Container closure with sealing element

By using a polymer composition consisting of polyalphaolefin and a second polyolefin, the problem of food migration caused by white oil in container closures is solved, processability and sealing are improved, and it is suitable for low-temperature environments.

CN115279608BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-06SILGAN HOLDINGS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080091721.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-11-18
Filing Date
2020-11-18
Publication Date
2026-02-06
Estimated Expiration
2040-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The use of white oil in the sealing elements of existing container closures leads to food migration problems, especially in foods with high fat or oil content, and the polymer compositions have insufficient processability.

Method used

A polymer composition consisting of polyalphaolefin and a second polyolefin, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a specific kinematic viscosity and droplet temperature, is used in conjunction with a metal or plastic carrier to achieve a seal through helical motion, thus avoiding the use of white oil.

Benefits of technology

It reduces food migration, improves the processability of polymer compositions, and ensures the sealing and heat resistance of containers, making them suitable for low-temperature environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) comprises a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63). The sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63) comprises a polymeric composition. The polymeric composition comprises: a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at a temperature of 100 °C of at least 4 cSt determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 and a drop formation temperature of at most -10 °C determined according to ASTM 5950; and up to 95 wt.% of a second polyolefin.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a container closure, for example a screw closure, having a sealing element. The present invention also relates to a container which is closed with such a container closure or which is filled and closed in a method in order to produce a closed and filled container. BACKGROUND

[0002] The PVC-free sealing elements for container closures of the prior art usually comprise white oil as a component which is liquid at ambient conditions. White oil is placed in the composition of the sealing element in order to reduce the hardness of the sealing element, to improve the processability of the composition and to reduce the overall costs of the sealing element.

[0003] If the sealing element of the container closure comprises white oil and the container closure closes a container which is filled with food, the overall migration into the food is increased. In particular, when the food has a high fat or oil content, the overall migration is significantly increased. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a polymer composition which can be used as a sealing element in a container closure, which has a relatively small migration value and which enables the use of the container closure at low temperatures. It is a further object to improve the processability of the polymer composition into a sealing element.

[0005] The objects are achieved by a container closure according to claim 1, which can close a container according to claim 34 and which can be used in a method for producing a closed and filled container according to claim 38.

[0006] The container closure comprises a sealing element. The sealing element comprises or consists of a polymer composition and the polymer composition comprises a polyalphaolefin and a second polyolefin. The polyalphaolefin (first polyolefin) has a kinematic viscosity of at least 4 cSt at a temperature of 100°C. The kinematic viscosity can be determined according to ASTM D445 or ISO 3104, preferably according to ISO 3104. Additionally or alternatively, the polyalphaolefin has a drop formation temperature of at most -10°C. The drop formation temperature can be determined according to ASTM 5950. The second polyolefin is comprised in the polymer composition in a share of up to 95 wt.-%.

[0007] The second polyolefin can be comprised in the polymer composition between 5 wt.-% and 95 wt.-%, preferably between 15 wt.-% and 85 wt.-%, more preferably between 25 wt.-% and 75 wt.-%, still more preferably between 35 wt.-% and 65 wt.-%.

[0008] The container closure can comprise a carrier made of metal, plastic or metal and plastic, wherein a container closure made of metal and plastic is also referred to as a composite closure. If the carrier comprises or is made of metal, at least one side of the carrier can be coated with an adhesive lacquer in order to improve the connection of the sealing element to the carrier. The sealing element can be shaped outside the carrier and adhered at the carrier, for example by pressure and / or temperature. The sealing element can also be shaped on the carrier in such a way that a flowable polymer composition is applied to the carrier and shaped.

[0009] In a container closure applied to the opening of a container by a screwing motion, for example a lug twist closure, the sealing element is arranged for the most part in the face-like portion of the carrier, such that when the container closure is placed at the container and closes the opening of the container, the upper region of the container mouth which delimits the container opening contacts the sealing element.

[0010] The sealing element can be constructed substantially disc-shaped or substantially ring-shaped.

[0011] In particular in a press-on twist-off container closure (PT container closure), the main portion of the sealing element also lies in the rim region of the carrier. In a composite PT container closure, for example in the container closure sold under the trademark Band-Guard, the container closure comprises a plastic thread which cooperates with a mating thread of the container.

[0012] In closing the container, the PT container closure is pressed onto the container mouth (Press-on), while the sealing element is in a heated state and is sufficiently flowable. The outer thread in the mouth region of the container results in an inner thread in the sealing element region on the rim of the carrier of the container closure (as a negative of the outer thread). The PT container closure is removed from the container by a twist-off motion (Twist-off).

[0013] The polyalphaolefin of the sealing element of the container closure is present in the liquid state (liquidly in the condensed state) at 23°C and 1 bar.

[0014] The kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin can be between 4 cSt and 1500 cSt at a temperature of 100°C. In particular, the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin is between 50 cSt and 1000 cSt or between 120 cSt and 1000 cSt at a temperature of 100°C. Most preferably, the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin is between 250 cSt and 1000 cSt at a temperature of 100°C. The kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin can be at least 250 cSt at a temperature of 100°C. The kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin can be at most 1500 cSt at a temperature of 100°C.

[0015] The kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at a temperature of 100 °C can also be between 2 cSt and 10 cSt, between 55 cSt and 75 cSt, between 140 cSt and 160 cSt, between 280 cSt and 320 cSt or between 900 cSt and 1100 cSt.

[0016] The drop temperature (determined according to ASTM 5950) can be at most -20 °C. In particular, the drop temperature of the polyalphaolefin is at most -30 °C.

[0017] The density of the polyalphaolefin of the polymer composition can be up to 0.860 g cm -3 . In particular, the density of the polyalphaolefin is between 0.825 g cm -3 and 0.855 g cm -3 . The density of the polyalphaolefin can also be between 0.840 g cm -3 and 0.855 g cm -3 .

[0018] The average molecular weight M w of the polyalphaolefin can be at least 440 Da. In particular, the average molecular weight M w of the polyalphaolefin is between 440 Da and 12000 Da or between 1000 Da and 10000 Da. Most preferably, the average molecular weight M w of the polyalphaolefin is between 3000 Da and 10000 Da.

[0019] The polyalphaolefin can be a metallocene polyalphaolefin. The polyalphaolefin can be prepared by applying a metallocene catalyst.

[0020] The polyalphaolefin can be a Ziegler-Natta polyalphaolefin. The polyalphaolefin can be prepared by applying a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

[0021] The polyalphaolefin can be a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0022] In particular, the polyalphaolefin is a homopolymer of C3 to C 22 alphaolefins. Thus, in order to prepare the polyalphaolefin as a homopolymer, alphaolefins of the length C3 to C 22 are used as monomers. Preferably, C6 to C 14 alphaolefins or C8 to C 10 alphaolefins are used as monomers for the polyalphaolefin as a homopolymer.

[0023] The polyalphaolefin can be an alphaoctene homopolymer or an alphadecene homopolymer, preferably an alphadecene homopolymer.

[0024] As a copolymer, the polyalphaolefin is derived from at least two different types of alphaolefins of the length C3 to C 22α-olefins of the type C6 to C 14 or C8 to C 10 α-olefins of the type C6 to C

[0025] The poly-α-olefin can be a dimer.

[0026] The poly-α-olefin can be a synthetic fluid (at 23 °C and 1 bar), in particular the poly-α-olefin is a fully synthetic fluid (at 23 °C and 1 bar).

[0027] The poly-α-olefin can be hydrogenated, in particular the poly-α-olefin is fully hydrogenated.

[0028] The poly-α-olefin can be a mixture of different types of poly-α-olefins. For example, the poly-α-olefin can be a mixture of at least two poly-α-olefins differing in their kinematic viscosity and / or in their (co)monomers. To this end, at least two of the poly-α-olefins disclosed herein can be present as a mixture.

[0029] The poly-α-olefin can be comprised in the polymer composition in a share of up to 65 wt.%. Generally, wt.% means based on the total mass of the polymer composition. In particular, the share of the poly-α-olefin in the polymer composition is between 3 wt.% and 65 wt.% or between 3 wt.% and 50 wt.%. More particularly, the share of the poly-α-olefin in the polymer composition can be between 3 wt.% and 30 wt.% or between 5 wt.% and 30 wt.%.

[0030] The share of the poly-α-olefin in the polymer composition can be between 3 wt.% and 7 wt.%, between 7 wt.% and 12 wt.%, between 14 wt.% and 20 wt.%, between 17 wt.% and 23 wt.%, between 27 wt.% and 33 wt.% or between 35 wt.% and 45 wt.%.

[0031] The second polyolefin in the polymer composition is of a different type than the poly-α-olefin. For example, the different types of polymers can be distinguished by their constitution (e.g. (co)monomers of the polymer) or at least one property (e.g. hardness, density).

[0032] The Shore A hardness of the second polyolefin can be up to 90 at 23 °C (DIN ISO 7619-1; holding time 15 seconds). In particular, the Shore A hardness is between 30 and 90 at 23 °C.

[0033] The second polyolefin can be a plastomer or an elastomer.

[0034] In particular, the second polyolefin is a polyolefin elastomer having a density (DIN EN ISO 1183-1) of 0.860 g cm -3 and 0.889 g cm-3 between.

[0035] The second polyolefin can also be a polyolefin plastide, wherein the density is 0.890 g / cm³. -3 and 0.910g cm -3 between.

[0036] The second polyolefin can have a density of less than 0.860 g / cm³. -3 The elastomer. Specifically, the density of the elastomer is 0.780 g / cm³. -3 and 0.859g cm -3 Between or at 0.800g cm -3 and 0.859g cm -3 between.

[0037] The second polyolefin can have a maximum density of 0.910 g / cm³. -3 A plastic body. In particular, the density of the plastic body is 0.860 g / cm³. -3 and 0.910g cm -3 between.

[0038] The second polyolefin can be a copolymer, especially a random copolymer. In particular, the second polyolefin includes α-butene and C2, C3, or C5 to C64. 16 (α) Copolymers with olefins as comonomers.

[0039] The proportion of α-butene in the copolymer can be greater than 50 mol%. In particular, the proportion of α-butene in the copolymer is at least 60 mol% or at least 80 mol%.

[0040] The second polyolefin can be composed of propylene and C2, C4, or C5 to C64 polyolefins. 16 (α) Copolymers of olefins, especially random copolymers.

[0041] The propylene content in the copolymer can be greater than 50 mol%. In particular, the propylene content in the copolymer can be greater than 60 mol% or greater than 70 mol%.

[0042] The second polyolefin can be a copolymer, especially a random copolymer or a block copolymer, which includes ethylene and C5 to C64. 16 (α) An olefin is used as a comonomer. Specifically, one comonomer of the copolymer is ethylene and the other comonomer of the copolymer is C5, C7, C9, or C6. 10 To C 16 α-olefins.

[0043] The ethylene content in the copolymer can be greater than 50 mol%. In particular, the ethylene content in the copolymer is at least 60 mol% or at least 70 mol%.

[0044] Typically, the second polyolefin can be a dimer.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the second polyolefin is an alpha butene ethylene copolymer, wherein alpha butene is present in the copolymer in a molar fraction of more than 50 mol-%, in particular as a dimer.

[0046] Also preferably, the second polyolefin is an alpha butene propylene copolymer (dimer) with a molar fraction of alpha butene in the copolymer of more than 50 mol-%.

[0047] The weight fraction of the second polyolefin in the polymer composition can be up to 80 wt.-%. In particular, the fraction of the second polyolefin in the polymer composition is up to 70 wt.-%.

[0048] The fraction of the second polyolefin in the polymer composition can also be between 5 and 95 wt.-%. More particularly, the fraction of the second polyolefin in the polymer composition is between 20 and 95 wt.-% or between 50 and 95 wt.-%.

[0049] The second polyolefin can be present in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 55 and 70 wt.-%. The second polyolefin can also be present in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 83 and 93 wt.-%.

[0050] The polymer composition can comprise a third and / or a fourth polymer (two polymers), wherein the third and fourth polymer are of a different type than the polyalphaolefin and the second polyolefin, and the third polymer is of a different type than the fourth polymer. Thus, the polyalphaolefin, the second polyolefin, the third polymer and the fourth polymer are each polymers of a different type.

[0051] The third and / or fourth polymer can be a polyolefin. The third and / or fourth polymer can have a Shore D hardness at 23 °C of up to 60 (DIN ISO 7619-1 ; holding time 15 seconds). In particular, the Shore D hardness of the third and / or fourth polymer is between 20 and 60.

[0052] The third and / or fourth polymer can be a homopolymer. In particular, the third and / or fourth polymer is a homopolymer of C2 to C 12 The alpha olefin consists of C2 to C8 alpha olefins or C2 to C6 alpha olefins. As a homopolymer, the third and / or fourth polymer can comprise as monomers C2 to C8 alpha olefins or C2 to C6 alpha olefins.

[0053] Particularly preferably, the third and / or fourth polymer is a polyethylene homopolymer (e.g. LDPE), a polypropylene homopolymer or a homopolymer of alpha butene.

[0054] The polypropylene homopolymer can be a syndiotactic polypropylene homopolymer. In particular, the syndiotacticity (syndiotactic index) of the polypropylene homopolymer can be at least 75%. The syndiotacticity (syndiotactic index) can be determined by NMR, IR or GPC according to the method described in US 5,476,914 B, preferably by NMR.

[0055] The third and / or fourth polymer can be a copolymer.

[0056] Preferably, the third and / or fourth polymer is a polypropylene copolymer. The polypropylene copolymer can be a syndiotactic polypropylene copolymer. The polypropylene copolymer can have a fraction of propylene of at least 60 mol.-%, in particular at least 75 mol.-%, preferably at least 90 mol.-%, more preferably at least 95 mol.-%, most preferably at least 98 mol.-%.

[0057] The polypropylene copolymer preferably comprises the monomers ethylene and propylene. Ethylene can be present in the propylene copolymer in a fraction of at most 2 mol.-%.

[0058] The syndiotacticity of the polypropylene copolymer can be at least 75%.

[0059] The third and / or fourth polymer as copolymer can have at least one or at least two (different) C2 to C8 alpha olefins or C2 to C6 alpha olefins as comonomer. In particular, the third and / or fourth polymer as copolymer consists of at least one or at least two (different) C2 to C8 alpha olefins or C2 to C6 alpha olefins. 12 The third and / or fourth polymer as copolymer can have at least one or at least two (different) C2 to C8 alpha olefins or C2 to C6 alpha olefins as comonomer. In particular, the third and / or fourth polymer as copolymer consists of at least one or at least two (different) C2 to C8 alpha olefins or C2 to C6 alpha olefins.

[0060] The third and / or fourth polymer can be a di-mer.

[0061] Most preferably, the third and / or fourth polymer is a propylene ethylene copolymer (di-mer), wherein in particular the fraction of propylene is higher than 50 mol.-%.

[0062] The third and / or fourth polymer as copolymer can also be a propylene alpha hexene copolymer (di-mer), wherein the fraction of propylene in the copolymer is greater than 50 mol.-%.

[0063] The third and / or fourth polymer can be comprised in the polymer composition in a fraction of at most 35 wt.-%, respectively. The third and / or fourth polymer can be comprised in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 5 wt.-% and 35 wt.-% or between 5 wt.-% and 27 wt.-%, respectively. In particular, the fraction of the third and / or fourth polymer is between 5 wt.-% and 18 wt.-% or between 11 wt.-% and 18 wt.-%, respectively.

[0064] The MFI (mass flow index) of the polymer composition can be less than 30 g / 10 min, in particular less than 10 g / 10 min, particularly preferably less than 5 g / 10 min, wherein the MFI is determined according to DIN EN ISO 1133 at 190 °C and 2.16 kg.

[0065] The polymer composition can be a polyolefin composition, such that the polymer composition comprises only polyolefins as polymerized components, wherein additives can be comprised in the polymer composition as non-polyolefins.

[0066] The polymer composition can not have PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

[0067] In one embodiment, the polymer composition can not have a copolymer having styrene as comonomer.

[0068] The polymer composition can comprise up to 10 wt.-% of mineral oil, such as white oil, preferably the polymer composition comprises up to 5 wt.-% of mineral oil, particularly preferably the polymer composition has no mineral oil.

[0069] Up to 15 wt.-% of additives can be comprised in the polymer composition. In particular, up to 8 wt.-% of additives are comprised in the polymer composition, particularly preferably up to 6 wt.-% of additives, most preferably up to 5 wt.-% of additives.

[0070] The additives in the polymer composition can be selected from the group consisting of pigments, nucleating agents, whitening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0071] It is preferred that the polymer composition does not comprise a deoxidizer.

[0072] The polymer composition can have a static friction coefficient (determined according to DIN EN ISO 8295) of at most 0.50, in particular of at most 0.40. In particular, the static friction coefficient of the polymer composition is between 0.10 and 0.40 or between 0.15 and 0.40.

[0073] The oxygen permeability of the polymer composition can be at most 1300 cm 3 m -2 d -1 ba r-1 , preferably at most 900 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 , more preferably at most 750 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1. Particularly preferably, the oxygen permeability of the polymer composition is between 300 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 and 1300 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 or between 300 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 and 900 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 .

[0074] The oxygen permeability can be measured according to DIN 53380. The rate of the oxygen permeability of the polymer composition in the container closure has an influence on the possible storage length of the container filled with foodstuff, closed with the container closure.

[0075] The total migration of the polymer composition can be at most 5.50 mg cm -2 , preferably at most 3.50 mg cm -2 , particularly preferably at most 2.50 mg cm -2 , more preferably at most 1.50 mg cm -2 . The total migration of the polymer composition can be determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14. In particular, the total migration of the polymer composition is between 0.50 mg cm -2 and 3.00 mg cm -2 or between 0.80 mg cm -2 and 2.50 mg cm -2 .

[0076] If the filled container is closed by a container closure having a sealing element composed of the polymer composition and the surface / mass ratio is 1 cm -2 of the sealing element to a mass of 0.02 kg of the filling in the container, then the limit value of the total migration of 60 mg kg -1 is maintained.

[0077] It is preferred that the sealing element of the container closure consists of the polymer composition, i.e. the sealing element does not comprise an additional applied film, for example.

[0078] Different, i.e. different types of polymers in a polymer composition can be distinguished by their physical properties, such as density, melting temperature, hardness, etc. Copolymers can also be distinguished by their structure (block copolymer, random copolymer, etc.). Copolymers can also be distinguished by the type of comonomer (ethylene, propylene, etc.).

[0079] The container closure can comprise a carrier and a sealing element. The carrier can comprise a face section and a rim section. In particular, the carrier can comprise metal, plastic or metal and plastic. Especially, the main component of the carrier is metal or plastic, especially metal.

[0080] The container closure can be a screw closure. Preferably, the container closure is a lug-rotary closure. The container closure can also be a press-and-turn closure or a composite closure.

[0081] The disclosed container closure can close a container. The container comprises a container mouth and an opening closable at the end of the container mouth. One of the disclosed container closures closes said opening.

[0082] The container can be a glass container, a plastic container or a metal container. Especially, the container is a glass container.

[0083] The container closure closing the opening of the container can comprise a carrier and a sealing element. The carrier can have an underside and the container mouth can have an upper end. The sealing element of the container closure is typically sandwiched between the container mouth and the carrier of the container closure, such that the sealing element abuts not only at the upper end of the container mouth, but also at the underside of the carrier. In particular, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container mouth and the underside of the carrier is at most 1.0 mm. The height is preferably at most 0.8 mm and especially preferred at most 0.7 mm. The height can be determined in the axial direction of the container.

[0084] Similarly, the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container mouth and the underside of the carrier can be at least 0.2 mm. In particular, the height is at least 0.4 mm and especially preferred at least 0.5 mm. The measurement of the height of the sealing element can be made in the axial direction of the container.

[0085] It is particularly preferred that the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container mouth and the underside of the carrier is between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0086] For example, if the height of the sealing element before the container closure is applied to the container is 1.2 mm, pressing the upper end of the container mouth into the sealing element (the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container mouth and the lower side of the carrier is at most 1.0 mm) without cutting the sealing element (the height of the sealing element between the upper end of the container mouth and the lower side of the carrier is at least 0.2 mm) ensures a high tightness of the container closed by the container closure.

[0087] Preferably, a vacuum is present in the closed container. The absolute pressure in the closed container can be at most 200 hPa. In particular, the absolute pressure in the closed container is at most 100 hPa.

[0088] The container closed with the container closure can have a safety amount of at most 10 mm, in particular at most 8 mm. The safety amount is preferably at most 6 mm. Most preferably, the safety amount is at most 4 mm.

[0089] To determine the safety amount, the container closed with the lug-rotary closure is stored at room temperature (23 °C) over a period of 30 minutes. The relative position of the container closure to the container is marked by placing marks on the container closure rim and the container wall, such that the circumferential distance between the marks on the container closure rim and the container wall is zero. The marks are located on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. Then, the container closure is completely removed from the container by unscrewing. Subsequently, the container closure is placed onto the container and tightened until a slight resistance can be felt. Thus, the container closure is finger-firmly tightened. Then, the circumferential distance between the marks on the container closure rim and the marks on the container wall is measured. The measured distance corresponds to the safety amount in mm.

[0090] Due to the strong slope of the lead of the container and the lug-rotary closure at least over a section, the accuracy of the measurement of the safety amount is high, because the point at which a slight resistance can be felt during tightening of the container closure (finger-firmly) can be determined precisely. Typically, the accuracy of the measurement of the safety amount at a closed container that has been closed under the same conditions is about ± 1 mm by different persons.

[0091] By an appropriate safety amount it is ensured that the sealing element exerts an elastic force at least on the upper end of the container mouth when the container is closed with the container closure. Thereby a high tightness of the interior space of the closed container is derived.

[0092] The closed and filled container can be manufactured by providing a container having a container mouth and a closable opening at the end of the container mouth. The container is filled with a (solid and / or liquid) foodstuff through the opening of the container and the opening of the container is closed with the disclosed container closure.

[0093] The diameter of the opening of the container can be at least 20 mm. In particular, the diameter of the opening of the container is at most 120 mm.

[0094] The container can be a glass container, a plastic container or a metal container.

[0095] The container closure can be treated at a temperature of at least 90 °C before closing the opening of the container with the container closure. This treatment can be performed by means of water vapor, for example.

[0096] A headspace can be formed in the container after the container is filled with the food product. The headspace in the container after filling is the section of the volume of the container which is not occupied by the food product. Steam can be supplied to the headspace before applying the container closure to the container, thereby closing the opening of the container. In particular, the steam can be water vapor.

[0097] The absolute pressure in the closed and filled container can be at most 200 hPa. In particular, the pressure in the closed and filled container can be at most 100 hPa.

[0098] For forming the press-in of the container passage into the sealing element, the sealing element can be deformed in the axial direction of the container by at least 0.2 mm during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treating the closed and filled container. Preferably, this deformation of the sealing element is at least 0.4 mm. In particular, the deformation is at least 0.5 mm.

[0099] Likewise, for forming the press-in of the container passage into the sealing element, the sealing element can be deformable by at most 1.0 mm during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treating the closed and filled container. In particular, the deformation is at most 0.8 mm. More preferably, the deformation is at most 0.7 mm. This is each in the axial direction of the container.

[0100] Particularly preferably, the deformation of the sealing element is between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0101] The food product can be filled into the container aseptically.

[0102] The food product can also be filled into the container by means of a temperature of at most 10 °C.

[0103] The food product can also be filled into the container by means of a temperature of between 10 °C and 70 °C.

[0104] Likewise, the food product can also be filled into the container by means of a temperature of between 70 °C and 98 °C.

[0105] Within the method, the closed and filled container can be heat treated. Here, the temperature of the heat treatment is higher than the temperature of the food product (in solid and / or liquid state) during filling the container with the food product.

[0106] The heat treatment can be performed at a temperature of at least 60 °C.

[0107] The heat treatment can also be performed at a temperature of at most 135 °C (between 60 °C and 135 °C). In particular, the heat treatment is performed at a temperature of up to 135 °C (between 60 °C and 135 °C) at an absolute ambient pressure of maximum 4.0 bar, preferably between 1.0 bar and 4.0 bar.

[0108] Preferably, the pressure in the closed container during the heat treatment is lower than the pressure outside the closed container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0109] Embodiments of the application are described in terms of examples and the drawings, and the limitations therein are not to be construed as limiting the claims. Identical reference signs in the figures illustrate identical elements.

[0110] Figure 1 A side view, partly as a cross-section, of a lug twist closure 1 with a ring-shaped sealing element 3 is shown;

[0111] Figure 2 A side view, partly as a cross-section, of a lug twist closure 1 with a sealing element 3 on a container 5 is shown;

[0112] Figure 3 A bottom view of a lug twist closure 1 with a sealing element 3 is shown;

[0113] Figure 4 An isometric view of a Combi-Twist closure 61 is shown;

[0114] Figure 5 An axial cross-section of a Combi-Twist closure 61 is shown, partly; Figure 4

[0115] Figure 6 A side view, partly as a cross-section, of a press twist-off closure 21 (PT closure) with a sealing element 23 is shown;

[0116] Figure 7 A side view, partly as a cross-section, of a PT closure 21 with a sealing element 23 on a container 25 is shown;

[0117] Figure 8 A top view of a PT closure 21 is shown;

[0118] Figure 9 A side view, partly as a cross-section, of a Band-Guard closure 41 with a sealing element 43 is shown;

[0119] ​Figure 10 a side view of the composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) with the sealing element 43 on the container 45 is shown, partly as a cross-section;

[0120] Figure 11 a top view of the composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) is shown;

[0121] Figure 12 a close-up of Figure 2 the lug-rotary closure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0122] Figure 1 and 3 A lug-rotary closure 1 is shown. The lug-rotary closure 1 comprises a metal carrier 11 and a sealing element 3. In Figure 2 the illustration, the lug-rotary closure 1 is applied to a container 5. At a lower end of the lug-rotary closure 1 a roll-up 9 is formed. A plurality of lugs 7 is circumferentially distributed formed by the roll-up 9. The lugs 7 are formed by an axial deformation of the roll-up 9 and extend radially further than the roll-up 9 towards a middle of the lug-rotary closure 1. In Figures 1 to 3 the lug-rotary closure 1 shown in Figure 1 and 2 the cross-section partly depicted in corresponds to the cross-section III-III in Figure 3

[0123] In the vicinity of an end section radially outside of the lug-rotary closure 1, a channel 2 is formed in an upper section 10 of the carrier 11. The sealing element 3 is at least partly arranged in the channel 2. In the present embodiment, the sealing element 3 is formed annularly, in other embodiments, the sealing element 3 can be formed disc-shaped, this especially when the diameter of the lug-rotary closure is small (e.g. max. 30 mm).

[0124] For an adhesion between the metal carrier 11 and the sealing element 3, typically an adhesive lacquer is applied on the side of the metal carrier 11 which is in contact with the sealing element 3.

[0125] In Figure 2 the lug-rotary closure 1 is applied to a container 5. The container 5 comprises a container opening 5a as an upper section of the container 5. The container opening comprises a thread 6 and an upper end 4 of the container opening 5a. The thread 6 is formed circumferentially in the area of the container opening 5a and extends circumferentially upwards or downwards (depending on the viewing angle).

[0126] ​To apply the lug rotary closure 1 to the container 5, the lug 7 is brought into contact with a section of the thread 6 and the lug rotary closure 1 is rotated clockwise relative to the container 5. By the design of the thread 6 and the interaction of the lug 7 with the thread 6, during the rotational movement of the lug rotary closure 1 relative to the container 5, the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a is moved in the direction of the sealing element 3. By the continued rotational movement of the lug rotary closure 1, the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a is pressed into the sealing element 3 and deforms it, so that a section of the upper end 4 of the container opening 5a is covered by the sealing element 3, whereby the container 5 is closed sealingly. The sealing closure of the container 5 is especially necessary in order to withstand increased pressure during heat treatment of the closed container 5 at temperatures above 70°C, 90°C or even above 120°C.

[0127] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the lug rotary closure 1 comprises a safety button 10b, which is formed in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11. Due to the slope 10a in the upper section 10 of the carrier 11, the safety button 10b folds in the direction of the middle of the container, if a sufficiently large underpressure is present in the container. This vacuum can be created by introducing water vapor into the container before the container is closed with the closure.

[0128] If the user opens the container by removing the container closure, the pressure in the container rises to ambient pressure and the safety button 10b folds away from the middle of the container. The folding of the safety button 10b is accompanied by a characteristic sound, by which the user can recognize that a vacuum was present in the container before the container was opened.

[0129] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A Combi-Twist closure 61 is shown, which, like the described lug rotary closure 1, can be applied to a container by a rotational movement and can be removed from the container by a rotational movement.

[0130] The Combi-Twist closure 61 comprises a carrier with a metal section 71 having an upper portion and a plastic section 72 shaped L-shaped. A channel 78 is formed near the radial end of the metal section 71 of the carrier and a crimp 77 is formed at the radial end of the metal section 71. A sealing element is at least partially arranged in the channel 78.

[0131] A plurality of thread elements 74a, 74b formed on the inside of the plastic section 72 come into contact with mating threads in the area of the opening of a container (not shown) to which the Combi-Twist closure 61 shall be applied. The plastic section 72 of the Combi-Twist closure 61 further comprises a tamper protection mechanism 73, which is formed similar to the tamper protection mechanism in Figures 9 to 11 and described in detail with reference to Figures 9 to 11 .

[0132] If the composite closure 61 is screwed onto the container by a rotational movement, a similar interaction of the container mouth of the container with the sealing element of the composite closure 61 is obtained as described with the lug twist closure 1.

[0133] In Figures 6 to 8 A press-through twist-off closure 21 (PT closure) is shown in

[0134] The sealing element 23 is formed in the area of the upper section 30 of the carrier 31 and in a large circumference on the rim of the carrier extending downwardly from the upper section 30 of the carrier 31. Unlike the lug twist closure 1 and the composite closure 61, the PT closure 21 is pressed onto the container mouth 25a when applied to the container 25. During the pressing onto the container mouth 25a, the sealing element 23 is sufficiently soft to elastically surround the thread element 26 of the container mouth 25a. Typically, for this purpose the sealing element 23 is treated with water vapor before the PT closure 21 is applied to the container 5 in order to induce the necessary softness of the sealing element 23. After cooling the sealing element 23, mating threads in the form of a negative of the thread element 26 of the container mouth are formed in the sealing element 23.

[0135] The upper end 24 of the container mouth 25a contacts the sealing element 23.

[0136] For opening the container 25, the PT closure 21 is removed from the container 25 by a rotational movement.

[0137] Figures 9 to 11 A composite closure 41 (Band-Guard) is shown, which functions similar to the described PT closure 21.

[0138] The composite closure 41 comprises a carrier with a metal section 51 and a plastic section 52, a tamper-evident mechanism 53 and a safety button 50a. The tamper-evident mechanism 53 is designed such that when the composite closure 41 is removed from the container 45, the tamper-evident mechanism is removed from the rest of the composite closure 41 and serves the verifiability for the user that the composite closure 41 has been removed from the container 45. The design and function of the safety button 50a is similar to the safety button 10b of the lug twist closure 1.

[0139] The plastic section of the composite closure 41 can comprise a plurality of axially extending recesses 56 in order to improve the stability of the closure.

[0140] The sealing element 43 is arranged in the composite closure 41 such that it contacts the metal section 51 and the plastic section 52. For closing the container 45, the composite closure 41 is pressed onto the container mouth 45a of the container 45 such that at least the upper end 44 of the container mouth 45a contacts the sealing element 43.

[0141] The plastic section 52 of the carrier comprises a plurality of staggered protrusions 54 which interact with the thread element 46 of the container mouth 45a. For opening the container 45 closed with the composite closure 41, the composite closure 41 can be twisted relative to the container 45.

[0142] The distance h3 of the sealing element 3 between the upper end 4 of the container mouth 5a of the container 5 and the lower side of the carrier 11 of the closure 1 is observed in Figure 12 The way of rotating the closure 1 with the lug is shown and described herein. Similarly, the distance (height) h3 should be determined for other closure types.

[0143] The sealing element 3 clamped between the container mouth 5 and the carrier 11 of the container closure 1 has a height h3 which is obtained when the container 5 is closed with the closure 1. If the height h3 is too low, there is a risk of cutting off the sealing element 3, whereby the tightness of the closed container 5 can be impaired. If the height h3 is too high, the tightness of the closed container is impaired because the contact surface between the upper end 4 of the container mouth 5a and the sealing element 3 is not large enough. In order to achieve a matching pressing of the upper end 4 of the container mouth 5a into the sealing element, the composition of the sealing element 3 is decisive.

[0144] Examples:

[0145] Examples of polymer compositions for sealing elements in container closures are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3. These examples are named with Ex. and consecutive numbers for the respective examples.

[0146] The names of the components shown in the tables stand for:

[0147] PAO-5 polyalphaolefin with a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 5 cSt,

[0148] PAO-65 polyalphaolefin with a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 65 cSt,

[0149] PAO-150 polyalphaolefin with a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 150 cSt,

[0150] PAO-300 polyalphaolefin with a kinematic viscosity at 100°C of about 300 cSt.

[0151] C4C2 alpha butene ethylene copolymer with a butene fraction of more than 50 mol-%,

[0152] C4C3 an alpha butene propylene copolymer having an alpha butene fraction greater than 50 mole percent,

[0153] C2 an ethylene homopolymer (LDPE)

[0154] C3C2 a propylene ethylene copolymer having a propylene fraction greater than 50 mole percent,

[0155] C3C6 a propylene alpha hexene copolymer having a propylene fraction greater than 50 mole percent,

[0156] C4 an alpha butene homopolymer.

[0157] Polyalphaolefins (PAO-5, PAO-65, PAO-150, PAO-300) are commercially available from Chevron Phillips or ExxonMobil (e.g. SpectraSyn series).

[0158] The alpha butene ethylene copolymer has a Shore A hardness of 60 and a density of 0.870 g cm -3 .

[0159] The alpha butene propylene copolymer has a Shore A hardness of 87 and a density of 0.890 g cm -3 .

[0160] The ethylene homopolymer exhibits a Shore D hardness of 48 and a density of 0.928 g cm -3 .

[0161] The propylene ethylene copolymer has a density of 0.900 g cm -3 .

[0162] The propylene alpha hexene copolymer exhibits a density of 0.900 g cm -3 .

[0163] The alpha butene homopolymer has a Shore D hardness of 54.

[0164]

[0165] Table 1

[0166]

[0167] Table 2

[0168]

[0169] Table 3

[0170] Generally, the presence of a particular component in one or more of the polymer compositions is not mandatory. In particular, the increased occurrence of a component in the examples does not mean that the component must mandatorily be included in the polymer composition. Rather, the component in the composition of the examples can be left out or replaced by other component(s). Likewise, components can be added.

Claims

1. A container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) having a sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), wherein the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63) comprises a polymer composition and the polymer composition comprises: (a) a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity of at least 4 cSt determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 at a temperature of 100 °C and / or having a drop formation temperature of at most -10 °C determined according to ASTM 5950; and (b) between 65 wt.% and 95 wt.% of a second polyolefin, wherein the second polyolefin is a copolymer and comprises alpha butene and C2, C3, or C5 to C 16 alpha olefins as comonomers.

2. The container closure according to claim 1, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity of between 4 cSt and 1500 cSt determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 at a temperature of 100 °C.

3. The container closure according to claim 1, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity of between 50 cSt and 1000 cSt determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 at a temperature of 100 °C.

4. The container closure according to claim 1, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity of between 120 cSt and 1000 cSt determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 at a temperature of 100 °C.

5. The container closure according to claim 1, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a kinematic viscosity of between 250 cSt and 1000 cSt determined according to ASTM D445 / ISO 3104 at a temperature of 100 °C.

6. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a drop formation temperature of at most -20 °C determined according to ASTM 5950.

7. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a drop formation temperature of at most -30 °C determined according to ASTM 5950.

8. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a density of up to 0.860 g cm -3 determined according to ASTM D4052.

9. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has a density of between 0.825 g cm -3 and 0.855 g cm -3 as determined according to ASTM D4052.

10. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has an average molecular weight M of at least 440 Da determined according to DIN 55672-1 W .

11. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has an average molecular weight M between 440 Da and 12000 Da determined according to DIN 55672-1 W .

12. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has an average molecular weight M between 1000 Da and 10000 Da determined according to DIN 55672-1 W .

13. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin has an average molecular weight M between 3000 Da and 10000 Da determined according to DIN 55672-1 W .

14. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a metallocene polyalphaolefin.

15. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a polyalphaolefin prepared with a metallocene catalyst.

16. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin is a homopolymer or a copolymer.

17. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin comprises C3 to C 22 alpha olefins as comonomers.

18. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the poly-alpha olefin comprises C6 to C 14 alpha olefins as comonomers.

19. The container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyalphaolefin comprises C8 to C 10 alpha olefins as comonomers.

20. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a share of polyalphaolefin of up to 65 wt.-%.

21. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a share of polyalphaolefin of between 3 wt.-% and 65 wt.-%.

22. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a share of polyalphaolefin of between 3 wt.-% and 50 wt.-%.

23. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a share of polyalphaolefin of between 3 wt.-% and 30 wt.-%.

24. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a share of polyalphaolefin of between 5 wt.-% and 30 wt.-%.

25. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second polyolefin has a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 90 determined according to DIN ISO 7619-1 at 23 °C.

26. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second polyolefin is a plastomer or an elastomer.

27. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second polyolefin is a polyolefin elastomer having a density of less than 0.860 g cm -3 determined according to DIN EN ISO 1183-1 or the second polyolefin is a polyolefin plastomer having a density between 0.860 g cm -3 and 0.910 g cm -3 determined according to DIN EN ISO 1183-1.

28. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the copolymer comprises more than 50 mole-% of alpha butene as comonomer.

29. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second polyolefin is a random or block copolymer.

30. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the copolymer comprises ethylene and C5 to C 16 alpha olefins as comonomers.

31. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the copolymer comprises ethylene and C5, C7, C9 or C 10 to C 16 alpha olefins as comonomers.

32. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the copolymer comprises more than 50 mole-% of ethylene as comonomer.

33. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a third polymer.

34. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymeric composition comprises a third polyolefin.

35. A container closure according to claim 33, wherein the third polymer has a Shore D hardness of up to 60 determined according to DIN ISO 7619-1 at 23 °C.

36. A container closure according to claim 33, wherein the third polymer has a Shore D hardness of between 20 and 60 determined according to DIN ISO 7619-1 at 23 °C.

37. A container closure according to claim 33, wherein the third polymer is a homopolymer.

38. A container closure according to claim 37, wherein the homopolymer consists of C2 to C 12 α-olefins.

39. A container closure according to claim 37, wherein the homopolymer consists of C2 to C8 alpha olefins.

40. A container closure according to claim 37, wherein the homopolymer consists of C2 to C6 alpha olefins.

41. The container closure of claim 37, wherein the homopolymer is a polyethylene homopolymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, or a poly-alpha butene homopolymer.

42. The container closure of claim 37, wherein the homopolymer is a syndiotactic polypropylene homopolymer.

43. The container closure of claim 33, wherein the third polymer is a copolymer.

44. The container closure of claim 43, wherein the copolymer comprises at least one or at least two C2 to C 12 alpha olefins as comonomers.

45. The container closure of claim 43, wherein the copolymer includes at least one or at least two C2 to C8 alpha olefins as comonomers.

46. The container closure of claim 43, wherein the copolymer includes at least one or at least two C2 to C6 alpha olefins as comonomers.

47. The container closure of claim 43, wherein the copolymer is a propylene ethylene copolymer, or a propylene hexene copolymer.

48. The container closure of claim 47, wherein the propylene ethylene copolymer has a propylene fraction greater than 50 mole percent.

49. The container closure of claim 47, wherein the propylene hexene copolymer has a propylene fraction greater than 50 mole percent.

50. The container closure of claim 33, wherein a third polymer is included in the polymer composition in a fraction of up to 35 weight percent.

51. The container closure of claim 33, wherein a third polymer is included in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 5 weight percent and 35 weight percent.

52. The container closure of claim 33, wherein a third polymer is included in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 5 weight percent and 27 weight percent.

53. The container closure of claim 33, wherein a third polymer is included in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 5 weight percent and 18 weight percent.

54. The container closure of claim 33, wherein a third polymer is included in the polymer composition in a fraction of between 11 weight percent and 18 weight percent.

55. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition includes a fourth polymer.

56. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition includes a fourth polyolefin.

57. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer has a Shore D hardness of up to 60 determined in accordance with DIN ISO 7619-1 at 23 °C.

58. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer has a Shore D hardness of between 20 and 60 determined in accordance with DIN ISO 7619-1 at 23 °C.

59. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is a homopolymer.

60. The container closure of claim 59, wherein the homopolymer consists of C2 to C 12 α-olefins.

61. The container closure of claim 59, wherein the homopolymer consists of C2 to C8 alpha olefins.

62. The container closure of claim 59, wherein the homopolymer is comprised of a C2 to C6 alpha olefin.

63. The container closure of claim 59, wherein the homopolymer is a polyethylene homopolymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, or a polyalpha butene homopolymer.

64. The container closure of claim 59, wherein the homopolymer is a syndiotactic polypropylene homopolymer.

65. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is a copolymer.

66. The container closure of claim 65, wherein the copolymer comprises at least one or at least two C2 to C 12 alpha olefins as comonomers.

67. The container closure of claim 65, wherein the copolymer includes at least one or at least two C2 to C8 alpha olefins as comonomers.

68. The container closure of claim 65, wherein the copolymer includes at least one or at least two C2 to C6 alpha olefins as comonomers.

69. The container closure of claim 65, wherein the copolymer is a propylene ethylene copolymer, or a propylene hexene copolymer.

70. The container closure of claim 69, wherein the propylene ethylene copolymer has a propylene fraction greater than 50 mole percent.

71. The container closure of claim 69, wherein the propylene hexene copolymer has a propylene fraction greater than 50 mole percent.

72. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is included in a fraction of up to 35 weight percent.

73. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is included in a fraction of between 5 weight percent and 35 weight percent.

74. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is included in a fraction of between 5 weight percent and 27 weight percent.

75. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is included in a fraction of between 5 weight percent and 18 weight percent.

76. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is included in a fraction of between 11 weight percent and 18 weight percent.

77. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition includes up to 15 weight percent of additives.

78. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition includes up to 8 weight percent of additives.

79. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition includes up to 6 weight percent of additives.

80. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition includes up to 5 weight percent of additives.

81. The container closure of claim 77, wherein the additives are selected from the group consisting of pigments, nucleating agents, whitening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, lubricants, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

82. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has an oxygen permeability of less than 1300 cm 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 determined according to DIN 53380.

83. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has an oxygen permeability of less than 900 cm3 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 determined according to DIN 53380.

84. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has an oxygen permeability of less than 750 cm3 3 m -2 d -1 bar -1 determined according to DIN 53380.

85. The container closure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has a total migration of at most 5.5 mg cm -2 determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14.

86. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has a total migration of at most 3.5 mg cm -2 determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14.

87. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has a total migration of at most 2.5 mg cm -2 determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14.

88. A container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer composition has a total migration of at most 1.5 mg cm -2 as determined according to DIN-EN 1186-14.

89. A container (5, 25, 45) having a container opening (5a, 25a, 45a) and a closable opening at an end of the container opening, wherein the opening is closed with a container closure (1, 21, 41, 61) according to any one of the preceding claims.

90. A container according to claim 89, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (h3) of at most 1.0 mm between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and an underside of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container.

91. A container according to claim 89, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (h3) of at most 0.8 mm between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and an underside of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container.

92. A container according to claim 89, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (h3) of at most 0.7 mm between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and an underside of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container.

93. A container according to claim 89 or 90, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (h3) of at least 0.2 mm between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and an underside of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container.

94. A container according to claim 89 or 90, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (h3) of at least 0.4 mm between an upper end (4, 24, 44) of the container opening and an underside of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container.

95. A container according to claim 89 or 90, wherein the container closure comprises a carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) and the sealing element (3, 23, 43, 63), and wherein the sealing element has a height (h3) of at least 0.5 mm between an upper end of the container opening (4, 24, 44) and a lower side of the carrier (11, 31, 51, 71) in the axial direction of the container.

96. The container according to any one of claims 89 to 92, wherein the container has a safety volume of at most 10 mm.

97. The container according to any one of claims 89 to 92, wherein the container has a safety volume of at most 8 mm.

98. The container according to any one of claims 89 to 92, wherein the container has a safety volume of at most 6 mm.

99. The container according to any one of claims 89 to 92, wherein the container has a safety volume of at most 4 mm.

100. A method for manufacturing a closed and filled container, the method having the steps of: (a) providing a container (1, 21, 41, 61) having a container opening (5a, 25a, 45a) and an openable opening at an end of the container opening; (b) filling the container with a food product through the opening of the container; (c) closing the opening of the container with a container closure according to any one of claims 1 to 88.

101. The method according to claim 100, wherein the container closure is treated at a temperature of at least 90 °C before closing the opening of the container with the container closure.

102. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein the absolute pressure in the closed and filled container is at most 200 hPa.

103. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein the absolute pressure in the closed and filled container is at most 100 hPa.

104. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein the sealing element of the container closure is deformed by at least 0.2 mm in the axial direction of the container during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treating the closed and filled container to form an indentation of the container opening into the sealing element.

105. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein the sealing element of the container closure is deformed by at least 0.4 mm in the axial direction of the container during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treating the closed and filled container to form an indentation of the container opening into the sealing element.

106. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein the sealing element of the container closure is deformed by at least 0.5 mm in the axial direction of the container during closing the opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treating the closed and filled container to form an indentation of the container opening into the sealing element.

107. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein during closing of an opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed by a maximum of 1.0 mm in axial direction of the container to form an indentation of the container port into the sealing element.

108. The method of claim 100 or 101, wherein during closing of an opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed by a maximum of 0.8 mm in axial direction of the container to form an indentation of the container port into the sealing element.

109. The method of claim 100 or 101, wherein during closing of an opening of the container with the container closure and / or heat treatment of the closed and filled container, the sealing element of the container closure is deformed by a maximum of 0.7 mm in axial direction of the container to form an indentation of the container port into the sealing element.

110. The container closure of claim 33, wherein the third polymer is a polypropylene copolymer.

111. The container closure of claim 33, wherein the third polymer is a syndiotactic polypropylene copolymer.

112. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is a polypropylene copolymer.

113. The container closure of claim 55, wherein the fourth polymer is a syndiotactic polypropylene copolymer.

Citation Information

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