Closure for a container having a neck

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a closure (10 or 10a) for a container (100), the closure comprising a top deck (12), a skirt (14) extending from the top deck (12) in an axial direction to define a cavity (16), the skirt (14) comprising an elongated stabilising section (14.1) and a sealing section (14.2), the sealing section (14.2) comprising an attachment arrangement (22) and a seal member (24), the seal member (24) comprising an inner sealing surface (26) lying radially inwardly of the skirt (14) and extending from a base (12.1) of the top deck (12) and an annular seal (28) extending inwardly into the cavity (16) from a first end (28.3) at the skirt (14) to a free edge (28.4) and having an upper surface (28.1) and a lower surface (28.2).

Description

"Closure for a container having a neck"Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2023902045 filed on 28 June 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a closure. In particular, the disclosure relates to a closure suitable for containers adapted to receive a beverage and having a neck.Background

[0003] It is known that containers can suffer from manufacturing defects or damage during use and thereby the quality of the neck finish of such containers can be variable, especially if such containers undergo re-use. Variability in the quality of the neck finish can compromise the ability of closures, particularly linerless or one-piece closures, to form an effective robust seal with the neck finish. This presents a particular problem in the context of beverages where the lack of an effective robust seal results in the ability for fluid to infiltrate the container or escape from the container during storage which can be deleterious to the beverage. For example, an alcoholic beverage can undergo oxidation in the event of oxygen being able to infiltrate the container during storage. The present disclosure is directed to a closure that is suitable for sealing containers having a neck and, in particular, to sealing containers adapted to receive beverages.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.Summary

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a closure for a container adapted to receive a beverage and having a neck, the neck having a collar, an end finish defining an opening, an outside sealing surface extending from the end finish to an outside sealing surface parting line, and an outer surface distal the outside sealing surface parting line, the closure comprising: a top deck; a skirt extending from the top deck in an axial direction to define a cavity, the skirt comprising: an elongated stabilising section comprising: a frangible connecting line extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the skirt; and a sealing section comprising an attachment arrangement and a seal member, the seal member comprising: an inner sealing surface lying radially inwardly of the skirt and extending from a base of the top deck; and an annular seal extending inwardly into the cavity from a first end contiguous with the skirt to a free edge and having an upper surface and a lower surface; wherein, in the fitted position of the closure, the annular seal is engaged by the neck so that the upper surface contacts at least a portion of the inner sealing surface, and at least a portion of the lower surface is provided in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface and at least a portion of the outer surface below the outside sealing surface parting line.

[0006] The closure may be formed from a synthetic plastics material. The synthetic plastics material may be polyethylene or polypropylene, for example high density polyethylene (HDPE). The HDPE may be a modified HDPE comprising a passive barrier additive. The passive barrier additive may cause a decrease in permeability of a substance through the HDPE. The passive barrier additive may cause a decrease in permeability of the substance through the HDPE by influencing the molecular structure of the HDPE. The passive barrier additive may influence the molecular structure of the HDPE through controlling orientation of polymer crystals such that permeation of the substance through the HDPE is inhibited. The substance may be oxygen and / or vapour.

[0007] The closure may be formed in one piece, the sealing section contiguous with the top deck and the elongated stabilising section. The closure may be formed in a mold. The outside sealing surface parting line can be a product of the process of molding the closure. In one embodiment, the elongated stabilising section can have a protrusion on an inside of the stabilising section, this protrusion being configured to engage the collar of the neck on moving the closure from a fitted position of the closure on the container to an open position relative the container. The protrusion can comprise an annular ridge extending circumferentially around the inside surface of the elongated stabilising section. The ridge can be continuous along its entire length or be segmented.

[0008] In another embodiment, the elongated stabilising section can have a band on an inside of the stabilising section, this band being configured to engage the collar of the neck on moving the closure from a fitted position of the closure on the container to an open position relative the container. The band can comprise a single circumferential flange. In another embodiment, the band can comprise a plurality of flanges. Each flange can have an identical circumferential length. Each flange can comprise a main member joined to the inner surface of the elongated stabilising section by one or more hinges. The main member can have a first surface that faces inwardly on molding of the flanges and an opposite second surface that faces outwardly on molding of the flanges. The second surface of one, some or all of the main members can have an engaging nub that assists engagement of the flange with the collar of the container on attempted removal of the closure from the container. The flange or flanges can, on molding of the closure, be molded so as to extend away from the top deck of the closure. This orientation of the flange or flanges assists ejection of the closure from the mould on manufacture. During application to the container the flange or flanges are pushed relatively upwards by the interference with the collar on the container. By completion of application, the flange or flanges are extending relatively upwards towards the seal of the closure and eventually end up positioned below the collar of the container. No additional equipment is needed to fold up the flanges. During any subsequent removal of the closure, the flange or flanges engage the collar so leading the frangible connecting line to rupture so indicating tamper and ultimately separation of the sealing section of the closure from the elongated stabilising section.

[0009] The elongate stabilising section may have a first thickness substantially along a length thereof. The sealing section may be a reinforced sealing section. The reinforced sealingsection may have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness of the elongate stabilising section. The top deck may have a thickness substantially corresponding to the second thickness. The first thickness may be approximately 0.8mm. The second thickness may be approximately 1.6 mm.

[0010] The inner sealing surface may be substantially cylindrical or cylindrical. The annular seal may be separated from the top deck by the inner sealing surface. The upper surface of the annular seal may be tangential to the substantially cylindrical inner sealing surface.

[0011] The skirt may have an outer surface that provides a gripping surface. The gripping surface may be provided at the outer surface of the skirt about the sealing section. The gripping surface may comprise a plurality of ridges or be knurled.

[0012] The inner sealing surface may extend between an edge disposed at the base of the top deck and the first end of the annular seal. The annular seal may have a length between the first end and the free edge such that the upper surface contacts at least a portion of the inner sealing surface and the edge disposed at the base of the top deck in the fitted position of the closure.

[0013] The lower surface of the annular seal may be in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface, at least a portion of the outer surface below the outside sealing surface parting line and at least a portion of the end finish of the neck in the fitted position of the closure. The annular seal may be pressed between the edge disposed at the base of the top deck and the end finish of the neck proximate the free edge of the annular seal in the fitted position of the closure.

[0014] The annular seal may be substantially frusto-conical for at least a portion of its length, a majority of its length, most of its length, or all of its length. The annular seal may be formed at an angle of less than 90° relative to a notional plane extending at a right angle to the skirt. The angle is preferably between about 5° and 20° relative to the notional plane and most preferably about 10° relative to the notional plane.

[0015] The attachment arrangement may be a screw thread on an inside surface of the skirt engageable with a corresponding thread on the neck of the container. The screw thread of the closure can be continuous or segmented.

[0016] The frangible connecting line can extend around the full circumference of the skirt. The frangible connecting line may be any line at which the skirt is preferentially broken under strain. The frangible connecting line may comprise any frangible element. In one example, the frangible element may comprise one or more frangible bridges. The frangible bridges may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced around the circumference of the skirt.

[0017] The top deck may comprise a torque engagement mechanism. The torque engagement mechanism may be arranged in a depression of the top deck in an opposite axial direction to the skirt. The depression may have an annular wall, the torque engagement mechanism comprising buttresses arranged against an inner face of the annular wall and extending towards a centre axis of the annular wall.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a container and closure combination with the container having an opening sealed by a closure as defined herein.

[0019] The container may be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container or a glass container. The container may be a re-usable and / or a re-fillable container.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a mold for forming a closure as defined herein, the mold comprising a cavity shaped to form the closure.

[0021] The mold may be used to form the closure using injection, rotary or compression molding.

[0022] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of forming a closure as defined herein comprising molding the closure.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of fitting a closure as described herein to a container comprising a neck defining an opening, the method comprising turning the closure onto the neck of the container until the closure seals the opening.

[0024] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include reference to the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] By way of example only, embodiments of a closure in accordance with the present disclosure for sealing a container is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a (a) top view, (b) side view, (c) opposite side view and (d) top view of one embodiment of the closure;

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure of Figure 1 alongside a container and before fitting the closure to the container;

[0029] Figure 3 is a (a) side view and (b) cross-sectional side view of the closure of Figure 1 in a fitted position of the closure on the container;

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure of Figure 3 partially moved between the fitted position and an open position relative the container;

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-section side view of the closure of Figure 4 further partially moved between the fitted position and the open position;

[0032] Figure 6 is a (a) side view and (b) cross-sectional side view of the closure of Figure 5 in the open position of the closure;

[0033] Figure 7 is a (a) side view and (b) cross-sectional side view of the closure of Figure 6 in a reattached position on the container; and

[0034] Figure 8 is a is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the closure depicted prior to fitting of the closure to a container.Description of Embodiments

[0035] One example embodiment of a closure for use in sealing a container is depicted generally as 10 in the Figures 1 to 7. An alternative embodiment of a closure is depicted in Figure 8 generally as 10a with the same numbers used to identify identical features to those of closure 10.

[0036] The closure 10 depicted in Figures 1 to 7 is suitable for capping or closing a container 100 adapted to receive a beverage and having a neck 102. As shown in greater detail in Figure 2, the neck 102 has a collar 104, an end finish 106, an outside sealing surface 110, an outside sealing surface parting line 112, and an outer surface 114 distal the parting line 112. For example, the parting line 112 can be formed during molding of the container 100 where a substantially straight outer surface 114 meets a curvature of the outside sealing surface 110 along an axial direction z. For example, the parting line 112 can be about 1mm to about 1.5mm below the end finish 106 along the side of the neck 102.

[0037] The end finish 106 of the neck 102 is shown to define an opening 108, with the outside sealing surface 110 extending from the end finish 106 to the outside sealing surface parting line 112. The outer surface 114 in turn is located distal to the outside sealing surface parting line 110. The container 100 can be a glass or plastic container adapted to receive a beverage as known in the art. The closure 10 may be molded or otherwise formed, for example from a synthetic plastics material, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene. For example, the closure 10 can be molded or otherwise formed from high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0038] The closure 10 comprises a top deck 12 and a skirt 14. As depicted in Figures 1 through 3, the skirt 14 extends from a periphery of the top deck 12 in an axial direction z to define a cavity 16 in which at least a portion of the neck 102 and the opening 108 of the container 100 can be received when the closure 10 is fitted on the container 100 for the first time in a fitted position of the closure 10, as depicted in Figure 3. The skirt 14 is further shown to comprise an elongated stabilising section 14.1 and a sealing section 14.2.

[0039] In Figures 1 to 7, the elongated stabilising section 14.1 comprises a protrusion 18 on an inside of the stabilising section 14.1, for example an annular bead as shown in Figures 1 through 7. The protrusion 18 is configured to engage the collar 104 of the neck 102 when the closure 10 is moved from the fitted position to an open position relative the container 100, as shown sequentially in Figures 3 through 6.

[0040] Figure 8 depicts a closure generally as 10a having an alternative to the protrusion depicted in Figures 1 to 7. In this embodiment, the closure 10a has a band 200 on an inside of the stabilising section 14.1, this band 200 being configured to engage the collar 104 of the neck 102 on moving the closure 10a from a fitted position of the closure on the container 100 to an open position relative the container 100. As depicted, the band can comprise a plurality of flanges 201. Each flange 201 can have an identical circumferential length and comprise a main member 202 joined to the inside of the elongated stabilising section 14.1 by a number of hinges 203. The main member 202 has a first surface 204 that faces inwardly after molding of the closure 10a and prior to its application to a container 100 and an opposite second surface (not visible in Figure 8) that faces outwardly on molding. The second surface of one, some or all of the main members can have an engaging nub 206 that assists engagement of the flange 201 with the collar 104 of the container 100 on attempted removal of the closure 10a from the container 100.

[0041] The flanges 201 can, on molding of the closure, be molded so as to extend away from the top deck of the closure 10a (as depicted in Figure 8). This orientation of the flanges 201 assists ejection of the closure 10a from the mould on manufacture. During application to the container 100 the flanges 201 are pushed relatively upwards by the interference with the collar 104 on the container 100. By completion of application, the flanges are extending relatively upwards towards the seal 24 of the closure 10a and eventually end up positioned below the collar 104 of the container 100. No additional equipment is needed to fold up the flanges. During any subsequent removal of the closure 10a, the flanges 201 engage the collar 104 so leading the frangible connecting line 20 to rupture so indicating tamper and ultimately separation of the sealing section 14.2 of the closure 10a from the elongated stabilising section 14.1.

[0042] As depicted, the stabilising section 14.1 further comprises the frangible connecting line 20. In the depicted embodiment, the frangible connecting line 20 extends the fullcircumference of the section 14.1. Again, in the depicted embodiment, the frangible connecting line 20 comprises a slit with frangible bridges uniformly or non-uniformly spaced around the circumference of the skirt 14, located at a position of the skirt 14 between the top deck 12 and the protrusion 18 of closure 10 or the flanges 201 of closure 10a. The size and number of the frangible bridges may vary amongst different variations of the closures 10 and 10a. For example, a variation of the closures 10, 10a may include fewer frangible bridges that are larger in size. Another variation of the closure 10, 10a may include a greater number of frangible bridges that are smaller in size.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the elongated stabilising section 14.1 can be configured to fit closely with an elongated section of the neck 12 to ensure that the skirt 14, and thereby the closure 10 or 10a, can remain centred on the neck 12 as it is moved between the fitted position and the open position. By way of non-limiting example, the skirt 14 can have a first thickness of approximately 0.8mm along the stabilising section 14.1. In the case of closure 10, the protrusion 18 can extend approximately 0.3mm from the inside of the skirt 14 and with a thickness of approximately 1 ,4mm at a base thereof at the skirt 14 along an axial direction z.

[0044] The sealing section 14.2 in turn comprises an attachment arrangement 22, by example a continuous or segmented screw thread on an inside surface of the skirt 14 that is engageable with a corresponding thread 116 on the neck 102 of the container 100. In such a variation of the closure 10 or 10a where the attachment arrangement 22 is a screw thread, it will be appreciated that the closure 10 or 10a can be turned relative the neck 102 (see A as shown in Figure 1(a)), aided by the stabilising section 14.1, to move the closure 10 or 10a between the fitted position and the open position. It is, however, possible for the container 100 and the closure 10 or 10a to be formed with other complementary attachment arrangements.

[0045] The sealing section 14.2 further comprises a seal member 24. The seal member 24 is depicted as comprising an inner sealing surface 26 and an annular seal 28. The inner sealing surface 26 lies radially inwardly of the skirt 14 and extends from a base 12.1 of the top deck 12. As indicated in Figure 2 and prior to fitting the closure 10, 10a to the container 100, the annular seal 28 is substantially frusto-conical and extends inwardly into the cavity 16 from a first end 28.3 at the skirt 14 to a free edge 28.4, with the annual seal 28 having an upper surface 28.1 and a lower surface 28.2. The frusto-conical annular seal 28 can be formed at anangle of less than 90° relative to a notional plane extending at a right angle to the skirt 14 of the closure 10. The angle is more preferably between about 5° and 20° relative to the notional plane and most preferably about 10° relative to the notional plane.

[0046] In the depicted embodiment, and as shown in the Figures, the closure 10 or 10a does not require a sealing disk as known in the art, and can thereby be formed as one piece, with the sealing section 14.2 contiguous with the top deck 12 and the elongated stabilising section 14.1.

[0047] As depicted in Figure 3, when the closure 10 is provided in the fitted position on the container 100, at least a portion of the neck 102 and the opening 108 of the container 100 is positioned within the cavity 16 such that the annular seal 28 is engaged by the neck 102 causing the upper surface 28.1 to contact at least a portion of the inner sealing surface 26. At least a portion of the lower surface 28.2 of the annular seal 28 is then provided in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface 110 and at least a portion of the outer surface 114 below the outside sealing surface parting line 112.

[0048] By way of non-limiting example, and as further depicted in greater detail in Figure 3, the inner surface 26 can be substantially cylindrical, extending between an edge 12.2 disposed at the base 12.1 of the top deck 12 and the first end 28.3 of the annular seal 28. The annular seal 28 can therewith have a length between the first end 28.3 and the free edge 28.4 such that the upper surface 28.1 thereof contacts at least a portion of the inner sealing surface 26 and the edge 12.2 disposed at the base 12.1 of the top deck 12. In this manner, the lower surface 28.2 of the annular seal 28 can be in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface 110, at least a portion of the outer surface 114 below the outside sealing surface parting line 112 and at least a portion of the end finish 106 of the neck 102. The annular seal 28 is thereby pressed between the edge 12.2 disposed at the base 12.1 of the top deck 12 and the end finish 106 of the neck 102 proximate its free edge 28.4. This contact and sealing engagement can thereby provide an air tight seal between the closure 10 and the container 100.

[0049] Accordingly, with the substantially cylindrical inner sealing surface 26 lying radially inwardly of the skirt 14, the upper surface 28.1 of the annular seal 28 is at least in part separated from the base 12.1 of the top deck 12 by the inner sealing surface 26, with the upper surface 28.1 of the annular seal 28 tangential to the inner sealing surface 26.

[0050] It will be appreciated that all of the length of the annular seal 28 need not be frusto- conical, and only a portion of its length, a majority of its length or most of its length may be frusto-conical, as may be required to achieve the described contact and sealing engagement as will be apparent from this description.

[0001] With reference to a variation of the closure 10 wherein the attachment arrangement 22 is a screw thread on the inside surface of the skirt 14 and engageable with the corresponding thread 116 on the neck 102, the closure 10 can be moved from the fitted position to the open position, as shown sequentially in Figures 3 through 6, by turning A the closure 10 in a direction relative the container 100 and thereby causing the closure 10 to move along an axial direction z.

[0052] Accordingly, Figure 4 shows the closure 10 partially moved along the axial direction z between the fitted position and the open position such that the protrusion 18 engages the collar 104 of the neck 102. The collar 104 thereby resists further movement of the skirt 14 along the axial direction z. When the closure 10 is then further turned A in the direction relative the container 100 so as to fully disengage the above described contact and sealing engagement with respect to the annular seal 28, the frangible connecting line 20 is broken, as shown in Figure 5, as a result of the further attempted movement of the closure 10 along the axial direction z.

[0053] As further depicted in Figure 5, a part of the skirt 14 opposite the frangible connecting line 20 from the sealing section 14.2 remains on the neck 102 as a result of the broken frangible connecting line 20, and may drop a distance along the elongate section of the neck 102 under gravity. The other part of the skirt 14 is then allowed to move further along the axial direction z, therewith permitting the closure 10 to move to the open position as shown in Figure 6. The broken frangible connecting line 20 thereby serves as evidence of a first disengagement of the above described contact and sealing engagement with respect to the annular seal 28, thereby a first breaking of the air tight seal, after the closure 10 is fitted to the container 100.

[0054] The annular seal 28 can be of a suitably flexible material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, such that the engagement with the neck 102 in the fitted position of the closure 10 results in substantially elastic deformation of the annular seal 28 towards achievingthe above described contact and sealing engagement. As such, and when the closure 10 is provided in the open position as shown in Figure 6, the annular seal 28 can revert to being frusto-conical. This enables the closure 10 to be reattached to the container 100 in a reattached position as shown in Figure 7. The reattached position can thereby again allow the upper surface 28.1 of the annular seal 28 to contact at least a portion of the inner sealing surface 26 as well as the edge 12.2 disposed at the base 12.1 of the top deck 12. The lower surface 28.2 of the annular seal 28 can therewith again also be brought into sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface 110, at least a portion of the outer surface 114 below the outside sealing surface parting line 112 and at least a portion of the end finish 106 of the neck 102 with the annular seal 28 pressed between the edge 12.2 and the end finish 106 of the neck 102 proximate its free edge 28.4. In this manner, the air tight seal can be reestablished in the reattached position of the closure 10 even after being broken from the fitted position. However, in the reattached position of the closure 10, the now broken frangible connecting line 20 provides evidence that the air tight seal had been broken for a first time after the closure 10 was initially fitted to the container 100.

[0055] To further facilitate elastic deformation of the annular seal 28 when engaged by the neck 102, a fold line (not shown) can also be provided at the first end 28.3 of the annular seal 28. Such a fold line may further act to guide the annular seal 28 to fold back relatively evenly towards the inner sealing surface 26 to further enhance the contact and sealing engagement in both the fitted position and reattached position of the closure 10.

[0056] The closure 10 is shown to comprise a gripping surface or grip 30 at an outer surface of the skirt 14 to assist in turning A the closure 10 relative the container 100, whether to move the closure 10 from the fitted position to the open position by turning A the closure 10 in one direction or to move the closure 10 from the open position to the reattached position by turning A the closure 10 in the opposite direction. By way of non-limiting example, the grip 30 can be a plurality of ridges provided at an outer surface of the skirt 14 about the sealing section 14.2, thereby the grip 30 is provided at the part of the skirt 14 opposite from the part of the skirt 14 having the protrusion 18. In the case of closure 10a, the grip can be provided by knurling.

[0057] Furthermore, and to facilitate fitting the closure 10 to the container 100 in the fitted position, the top deck 12 can comprise a torque engagement mechanism 32, for examplebutresses arranged against an inner face of an annular wall 34.1 of a depression 34 of the top deck 12, with the buttresses extending towards a centre axis of the annular wall 34.1, as shown in Figures 1 through 7 and indicated in Figures 1 and 2. The torque engagement mechanism 32 can thereby be configured to mesh and engage with a torqueing member of a fiting system during the initial fitting of the closure 10 onto the container 100.

[0058] The above discussion of closure 10 with regard to its mounting to the container 100 and then being removed is equally applicable to closure 10a depicted in Figure 8.

[0059] The closures 10 and 10a are now further described with reference to a non-limiting example in which the container 100 is adapted to receive an alcoholic beverage which is susceptible to deleterious oxidation from molecular oxygen in air, such as wine.

[0060] In this example, the closure 10 or 10a can be formed in one piece from HDPE modified with a passive barrier additive to physically decrease oxygen permeability through the HDPE. A passive barrier additive, by non-limiting example Milliken’s UltraGuard, can be used to modify the HDPE by influencing its molecular structure through controlling orientation of its polymer crystals such that permeation of oxygen through the HDPE occurs along a tortuous path, and is thereby inhibited.

[0061] In addition to forming the closure in one piece from a modified HDPE or as an alternative thereto, the sealing section 14.2 can be reinforced. For example, the sealing section 14.2 can have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness of the elongate stabilising section 14.1. The top deck 12 can be formed to also have a thickness substantially corresponding to the second thickness of the sealing section 14.2, as shown in Figures 1 through 7. In a variation of the closure 10 or 10a having a total length of 60mm and a total width of 32mm, this second thickness may preferably be approximately 1.6 mm. In addition hereto, the annular seal 28 can also be formed at a thickness that can contribute to a decrease in oxygen permeability through the closure 10 or 10a, preferably a thickness of approximately 0.5mm. As such, whether the closure 10 or 10a is formed in one piece from HDPE or modified HDPE, the closure 10 or 10a can be provided with a greater thickness about the inner sealing surface 26 and the sealing engagement, therewith extending a path along which oxygen is required to permeate to reach the cavity 16 and thereby also physically decreasing oxygen permeability through the closure 10.

[0062] Through forming the closure 10 from HDPE such that the sealing section 14.2 and the top deck 12 has the above-described second thickness along with the thickness of the annular seal 28, the closure 10 or 10a fitted or reattached to a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container or a glass container can achieve oxygen transmission rates as low as 2.5mg / L / annum. Through additionally forming the closure in one piece from HDPE modified with a passive barrier additive, this oxygen transmission rate can be further reduced to as low as 1.3 mg / L / annum.

[0063] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the closure 10 or 10a need not be limited to capping or closing containers 100 adapted to receive alcoholic beverages, and the above described passive barrier additive and / or formed thicknesses can render the closure 10 or 10a suitable for capping or closing containers 100 wherein the permeation of other substances, such as water, vapour, carbon dioxide and fragrances, through the closure 10 or lOais required to be inhibited.

[0064] A mold can be used to form the closure 10 or 10a. The mold can comprise a cavity shaped to form the closure 10 or the closure 10a. The mold can be used to form the closure using injection, rotary or compression molding.

[0065] A method of forming the closure 10 or 10a can include molding the closure in one piece.

[0066] The method of fitting the closure lOor 10a to the container 100 can comprise placing and turning the closure 10 onto the container 100 until the closure 10 seals the container 100, such that the annular seal 28 is engaged by the neck 102 so that the upper surface 28.1 of the annular seal 28 contacts at least a portion of the inner sealing surface 26 and at least a portion of the lower surface 28.2 of the annular seal 28 is in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface 110 and at least a portion of the outer surface 114 below the outside sealing surface parting line 112.

[0067] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A closure for a container adapted to receive a beverage and having a neck, the neck having a collar, an end finish defining an opening, an outside sealing surface extending from the end finish to an outside sealing surface parting line, and an outer surface distal the outside sealing surface parting line, the closure comprising: a top deck; a skirt extending from the top deck in an axial direction to define a cavity, the skirt comprising: an elongated stabilising section comprising: a frangible connecting line extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the skirt; and a sealing section comprising an attachment arrangement and a seal member, the seal member comprising: an inner sealing surface lying radially inwardly of the skirt and extending from a base of the top deck; and an annular seal extending inwardly into the cavity from a first end contiguous with the skirt to a free edge and having an upper surface and a lower surface; wherein, in the fitted position of the closure, the annular seal is engaged by the neck so that the upper surface contacts at least a portion of the inner sealing surface and at least a portion of the lower surface is provided in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface and at least a portion of the outer surface below the outside sealing surface parting line.

2. The closure of claim 1 wherein the elongated stabilising section has a protrusion on an inside of the stabilising section, this protrusion being configured to engage the collar of the neck on moving the closure from a fitted position of the closure on the container to an open position relative the container.

3. The closure of claim 1 wherein elongated stabilising section has a band on an inside of the stabilising section, this band being configured to engage the collar of the neck on moving the closure from a fitted position of the closure on the container to an open position relative the container.

4. The closure of claim 3 wherein the band comprises a plurality of flanges, each flange comprising a main member joined to the inner surface of the elongated stabilising section by one or more hinges.

5. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is formed from a synthetic plastics material.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the synthetic plastics material is polyethylene or polypropylene.

7. The closure of claim 6, wherein the closure is formed from high density polyethylene (HDPE).

8. The closure of claim 7, wherein the HDPE is a modified HDPE comprising a passive barrier additive influencing the molecular structure of the HDPE to cause a decrease in permeability of a substance through the HDPE.

9. The closure of claim 8, wherein the substance is oxygen and / or vapour.

10. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is formed in one piece with the sealing section contiguous with the top deck and the elongated stabilising section.

11. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate stabilising section has a first thickness substantially along a length thereof.

12. The closure of claim 11, wherein the sealing section is reinforced.

13. The closure of claim 12, wherein the reinforced sealing section has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness of the elongate stabilising section.

14. The closure of claim 13, wherein the top deck has a thickness substantially corresponding to the second thickness.

15. The closure of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first thickness is approximately 0.8 mm and the second thickness is approximately 1.6 mm.

16. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner sealing surface is substantially cylindrical, the annular seal separated from the top deck by the substantially cylindrical inner sealing surface.

17. The closure of claim 16, wherein the inner sealing surface extends between an edge disposed at the base of the top deck and the first end of the annular seal.

18. The closure of claim 17, wherein the annular seal has a length between the first end and the free edge such that the upper surface contacts at least a portion of the inner sealing surface and the edge disposed at the base of the top deck in the fitted position of the closure.

19. The closure of claim 18, wherein the lower surface of the annular seal is in sealing engagement with the outside sealing surface, at least a portion of the outer surface below the outside sealing surface parting line and at least a portion of the end finish of the neck in the fitted position of the closure.

20. The closure of claim 19, wherein the annular seal is pressed between the edge disposed at the base of the top deck and the end finish of the neck proximate the free edge of the annular seal in the fitted position of the closure.

21. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular seal is substantially frusto-conical for at least a portion of its length, a majority of its length, most of its length, or all of its length.

22. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular seal is formed at an angle of less than 90° relative to a notional plane extending at a right angle to the skirt.

23. The closure of claim 22, wherein the angle is between about 5° and 20° relative to the notional plane.

24. The closure of claim 23, wherein the angle is about 10° relative to the notional plane.

25. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top deck comprises a torque engagement mechanism.

26. The closure of claim 25, wherein the torque engagement mechanism is arranged in a depression of the top deck in an opposite axial direction to the skirt, the depression having an annular wall.

27. The closure of claim 26, wherein the torque engagement mechanism comprises buttresses arranged against an inner face of the annular wall and extending towards a centre axis of the annular wall.

28. The closure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container or a glass container.

29. A container and closure combination, with the container having an opening sealed by a closure of any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A mold for forming a closure of any one of claims 1 to 28, the mold comprising a cavity shaped to form the closure.

31. The mold of claim 30, wherein the mold is used to form the closure using injection, rotary or compression molding.

32. A method of forming a closure of any one of claims 1 to 28 comprising molding the closure.

33. A method of fitting a closure of any one of claims 1 to 28 to a container comprising a neck defining an opening, the method comprising turning the closure onto the neck of the container until the closure seals the opening.

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