Closure for a container

Abstract

A closure for releasably securing to a container adapted for storing foodstuff or a beverage, the closure comprising closing means (14) for closing a mouth of the container and securing means (22,23) for securing it in a closed position, the closing means and the securing means being formed of a plastics material comprising polyoxymethylene so as to provide a substantial gas barrier to the passage of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide therethrough, The closure may have a sealing member (18) formed of resilient material (compared to the rigid material of the remainder of the closure) for providing a seal between the closure and the container. The sealing member may be provided on a bore component which projects into the container so that, in use, it seals against an internal surface of the container. The sealing member may be an o-ring (18) formed of an elastomer, e.g. nitrile butadiene rubber. A foodstuff or beverage container, e.g. in the shape of a wine glass or the shape of a beer glass, having such a closure is also described. The use of a plastics material comprising polyoxymethylene for closing a container provides a barrier to the ingress of oxygen and / or to the egress of carbon dioxide to improve the shelf life of the product is also described.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a closure for a container adapted for storing foodstuff or a beverage, in particular a wide-mouthed container the contents of which may be a carbonated beverage. It also relates to the use of a closure for closing a container, particularly a container housing a foodstuff or beverage.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Closures for wide-mouth containers are known such as those described in the applicants earlier applications, for example WO2006 / 000774 and WO2011 / 151630. These seek to provide a closure capable of securely closing a wide-mouth container the contents of which may be at high pressure, eg during transportation and / or when subject to elevated temperatures, whilst remaining relatively easy for a consumer to remove. Further modifications of both one-part and two-part closures described in the patent specifications mentioned above are also disclosed in co-pending applications.[0003]A wide-mouth container can be used both to store a bevera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes the use of polyoxymethylene as a material for making packaging for food and beverages that can prevent the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is important because oxygen can cause food and beverages to deteriorate and lose their freshness, and carbon dioxide can cause them to become too fizzy or too carbonated. The use of polyoxymethylene in the packaging helps to maintain its freshness and quality. The patent also mentions the use of fillers like carbon black, which can improve the properties of the material and make it more cost-effective.

Problems solved by technology

The ingress of oxygen causes degradation of many foodstuffs and beverages and so limits the shelf-life of a packaged product.

An example of this is wine which rapidly deteriorates if exposed to too much oxygen.

Similarly, carbonated or sparkling beverages are susceptible to the egress of carbon dioxide which again limits the shelf-life of the packaged product.

This adds to both the material cost and the manufacturing cost.

In addition, the additional material makes it more difficult or more expensive to recycle the plastic material of the closure.

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