Chemical container cap breakseal, chemical container cap thereof, and chemical container assembly thereof

Abstract

A destructive seal is used for a chemical container cap. The chemical container cap includes a cap body and a destructive seal. The destructive seal is disposed in an opening of a hole in the cap body. The destructive seal includes a base portion extending above the hole, an outer peripheral portion extending outwardly from the base portion, and a first ring protruding from the body portion. The base portion is configured to break under an external force. As the outer peripheral portion extends outwardly, it bends away from a plane of the base portion. The ring portion is configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container. An assembly includes a chemical container having a port and a chemical container cap coupled above the port to the chemical container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a destructive seal for a chemical container cap. More specifically, this invention relates to a destructive seal for a chemical container cap of a chemical container assembly. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Some manufacturing processes utilize fluid chemicals. For example, fluid chemicals may include, but are not limited to, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, dopants, inorganic solutions, organic solutions, pharmaceuticals, or the like. When using such chemicals, a container assembly contains the liquid chemicals during storage, transportation, and even during the manufacturing process. The container assembly may include a cap configured to seal the container body during transportation to contain the liquid chemicals therein. The cap may include a destructive seal to allow access through the cap without decoupling it from the container body. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] In one embodiment, an article includes a chemical container cap. The chemical container cap includes a cap body and a destructive seal. The cap body includes a hole and an opening for the hole. The destructive seal is disposed in the opening of the cap body. The destructive seal includes a base portion, an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, and a first ring protruding from the body portion. The base portion extends over the hole and is configured to break under an external force. As the outer peripheral portion extends outward from the base portion, the outer peripheral portion bends away from a plane of the base portion. The ring portion is configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

[0004] An article includes a destructive seal for a chemical container cap. The destructive seal includes a base portion configured to be externally ruptureable, an outer peripheral portion extending outwardly from the base portion, and a first ring protruding from the body portion. As the outer peripheral portion extends outwardly, it bends away from a plane of the base portion. The outer peripheral portion is configured such that a circumference of the outer peripheral portion is reduced to provide tension to an opening for a hole in a chemical container cap, thereby securing the destructive seal in the opening, wherein the base portion extends above the hole in the chemical container cap. The ring portion is configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

[0005] An assembly includes a chemical container having a port, and a chemical container cap coupled to the chemical container above the port. The chemical container cap includes a cap body and a destructive seal. The cap body includes a hole and an opening for the hole. The destructive seal is disposed in the opening of the cap body and above the port. The destructive seal includes a base portion extending above the hole, an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, and a first ring protruding from the body portion. The base portion is configured to break under an external force. As the outer peripheral portion extends outward, the outer peripheral portion bends away from a plane of the base portion. The ring portion forms a radial seal with the port of the chemical container.

Implementation Method

[0016] This invention relates to a destructive seal for a chemical container cap. More specifically, this invention relates to a destructive seal for a chemical container cap of a chemical container assembly.

[0017] Figure 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 chemicals are stored in the container 10, and the cap 30 is configured to seal the liquid chemicals within the container 10 during transport of the chemical container assembly 1. The liquid chemicals may be one or both of being hazardous (corrosive, acidic, or similar) and expensive. Therefore, the chemical container assembly 1 is configured to have an improved seal to prevent leakage from the container 10 from the coupled container 10 and cap 30.

[0018] FIG2 is an exploded view of a chemical container system 1 according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, container 10 is in the form of a bottle. It should be understood that in other embodiments, container 10 may be in the form of different types of vessels. Container 10 includes a liner 24 (see, for example, FIG3). The liner 24 is omitted from the exploded view in FIG2.

[0019] Container 10 includes a container body 12 having an opening 14 and a port 20. The interior of the container body 12 is accessible through the port 20 (e.g., the port 20 is configured to provide access to the container 10). Container 10 includes a neck 18 forming the port 20. The neck 18 defines an inlet of the port 20. Container 10 may include a fitting 11 disposed in the opening 14 of the container body 12 and forming the port 20. The neck 18 may be provided by the fitting 12. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the container body 12 may include the fitting 11.

[0020] The cap 30 is coupled to the container 10 to seal the liquid inside the container 10. For example, the cap 30 may be removably coupled to the container 10. In the illustrated example, the cap 30 is configured to engage with the container 10 via threads on the container body 12 and the cap 30. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the cap 30 may be configured to be coupled to the container 10 in a different manner (e.g., via clamps, bolts, etc.). The cap 30 may include an annular seal 48 to provide a seal between the cap 30 and the container 10. For example, the annular seal 48 is configured to provide a seal between the cap 30 and the container body 12.

[0021] The cover 30 includes a cover body 32 and a destructive seal 50. The cover body 32 is coupled to the container 10, wherein the destructive seal 50 is disposed between them. The destructive seal 50 presses against the cover body 32 and the container 10. The destructive seal 50 is discussed in more detail below.

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

[0023] The cap body 38 includes an opening 38A (concealed in FIG. 2; for example, shown in FIG. 3). The opening 38A extends into the bottom of the cap body 38. Removal of the tear strip 36 forms the opening 38A into a through-hole 38B, as discussed in more detail below. For example, the tear strip 36 can protect the destructive seal 50 during transport. In one example, the tear strip 36 prevents access to the destructive seal 50 until the chemical container assembly 1 reaches its intended destination. A user (e.g., a technician, operator, etc.) can remove the tear strip 36 to open the through-hole 38A and allow access to the destructive seal 50 through the cap body 32.

[0024] The cover 30 may include a cover portion 34 coupled to the top of the cover body 32. For example, the cover portion 34 in FIG2 snaps onto the cover body 32. The cover portion 34 may not be configured to be removable by hand once snapped onto the cover body 32 (e.g., not removable by hand from the cover body 32). The cover portion 34 may be configured to prevent accidental removal of the tear strip 36 and / or access to the through hole 38A after removal of the tear strip 34. In one embodiment, the cover portion 34 and the cover body 32 may be formed as a single piece. In another embodiment, the cover 30 may not include the cover portion 34.

[0025] FIG3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a chemical container system 1 according to an embodiment. For example, the vertical cross-sectional view in FIG3 is along a vertical plane indicated in FIG1.

[0026] Container 10 includes an internal volume 22 within container body 12 for storing liquids. This internal volume 22 can also be described as a liquid storage volume of container 10. As shown in FIG. 3, container 10 may include a polymer liner 24 disposed within container body 12, the polymer liner 24 defining the internal volume 22 for storing liquids. The polymer liner 24 forms a protective liner such as a pouch, bag, or sachet within container body 12. For example, container body 12 may provide a rigid shell to protect a flexible pouch, bag, or sachet containing liquid chemicals formed within container 12. The polymer liner 24 forms a liquid storage bag within 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 may be attached to the opening 14 of the container body 12, such that liquid guided into (in the inlet port 20) through the opening 14 flows into the internal volume 22 formed by the polymer liner 24 within the container body 12. In one example, the open end of the polymer liner may be welded to the container body 12, for example by ultrasonic welding or the like. The polymer liner 24 may 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 may be made of a relatively rigid polymer, such as including, but not limited to, one or more fluoropolymers, polyolefins, polyethylene, or the like.

[0028] Port 20 leads to the internal volume 22 of container 10. The cover body 32 of cover 30 includes an aperture 38A. Aperture 38A is formed in the bottom of cover 30 and the bottom of cover body 32. Aperture 38A is aligned with port 20. As shown in FIG3, port 20 can extend into aperture 38A. A destructive seal 50 is disposed in one opening 40 of aperture 38A. For example, destructive seal 50 is disposed in an opening that serves as the entrance to aperture 38A.

[0029] FIG3 shows a cover 30 having a tear strip 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear strip 36 forms the rear portion of one of the holes 38A in the cover body 32 (e.g., defining one of the rear surfaces of the hole 38A). The tear strip 36 blocks the hole 38A (e.g., blocking the hole 38A from becoming a through hole that extends completely through the cover body 32). For example, the hole 38A is a blind hole defined by the tear strip 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 38A is a blind hole, wherein the tear strip 36 forms the rear wall of the hole 38A. For example, the tear strip 36 is disposed in one of the upper openings of the hole 38A (e.g., the second opening 42 shown in FIG4) and blocks the upper opening, such that the hole 38A does not extend completely through the cover body 32.

[0030] FIG4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of a chemical container system 1 according to an embodiment. Specifically, the partial view in FIG4 corresponds to an enlarged view of region A in FIG3 of the chemical container system 1.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the cap 30, in which the tear strip 36 has been removed. The removal of the tear strip 36 creates a through-hole 38B in the cap body 32 (e.g., as shown in Figure 3) within the cap body 32 (e.g., as shown in Figure 4). The through-hole 38B extends completely through a passageway in the cap body 32. The through-hole 38B allows external access to the destructive seal 50 within the assembled chemical container assembly 1 without decoupling the cap 30 from the container 10. The through-hole 38B allows external access to the destructive seal 50 through the cap body 30 coupled to the container 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, a destructive seal 50 is disposed between the cap body 30 and the container 10. Specifically, the destructive seal 50 is disposed between the cap body 30 and the port 30 of the container 10. The destructive seal 50 is disposed in the through hole 38B. The destructive seal 50 is disposed in the opening 40 of the through hole 38B. The destructive seal 50 covers the port 20 of the container 10. The destructive seal 50 also covers the through hole 38B. The destructive seal 50 can block the opening 40 of the through hole 38B. The destructive seal 50 extends across the through hole 38B.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show a destructive seal 50 of the cap 10 of the container assembly 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of one type of destructive seal 50. Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of one type of destructive seal 50.

[0034] The destructive seal 50 includes a base portion 52 and an outer peripheral portion 60. The outer peripheral portion 60 extends outward from the base portion 52. The outer peripheral portion 60 extends radially outward from the base portion 52. As shown in FIG5, the outer peripheral 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 destructive seal 50 includes rings 70 and 76 projecting from the base portion 52. Rings 70 and 76 each project from the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52. The destructive seal 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 the outer ring 76 are described in more detail below.

[0036] The destructive seal 50 is configured to rupture under an external force. For example, this rupture of the destructive seal 50 under an external force may be referred to as puncture of the destructive seal 50. Specifically, 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 to the base portion 52.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base portion 52 may include a perforation 53. The perforation 53 may be configured to crack when a predetermined amount of external force is applied to the base portion 52. In another embodiment, in addition to or alternatively to the perforation 53, the base portion 52 may have several features to cause the base portion 52 to fracture under a predetermined amount of external force. For example, such features may include, but are not limited to, several thinner portions formed in the base portion 52 that fracture under a predetermined amount of external force.

[0038] The destructive seal 50 is compressed to fit into the opening 40 in the cover body 32. The outer peripheral portion 60 is configured to have a smaller circumference. For example, when the destructive seal 50 is placed in the cover body 32 (e.g., as shown in Figures 3 to 5), the smaller circumference of the outer peripheral portion 60 provides outward tension. Inserting the destructive seal 50 into the cover body 32 compresses the outer peripheral portion 60 of the destructive seal 50 to a smaller circumference. The smaller circumference allows the destructive seal 50 to fit into the cover body 32. Then, the compressed outer peripheral portion 60 pushes against the cover body 32 to maintain the position of the destructive seal 50 in the cover body 32.

[0039] The outer peripheral portion 60 includes one or more recesses 62 extending through the outer peripheral portion 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 includes a plurality of recesses 62. Each recess 62 extends through the outer peripheral portion 60. For example, each recess 62 may extend through the destructive seal 50 (e.g., extend completely through the thickness of the destructive seal 50) and extend from an outer end 64 of one of the outer peripheral portions 60. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more recesses 62 provide a reduced circumference of the outer peripheral portion 60. Compression of the outer peripheral portion 60 occurs by the recesses 62 pressing closed / closed in the circumferential direction (e.g., in direction DC, and in a direction opposite to direction DC) (e.g., the lateral orientation and / or abutment of the recesses 62 against each other), which reduces the circumference of the outer peripheral portion 60 and allows the destructive seal 50 to fit into the opening 40 in the cover body 32.

[0040] It should be understood that the destructive seal 50 may employ one or more compressible structures different from the notch 62 to provide a reduced circumference. For example, in another embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 of the destructive seal 50 may be configured to be foldable by compression (e.g., having portions configured to fold and overlap each other, etc.), bent, etc., to provide a reduced circumference and outward tension of the outer peripheral portion 60.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the destructive seal 50 is a molded thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment, the destructive seal 50 may be formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer of the destructive seal 50 may comprise, but is not limited to, one or a combination of fluoropolymers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a fluoropolymer. For example, a fluoropolymer may be used because it resists reaction with the liquid transported within the container 10 (e.g., it is inert to the liquid to be transported and does not react with it). In one example, the thermoplastic plastic comprises a perfluoroalkoxyalkane (e.g., formed from PFA).

[0042] The destructive seal 50 is made of a polymer that allows the destructive seal 50 to be compressibly inserted into an opening in the cover body 32 and retains the compressed destructive seal 50 within the cover body 32. For example, the polymer of the destructive seal 50 has sufficiently low elasticity to allow (e.g., by a user's hand) compression of the outer peripheral portion 60 to insert the destructive seal into the opening in the cover body 32. For example, the polymer of the destructive seal 50 has sufficiently high elasticity to provide tension to the compressed peripheral portion 60 to retain the destructive seal 50 within the opening of the cover body 32 (e.g., to prevent accidental removal of the destructive seal 50 from the cover body 32).

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, a destructive seal 50 is disposed in the opening 40 for the bore 38B. The destructive seal 50 extends above the bore 38B. Similarly, the destructive seal 50 extends above the bore 38A before the tear strip 36 is removed. The destructive seal 50 also extends above the port 20 of the container 10 (of the container body 12). The destructive seal 50 is configured to seal the port 20. For example, the destructive seal 50 may be configured to seal and isolate the port 20 from the bore 38B. As discussed above, the cover 10 may not include the tear strip 36. It should be understood that the characteristics discussed regarding the bore 38B will similarly apply to the bore 38A.

[0044] The base portion 52 extends above 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 above 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 peripheral portion 60 bends as it extends outward from the base portion 52. As the outer peripheral portion 60 extends outward, it bends away from a plane P of the base portion 52. The outer peripheral portion 60 is configured to extend toward the bottom of the cover body 32 (e.g., toward the entrance of the opening 40).

[0046] The outer periphery 60 extends radially outward from the base portion 52 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6). As shown in Figure 4, the outer periphery 60 extends from the base portion 52 in a first direction (e.g., direction D1, direction D2, a direction for entering the page, a direction for leaving the page, etc.). The outer periphery 60 bends in a second direction (e.g., downward direction D4). For example, the outer periphery 60 bends in a second direction (e.g., direction D4) 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 peripheral portion 40 forms a concave shape. The concave shape is recessed toward the container 10 (e.g., toward the port 20 of the container 10). The destructive seal 50 is inserted into the cap body 32 (e.g., into the opening 40) in an insertion direction (e.g., direction D3). The concave shape may be recessed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (e.g., direction D4). In the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at 90 degrees or about 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at least 30 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at least 45 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at least 60 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at least 70 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at least 80 degrees. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60 is bent at least 90 degrees.

[0048] As discussed above, the outer peripheral portion 60 is compressed to assemble the destructive seal 50 into the opening 40 of the cover body 32. The compressed outer peripheral portion 60 is positioned in the opening 40 and presses against an inner surface 41 of the opening 40. For example, the inner surface 41 of the opening 40 is a circumferential side surface of the opening 40. The inner surface 41 defines the opening 40 in the cover body 32 and surrounds the destructive seal 50 positioned in the opening 40. The destructive seal 50 is held in the opening 40 of the cover body 32 by the outward tension of the compressed outer peripheral portion 60 on the inner surface 41 of the opening 40. The term "outward tension" refers to the force exerted by the outer peripheral portion 60, which is in its compressed state, attempting to return to its uncompressed state. It should be understood that the term "circumferential" as used herein is not limited to a circular shape and applies to other geometries such as ellipses, hexagons, etc.

[0049] Rings 70 and 76 each protrude from the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52. In the assembled chemical container assembly 1 shown in FIG4, each of rings 70 and 76 protrudes from the opening 40 of the cap body 32 and from the holes 38A / 38B. Each of rings 70 and 76 contacts the port 20 (e.g., the neck 18 of the contact port 20).

[0050] The inner ring 70 of the destructive seal extends into the port 20 and is disposed inside the port 20 of the container 10. Specifically, 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 destructive seal 50 and the inner circumferential surface 26 of the port 20 of the container 10.

[0051] The outer ring 76 of the destructive seal 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. Specifically, a radial seal is formed between the inner circumferential surface 78 of the outer ring 76 of the destructive seal 50 and the outer circumferential surface 28 of the port 20 of the container 10.

[0052] The destructive seal 50 may include a groove 80 formed between the rings 70 and 76. The groove 80 is defined by the rings 70 and 76 of the destructive seal 50 and the base portion 52. The groove 80 may be defined by the outer peripheral surface 72 of the inner ring 70, the inner circumferential surface 78 of the outer ring 76, and the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52. The groove 80 in the destructive seal 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 destructive seal 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the destructive seal 50 includes two rings 70 and 76, each forming a radial seal with the port 20 of the container 10. In other embodiments, the destructive seal 50 may include a different number of rings 70 and 76. For example, in one embodiment, the destructive seal 50 may include a single ring 70 and 76.

[0053] The cap body 32 includes a rib 44 for contacting the upper surface 54 of the destructive seal 50. The rib 44 is disposed within an opening 40 of the cap body. The rib 44 extends into the opening 40 for the orifice 38B. In the assembled chemical container assembly 1 shown in FIG. 4, the rib 44 is configured to extend downward toward the container 10. For example, the rib extends in a downward direction (e.g., direction D4). The destructive seal 50 is inserted into the opening 40 of the orifice 38B until the upper surface 54 contacts the rib 44 of the cap body 32.

[0054] Port 20 contacts the lower surface 56 of the destructive seal 50. An upper surface 21 of port 20 of container 10 contacts the lower surface 56 of the base portion 52 of the destructive seal 50. Specifically, the upper surface 21 is an upper surface of the neck 18 of port 20. The lower surface 56 of the destructive seal 50 and the upper surface 21 of port 20 of container 1 form a one-sided seal. As shown in FIG4, port 20 may include a rib 29 for contacting the lower surface 56 of the destructive seal 50. The neck 18 of port 20 may include the rib 29, and the upper surface 21 is an end surface of the rib 29 (e.g., the rib 29 provides an upper end of the neck 18 of port 20).

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

[0056] Figures 7 to 9 show a conventional destructive seal 150. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional destructive seal 150 in a chemical container assembly 101. For example, the partial cross-sectional view of the chemical container assembly 101 in Figure 7 is the same as the view of the chemical container assembly 1 in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a conventional destructive seal 150. Figure 9 is a bottom perspective view of a conventional destructive seal 150.

[0057] The chemical container assembly 101 includes a chemical container 110 and a chemical container cap 130. The chemical container cap 130 includes a cap body 132 and a destructive seal 150 disposed in an opening 140 of a through hole 138B. The destructive seal 150 is 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 configuration similar to that of the chemical container assembly 1 in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, except for the destructive seal.

[0058] Leakage rate tests were performed on a series of sample destructive seals. The leakage rate tests were conducted on three types of sample destructive seals. Example A corresponds to the destructive seal 50 shown in Figures 2 to 6. Example B corresponds to the destructive seal 50 without the perforation 53 shown in Figures 2 to 6. The comparative example corresponds to the conventional destructive seal 150 shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0059] Sample destructive seals for Examples A, B, and Comparative Examples were manufactured and tested for testing purposes. For each sample destructive seal, a modified chemical container assembly containing the sample destructive seal (e.g., a destructive seal disposed in the cap body and providing a seal at the port of the container) was assembled. The chemical container was modified to have a second sealed inlet to pressurize the internal volume of the container and allow measurement of the internal pressure of the container. The chemical container was then pressurized to 5 PSI, and the decrease in internal pressure of the volume (i.e., from 5 PSI) was detected to measure the leakage through the destructive seal. The destructive seal remained intact during the test (i.e., did not rupture during the test). A summary of the leakage rate test of the sample destructive seals is provided in Table 1 below. Table 1 Example A Example B Comparison Examples average value* 0.040 1.765 10.652 Maximum value* 0.166 35.512 164.448 Minimum value* -0.010 0.000 0.011 scope* 0.175 35.512 164.438 Standard deviation* 0.064 7.140 27.890 #Test Sample 12 26 54 *cubic centimeters / hr-psi

[0060] The produced sample destructive seals include samples that will fail typical quality control tests (e.g., obvious physical defects, visible sealing defects within the cap body, etc.). The destructive seal sample includes one destructive seal sample of Example A that failed a typical quality control test and six destructive seal samples of comparative examples. For example, such defective destructive seals may be removed or replaced by a user during quality control or before use in a chemical container assembly containing liquid chemicals. Table 2 below provides a test summary of one type of defect-free destructive seal. Table 1 Example A Example B Comparison Examples average value* 0.040 0.415 2.917 Maximum value* 0.166 9.714 18.651 Minimum value* -0.010 0.000 0.011 scope* 0.175 9.714 18.641 Standard deviation* 0.064 1.937 4.794 #Test Sample 12 25 48 *cubic centimeters / hr-psi

[0061] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the exemplary destructive seal achieves a significantly lower leakage rate compared to the comparative examples. For example, as shown in Table 2, Example B has an average leakage rate of approximately 15% of the average leakage rate of the comparative examples. As demonstrated by Examples A and B and the comparative examples, the destructive seal 50 in the chemical container assembly 1 provides a superior seal compared to a conventional destructive seal.

[0062] State:

[0063] Any of pattern 1 may be combined with any of patterns 16 to 20, and any of patterns 16 to 19 may be combined with pattern 20.

[0064] Sample 1. An article comprising: a chemical container cap, comprising: a cap body including a hole and an opening for the hole; and a destructive seal disposed in the opening of the cap body, the destructive seal comprising: a base portion extending over the hole, the base portion being configured to break under an external force; an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, the outer peripheral portion bending away from a plane of the base portion as it extends outward; and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion being configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

[0065] Form 2. An article as in Form 1, wherein the base portion includes an upper surface facing the hole in the cover body and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer peripheral portion is curved in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion.

[0066] Form 3. An article as in Form 2, wherein the outer peripheral portion extends outward from the base portion in a first direction, and the first ring protrudes from the main body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0067] State 4. An article of any one of States 1 to 3, wherein the first ring is configured to be inserted into the opening of the body of the chemical container, and the radial seal is formed between one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first ring and one of the inner circumferential surfaces of the port of the chemical container.

[0068] State 5. An article of any one of States 1 to 4, wherein the first ring is configured to surround the port of the chemical container, and the radial seal is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the first ring and an outer circumferential surface of the port of the chemical container.

[0069] Specimen 6. An article of any one of Specimens 1 to 5, wherein the destructive seal includes a second ring protruding from the body portion and surrounding the first ring, a groove formed between the first ring and the second ring, and the groove being configured to receive a neck forming the port of the chemical container.

[0070] Style 7. An article of any one of Styles 1 to 6, wherein the destructive seal is held in the opening of the cover body by means of the outward tension of the outer peripheral portion on one of the inner surfaces of the opening of the cover body.

[0071] State 8. An article as in State 7, wherein the destructive seal is disposed in the opening of the cover body to place the outer peripheral portion in a compressed state, and the compressed state of the outer peripheral portion provides the outward tension of the outer peripheral portion on the inner surface of the opening of the cover body.

[0072] Style 9. An article of any one of Styles 7 and 8, wherein the outer peripheral portion is configured to have a reducible circumference, the reducible circumference providing the outward tension of the outer peripheral portion on one of the inner surfaces of the opening of the cover body.

[0073] Form 10. An article of any one of Forms 1 to 9, wherein the hole is a blind hole in the cover body, the cover body includes a tear strip forming a rear portion of the blind hole, the tear strip being configured to be removed to transform the blind hole into a through hole in the cover body.

[0074] Speech 11. An article of any one of Speeches 1 to 10, wherein the main body portion of the destructive seal includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the first ring protrudes from the lower surface of the main body portion, and the cover body includes a rib extending downward into the opening, the rib contacting the upper surface of the destructive seal.

[0075] Form 12. An article of any one of Forms 1 to 11, wherein the base portion has a lower surface configured to form a seal with one of the upper surfaces of the port of the chemical container.

[0076] Style 13. An article of any one of Styles 1 to 12, wherein the vertical cross-section of the base portion and the outer peripheral portion forms a concave shape.

[0077] Form 14. An article of any one of Forms 1 to 13, wherein the base portion includes at least one thinner portion configured to break under the application of an external force of at least a predetermined external pressure threshold.

[0078] Sample 15. An article of any one of Samples 1 to 14, wherein the destructive seal is a molded thermoplastic polymer.

[0079] Sample 16. An article comprising: a destructive seal for a chemical container cap, the destructive seal comprising: a base portion configured to be externally destructible; an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, wherein, as the outer peripheral portion extends outward, the outer peripheral portion bends away from a plane of the base portion, the outer peripheral portion being configured such that a circumference of the outer peripheral portion is reduced to provide tension to an opening of a hole in a chemical container cap, thereby securing the destructive seal in the opening, wherein the base portion extends above the hole; and a first ring projecting from the body portion, the ring portion being configured to form a radial seal with a port of a chemical container.

[0080] Form 17. An article of Form 16, wherein the base portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer peripheral portion is curved in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion.

[0081] Style 18. An article of any one of Styles 16 and 17, wherein the vertical cross-section of the base portion and the outer peripheral portion forms a concave shape.

[0082] State 19. An article of any one of States 16 to 18, wherein the destructive seal is a single component formed of a polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) polymer.

[0083] Sample 20. An assembly comprising: a chemical container having a port; a chemical container cap coupled to the chemical container above the port, the chemical container cap comprising: a cap body having a hole and an opening for the hole; and a destructive seal disposed in the opening of the cap body and above the port, the destructive seal comprising: a base portion extending above the hole, the base portion being configured to break under an external force; an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, the outer peripheral portion bending away from a plane of the base portion as it extends outward; and a first ring projecting from the body portion, the ring portion forming a radial seal with the port of the chemical container.

[0084] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects. In one embodiment, "connects" and "connecting" as described herein may refer to "direct connection," and "contacts" and "contacting" as described herein may refer to "direct contact." The scope of this invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes in the meaning and scope of equivalents within the claims are intended to be incorporated herein. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0006] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a chemical container assembly.

[0007] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a chemical container assembly according to technical solution 1 of an embodiment.

[0008] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a chemical container assembly as indicated in FIG1 according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a chemical container assembly as indicated in FIG3 according to an embodiment, wherein a tear of the chemical container assembly is omitted.

[0010] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of one of the destructive seals of a chemical container assembly in Figure 4 according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG6 is a bottom perspective view of a destructive seal of a chemical container assembly in FIG4 according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a chemical container assembly having a conventional destructive seal.

[0013] FIG8 is a top perspective view of a conventional destructive seal of a chemical container assembly according to FIG7 of an embodiment.

[0014] FIG9 is a top perspective view of a conventional destructive seal of a chemical container assembly according to FIG7 of an embodiment.

[0015] The same number throughout the text indicates the same characteristic.

Claims

1. An article comprising: A chemical container cap includes: a cap body having a hole and an opening for the hole; and a destructive seal disposed in the opening of the cap body, the destructive seal including: a base portion extending above the hole, the base portion being configured to break under an external force; an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, the outer peripheral portion bending away from a plane of the base portion as it extends outward; and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion being 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 cover body and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, the outer peripheral portion is curved in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral portion extends outward from the base portion in a first direction, and the first ring protrudes 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 is formed between one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first ring and one of the inner circumferential surfaces 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, and the radial seal is 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 destructive seal includes a second ring protruding from the body portion and surrounding the first ring, a groove formed between the first ring and the second ring, and the groove being configured to receive a neck forming the port of the chemical container.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the destructive seal is held in the opening of the cover body by means of the outward tension of the outer peripheral portion on one of the inner surfaces of the opening of the cover body.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein the destructive seal is disposed in the opening of the cover body to compress the outer peripheral portion, and the compression of the outer peripheral portion provides the outward tension of the outer peripheral portion on the inner surface of the opening of the cover body.

9. The article of claim 7, wherein the outer peripheral portion is configured to have a reducible circumference, the reducible circumference providing the outward tension of the outer peripheral portion on one of the inner surfaces of the opening of the cover body.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the hole is a blind hole in the cover body, the cover body including a tear forming a rear portion of the blind hole, the tear being configured to be removed to transform the blind hole into a through hole in the cover body.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein the body portion of the destructive seal 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 cover body includes a rib extending downward into the opening, the rib contacting the upper surface of the destructive seal.

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

13. The article of claim 1, wherein one of the vertical cross sections of the base portion and the outer peripheral portion forms a concave shape.

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

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

16. An article comprising: A destructive seal for a chemical container cap, the destructive seal comprising: a base portion configured to be externally ruptureable; an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, wherein, as the outer peripheral portion extends outward, the outer peripheral portion bends away from a plane of the base portion, the outer peripheral portion being configured such that a circumference of the outer peripheral portion is reduced to provide tension to an opening of a hole in a chemical container cap, thereby securing the destructive seal in the opening, wherein the base portion extends above the hole; and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion being 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 peripheral portion is curved in a direction normal to the lower surface of the base portion, and the first ring protrudes from the lower surface of the base portion.

18. The article of claim 16, wherein one of the vertical cross sections of the base portion and the outer peripheral portion forms a concave shape.

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

20. An assembly comprising: A chemical container includes a port; a chemical container cap coupled to the chemical container above the port, the chemical container cap including: a cap body including a hole and an opening for the hole; and a destructive seal disposed in the opening of the cap body and above the port, the destructive seal including: a base portion extending above the hole, the base portion being configured to break under an external force; an outer peripheral portion extending outward from the base portion, the outer peripheral portion bending away from a plane of the base portion as it extends outward; and a first ring protruding from the body portion, the ring portion forming a radial seal with the port of the chemical container.

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