 extends through the outer periphery portion 60. For example, each notch 62 can extend through the breakseal 50 (e.g., extends entirely through the thickness of the breakseal 50) and from an outer end 64 of the outer periphery portion 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more notches 62 provides the reducible circumference of the outer periphery portion 60. The compression of the outer periphery portion 60 occurs by each the notches 62 squeezing shut/closed in the circumferential direction (e.g., in direction Dc, in a direction opposite to the direction Dc) (e.g., the sides of each notch 62 are pushed towards and/or against each other) which reduces the circumference of the outer periphery portion 60 and allows the breakseal 50 to fit into the opening 40 in the cap body 32.

[0040] It should be appreciated that the breakseal 50 may employ one or more compressible structures different than the notches 62 to provide a reducible circumference. For example, the outer periphery portion 60 of the breakseal 50 in another embodiment may be configured to foldable (e.g., have portions configured to fold and overlap each other, etc.), bendable, etc. by compression to provide the reducible circumference and the outward tension of by the outer periphery portion 60.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the breakseal 50 is a molded thermoplastic polymer. In an embodiment, the breakseal 50 may be formed by injection molding of the thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer of the breakseal 50 may include one or a combination of, but is not limited to, fluoropolymer, polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. In an embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer includes a fluoropolymer. For example, a fluoropolymer can be used as fluoropolymers are resistant to reacting with liquids transported within the container 10 (e.g., inert to react with liquids to be transported). In one example, the thermoplastic includes a perfluoroalkoxy alkane (e.g., being formed of PFA).

[0042] The breakseal 50 is made of a polymer that allows for the breakseal 50 to be compressibly inserted into the opening in the cap body 32 and to retain the compressed breakseal 50 in the cap body 32. For example, the polymer of the breakseal 50 has a sufficiently low elasticity to allow for compression of the outer periphery portion 60 (e.g., by a user's hand) to insert the breakseal into the opening in the cap body 32. For example, the polymer of the breakseal 50 has a sufficiently high resilience that provides the compressed periphery portion 60 with a tension to retain the breakseal 50 in the opening of the cap body 32 (e.g., prevents accidental removal of the breakseal 50 from the cap body 32.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the breakseal 50 is disposed in the opening 40 for the hole 38B. The breakseal 50 extends over the hole 38B. The breakseal 50 similarly extends over the hole 38A prior to the tear tab 36 being removed. The breakseal 50 also extends over the port 20 of the container 10 (of the container body 12). The breakseal 50 is configured to seal the port 20. For example, the breakseal 50 can be configured to seal the port 20 from the hole 38B. As discussed above, the cap 10 may not include the tear tab 36. It should be appreciated that features discussed with respect to the hole 38B would be similarly applicable to the hole 38A.

[0044] The base portion 52 extends over the hole 38A. For example, the base portion 52 covers the hole 38A. The upper surface 54 of the base portion 52 faces the hole 38B. The base portion 52 also extends over the port 20 of the container 10. For example, the base portion 52 covers the port 20 of the container 10. The lower surface 54 of the base portion 52 faces the port 20 of the container 10.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer periphery portion 60 curves as the outer periphery portion extends outward from the base portion 52. The outer periphery portion 60 curves away from a plane P of the base portion 52 as the outer periphery portion 60 extends outwards. The outer periphery portion 60 is configured to extend towards the bottom of the cap body 32 (e.g., towards the inlet of the opening 40).

[0046] The outer periphery 60 extends radially outward from the base portion 52 (e.g., see FIGS. 5 and 6). As shown in FIG. 4, the outer periphery portion 60 extends from the base portion 52 in a first direction (e.g., direction D.sub.1, direction D.sub.2, in a direction into the page in a direction out of the page, etc.). The outer periphery portion 60 curves in a second direction (e.g., downward direction D.sub.4). For example, the outer periphery portion 60 curves in a second direction (e.g., direction D.sub.4) that is normal to the lower surface 54 of the base portion 52.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical cross-section of the base portion 32 and the outer periphery portion 40 form a concave shape. The concave shape is concave towards the container 10 (e.g., towards the port 20 of the container 10). The breakseal 50 is inserted into the cap body 32 (e.g., into the opening 40) in an insertion direction (e.g., direction D.sub.3). The concave shape can be concave in the direction (e.g., direction D.sub.4) opposite to the insertion direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 in the illustrated embodiment curves at or about 90 degrees. In an embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 curves at least 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 curves at least 45 degrees. In an embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 curves at least 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 curves at least 70 degrees. In an embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 curves at least 80 degrees. In an embodiment, the outer periphery portion 60 curves at least 90 degrees.

[0048] As discussed above, the outer periphery portion 60 is compressed to fit the breakseal 50 into the opening 40 of the cap body 32. The compressed outer periphery portion 60 is disposed in the opening 40 and pushes against an inner side surface 41 of the opening 40. For example, the inner side surface 41 of the opening 40 is a circumferential side surface of the opening 40. The inner side surface 41 can define the opening 40 in the cap body 32 and can surround the breakseal 50 disposed in the opening 40. The breakseal 50 is held in the opening 40 of the cap body 32 by the outward tension of the compressed outer periphery portion 60 on the inner side surface 41 of the opening 40. The term outward tension refers to the force applied by the outer periphery portion 60 in its compressed state trying to return to its uncompressed state. It should be appreciated that the term circumferential as used herein is not limited to a circular shape and is applicable to other geometric shapes such as ovals, hexagons, etc.

[0049] The rings 70, 76 each protrude from the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52. In the assembled chemical container assembly 1 as shown in FIG. 4, each of the rings 70, 76 protrudes from the opening 40 of the cap body 32 and from the hole 38A/38B. Each of the rings 70, 76 contacts the port 20 (e.g., contacts the neck 18 of the port 20).

[0050] The inner ring 70 of the breakseal extends into the port 20 and is disposed inside the port 20 of the container 10. In particular, the inner ring 70 extends into the neck 18 of the port 20 of the container 10. The inner ring 70 has an outer circumferential surface 72 that contacts an inner circumferential surface 26 of the port 20 of the container 10. A radial seal is formed between the outer circumferential surface 72 of the inner ring 70 of the breakseal 50 and the inner circumferential surface 26 of the port 20 of the container 10.

[0051] The outer ring 76 of the breakseal 50 surrounds the port 20 of the container 10. The outer ring 70 surrounds the neck 18 of the port 20. The outer ring 76 has an inner circumferential surface 78 that contacts an outer circumferential surface 28 of the port 20 of the container 10. The inner circumferential surface 26 and the outer circumferential surface 28 are surfaces of the neck 18 of the port 20. A radial seal is formed between the outer ring 76 and the port 20 of the container 10. In particular, the radial seal is formed between the inner circumferential surface 78 of the outer ring 76 of the breakseal 50 and the outer circumferential surface 28 of the port 20 of the container 10.

[0052] The breakseal 50 can include a groove 80 formed between the rings 70, 76. The groove 80 is defined by the rings 70, 76 and the base portion 52 of the breakseal 50. The groove 80 can be defined by the outer circumferential surface 72 of the inner ring 70, the inner circumferential surface 78 of the outer ring 76, the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52. The groove 80 in the breakseal 50 receives the neck 18 of the port 20 of the container 10. The neck 18 of the port 20 extends into and is disposed in the groove 80 of the breakseal 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the breakseal 50 includes two rings 70, 76 that each form a radial seal with the port 20 of the container 10. In other embodiment, the breakseal 50 may include a different number of the rings 70, 76. For example, the breakseal 50 in an embodiment may include a single ring 70, 76.

[0053] The cap body 32 includes a rib 44 for contacting the upper surface 54 of the breakseal 50. The rib 44 is disposed within the opening 40 of the cap body. The rib 44 extends into the opening 40 for the hole 38B. In the assembled chemical container assembly 1 as shown in FIG. 4, the rib 44 is configured to extend downward towards the container 10. For example, the rib extends in a downward direction (e.g., direction D.sub.4). The breakseal 50 is inserted into the opening 40 of the hole 38B until the upper surface 54 contacts the rib 44 of the cap body 32.

[0054] The port 20 contacts the lower surface 56 of the breakseal 50. An upper surface 21 of the port 20 of the container 10 contacts the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52 of the break seal 50. In particular, the upper surface 21 is an upper surface of the neck 18 of the port 20. The lower surface 56 of the breakseal 50 forms a face seal with the upper surface 21 of the port 20 of the container 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the port 20 can include a rib 29 for contacting the lower surface 56 of the breakseal 50. The neck 18 of the port 20 can include the rib 29, and the upper surface 21 is an end surface of the rib 29 (e.g., the rib 29 provides the upper end of the neck 18 of the port 20).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the breakseal 50 is held in the opening 40 of the hole 38B of the cap 32 between the cap body 32 of the cap 30 and the port 20 of the container 10. The breakseal 50 is sandwiched between the cap body 32 and the port 20 of the container 10, which prevents movement of the breakseal 50 (e.g., prevents vertical movement of the breakseal 50). In the illustrated embodiment, the breakseal 50 is held between the rib 44 of the cap body 32 and the rib 29 of the port 20. The rib 44 of the cap body 32 can apply a downward force onto the breakseal 50 and the rib 29 of the port 20 can apply an upward force onto the breakseal 50. The ribs 29, 44 may also be referred to as stress concentrators. The ribs 29, 44 can be configured to hold the breakseal 50 while limiting the total surface area contact between the breakseal 50 and the container 10 and the cap 30.

[0056] FIGS. 7-9 show a conventional breakseal 150. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the conventional breakseal 150 in a chemical container assembly 101. For example, the partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 7 of the chemical container assembly 101 is the same view for the chemical container assembly 1 in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the conventional breakseal 150. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the conventional breakseal 150.

[0057] The chemical container assembly 101 includes a container chemical container 110 and a chemical container cap 130. The chemical container cap 130 includes a cap body 132 and the breakseal 150 disposed in an opening 140 of a through-hole 138B. The breakseal 150 disposed between the cap body 132 and a port 120 of the container 110. The chemical container assembly 101 in FIG. 7 may have a similar configuration to the chemical container assembly 1 in FIGS. 1-4, except with for the breakseal.

[0058] Leak rate testing was conducted on a series of sample breakseals. The leak rate testing tested three types of sample breakseals. Example A corresponds with the breakseal 50 as shown in FIGS. 2-6. Example B corresponds with the breakseal 50 as shown in FIGS. 2-6 without perforations 53. The Comparative Example corresponds with the conventional breakseal 150 as shown in FIGS. 7-9.

[0059] Sample breakseals of each of the Example A, the Example B, the Comparative Example were produced for testing and tested. For each sample breakseal, a modified chemical container assembly was assembled including the sample breakseal (e.g., the breakseal provided in the cap body and providing sealing of the port of the container). The chemical container is modified to have a second sealed inlet for pressurizing the internal volume of the container and to allow for measuring the internal pressure of the container. The chemical container was then pressurized to 5 PSI, and decrease in the internal pressure of the volume (i.e., from 5 PSI) was detected to measure the leakage through the breakseal. The breakseals remained intact during the testing (i.e., did not rupture during the testing). A summary of the leak rate testing for the sample breakseals provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example A Example B Comp. Example Mean* 0.040 1.765 10.652 Max* 0.166 35.512 164.448 Min* 0.010 0.000 0.011 Range* 0.175 35.512 164.438 ST. Deviation* 0.064 7.140 27.890 # Samples Tested 12 26 54 *cubic centimeters per hr-psi

[0060] The produced sample breakseals included some samples that would fail typical quality control testing (e.g., obvious physical defects, visible sealing defect within the cap body, etc.). The breakseal samples included one breakseal sample of Example A and six breakseal samples of the Comparative Example that failed a typical quality control testing. For example, such defective breakseals would be removed, replaced, etc. during quality control or by a user prior to being used in a chemical container assembly to contain liquid chemical. Table 2 below provides a testing summary of non-defective breakseals.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Example A Example B Comp. Example Mean* 0.040 0.415 2.917 Max* 0.166 9.714 18.651 Min* 0.010 0.000 0.011 Range* 0.175 9.714 18.641 ST. Deviation* 0.064 1.937 4.794 # Samples Tested 12 25 48 *cubic centimeters per hr-psi

[0061] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the Example breakseals were able to achieve a significantly lower leakage relative to the Comparative Example. For example, as shown in Table 2, Example B had an average leakage that was approximately 15% of the average leakage of the Comparative Example. As demonstrated by the Examples A and B and the Comparative Example, the breakseal 50 in the chemical container assembly 1 provides improved sealing over a conventional breakseal.

Aspects:

[0062] Any of Aspects 1 may be combined with any of Aspects 16-20, and any of Aspects 16-19 may be combined with Aspect 20.

[0063] Aspect 1. An article comprising: [0064] a chemical container cap including: [0065] a cap body including a hole and an opening for the hole; and [0066] a breakseal disposed in the opening of the cap body, the breakseal including: [0067] a base portion extending over the hole, the base portion configured to rupture under an external force, [0068] an outer periphery portion extending outwards from the base portion, the outer periphery portion curving away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards, and [0069] a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

[0070] Aspect 2. The article of Aspect 1, wherein the base portion includes an upper surface facing the hole in the cap body and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer periphery portion curving in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protruding from the lower surface of the base portion.

[0071] Aspect 3. The article of Aspect 2, wherein the outer periphery portion extends outward from the base portion in a first direction, and the first ring protruding from the body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0072] Aspect 4. The article of any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein the first ring is configured to be inserted into the opening of the chemical container body, and the radial seal being formed between an outer circumferential surface of the first ring and an inner circumferential surface of the port of the chemical container.

[0073] Aspect 5. The article of any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein the first ring is configured to surround the port of the chemical container, the radial seal formed between an inner circumferential surface of the first ring and an outer circumferential surface of the port of the chemical container.

[0074] Aspect 6. The article of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein the breakseal includes a second ring protruding from the body portion and encircling the first ring, a groove formed between the first ring and the second ring, and the groove configured to receive a neck that forms the port of the chemical container.

[0075] Aspect 7. The article of any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein the breakseal is held in the opening of the cap body by outward tension of the outer periphery portion on an inner side surface of the opening of the cap body.

[0076] Aspect 8. The article of Aspect 7, wherein the breakseal disposed in the opening of the cap body with the outer periphery portion in a compressed state, and the compressed state of the outer periphery portion providing the outward tension of the outer periphery portion on the inner side surface of the opening of the cap body.

[0077] Aspect 9. The article of any one of Aspects 7 and 8, wherein the outer periphery portion is configured to have reducible circumference that provides the outward tension of the outer periphery portion on an inner side surface of the opening of the cap body.

[0078] Aspect 10. The article of any one of Aspects 1-9, wherein the hole is a blind hole in the cap body, the cap body includes a tear tab forming a rear of the blind hole, the tear tab is configured to be removed to reform the blind hole into a through-hole in the cap body.

[0079] Aspect 11. The article of any one of Aspects 1-10, wherein [0080] the body portion of the breakseal includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the first ring protruding from the lower surface of the body portion, and [0081] the cap body includes a rib extending downward into the opening, the rib contacting the upper surface of the breakseal.

[0082] Aspect 12. The article of any one of Aspects 1-11, wherein the base portion has a lower surface configured to form a face seal with an upper surface of the port of the chemical container.

[0083] Aspect 13. The article of any one of Aspects 1-12, wherein a vertical cross-section of the base portion and the outer periphery portion form a concave shape.

[0084] Aspect 14. The article of any one of Aspects 1-13, wherein the base portion includes at least one thinner portion configured to rupture under application of the external force that is at least a predetermined external pressure threshold.

[0085] Aspect 15. The article of any one of Aspects 1-14, wherein the breakseal is a molded thermoplastic polymer.

[0086] Aspect 16. An article comprising: [0087] a breakseal for a chemical container cap, the breakseal including: [0088] a base portion configured to be externally rupturable, [0089] an outer periphery portion extending outward from the base portion, the outer periphery portion curving away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards, the outer periphery portion configured such that a circumference of the outer periphery portion is reducible so as to provide tension against an opening for a hole in a chemical container cap to thereby hold the breakseal in the opening with the base portion extending over the hole, and [0090] a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

[0091] Aspect 17. The article of Aspect 16, wherein the base portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer periphery portion curving in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protruding from the lower surface of the base portion.

[0092] Aspect 18. The article of any one of Aspects 16 and 17, wherein a vertical cross-section of the base portion and the outer periphery portion form a concave shape.

[0093] Aspect 19. The article of any one of Aspects 16-18, wherein the breakseal is a single component formed of polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) polymer.

[0094] Aspect 20. An assembly comprising: [0095] a chemical container including a port; [0096] a chemical container cap coupled to the chemical container over the port, the chemical container cap including: [0097] a cap body including a hole and an opening for the hole; and [0098] a breakseal disposed in the opening of the cap body and over the port, the breakseal including: [0099] a base portion extending over the hole, the base portion configured to rupture under an external force, [0100] an outer periphery portion extending outwards from the base portion, the outer periphery portion curving away from a plane of the base portion as the outer periphery portion extends outwards, and [0101] a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion forming a radial seal with the port of the chemical container.

[0102] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. In an embodiment, connects and connecting as described here may refer to directly connecting, and contacts and contacting as described herein may refer to directly contacting. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.