Spiral top cap for bottle assembly and bottle assembly

Abstract

A spiral top cap for a bottle assembly may include a bottom portion having a bottom base with a bottom skirt depending downwardly at an outer periphery thereof and a neck protruding upwardly from an inner periphery of the bottom base. The inner perimeter forms an opening to an interior of the cap. The neck may further have a neck rim extending radially outward from an upper end of the neck. A cover may be pivotally attached to the bottom portion via a hinge. The cap may have a cap base and a cap skirt depending downwardly at an outer periphery of the cap base. The hinge may be raised from an upper surface of the bottom base via a riser fixedly attached to the upper surface of the bottom base such that the lid is raised to mate with the neck rim in a closed position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 362,344, filed on April 1, 2022, and entitled “SCREW-TOP CAP FOR CONTAINER, AND METHOD OF USING AND MAKING SAME,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The technology of the present disclosure generally relates to caps or closures for containers. More specifically, in one embodiment, the technology of the present disclosure relates to a screw-top cap comprising a flip-top cap having a first sealing member, a bottom portion having a second sealing member, and an active polymer component. Background Art

[0004] Commercially available pharmaceutical containers, such as for tablets and capsules, are often provided as glass or plastic bottles with removable caps (often with some type of child-resistant configuration). For example, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, allergy medications, and nutritional preparations and vitamins are often provided in such bottles. Typically, as the ability of such containers to resist moisture penetration increases, the complexity and corresponding cost of such containers also increases.

[0005] Typically, to ensure that the contents of the bottle have not been tampered with, a flexible seal (typically comprised of foil, paper, flexible / thin plastic, cardboard, or a composite of one or more of the foregoing) provides a seal for the container opening. The user may permanently pierce the seal or at least partially remove it when the user first desires to access the contents of the container. An intact seal protects the contents of the container from the surrounding environment and provides a visual indication to the user that the container has not been tampered with.

[0006] Depending on the properties of the container contents, it may be necessary to control the environment in the container. For example, a desiccant or other active materials may be needed to control the moisture density in the container. Typically, desiccant is provided in the form of a pouch or cylindrical can containing a desiccant, which is loosely placed in the body of the container together with the contents of the container. However, it is troublesome and inconvenient to place such a pouch or can loosely in the container, because the pouch or can may fall out of the container, or sometimes block the opening of the container, thereby prompting the user to manipulate the removal or repositioning of the pouch or can to extract the contents. Therefore, the pouch or can may be lost, or the user may forget to put the pouch or can back into the container after use, thereby causing the desiccant to be lost, and therefore shortening the shelf life of the container contents. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a desiccant that continues to exist in the container without the inconvenience or loss associated with placing a pouch or can in the bottle.

[0007] In addition, containers as described above are usually filled by automated processes. Anti-tamper seals such as foil seals are often used to cover the container opening after filling. Various methods and means for fixing seals are known, such as by adhesives or heat. The most common method for applying seals is by induction sealing. Induction sealing is a process that relies on the current in a material (e.g., foil and / or cardboard) to generate heat. Induction sealing and other sealing means require special equipment and materials in the filling line. These types of seals are often necessary for maintaining the shelf life of the contents of the container.

[0008] Not all fill lines have induction sealing equipment, and foil seals are not always required.

[0009] Furthermore, where a foil seal is desired, once the seal is broken (after initial use), the moisture barrier of the bottle is compromised, even if a cap is replaced thereon. Conventional bottle caps do not provide a moisture-proof seal. Summary of the invention

[0010] As described above, there is a need to create improved container caps. Therefore, there is a need for a bottle and cap assembly that provides a desired shelf life for the bottle contents without the need for a foil seal. The technology of the present disclosure addresses these and other needs.

[0011] On the one hand, the technology of the present disclosure relates to a cap for a bottle assembly, optionally a screw-top cap. The cap may include a bottom portion, the bottom portion including a bottom base, the bottom base having a bottom skirt hanging downward at its outer periphery and a neck protruding upward from the inner periphery of the bottom base, the inner periphery forming an opening to the interior of the cap. The neck may further have a neck edge extending radially outward from the upper end of the neck. The capping may be pivotally attached to the bottom portion via a hinge. The capping may have a capping base and a capping skirt hanging downward at the outer periphery of the capping base. Optionally, the hinge is raised from the upper surface of the bottom base via at least one riser fixedly attached to the upper surface of the bottom base so that the capping is raised to fit the neck edge in a closed position and extend perpendicularly to the neck.

[0012] Optionally, the hinge has a tab extending from the riser a distance substantially equal to the distance between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the bottom base such that the closure base fully covers the opening in the closed position.

[0013] Optionally, the riser may comprise one or more walls having a height at least as high as the neck.

[0014] Optionally, the one or more walls may include a wall attached to a portion of the outer periphery of the bottom base.

[0015] Optionally, the one or more walls may include a pair of walls extending inwardly from the side edge of the one wall toward the neck a distance substantially equal to but less than the distance between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the bottom base, so that the cover skirt fits between the pair of walls and the neck skirt of the neck in the closed position.

[0016] Optionally, the riser comprises a thermoset.

[0017] Optionally, the riser comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0018] Optionally, the closure skirt has a flange extending radially inwardly and cooperating with the neck rim in the closed position.

[0019] Optionally, the cover comprises a tab at a distal end opposite to the hinge.

[0020] Optionally, the cover includes a first sealing member disposed on the inner surface of the cover base, the first sealing member includes a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the cover base, and the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member includes an annular portion configured to sealingly engage with the neck edge.

[0021] In another aspect, the technology of the present disclosure relates to a bottle assembly. The bottle assembly may include a bottle having a bottle base, a sidewall extending from the bottle base and terminating in a bottle neck, the bottle neck having an end portion disposed opposite and away from the bottle base. The bottle neck may define an opening to the interior of the bottle. The bottle neck may have an exterior portion including one or more threads. The screw top bottle cap may be fixedly disposed over the bottle neck so that the internal threads of the screw top cap may threadably engage the threads on the bottle neck to removably couple the screw top cap to the bottle, thereby forming a bottle assembly.

[0022] Optionally, the hinge has a tab extending from the riser a distance substantially equal to the distance between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the bottom base such that the closure base completely covers the opening in the closed position.

[0023] Optionally, the riser comprises one or more walls having a height at least as high as the neck.

[0024] Optionally, the one or more walls comprise a wall attached to a portion of an outer periphery of the bottom base.

[0025] Optionally, the one or more walls include a pair of walls extending inwardly from the side edge of the one wall toward the neck a distance substantially equal to but less than the distance between the outer periphery and the inner periphery of the bottom base, so that the cover skirt fits between the pair of walls and the neck skirt of the neck in the closed position.

[0026] Optionally, the riser comprises a thermoset.

[0027] Optionally, the riser comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0028] Optionally, the closure skirt has a flange extending radially inwardly and cooperating with the neck rim in the closed position.

[0029] Optionally, the cover comprises a tab at a distal end opposite to the hinge.

[0030] Optionally, the closure includes a first sealing member disposed on the inner surface of the closure base. The first sealing member may include a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the closure base, and the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member may include an annular portion configured to sealably engage with the neck rim.

[0031] In one aspect, the technology of the present disclosure relates to a cap for a bottle assembly, optionally a screw-top cap. The cap may include a closure, the closure including a planar closure base, an annular closure skirt extending downward at the outer periphery of the planar closure base, and a first sealing member disposed on the inner surface of the closure base, the annular closure skirt having a radially inwardly extending flange. The bottom portion of the closure may be pivotally connected to the closure by a hinge. The bottom portion may include: (i) a planar bottom base including an outer annular edge, an inner annular edge forming an opening to the interior of the cap, and a second sealing member disposed at a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base; (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly at the outer annular edge of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; and (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner annular edge of the bottom base, and a neck rim extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt opposite the inner annular edge of the bottom base. In the closed position, the first sealing member may be configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck rim, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of a bottle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following detailed description of the technology of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same The mark always indicates To illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and tools shown. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a front view of a screw top cap and container assembly according to an optional aspect of the disclosed technology;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the screw top cap shown with the flip top cover of the screw top cap shown in a first or open position;

[0035] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the screw cap;

[0036] Figure 3B is along Figure 3A The line AA intercepts Figure 2 A cross-sectional front view of the screw cap is shown and Figure 3A An interior view of the flip top cover;

[0037] Figure 3C yes Figure 3BAn enlarged view of a portion P1;

[0038] Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the technology according to the present disclosure similar to Figure 3B 's view;

[0039] Figure 5A is a front view of a screw-on top cap with a flip-top cover in a second or closed position according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed technology;

[0040] Figure 5B is along Figure 5A The line BB intercepts Figure 5A A cross-sectional elevation view of a screw top cap; and

[0041] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B Magnified view of portion P2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Although systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments or drawings. In fact, the technology of the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The features of any one embodiment disclosed herein may be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0043] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the term "May" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to do so) rather than in the mandatory sense (i.e., having to do so). Unless specifically stated herein, the terms "a", "an", and "the" are not limited to one element, but should be construed to mean "at least one". The terms include the above-mentioned words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meanings.

[0044] As used herein, "and / or" means referring to either or both of the items separated by such terms. For example, the phrase "A and / or B" will mean only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0045] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (ie, through one or more intermediate parts or components), so long as a connection occurs.

[0046] As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

[0047] As used herein, "about" in phrases such as "disposed around [element, point, or axis]" or "extending around [element, point, or axis]" or "at [X] degrees around [element, point, or axis]" means around, extending around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, "about" means "substantially," i.e., within an approximate range associated with the measurement, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0048] As used herein, "generally" means "in a normal manner" as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand in connection with the modified term.

[0049] As used herein, the term "unitary" means that a component is formed in a single piece (optionally a single piece) or as a whole. That is, a component that includes pieces that are formed separately and then coupled together as a whole is not a "unitary" component or body.

[0050] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0051] As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

[0052] As used herein, the phrases "sealingly engaged" or "sealing engagement" shall refer to elements being in contact with one another such that a substantially moisture-proof seal is formed therebetween.

[0053] Directional phrases used herein, such as but not limited to top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear and derivatives thereof, refer to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the claims unless explicitly stated therein.

[0054] In general, as used herein, the term "moisture-proof" is defined as moisture ingress (after three days) of less than 1500 μg of water, in another embodiment, less than 500 μg of water, in another embodiment, less than 300 μg of water, and in yet another embodiment, less than 150 μg of water, as determined by the following test method: (a) place one gram plus or minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve in a container and record the weight; (b) completely seal the container; (c) place the sealed container in an environmental chamber at 80% relative humidity and 72°F; (d) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; (e) after four days, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; and (f) subtract the first day sample from the fourth day sample to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in micrograms of water. The preferred rate of moisture ingress into a moisture-proof sealed container produced according to one aspect of the disclosed concept is in the range of about 200-300 μg of water or less per day. Thus, a "moisture proof" seal is a sealing joint that, alone or in combination with additional sealing joints, helps to make the container "moisture proof" according to the above definition.

[0055] As used herein, the term "resealable" means that the closure of a container can be opened or reopened and closed or reclosed many times (eg, more than 10 times) and still maintain its moisture-proof properties.

[0056] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Figure 1-3B A cap and container are shown, generally designated 1. The assembly 1 may include a bottle 10 and a cap 100 removably attached and fixably attached thereto. Figure 1 The bottle 10 depicted is one contemplated or exemplary type of container that may be used in conjunction with the technology of the present disclosure, although other types of containers are also contemplated. Where the term "bottle" is used to describe exemplary embodiments, the broader and more general term "container" may also be used alternatively. The bottle is optionally made of plastic, glass, or even metal. Although the cap 100 is Figure 1-3B , and generally referred to herein as a screw top cap, but this is merely one contemplated or exemplary type of cap that may be used in conjunction with the technology of the present disclosure, as other types of caps (e.g., snap-on or fully detachable caps) are also contemplated.

[0057] The bottle 10 may include a body 12 having a base 14 and one or more side walls 16 extending upwardly from the base to an upper opening surrounding the bottle 10 (e.g., but not limited to, Figure 3B and 5B The edge of the opening 20 shown (for example, but not limited to, Figure 3C , 4and 5C). The illustrated embodiment is cylindrical, and thus has a circular, integral sidewall 16. However, containers according to the disclosed concepts may have other shapes, such as rectangular parallelepiped, and thus have more than a single continuous (e.g., circular) sidewall.

[0058] The bottle 10 may include a neck (such as but not limited to Figure 3B , 4 and 5B) having a bottle neck 22, the neck comprising one or more threads (such as but not limited to Figure 3B -C, 4, 5B-C) for providing corresponding or complementary threads (such as but not limited to) with the cap 100 when the cap 100 is fixed to the bottle 10 Figure 3B -C, 4, 5B-C) in threaded engagement.

[0059] The body 12 of the bottle 10 may define an interior space (not shown) configured to store contents (not shown) therein, such as various medicinal or nutritional tablets, capsules or powders, or solid or liquid products in the food, pharmaceutical or chemical industries. The bottle 10 may be opened via the upper opening 20 or a cover opening (such as, but not limited to, Figure 3A The cover opening 138) enters the interior space of the bottle 10.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the screw top cap 100 may include a flip top cover 110 that can be in a first position or an open position (see Figure 2 , 3A and 3B) and the second position or closed position (see Figure 1 and 3C ) between. Specifically, the cap 100 may include a bottom or base portion 130, to which the closure 110 is pivotally attached via a hinge 119. A neck or lip 150 may extend upward from the bottom base 134 and may be radially spaced inward from the outer periphery 132 of the base portion 130. The inner periphery of the neck 150 may form an opening 138 leading to the interior of the cap 100. Since the neck 150 is raised from the upper surface of the bottom base 134 and / or raised above the upper surface, at least the top portion of the hinge 119 is also raised from the upper surface of the bottom base 134 and / or raised above the upper surface via at least one or one or more spaced-apart risers 115 and / or other features, so that the flip top cover 110 is raised to appropriately or conveniently cooperate with the raised neck 150 in the closed position and extend perpendicularly to the neck 150.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the vertical plate 115 is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper surface of the bottom base 134. The bottom portion 130 and the flip top cover 110 will be discussed in further detail later. In an optional embodiment, the hinge 119 can be a living hinge. In another optional embodiment, the hinge 119 can include a pin or an axis, and the other part of the hinge 119 rotates through the pin or axis. When the cap 100 is attached to the bottle 10, the axis of the hinge 119 can extend perpendicular to the axis of the bottle 10. Optionally, the neck 150 can extend upward from the bottom portion 130. In one embodiment, when viewed from above, the neck 150 is cylindrical or circular, and when the cap 110 is in a closed position, the neck is surrounded by a part of the cap 110 and / or engages with a part of the cap.

[0062] The illustrated embodiment includes a bottle 10 and a bottom portion 130 of a cap 100 that can be removably attached to each other by, for example, but not limited to, threaded engagement. However, a container according to the disclosed concept may include an integral unit in which the bottle 10 and the cap 100 are integrated together during manufacture, and the assembly 1 may be opened or closed by actuating a flip-top cap 110 to access the container contents.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cap 100 is optionally made primarily or partially from one or more injection moldable thermoplastic materials including, for example, polyolefins (eg, polypropylene or polyethylene).

[0064] For some uses, a child-resistant cap may be desirable, but may not be required for all applications. Therefore, child-resistant caps and non-child-resistant caps are contemplated. If a child-resistant feature is provided, the child-resistant feature optionally requires applying a force in more than one single direction to the cap to remove the cap from the container. For example, the cap may require the user to press downward (first direction) before rotating the cap (second direction) to remove the cap from the container. Alternative child-resistant features are also contemplated if desired.

[0065] Although Figure 2-3C The screw top cap 100 shown in FIG. 1 is removably attachable to the bottle 10 , but for ease and completeness of description, Figure 2-3C Also included are components of the bottle 10 (such as, but not limited to, the bottle rim 18, the opening 20 leading to the interior of the body of the bottle 10, and the bottle neck 22), if the screw top cap 100 is connected via, for example, but not limited to, Figure 1 The threaded engagement discussed is attached to the neck of the bottle 10 and the assembly will be shown.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the flip top cover 110 is pivotally attached to the bottom portion 130 via a hinge 119. The cover 110 includes a cover base 114 and an annular cover skirt 124 depending downwardly at the outer periphery of the cover base 114. Optionally, the hinge 119 is raised from the upper surface of the bottom base 134 via one or more risers 115 fixedly attached to the upper surface of the bottom base 134, so that the cover 110 is raised to cooperate with the neck rim 158 and extend perpendicular to the neck 150 in the closed position.

[0067] Optionally, the hinge 119 includes at least one flap 116 extending from the riser 115 a distance substantially equal to the lateral distance between the outer perimeter 132 and the inner perimeter 131 of the bottom base 134, such that when the closure 110 is in the closed position, the closure base 114 completely covers the opening 138. Optionally, the hinge 119 and / or the riser 115 include one or more rear walls 117 having at least the same height as the neck 150. Optionally, the one or more rear walls 117 may be attached to a portion of the outer perimeter 132 of the bottom base 134. Optionally, one or a pair of side walls 118 extend inwardly from the side edges of the one or more rear walls 117 toward the neck 150 for a distance that is substantially equal to or less than the distance between the outer periphery 132 and the inner periphery 131 of the bottom base 134, so that the closure skirt 124 is configured to fit between the one or a pair of walls 118 and the neck skirt 164 of the neck 150 when the closure 110 is in the closed position. Optionally, one or more other portions of the vertical plate 115 and the hinge 119 contain a thermoset or are formed by a thermoset. Optionally, one or more other portions of the vertical plate 115 and the hinge 119 contain a thermoplastic material or a thermoplastic elastomer, or are formed by a thermoplastic material or a thermoplastic elastomer. Optionally, the closure skirt 124 has a flange 126 extending radially inwardly and is configured to contact and / or cooperate with the neck edge 158 when the closure 110 is in the closed position.

[0068] Optionally, the cover 110 may include a first sealing member 120. Optionally, the cover base 114 may be flat or planar, and the cover skirt 124 may be cylindrical or circular. The annular cover skirt 124 may include an annular flange 126 extending radially inward. The flip top cover 110 may further include a fixed protrusion (also referred to as a thumb tab) 112 located at the distal end opposite to the hinge 119. The protrusion 112 may extend radially outward from the cover base 114 and / or the cover skirt 124. The thumb tab 112 may be configured to be actuated and / or engaged to place the cover 110 in an open or closed position. Optionally, the first sealing member 120 is disposed on the inner surface of the cover base 114. The first sealing member 120 may include or be a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the cover base 114. Optionally, the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member 120 includes an annular portion configured to sealingly engage the neck rim 158 .

[0069] In an optional embodiment, the bottom base 134 may have a Figure 3A ), and the neck 150 may protrude upward from the inner periphery 131 of the bottom base 134 and / or the bottom portion 130. The inner periphery 131 may form an opening 138 leading to the interior of the cap 100. Optionally, the neck 150 may further include a neck rim 158 extending radially outward from the upper end of the neck 150. Optionally, the neck 150 includes an annular neck skirt 164 extending upward from the inner periphery 131 of the bottom base 134, and the neck rim 158 may extend radially outward from the upper end of the neck skirt 164. Optionally, the bottom base 134 may be flat or planar. The size of the opening 138 may be substantially equal to or smaller than the size of the closure base 114. In an embodiment in which the cap 100 is fixedly attached to the bottle 10, the opening 138 is provided via the upper opening 20 of the bottle 10 (see Figure 3B ) leads to the interior of the bottle 10 (not shown).

[0070] The bottom skirt 144 may optionally include one or more threads extending radially inwardly from its inner surface. The one or more threads may be configured to sealingly engage with one or more bottle threads disposed on the upper portion of the sidewall 12 of the bottle 10. Optionally, the neck skirt 164 may include a lower neck skirt 165 (see Figure 3C ), the lower neck skirt extends downwardly below the bottom base 134 and into the interior of the cap 100.

[0071] Optionally, the cap 100 may not include a sealing member, only include the first sealing member 120, or include two or more sealing members. For example, the cap 100 may include the first sealing member 120 disposed on the inner surface of the capping base 114. In the closed position, the flip top cover 110 pivots around the hinge 119 so that the cap 110 covers the opening 138, and the first sealing member 120 sealably engages at least a portion of the neck edge 158. Optionally, the flange 126 may engage or contact the outer surface of the neck skirt 164, and the cap 110 may be fixed to the neck 150 via, for example, but not limited to, friction fit, and the first sealing member 120 may be pressed against the upper engagement surface of the neck edge 158. When the cap is in the closed position, this may produce a moisture-proof seal between the cap 110 and the neck 150 of the cap 100 and therefore between the cap 100 and the bottle 10.

[0072] Optionally, as Figure 3C and 3B As shown, the bottom base 134 of the bottom portion 130 may also include a second sealing member 140 disposed on a first portion of the inner surface (bottom side) of the bottom base 134. Optionally, the second sealing member 140 may be in the form of an annular ring or an O-ring and have a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In the closed position, the engagement between the threads 146 of the bottom skirt 144 and the corresponding threads 26 on the neck 22 of the bottle 10 tightly secures the cap 100 to the bottle 10, and when the second sealing member 140 is tightly pressed against the upper engagement surface 19 of the rim 18 of the neck 22, the second sealing member is at least slightly compressed. This creates an additional moisture-proof seal between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, further improving the moisture-proofness of the environment within the assembly 1.

[0073] Optionally, the bottom base 134 may also include an active component 142, such as but not limited to an active polymer component, located on the second portion 135 of the bottom side of the bottom base 134, which is surrounded by and optionally contacts the inner annular edge of the second sealing member 140, or is at least slightly radially inwardly spaced from the second sealing member 140. Optionally, the active component 142 can surround the lower neck skirt 165. Optionally, the bottom base 134 may include a ridge 148 extending downwardly from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base 134 and disposed between the second sealing member 140 and the active component 142. The active component 142 and the first and second sealing members 120, 140 are discussed in further detail below.

[0074] Active component 142 may be attached to or molded into second portion 135 of the bottom side of bottom base 134. Active component 142 allows container assembly 1 to provide improved capabilities in preventing moisture from entering a medication contained within bottle 10, for example but not limited to.

[0075] Active component 142 may include a base polymer with one or more active agents entrained, and thus may be referred to herein as a polymer entrained with active agents or an entrained polymer. The active agent in active component 142 may include an absorbing material, a releasing material, and / or an activating material. Optionally, active component 142 is a three-phase polymer entrained with a desiccant.

[0076] The active component 142 can be provided in different shapes, volumes and / or configurations. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the active component 142 can be in the form of a ring concentric with the annular bottom skirt 144. The active component 142 can surround and optionally contact the outer annular edge of the lower neck skirt 165 of the neck 150. In one embodiment, the active component 142 can extend into and / or be exposed to the interior space of the bottle 10 to dry the environment within the bottle 10. Optionally, the active component 142 surrounds and optionally contacts the inner annular edge of the ridge 148. Therefore, the lower neck skirt 165, a portion of the bottom side of the bottom base 134, and the ridge 148 optionally form a cavity, thereby allowing the active component 142 to be molded onto the cavity.

[0077] In one embodiment, active component 142 is a polymer entrained with a desiccant, which is an integral component made of a single piece of material. Entrained polymers, whether entrained with a desiccant or another active agent, can include a base polymer (for structure), a desiccant (or other active agent) and optionally a channel forming agent. These types of active polymer components and methods of making and using them are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patents Nos. 5,911,937, 6,214,255, 6,130,263, 6,080,350, 6,174,952, 6,124,006 and 6,221,446 of the applicant and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955. Optionally, the entrained polymer can be in the form of a film that is loose or optionally hot-melted to a surface.

[0078] Alternatively, the desiccant may comprise loose desiccant beads or a pouch containing the desiccant beads. While the exemplary embodiments herein reflect active component 142 being located on second portion 135 of bottom base 134 and surrounding lower neck skirt 165 of neck 150, it is contemplated that one or more active agents may be located in other locations and / or positions, such as on sidewall 16 of body 12 or neck 22 of bottle 10.

[0079] In embodiments where each active component 142 contains a desiccant, hygroscopicity is desired. However, in the case where hygroscopicity is not desired, the active component 142 may contain an alternative active agent. For example, in another embodiment, the active component 142 contains a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon black, ketcham black, and diamond powder. In another embodiment, the active agent comprises one or more layers of active components containing materials such as: absorbent microspheres, BaTiO3, SrTiO3, SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO, TiO2, MnO, CuO, Sb2O3, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, and ion exchange resins. In yet another embodiment, the layer containing the absorbent of the active component 142 contains two or more types of absorbents. The appropriate absorbent is selected to achieve absorption of the desired vapor or gas for the desired end use (e.g., absorption of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other undesirable gases or vapors).

[0080] The active component (whether a desiccant, oxygen scavenger, release material or component, or the like, or a combination thereof) is capable of acting on a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen), interacting with a selected material, or reacting with a selected material. Examples of such actions or interactions may include absorption, adsorption (typically sorption), or release of a selected material. Each active component may, for example, be extruded or molded. Optionally, the active component may be formed into a desired shape or pattern (e.g., on a backing) via an in-line melt-adhesion thermal bonding process.

[0081] Active component 142 may include an "active ingredient" in a base material. The active ingredient (i) may be immiscible with the base material (e.g., a polymer) and may not melt when mixed with the base polymer and the channel former and heated, i.e., may have a melting point higher than that of the base polymer or the channel former, and / or (ii) may act on, interact with, or react with a selected material. The term "active ingredient" may include, but is not limited to, a material that absorbs, adsorbs, or releases a selected material. According to the technology of the present disclosure, the active ingredient may be in the form of particles such as minerals (e.g., in the case of a desiccant, a molecular sieve or silica gel), but the technology of the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited to particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, the deoxygenation formulation may be made of a resin that acts as an active agent or a component of an active agent.

[0082] As used herein, the term "base material" is a component (preferably a polymer) of the entrained active material other than the active agent that provides the structure of the entrained material.

[0083] As used herein, the term "base polymer" is a polymer having a gas permeability of the selected material that is significantly lower than, lower than, or substantially equivalent to the gas permeability of the channeling agent. By way of example, in an embodiment where the selected material is moisture and the active ingredient is a water-absorbing desiccant, this permeability will be a water vapor permeability. The primary function of the base polymer is to provide a structure for the entrained polymer. Suitable base polymers may include thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydride, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfone, polyacrylate, acrylic acid, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0084] With reference to such comparison of the water vapor permeability of the base polymer and the channeling agent, in one embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channeling agent is at least twice the water vapor permeability of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channeling agent is at least five times the water vapor permeability of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channeling agent is at least ten times the water vapor permeability of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channeling agent is at least twenty times the water vapor permeability of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channeling agent is at least fifty times the water vapor permeability of the base polymer. In yet another embodiment, the water vapor permeability of the channeling agent is at least one hundred times the water vapor permeability of the base polymer.

[0085] As used herein, the term "channeling agent" is defined as a material that is immiscible with a base polymer and has an affinity for transporting gas-phase materials at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, the channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer when formed by mixing the channeling agent with the base polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of transporting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than the base polymer alone.

[0086] As used herein, the term "channel" or "interconnected channels" is defined as passages formed by a channeling agent that penetrate a base polymer and may be interconnected with each other.

[0087] As used herein, the term "entrained polymer" is defined as a monolithic material formed by at least a base polymer with an active agent and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed therein. Entrained polymers thus include two-phase polymers and three-phase polymers. "Mineral-loaded polymers" are a type of entrained polymer in which the active agent is in the form of a mineral, for example, mineral particles such as molecular sieves or silica gel. The term "entrained material" is used herein to indicate a monolithic material comprising an active agent entrained in a base material, wherein the base material may be polymeric or non-polymeric.

[0088] As used herein, the term "monolithic", "monolithic structure" or "monolithic composition" is defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or parts. Accordingly, a "monolithic composition" does not include a multi-layer composite.

[0089] As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition uniformly distributed therein to give the structure or composition its monolithic character.

[0090] As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that acts on, acts through, or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transported through the channels of the entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments where a desiccant is used as the active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments where a releasing material is used as the active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the releasing material, such as moisture, a fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments where an adsorbent material is used as the active ingredient, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds, and the adsorbent material may be activated carbon.

[0091] As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined as a monolithic composition or structure comprising three or more phases. An example of a three-phase composition according to the technology disclosed herein would be an entrained polymer formed from a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, the three-phase composition or structure may include additional phases, such as a colorant.

[0092] The entrained polymer can be a two-phase formulation (i.e., including a base polymer and an active ingredient without a channeling agent) or a three-phase formulation (i.e., including a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent). Entrained polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955.

[0093] The entrained material or polymer comprises a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing a structure, optionally a channel former and an active agent. The channel former passes through the entrained polymer to form microscopic interconnected channels. At least some of the active ingredients are contained in these channels so that the channels are communicated between the active ingredient and the outside of the entrained polymer via microscopic channel openings formed at the outer surface of the entrained polymer. The active ingredient can be, for example, any of a variety of absorbing, adsorbing or releasing materials, as described in further detail below. Although the channel forming component is preferred, the technology of the present disclosure widely includes entrained materials, such as two-phase polymers, that optionally do not include a channel former.

[0094] In any embodiment, suitable channel formers may include polyglycols (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG)), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerol polyamines, polyurethanes, and polycarboxylic acids including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channel former may be, for example, a water-insoluble polymer, such as propylene oxide polymerized product-monobutyl ether produced by CLARIANT, such as Polyglykol B01 / 240. In other embodiments, the channel former may be propylene oxide polymerized product-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01 / 20 produced by CLARIANT; propylene oxide polymerized product, such as Polyglykol D01 / 240 produced by CLARIANT; ethylene vinyl acetate; nylon 6; nylon 66; or any combination thereof.

[0095] Suitable active ingredients according to the technology of the present disclosure include absorbent materials, such as desiccating compounds. If the active agent is a desiccant, any suitable desiccant for a given application can be used. Generally, for many applications, physical absorption desiccants are preferred. These physical absorption desiccants can include molecular sieves, silica gel, clays, and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant can be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water, or a compound that reacts with water to form a new compound.

[0096] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent can be an oxygen scavenger, such as an oxygen scavenging resin formulation.

[0097] Reference again Figure 2 and 3A -C, in order to provide a moisture-proof seal between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, the cap 100 may include a first sealing member 120 and / or a second sealing member 140 to provide a moisture-proof environment inside the container 1. The first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140 may be made of an elastomer such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or any other material that can provide the desired functionality (e.g., any material that can be repeatedly compressed without sacrificing its integrity).

[0098] As used herein, the Shore A hardness of the TPE may optionally be 20 to 50, preferably 20 to 40, more preferably 20 to 35. The TPE may preferably be a soft and resilient material that is injection moldable and suitable for producing a compression seal against a harder (e.g., but not limited to, thermoplastic) surface of the cap 100 and / or bottle 10. In any embodiment, the TPE should be configured to be reused, i.e., should not degrade within several opening and closing cycles (e.g., at least 10, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 50 cycles). By combining the TPE to produce an elastomer-thermoplastic seal (e.g., but not limited to, a seal between the first sealing member 120 and the upper engagement surface of the neck rim 158, or a seal between the second sealing member 140 and the upper engagement surface 19 of the bottle rim 18), the assembly 1 allows the TPE seals 120, 140 to further reduce the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and therefore requires less (if any) moisture protection via any drying method to achieve the target shelf life. Furthermore, the assembly 1 comprising both the first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140 provides a lower MVTR than a container comprising only one of these TPE seals 120 , 140 .

[0099] Return to reference Figure 2-3C , the first sealing member 120 is optionally a compressible seal attached to at least a portion of the bottom side of the capping base 114 or integral therewith. The first sealing member 120 may include an annular portion 121 and a linear portion 122 extending across the annular portion 121. The annular portion 121 may be located on the inner surface or bottom side of the capping base 114 of the flip top cover 110. The annular portion 121 engages with the edge 158 of the neck 150 of the cap 100 and forms a seal, such as a moisture-proof seal. The linear portion 22 may extend across the capping 110 and be located below the geometric center of the capping 110. When the capping 110 is fixed to the neck 150 of the cap 100 to close the opening 138, the first sealing member 120 engages the neck edge 158. At the same time, the flange 126 of the closure skirt 124 engages the outer surface of the neck skirt 164, securing the closure 110 to the neck 150, and / or pressing the first sealing member 120 against the upper engagement surface of the neck rim 158. This creates a moisture-proof seal between the closure 110 and the neck 150, and therefore between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, in the closed position.

[0100] In an optional embodiment, the second sealing member 140 is a compressible seal attached to or integral with at least a portion of the bottom side of the bottom base 134. Optionally, the second sealing member 140 can be in the shape of a ring that surrounds and optionally contacts the outer annular edge of the active polymer component 142. When the cap 100 is secured to the bottle 10 to cover the opening 20 of the bottle 10, the second sealing member 140 contacts the upper engagement surface 19 of the rim 18 of the bottle 10. That is, the engagement between the threads 146 of the cap 100 and the threads 26 on the neck 22 of the bottle 10 tightly secures the cap 100 to the bottle 10 and / or compresses the second sealing member 140 when it is tightly pressed against the upper engagement surface 19 of the bottle rim 18.

[0101] Thus, the first sealing member 120 or the second sealing member 140 alone can provide a moisture-proof seal between the cap 100 and the bottle 10, thereby providing a lower MVTR than a container without these TPE seals 120, 140. When both the first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140 are present in the cap 100, these seals ensure a moisture-proof seal and thus reduce the MVTR more, thereby extending and achieving the optimal target shelf life of the bottle contents.

[0102] Compared with the prior art, the technology of the present disclosure simplifies the manufacturing process. According to the technology of the present disclosure, the cap 100 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. A method of forming or manufacturing the cap 100 includes injection molding. More specifically, a method of forming or manufacturing the cap 100 includes multi-shot injection molding. For example, if no active component is included, the cap 100 can be made in a double shot injection molding process, or if an active component is included, the cap can be made in a triple shot injection molding process.

[0103] Optionally, in a triple shot manufacturing process, the first shot in the mold will be the active component 142 (e.g., a polymer with a desiccant entrained with a channeling agent). The second shot in the mold will be one or both of the compressible seals 120, 140 (e.g., TPE). The third shot will be the remainder of the cap (e.g., using a polyolefin material). The triple shot injection molding process is described, for example, in International Publication No. WO 2021 / 076874, and other related art is described in U.S. Publication No. 2021 / 0008771, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0104] In at least one embodiment, the disclosed concept produces an improved seal compared to prior art containers and eliminates the need for a foil seal or other type of heat seal material over the opening for storage. The first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140 are configured to provide adequate and / or improved closure integrity over the shelf life of the contents of the bottle 10, thereby eliminating the need for a foil seal or the like.

[0105] Optionally, a tamper evident mechanism may be provided on the cap 100. For example, an integral polymer tamper evident ring may be provided, such as commonly seen on water bottles. During production, optionally after the above process is carried out and the cap 100 is ejected from the mold, the molded tamper evident ring may be placed directly on the cap by an automated process (such as but not limited to a robot). Alternatively, a shrink seal may be provided above / around the cap 100. In an embodiment comprising a screw top cap 100 that can be attached in a removable manner, the tamper evident feature may be integrated at the lower end of the bottom skirt 144, which is relative to the outer periphery 132 of the bottom base 134. In an embodiment comprising a screw top cap 100 that is fixedly attached to the bottle 10, a shrink seal may be used.

[0106] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a screw cap 200 showing the technology of the present disclosure. The screw cap 200 is generally similar to the screw cap discussed above. Figure 2-3C Thus, similar or identical features between the two embodiments are Figure 4 Medium throughput ratio Figure 2-3C The reference numerals with a magnitude greater than one hundred (100) are distinguished. For the sake of brevity and convenience only certain differences between the two embodiments will be discussed herein, which is not limiting and does not imply that a certain feature or component is not present in this embodiment.

[0107] Figure 4 The screw cap 200 with Figure 2-3C The screw cap 100 of the present invention is different in that the screw cap 200 does not include the active component 142 of the screw cap 100. However, the absence of the active component 142 minimizes the impact on the container contents because the presence of one or both of the first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140 reduces the MVTR compared to a container without such a TPE seal. Therefore, even without the active component 142, the container 1 can provide a target shelf life with only one or both of the first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140.

[0108] Figure 5A -C shows another embodiment of a screw cap 300 of the disclosed technology. The screw cap 300 is generally similar to the one discussed above. Figure 2-3CThus, similar or identical features between the two embodiments are Figure 5A -C through value ratio Figure 2-3C The reference numerals with a value greater than two hundred (200) are used to distinguish. For the sake of brevity and convenience only certain differences between the two embodiments will be discussed herein, which is not limiting and does not imply that a certain feature or component is not present in this embodiment.

[0109] Figure 5A -C screw top cap 300 with Figure 2-3C The screw cap 100 of the embodiment of the present invention is different in that, although the cap 300 includes the active component 342, the screw cap 300 does not include one or both of the first sealing member 120 and the second sealing member 140. Therefore, the screw cap 300 provides a seal created by the threaded engagement between the one or more threads 346 on the inner surface of the bottom skirt 344 and the one or more threads 26 on the neck 22 of the bottle 10, and the engagement between the flange 326 of the closure skirt 324 and the outer surface of the neck skirt 364. However, with the active component 342 embedded within the cap 300 (specifically, the bottom base 334 of the cap 300), the assembly 300 is able to provide constant drying to the environment of the assembly 300 in the closed position, for example, thereby extending the shelf life of the contents of the bottle 10.

[0110] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the technology of the present disclosure and are part of this detailed description. These exemplary embodiments are stated in a format generally similar to the claims (each with a numerical identifier followed by a letter), but they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments are referred to as "embodiments" rather than "technical solutions" in a subordinate relationship to each other.

[0111] 1A. A screw top cap for a bottle assembly, comprising:

[0112] a bottom portion, the bottom portion comprising a bottom base having a bottom skirt depending downwardly at an outer periphery thereof and a neck protruding upwardly from an inner periphery of the bottom base, the inner periphery forming an opening to the interior of the cap, the neck further having a neck rim extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck; and

[0113] a closure pivotably attached to the bottom portion via a hinge, the closure having a closure base and a closure skirt depending downwardly at an outer periphery of the closure base; and

[0114] An active component is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom base or at a portion of the inner surface.

[0115] 2A. The screw-on cap of embodiment 1A, wherein the neck has a lower annular neck skirt depending downwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base, and the active component surrounds the lower annular neck skirt.

[0116] 3A. The screw top cap of Embodiment 1A, wherein the active component comprises or is a desiccant.

[0117] 4A. A screw top cap according to embodiment 1A, wherein the cover includes a first sealing member disposed on the inner surface of the cover base, the first sealing member includes a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the cover base, and the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member includes an annular portion configured to sealingly engage with the neck edge.

[0118] 5A. The screw top cap of Embodiment 4A, wherein the closure comprises a second sealing member disposed at a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base.

[0119] 6A. The screw top cap of Embodiment 5A, wherein in the closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck rim, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of the bottle.

[0120] 7A. The screw-on cap of Embodiment 5A wherein the second sealing member is configured to surround the active component.

[0121] 8A. The screw-on overcap of any of Embodiments 1A-7A, wherein the bottom base includes a ridge extending downwardly from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base and disposed between the second sealing member and the active component.

[0122] 1B. A screw top cap for a bottle assembly, comprising:

[0123] a closure comprising a planar closure base, an annular closure skirt extending downwardly at an outer periphery of the planar closure base, and a first sealing member disposed on an inner surface of the closure base;

[0124] a bottom portion pivotally connected to the cover by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising:

[0125] (i) a planar bottom base comprising an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter forming an opening to an interior of the cap, and a second sealing member disposed at a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base;

[0126] (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly at the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; and

[0127] (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck rim extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt,

[0128] wherein, in the closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck rim, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of the bottle.

[0129] 2B. The screw top cap of embodiment 1B, wherein the first sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the closure base, and the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member comprises an annular portion configured to sealingly engage the neck rim.

[0130] 3B. The screw top cap of Embodiment 1B, wherein the closure skirt includes a flange extending radially inwardly and configured to contact an outer surface of the neck skirt.

[0131] 4B. A screw top cap according to embodiment 1B, wherein the flange of the cover skirt engages the outer surface of the neck skirt and fixes the cover to the neck, and the first sealing member is pressed against the upper engaging surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the compression of the first sealing member produce a moisture-proof seal between the cover and the neck.

[0132] 1C. A bottle assembly comprising:

[0133] a bottle having a bottle base, a sidewall extending from the bottle base and terminating in a bottle neck, the bottle neck having an end portion disposed opposite and distal from the bottle base, the bottle neck defining an opening to an interior of the bottle, the bottle neck having an exterior portion including one or more threads; and

[0134] The screw top bottle cap according to any preceding embodiment is fixedly disposed over the bottle neck such that the internal threads of the skirt threadably engage the threads on the bottle neck to removably couple the screw top cap to the bottle, thereby forming the bottle assembly.

[0135] 2C. The bottle assembly of Embodiment 1C, further comprising an active polymer component disposed on the inner surface of the closure base.

[0136] 3C. A bottle assembly according to embodiment 1C, wherein the first sealing member is a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member surrounding the entire periphery of the inner surface of the cap base and includes the annular portion and a linear portion across the annular portion, and the annular portion is configured to sealingly engage with the neck rim.

[0137] 4C. A bottle assembly according to Example 1C, wherein the threaded engagement between the threads secures the cap to the bottle and presses the second sealing member against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, the threaded engagement and the compression of the second sealing member creating a moisture-proof seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0138] 1D. A screw top cap configured to be removably attached to a bottle, the screw top cap comprising:

[0139] a closure comprising a planar closure base, an annular closure skirt extending downwardly at an outer periphery of the planar closure base, and a first sealing member disposed on an inner surface of the closure base, the annular closure skirt having a flange extending radially inwardly; and

[0140] a bottom portion pivotally connected to the cover by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising:

[0141] (i) a planar bottom base comprising an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter forming an opening to an interior of the cap, and a second sealing member disposed at a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base;

[0142] (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly at the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; and

[0143] (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck rim extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt,

[0144] wherein, in the closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck rim, and the second sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of the bottle.

[0145] 2D. The screw-on top cap of Embodiment ID, further comprising an active component disposed on a second portion of the inner surface of the bottom base and configured to surround the second sealing member.

[0146] 3D. The screw cap according to embodiment 1D or 2D further comprises a ridge extending downward from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base and disposed between the active polymer component and the second sealing member, wherein the ridge, the active component and the second sealing member are disposed within the bottom skirt of the bottom portion and concentric with the bottom skirt.

[0147] 4D. A screw-on top cap according to any one of embodiments 1D to 3D, wherein the neck skirt includes an annular inner neck skirt extending downward into the interior of the cap, and the inner neck skirt, the second portion of the inner surface of the bottom base, and the ridge form a cavity, thereby allowing the active polymer component to be molded onto the cavity.

[0148] 5D. The screw-on top cap of any one of Embodiments 1D to 4D, wherein the first sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire perimeter of the inner surface of the closure base.

[0149] 6D. The screw-on cap of Embodiment 5D, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member comprises an annular portion and a linear portion spanning the annular portion, the annular portion being configured to sealingly engage the neck rim.

[0150] 7D. A screw top cap according to embodiment 6D, wherein the flange of the cover skirt is configured to engage the outer surface of the neck skirt, fix the cover to the neck, and press the first sealing member against the upper engaging surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the compression of the first sealing member produce a moisture-proof seal between the cover and the neck.

[0151] 8D. The screw-on cap of Embodiment ID, wherein the second sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member.

[0152] 9D. A screw top cap according to any one of embodiments 1D to 8D, wherein the one or more threads are configured to sealingly engage with one or more bottle threads disposed on an upper portion of the side wall of the bottle, and the threaded engagement between the threads secures the cap to the bottle and presses the second sealing member against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, the threaded engagement and the compression of the second sealing member creating a moisture-proof seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0153] 10D. The screw-on top cap of any one of Embodiments 1D to 9D, wherein the bottom skirt includes a tamper-evident feature attached to the bottom skirt and configured to be detachable from the bottom skirt.

[0154] 11D. The screw top cap of any one of embodiments 1D to 10D, further comprising a thumb tab extending radially outward from the closure, the thumb tab being configured to be actuated upward to place the closure in an open position.

[0155] 1E. A screw top cap configured to be removably attached to a bottle, the screw top cap comprising:

[0156] a closure comprising a planar closure base and an annular closure skirt extending downwardly at an outer periphery of the planar closure base, the annular closure skirt having a radially inwardly extending flange; and

[0157] a bottom portion pivotally connected to the cover by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising:

[0158] (i) a planar bottom base comprising an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter forming an opening to an interior of the cap, and an active component disposed in a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base;

[0159] (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly at the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; and

[0160] (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck rim extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt,

[0161] The one or more threads are configured to sealingly engage with one or more bottle threads disposed on an upper portion of a bottle neck of the bottle, and the threaded engagement between the threads secures the cap to the bottle.

[0162] 2E. The screw top cap of Embodiment 1E, further comprising a first sealing member disposed on an inner surface of the closure base around an entire perimeter of the closure base.

[0163] 3E. The screw-on cap of Embodiment 1E or 2E, further comprising a second sealing member disposed on a second portion of the inner surface around the entire perimeter of the bottom base.

[0164] 4E. According to the spiral top cap described in Example 3E, it further includes a ridge extending downward from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base, and the ridge surrounds the inner annular edge of the second sealing member and the outer annular edge of the active component, wherein the second sealing member, the ridge and the active component are arranged inside the bottom skirt and concentric with the bottom skirt.

[0165] 5E. A screw-on top cap according to Example 4E, wherein the neck skirt includes an annular inner neck skirt extending downwardly into the interior of the cap, and the inner neck skirt, the first portion of the inner surface of the bottom base, and the ridge form a cavity, thereby allowing the active component to be molded onto the cavity.

[0166] 6E. The screw cap of embodiment 2E, wherein the first sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member having an annular portion and a linear portion spanning the annular portion, the annular portion being configured to sealingly engage the neck rim.

[0167] 7E. A screw top cap according to embodiment 6E, wherein the flange of the cover skirt is configured to engage the outer surface of the neck skirt, fix the cover to the neck, and press the first sealing member against the upper engaging surface of the neck edge, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the compression of the first sealing member produce a moisture-proof seal between the cover and the neck.

[0168] 8E. The screw top cap of Embodiment 7E, wherein the second sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member configured to engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of the bottle.

[0169] 9E. The screw top cap of Embodiment 8E, wherein the threaded engagement between the threads compresses the second sealing member against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, the threaded engagement and the compression of the second sealing member creating a moisture-proof seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0170] 10E. The screw top cap of Embodiment 1E, wherein the cap includes a tamper-evident feature attached to the bottom skirt and configured to be detachable from the bottom skirt.

[0171] 11E. The screw top cap of Embodiment 1E, further comprising a thumb tab extending radially from the closure, the thumb tab being configured to be actuated upward to place the closure in an open position.

[0172] 1F. A bottle assembly comprising:

[0173] a bottle having a bottle base, a sidewall extending from the bottle base and terminating in a bottle neck, the bottle neck having an end portion disposed opposite and distal from the bottle base, the bottle neck defining an opening to an interior of the bottle, the bottle neck having an exterior portion including one or more threads; and

[0174] A screw top configured to be removably attached to a bottle, the screw top comprising:

[0175] (a) a closure comprising a planar closure base, an annular closure skirt extending downwardly at an outer periphery of the planar closure base, and a first sealing member disposed on an inner surface of the closure base, the annular closure skirt having a flange extending radially inwardly; and

[0176] (b) a bottom portion pivotally connected to the cover by a hinge, the bottom portion comprising:

[0177] (i) a planar bottom base comprising an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter forming an opening to an interior of the cap, an active component disposed at a first portion of an inner surface of the bottom base, and a second sealing member;

[0178] (ii) an annular bottom skirt extending downwardly at the outer periphery of the bottom base, the bottom skirt including one or more threads extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the bottom skirt; and

[0179] (iii) a neck having an annular neck skirt extending upwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom base and a neck rim extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the neck skirt,

[0180] wherein, in the closed position, the first sealing member is configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of the neck rim, and the second sealing member is further configured to sealingly engage with an upper engagement surface of a bottle rim of the bottle.

[0181] 2F. A bottle assembly according to embodiment 1F, wherein the screw top cap further includes a ridge extending downward from a third portion of the inner surface of the bottom base, the ridge surrounding an inner annular edge of the second sealing member and an outer annular edge of the active component, wherein the second sealing member, the ridge and the active component are disposed inside the bottom skirt and concentric with the bottom skirt.

[0182] 3F. The bottle assembly of Embodiment 2F, wherein the first and second sealing members each comprise a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member.

[0183] 4F. A bottle assembly according to embodiment 3F, wherein the flange of the cap skirt is configured to engage the outer surface of the neck skirt, secure the cap to the neck, and press the first sealing member against the upper engaging surface of the neck rim, the engagement between the flange and the neck skirt and the compression of the first sealing member produce a moisture-proof seal between the cap and the neck.

[0184] 5F. The bottle assembly of Embodiment 4F, wherein the threaded engagement between the threads compresses the second sealing member against the upper engagement surface of the bottle rim, the threaded engagement and the compression of the second sealing member creating a moisture-proof seal between the cap and the bottle.

[0185] 6F. The bottle assembly of Embodiment 5F, wherein the screw top cap includes a tamper-evident feature attached to the bottom skirt and configured to be detachable from the bottom skirt.

[0186] 7F. The bottle assembly of Embodiment 6F, wherein the screw top cap further comprises a thumb tab extending radially from the closure, the thumb tab being configured to be actuated upward to place the closure in an open position.

[0187] Although the technology of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to its specific examples, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it should be understood that the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the technology of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A screw top cap (100) for a bottle assembly (1), the cap (100) comprising: a bottom portion (130) comprising a bottom base (134) having a bottom skirt (144) depending downwardly from an outer periphery (132) thereof and a neck (150) protruding upwardly from the bottom base (134) and radially inwardly from the outer periphery (132), the neck (150) defining an opening (138) leading to an interior of the cap (100), the neck (150) further having a neck rim (158); and A cover (110) which can be pivotally attached to the bottom portion (130) via a hinge (119), the cover (110) being pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the cover (110) having a cover base (114) and a cover skirt (124) depending downwardly from its outer periphery, the hinge (119) extending upwardly from the upper surface of the bottom base (134) via at least one vertical plate (115), so that the cover (110) is configured to contact or cooperate with the neck edge (158) in the closed position and extend perpendicular to the neck (150), The closure skirt (124) has a radially inwardly extending flange (126) and is configured to contact or mate with the neck rim (158) when the closure (110) is in the closed position.

2. The screw top cap (100) of claim 1, wherein the hinge (119) comprises at least one fin (116) extending from the riser (115).

3. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge (119) comprises one or more walls having a height at least the same as that of the neck (150).

4. The screw top cap (100) of claim 3, wherein the one or more walls include at least one end wall (117) attached to a portion of the outer perimeter (132) of the bottom base (134).

5. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 4, wherein the one or more walls include a pair of side walls (118) extending inwardly toward the neck (150) from the side edge of the end wall (117), so that when the cover (110) is in the closed position, at least a portion of the cover skirt (124) is adapted between the pair of side walls (118) and the neck skirt (164) of the neck (150).

6. The screw cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the riser (115) comprises or is formed of a thermoset or thermoplastic material.

7. The screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover (110) comprises a tab (112) opposite the hinge (119).

8. A screw top cap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure (110) includes a first sealing member (120) disposed on the inner surface of the closure base (114), the first sealing member (120) comprising a thermoplastic elastomer sealing member disposed around the entire periphery of the inner surface of the closure base (114), and the thermoplastic elastomer sealing member (120) includes an annular portion configured to sealingly engage with the neck rim (158).

9. The screw top cap (110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein a neck skirt (165) extends downwardly from the bottom base (134) and is radially inwardly spaced from the bottom skirt (144), wherein an active material (142) surrounds the neck skirt (165), the active material comprising a desiccant.

10. The screw-on cap (110) of claim 9, wherein the neck skirt (165), a portion of the bottom side of the bottom base (134), and a ridge (148) extending downwardly from the base portion (134) and radially spaced apart from the neck skirt (165) form a cavity to receive the active material (142).

11. A bottle assembly (1) comprising: A bottle (10) having a bottle base (14), a sidewall (16) extending upwardly from the bottle base (14) and terminating in a bottle neck (22), the bottle neck (22) defining an opening (20) to an interior of the bottle (10), the bottle neck (22) having an exterior portion including one or more threads (26); and A screw top bottle cap (100) removably disposed over the bottle neck (22) such that the internal threads of the screw top cap (100) are configured to threadably engage the threads (26) on the bottle neck (22) to couple the screw top cap (100) to the bottle (10), thereby forming the bottle assembly (1), the screw top bottle cap (110) comprising: a bottom portion (130) comprising a bottom base (134) having a bottom skirt (144) depending downwardly from an outer periphery (132) thereof and a neck (150) protruding upwardly from the bottom base (134) and radially inwardly from the outer periphery (132), the neck (150) defining an opening (138) leading to an interior of the cap (100), the neck (150) further having a neck rim (158); and A cover (110) is pivotally attached to the bottom portion (130) via a hinge (119), the cover (110) being pivotable between an open position and a closed position, the cover (110) having a cover base (114) and a cover skirt (124) depending downwardly from its outer periphery, the hinge (119) extending upwardly from the upper surface of the bottom base (134) via at least one vertical plate (115), so that the cover (110) is configured to contact or cooperate with the neck edge (158) in the closed position and extend perpendicularly to the neck (150), The closure skirt (124) has a radially inwardly extending flange (126) and is configured to contact or mate with the neck rim (158) when the closure (110) is in the closed position.

12. The bottle assembly (1) of claim 11, wherein the hinge (119) has a tab (116) extending from the riser (115).

13. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the hinge (119) comprises one or more walls having a height at least the same as that of the neck (150).

14. The bottle assembly (1) of claim 13, wherein the one or more walls include at least one end wall (117) attached to a portion of the outer perimeter (132) of the bottom base (134).

15. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein the one or more walls include a pair of side walls (118) extending inwardly toward the neck (150) from the side edges of the end wall (117), so that when the cap (110) is in the closed position, at least a portion of the cap skirt (124) is adapted between the pair of side walls (118) and the neck skirt (164) of the neck (150).

16. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the riser (115) comprises or is formed of a thermoset or thermoplastic material.

17. The bottle assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the closure (110) comprises a tab (112) opposite the hinge (119).

18. The bottle assembly (1) of claim 11 or 12, wherein a neck skirt (165) extends downwardly from the bottom base (134) and is radially inwardly spaced from the bottom skirt (144), wherein an active material surrounds the neck skirt (165), the active material comprising a desiccant.

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