A sealing assembly for a closure

Abstract

A sealing assembly (500) for a closure (190), the closure (190) for applying to an opening, wherein the opening is for a container of fluid, the sealing assembly (500) including: a substantially rigid cap portion (510) for seating the sealing assembly (190) in a roof portion of the closure (190); and an insert portion (520) attachable to the cap portion (510), the insert portion (520) including an insert skirt portion (523), the insert skirt portion (523) flexible relative to the cap portion (510) and extending from the insert portion (520), the insert skirt portion (523) operable to contact an inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure to the opening, wherein the cap portion (510) includes a centrally disposed attachment region to which the insert portion (520) is attached to and a peripheral cap skirt portion (516); wherein the insert skirt portion (523) is biased against the inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure (190) to the opening, wherein the insert portion (520) is rotatably attached to the cap portion (510), wherein the peripheral cap skirt portion (516) is cylindrically downwardly extended incorporating an internal two-start thread for engagement with an external thread of the container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to closures for sealing an opening. In a particular form, the present invention relates to a sealing assembly for a closure used in the sealing of wine bottles and other, in particular carbonated, bottled beverages.BACKGROUND

[0002] Screw caps are a common form of closure employed to seal a large range of containers such as plastic and glass bottles for liquids including carbonated beverages ranging from soft drinks to wine. For bottled wines, screw caps are generally made of aluminium and have now become increasingly popular as a replacement for the traditional cylindrical cork due to concerns about cork taint and variability of quality of cork material which can lead to a poor seal and the associated premature oxidation of wine.

[0003] Referring now to Figure 1 and 2 there is shown a prior art sealing assembly 400 as described in WO 2012 / 083368, which is designed to be used in combination with a standard ROPP screw cap closure 100 of the type that is typically applied to a wine bottle or the like. Sealing assembly 400 includes a cap portion 410 and an insert portion 420.

[0004] The cap portion 410 is formed from a substantially rigid material and includes a generally flattened cylindrically shaped body, a peripheral rim portion 413, a cap skirt portion 416 and a central aperture 412 surrounded by a peripheral downwardly extending annular shaped wall portion 414 forming a cylindrically shaped cavity or receiving region 415 (Fig.2).

[0005] Insert portion 420 is formed as a unitary body having a generally inverted top hat configuration with a central stepped region 424, a circumferential rim region 421, and a peripheral flexible insert skirt portion 423 spaced apart from the central stepped region 424 by rim region 421 and forming a circumferential valley region 426 formed between the step region 424 and flexible skirt portion 423. Stepped region 424 is formed having a generally cylindrical configuration.

[0006] Formed behind and in the stepped region 424 is a complementary receiving region 425, which is a circular groove or channel surrounding a centrally disposed projection 422 configured to receive the annular wall portion of cap portion 410 within stepped region 424. Similarly, central projection 422 is configured to be inserted into receiving region 415 located on cap portion 410. In this manner, cap portion 410 and insert portion 420 may be attached together on assembly.

[0007] The insert portion 420 and the cap portion 410 are clipped into a closure shell roof when assembled. The fully assembled cap closure is applied to the bottle neck by a mechanical ROPP capping head, the closure is physical forced, compressed down vertically into the container internal sealing area until it is seated, then the capping head rollers, form an external thread. During this process no rotation movement of the closure sealing assembly occurs. Upon opening of the closure the flexible compressed inner sealing skirt biased against the container opening remains stationary until the closure rotational vertical upward movement releases the pressure on the seal area and then allowing pressure venting also rotation of the insert portion together with the closure.

[0008] Screw caps of a similar type illustrated in Figure 1 have however the disadvantage that they are not always suitable to seal a container containing a liquid that is at a higher internal pressure, like containers with sparkling products, wines etc.SUMMARY

[0009] A sealing assembly for a closure, the closure for applying to an opening, wherein the opening is for a container of fluid, the sealing assembly including: a substantially rigid cap portion for seating the sealing assembly in a roof portion of the closure; and an insert portion attachable to the cap portion, the insert portion including an insert skirt portion, the insert skirt portion flexible relative to the cap portion and extending from the insert portion, the insert skirt portion operable to contact an inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure to the opening, wherein the cap portion includes a centrally disposed attachment region to which the insert portion is attached to and a peripheral cap skirt portion; wherein the insert skirt portion is biased against the inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure to the opening, wherein the insert portion is rotatably attached to the cap portion, the peripheral cap skirt portion is cylindrically downwardly extended incorporating an internal two-start thread for engagement with an external thread of the container.

[0010] A container sealed by a closure, the closure including a sealing assembly according to the present invention.

[0011] A closure comprising a cap sealing assembly for applying to an opening of a container wherein the cap sealing assembly has an internal thread and the container has an external thread for engagement with each other, wherein the internal thread and the external thread are 2-start threads.

[0012] A closure comprising a sealing assembly for applying to an opening for a container of fluid, the sealing assembly including: a substantially rigid cap portion and an insert portion attachable to the cap portion, the insert portion including an insert skirt portion, the insert skirt portion flexible relative to the cap portion and extending from the insert portion, the insert skirt portion operable to contact an inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure to the opening, wherein the cap portion includes a centrally disposed attachment region to which the insert portion is attached to and a peripheral cap skirt portion; wherein the insert skirt portion is biased against the inner wall region of the opening on application of the sealing assembly to the opening, wherein the insert portion is rotatably attached to the cap portion, wherein the peripheral cap skirt portion is cylindrically downwardly extended incorporating an internal two-start thread for engagement with an external thread of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a cutaway part-sectional side view of a prior art closure in the form of a screw cap; FIGURE 2 depicts a sectional view of the components of a sealing assembly for a closure according to FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a cutaway part-sectional side view of a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention mounted on a container; FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal section of a closure of the first embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 5 is a longitudinal section of the components of a sealing assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 6 is a cutaway part-sectional side view of the sealing assembly according to Fig.5; FIGURE 7 is an underside view of the sealing assembly according to FIGURE 5; FIGURE 8 is a longitudinal section of a closure and the sealing assembly according to FIGURE 5 during assembly; FIGURE 9a and 9b are longitudinal sections of a sealing assembly placed on a prior art container; FIGURE 9c is a top view of Fig.9b; FIGURE 10a and 10b are longitudinal sections of a sealing assembly according to the invention placed on a container; FIGURE 10c is a top view of Fig.10b; FIGURE 11a, 11b are cuts ZZ and YY through a top view of a sealing assembly according to the invention shown in Fig.11c; FIGURE 11d is a side view of a 2-start thread according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] However, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention is applicable to the sealing of any general opening having a rim that a respective closure may be applied to.

[0015] Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 there are shown views of a sealing assembly 500 for a closure 190 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In this illustrative embodiment and as illustrated in Figure 3, the closure 190 is a standard ROPP screw cap, it can be applied to a container, e.g. a bottle 300, with a bottle thread 599 by a machine ROPP capping head. It can also be screwed onto the bottle thread 599 by hand, if no tamper prove evidence is required. Ideal for the armature sparkling hobbyist, creating a new commercial market, this function cannot be achieved with the prior art closure of Fig.1.

[0016] Sealing assembly 500 includes a substantially rigid cap portion 510 which seats in the roof of closure 190 (as best seen in Figure 4) and an insert portion 520 which on assembly is attached to the cap portion 510. In this illustrative embodiment, this attachment is achieved via a centrally disposed attachment region in the form of an aperture 512 (Fig.5) that receives a corresponding centrally disposed projection 522 located on the body of insert portion 520. In this illustrative embodiment, the cap portion 510 is attached to the roof of closure 190 by a suitable adhesive.

[0017] In this illustrative embodiment, cap portion 510 is formed from a substantially rigid material (injection moulded NORLY-GF2) and includes a generally flattened cylindrically shaped body 511, a peripheral rim portion 513, a cap skirt portion 516 and a central aperture 512 surrounded by a peripheral downwardly extending annular shaped wall portion 514 forming a cylindrically shaped cavity or receiving region 515.

[0018] According to the invention the peripheral cap skirt portion 516 is cylindrically downwardly extended incorporating an internal two-start thread 570 for engagement with an external thread 599 of the container 300.

[0019] Due to the generally cylindrical outside periphery of the cap skirt portion 516 this allows an elegant look of the closure 190 and this can be used for extra graphics, due to the smooth face as can be seen from Fig.3. In the prior art embodiment of Fig.1 there is an external thread in this region which cannot be used for applying any graphics.

[0020] Insert portion 520 is formed as a unitary body having a generally inverted top hat configuration with a central stepped region 524, a circumferential rim region 521, and a peripheral flexible insert skirt portion 523 (as best seen in Figure 5) spaced apart from the central stepped region 524 by rim region 521 and forming a circumferential valley region 526 formed between the stepped region 524 and the insert skirt portion 523. Stepped region 524 is formed having a generally cylindrical configuration which in this illustrative embodiment has a slight inward taper to facilitate manufacture.

[0021] Formed behind and in the stepped region 524 is a complementary receiving region 525, which in this illustrative embodiment is a circular groove or channel surrounding a centrally disposed projection 522 configured to receive the annular wall portion 514 of cap portion 510 within stepped region 524. Similarly, central projection 522 is configured to be inserted into receiving region 515 located on cap portion 510 (as best seen in Figure 5). In this manner, cap portion 510 and insert portion 520 may be attached together on assembly. As annular shaped wall portion 514 is formed of a substantially rigid material it functions to further reinforce the stepped region 524 and rim region 521 against any movement relative to cap portion 510.

[0022] Fig.9a, 9b show a simulated cap portion 510 with a single thread 490 as in the prior art assembly according to Fig.1. The single thread 490 as indicated in Fig.9a, 9b is unsymmetrical because upon application only one side is supported while the opposite side is unsupported, there is no thread, until cap rotation of approx. 180 degrees before any other extra support comes into play.

[0023] Fig.10a and 10c show a cap portion 510 according to the invention with a 2-start thread 570 having an oriented vertical axis with a cylindrical shape, a horizontal flat surface being symmetrical, the starting point for two threads are 180 degrees apart. The axial linear movement provided by one revolution, 360 degrees, enables the container 300 to be sealed or reopened with just only one rotation of the screw cap.

[0024] Also, the inventive 2-start thread profile design, by using a smaller thread pitch, does provide an additional linear length of thread area, all of which contributes to the increase percentagewise, overall strength for the cap assembly and the glass thread neck finish. Furthermore, the design thread tolerance structural feature provides for a slightly looser, consistent clearance fit upon application without compromising any thread tensile integration, accommodating a high-pressure solution. This is not possible with Fig 1 embodiment.

[0025] The 2-start thread 599 of the container 300 (Fig.10b) has two supported load bearing points at first contact which allows symmetrical transfer of axial load due to inside pressure to the cap assembly. Contrary to that, single start thread 490 (Fig.9a) has only one supported load bearing point at first contact requiring additional rotation.

[0026] Additionally, by having balanced two start points, closure application to the thread neck is improved, a greater efficiency with high-speed capping production machinery.

[0027] Having the cap threads engage simultaneously on opposite sides upon application, provides a more even balanced load distribution. Also more important, it provides a more consistent axial perpendicular alignment movement for the insert portion flexible skirt being applied to an opening of the container.

[0028] The sealing assembly 510, 520 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 6 is glued into the top vertical / horizontal corner, on one side only of the closure shell 190, to secure, prevent slippage. The assembled closure can be applied with a different type of ROPP capping head. This magnetic torque head will screw the cap home on to the bottle neck. Upon application, the rotating vertical down movement of the closure 190, causes the flexible insert skirt portion 523 to make contact with the glass sealing face of the container until creating greater compression force that causes the insert skirt portion 523 to become stationary biased to the opening, whilst the closure 190 with the fixed cap portion 510 jointly still rotates until it is screwed home stationary, then the out sleeve of the shell is then ROPP rolled form. Also, an additional advantage, therefore the 2-start thread provides a better (both sides) balance, consistent axial perpendicular location when compared to Fig.1 embodiment application. The closure removal is exactly the same as Fig1 upon opening.

[0029] When the insert skirt portion 523 is stationary, biased to the opening, whilst the cap portion 510 is still rotating to the home position. The cap portion aperture is adapted to receive a corresponding projection on the insert portion. This rotational movement, enhances an imprint, a deeper intrenchment of the softer flexible material, providing a more secure, stronger attachment. This is not possible with prior art (Fig 1) embodiment.

[0030] The anti-clockwise rotation upon removal of the closure 190 has a similar process as with the Fig 1 embodiment. Provides a very simple, quick, easy, user friendly, safe controllable venting and resealable method for any pressurized gas products.

[0031] In addition Fig 3, embodiment versatility allowing exposure to elevated temperatures such as found in pasteurizing 72 deg C in conjunction, created thermal temperature gas expansion, (higher gas pressure) this closure integrity remains intact. Ideally suitable for container transportation over the equator.

[0032] The sealing assembly as depicted in Fig. 5, 6 can be applied to a bottle thread by a machine ROPP magnetic torque capping head. (high speed production line)

[0033] If no tamper prove evidence (ROPP with or without the shell 190) is required these closures (sealing assembly FIG 5, 6) can be screwed on by hand, ideal for the home amateur hobbyist seeking to make their small batches of sparkling products creating a new small commercial market through Commercial Home Brewing Equipment's retailer outlets.

[0034] Closure suitability for home-made sparkling products e.g. alcoholic or non-alcoholic sparkling wine, cider, fruit juices, water, beer etc. is provided. The caps can be screwed on by hand, can be used for bottle fermentation, caps are resealable-reuseable closures. Although testing results confirmed 20 bar 300 psi in a controlled environment it is not recommend to be used at extremely high elevated pressure for safety reasons. This is not achievable with the prior art FIG.1 embodiment closures that require a mechanical ROPP capping head.

[0035] As shown in Fig.7 the cap portion 510 has on its outside circumferentially distributed grooves 590 in axial direction which have three functions. Firstly, injection moulding-spindle face design simplifies mould cap extraction.

[0036] A further reason why the 2-start thread is, besides balanced loading, advantageous, is the injection moulding spindle end thread face design Y-Y Z-Z provides a very simple effective cap extract method (die-cap removal). The cap circumferentially grooves 590 die engagement prevents rotation; only axial linear movements will occur when the spindle is rotated.

[0037] Therefore having only an axial movement, the helix thread angle determines linear movement per revolution. The cap profile Y sharp corners (Fig.11b) are formed by the spindle thread face design in the injection moulding process, without this symmetrical shape at Y the cap would not be able to be extracted successfully. Any other alternative method would be very expensive, complex tooling design with injector pins etc.. Furthermore, these Y-Z design aspects contribute to the mechanical stability, sealing performance and manufacturability of the sealing assembly. The Z-Z illustrates round corners, play an important critical roll, reducing stress concentration, improving mechanical force resilience, transportation, consumer handling and cleanly ejected caps from the mould, ejection efficiency, without deformation.

[0038] Secondly, air venting: the closure component assembly process procedure.

[0039] The first stage of the assembly process, the insert portion 520 is inserted into the cap portion 510 by mechanical means to combine, to form a cap sealing assembly. Next, then the second stage, the cap sealing assembly is pushed / pressed (Fig.8) into the empty closure 190, e.g. a 30x60 aluminium shell internal diameter, by mechanical means until it is located home in the roof region. Due to the cap and shell diameter fitting tolerances, if the outer diameter of the sealing assembly was of only a smooth surface and if the cap assembly would be pushed forwardly in, with a rapid movement by a mechanically device into the empty shell home position, this would create a piston increased air pressure effect, if the mechanical device was to be removed rapidly, as would be the case of a high-speed production line machinery, resulting in that the cap assembly, will have a tendency to move backwards away from the closure roof home position until the air pressure force subsided. This is another reason, advantage of have 40 circular outside grooves 590 to alleviate, allow for air pressure venting while mechanically be locate in the closure roof home position.

[0040] Thirdly, excess glue reservoir in the closure component assembly process. Before the sealing assembly, consisting of cap portion 510 and insert portion 520, is mechanically inserted into the empty shell roof region (Fig.8), hot melt glue is used to secure the sealing assembly in place preventing slippage. A very small amount of glue is placed into the roof region, top vertical / horizontal corner, on one side only.

[0041] Due to the cap and shell diameter fitting tolerances, an extremely thin glue volume film is only required which, that remains between the two surfaces; to provide adequate adhesion, any excessive glue is pushed into the grooves 590 creating a reservoir to absorb all or any excess.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly (500) for a closure (190), the closure (190) for applying to an opening, wherein the opening is for a container of fluid, the sealing assembly (500) including: a substantially rigid cap portion (510) for seating the sealing assembly (190) in a roof portion of the closure (190); and an insert portion (520) attachable to the cap portion (510), the insert portion (520) including an insert skirt portion (523), the insert skirt portion (523) flexible relative to the cap portion (510) and extending from the insert portion (520), the insert skirt portion (523) operable to contact an inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure to the opening, wherein the cap portion (510) includes a centrally disposed attachment region to which the insert portion (520) is attached to and a peripheral cap skirt portion (516); wherein the insert skirt portion (523) is biased against the inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure (190) to the opening, wherein the insert portion (520) is rotatably attached to the cap portion (510), characterized in that, the peripheral cap skirt portion (516) is cylindrically downwardly extended incorporating an internal two-start thread for engagement with an external thread of the container.

2. Sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap portion (510) has on its outside circumferentially distributed grooves (590) in axial direction.

3. A closure comprising a cap sealing assembly for applying to an opening of a container wherein the cap sealing assembly has an internal thread and the container has an external thread for engagement with each other, characterized in that the internal thread and the external thread are 2-start threads.

4. A closure comprising a sealing assembly (500) for applying to an opening for a container of fluid, the sealing assembly (500) including: a substantially rigid cap portion (510) and an insert portion (520) attachable to the cap portion (510), the insert portion (520) including an insert skirt portion (523), the insert skirt portion (523) flexible relative to the cap portion (510) and extending from the insert portion (520), the insert skirt portion (523) operable to contact an inner wall region of the opening on application of the closure to the opening, wherein the cap portion (510) includes a centrally disposed attachment region to which the insert portion (520) is attached to and a peripheral cap skirt portion (516); wherein the insert skirt portion (523) is biased against the inner wall region of the opening on application of the sealing assembly (500) to the opening, wherein the insert portion (520) is rotatably attached to the cap portion (510), characterized in that, the peripheral cap skirt portion (516) is cylindrically downwardly extended incorporating an internal two-start thread for engagement with an external thread of the container.

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