Flame mitigation closure assembly

Abstract

A closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the closure configured for flame mitigation and including: a closure finish defining an opening, the opening defining a spout; threads at an outer surface of the closure finish configured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end.

Description

FLAME MITIGATION CLOSURE ASSEMBLYFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flame mitigation closure assembly for a container.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] A container configured to hold a product with a liquid flashpoint of less than 140°F (60°C) and intended for disposable and pre-filled use, is required by ASTM F3429 / F3429M to include a flame mitigation device (FMD). A flame mitigation device (FMD) is a device installed in a portable container, such as a fuel container, to prevent propagation of an external ignition into the container. Container sizes smaller than 20L and larger than 100ml typically include a flame mitigation device. The flame mitigation device is configured to meet various performance criteria, such as a flashback test, an endurance test, and a permanency test. The flashback test includes maintaining a steady flow of testing gas through the container and tube, then stopping the testing gas and igniting the external flame to create flash back to the container and observe any internal ignition. The endurance test includes supplying and maintaining testing gas with the external flame on for 30 seconds, and leaving the external flame (2 inches away) on for 5 seconds after stopping the testing gas. The flame will not ignite the headspace inside a container. The flame should not ignite the headspace inside a container for both flashback and endurance tests. To satisfy the permanency test, a screen should resist a push-in and pullout force of 67 N. (15 lbs.). The flame mitigation device is compatible with any suitable child resistant spout cap.SUMMARY

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] The present disclosure includes a closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the closure configured for flame mitigation and including: a closure finish defining an opening at a top end of the closure, the opening defining a spout including a spout diameter; threads at an outer surface of the closure finishconfigured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end. The spout diameter is less than 1 .49 or more than 2.51 times greater than the ring axial height. The spout diameter is less than 0.99 or more than 1 .51 times greater than the screen axial height.

[0006] The present disclosure further includes a flame mitigation closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the flame mitigation closure including: a closure finish defining an opening at a top end of the closure, the opening defining a spout including a spout diameter; threads at an outer surface of the closure finish configured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end. The screen includes a cumulative open surface area that is 21% - 60% of a total surface area of the screen. The screen includes a cumulative solid surface area between 40% - 79% of a total surface area of the screen.

[0007] The present disclosure also includes a flame mitigation closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the flame mitigation closure including: a closure finish defining an opening at a top end of the closure, the opening defining a spout including a spout diameter; threads at an outer surface of the closure finish configured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end. The spout diameter isabout 2.53 times greater than the ring axial height. The spout diameter is about 1 .81 times greater than the screen axial height. The screen includes a cumulative open surface area of wire mesh that is 21% - 60% of a total surface area of the screen. The screen includes a cumulative solid surface area of wire mesh between 40% - 79% of a total surface area of the screen.

[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a flame mitigation closure assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a closure of the flame mitigation closure assembly of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary container finish of an exemplary container, the flame mitigation closure assembly of FIG. 1 is configured to cooperate with the container finish;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flame mitigation closure assembly including a screen encapsulated in plastic, press-fit into cooperation with a housing, and retained by tabs;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flame mitigation closure assembly including the screen heat sealed or sonic welded to the housing without tabs;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flame mitigation closure assembly showing an inner surface of the screen;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flame mitigation closure assembly including the screen with multiple layers; and

[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flame mitigation closure assembly of FIG. 1 mounted to the closure finish of FIG. 3.

[0018] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The present disclosure is directed to a flame mitigation device (FMD) closure for a container configured to store a flammable product. The FMD is press-fit onto a container finish of any suitable container configured to store flammable contents such as, but not limited to, fuel treatment additives, solvents, petroleum distillates, octane booster, ethanol, and similar products having a flash point below 140°F (60°C). The FMD is installed on a portable container to prevent the propagation of an external ignition into the container. An FMD is typically required for liquids having a flashpoint under 140°F (60°C), and for container sizes smaller than 20L and larger than 100ml. An FMD is typically required on container openings for filling and pouring, so as to prevent a flame from possibly propagating into, and potentially igniting, headspace within the container.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary flame mitigation closure assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The assembly 10 generally includes a closure 20, a cap 22, and a screen 24. The closure 20 and cap 22 are configured to be child resistant. FIG. 2 illustrates additional details of the closure 20. The closure 20 includes a closure finish 50 with an outer surface 52 and an inner surface 54 opposite to the outer surface 52. Threads 60 are at the outer surface 52. The threads 60 may protrude outward from the closure finish 50, or be recessed within the closure finish 60. The threads 60 are configured to cooperate with the cap 22 to secure the cap 22 to the closure finish 50 over a distal end 70 of the closure 20, which defines an opening 72 of the closure 20.

[0022] The closure 20 further includes a radial outer flange 80. Below the radial outer flange 80 is a receptacle 82, which is defined by the radial outer flange 80, a lip 84, and a skirt 86. At a distal end of the lip 84 is an outer tab 88. The receptacle 82 is defined as a circular receptacle in the example illustrated. The receptacle 82 may be defined to have any other suitable shape as well to cooperate with a container finish of any suitable shape. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary container 30 with an exemplary container finish 32 defining a container opening 34 having a diameter of 22mm to 42mm. The circular receptacle 82 is configured to cooperate with the circular container finish 32. The receptacle 82 can be configured with any other suitable shape and size to accommodate any other suitable container finish 32. The receptacle 82 is coupled tothe container 30 in any suitable manner, such as with a snap fit provided by pressing the closure 20 onto the container finish 32 such that the skirt 86 is seated within the container opening 34, and both the lip 84 and the outer tab 88 clip onto an outer surface of the container finish 32. FIG. 8 illustrates cooperation between the closure 20 and the container finish 32. The container opening 34 may have any suitable diameter, such as an inner diameter of 25.40mm and an outer diameter of 31 .40mm.

[0023] On top of the radial outer flange 80 are posts 90, which are configured to cooperate with tabs 92 of the cap 22. The cap 22 is configured in any suitable manner to cooperate with the threads 60, and the posts 90. For example, the cap 22 may be configured as any suitable child-resistant cap 22.

[0024] Within the closure 20 at the inner surface 54 is an inner flange ledge 110, which extends about an inner circumference of the closure finish 50. Adjacent to the ledge 110 is a cover 112. The cover 112 is connected to a handle 114. Pulling the handle 114 removes the cover 112 from cooperation with the inner flange ledge 110, and pulling the handle 114 further pulls the cover 112 out from within the closure 20 to open the closure 20.

[0025] The closure 20 further includes an inner tab 120, which is a circular tab opposite to a lower flange 122. The screen 24 is seated against the lower flange 122 between the inner tab 120 and the lower flange 122. The inner tab 120 holds the screen 24 against the lower flange 122. The screen 24 may be press-fit over the inner tab 120 to lock the screen 24 between the inner tab 120 and the lower flange 122. The screen 24 thus spans the interior of the closure 20 such that product dispensed from, and introduced into, the container 30 must pass through the screen 24. In other embodiments, the screen 24 is retained against the lower flange 122 by heat staking or ultrasonic welding.

[0026] The screen 24 defines a plurality of openings 130 extending from a top surface 132 to a bottom surface 134. The openings 130 are generally defined by a mesh surface of the screen 24. The openings 130 have a hole diameter of 1.4mm or smaller. The screen 24 has a thickness T (FIGS. 1 and 8) between the top surface 132 and the bottom surface 134. The screen 24 is made of any suitable material, such as any suitable polymeric material or any suitable metallic material. The screen 24 may also be a metallic mesh encapsulated in a polymeric thermoplastic material 28, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example. The screen 24 includes a cumulative open surface area of wire mesh between 21% to 60% of a total surface area of the screen 24. Theshape of the open areas defined by the screen 24 may be any suitable round, rounded, our polygonal shape. The screen 24 includes a cumulative solid surface area of wire mesh between 40% to 79% of the total surface area of the screen 24. The total thickness T of the screen 24 is 1.0mm to 6.0mm. The diameter of the screen 24 is between 10mm to 40mm. The screen 24 can comprise more than one layer of screen 24, as illustrated in FIG. 7, for example. The screen 24 can be flat (FIGS. 1 , 2, and 8) or dome-shaped (FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7), which provides a relatively larger surface area compared to a flat disk.

[0027] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate the screen 24 configured with a dome shape and a wire mesh. The dome shape of screen 24 has a radius of 5mm to 20mm. The dome shape of screen 24 has an axial height of 2mm to 7mm. The screen 24 may include a wire mesh configured to provide a cooling effect due to having a relatively large surface area for heat transfer. When a flame heats the wire mesh, some of the heat is transferred to the mesh, which prevents the flame temperature from reaching the ignition point of flammable gas. FIG. 4 illustrates the screen 24 encapsulated in the polymeric thermoplastic material. FIG. 5 illustrates the screen alternatively heat-sealed or sonic welded to the lower flange 122 without the polymeric thermoplastic material 28 and without the need for the lower flange 122. FIG. 7 illustrates the screen 24 including multiple layers, such as a first layer 36 and a second layer 38. Both the first layer 36 and the second layer 38 define the openings 130. The screen 24 may include a plurality of layers of wire mesh stacked together. Each layer would be a separate piece of mesh. Each layer can be aligned or offset at an angle to achieve a specific pore size or opening area. The plurality of stacked screen layers 24 with the angled overlay can create a more effective FMD by reducing the opening size to improve flame mitigation performance and maintain a sufficient flow rate for the liquid passing through the FMD.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 8, for example, the opening 72 or spout has a spout diameter Ds of 19mm or about 19mm. A ring axial height H1 between the distal end 70 of the closure finish 50 and the inner flange ledge 110 is 7.5mm, or about 7.5mm. Thus, a ratio of the spout diameter Ds to ring axial height H1 is at least 2.51 , or about 2.53. A mesh axial height H2 between the top surface 132 of the screen 24 and the distal end 70 is 10.5mm or about 10.5mm. Thus, a ratio of the spout diameter Ds to the mesh axial height is at least 1 .51 , or about 1 .81 .

[0029] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0032] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," “directly engaged to,” "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g.,“between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0034] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the closure configured for flame mitigation and comprising: a closure finish defining an opening at a top end of the closure, the opening defining a spout including a spout diameter; threads at an outer surface of the closure finish configured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end; wherein: the spout diameter is less than 1 .49 or more than 2.51 times greater than the ring axial height; and the spout diameter is less than 0.99 or more than 1 .51 times greater than the screen axial height.

2. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the spout diameter is less than 0.99 or more than 1 .21 times greater than a ring diameter of the ring.

3. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the spout diameter is about 2.53 times greater than the ring axial height.

4. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the spout diameter is about 1 .81 times greater than the screen axial height.

5. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen defines a cumulative open surface area that is 21 % - 60% of a total surface area of the screen.

6. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen includes a cumulative solid surface area between 40% - 79% of a total surface area of the screen.

7. The closure of claim 1 , further comprising an inner tab opposite to the lower flange, the screen is retained between the inner tab and the lower flange.

8. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen includes a total thickness of 1 mm - 6mm.

9. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen is shaped to include a dome.

10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the dome has a radius of 5mm - 20mm.11 . The closure of claim 9, wherein the dome has an axial height of 2mm to 7mm.

12. The closure of claim 9, wherein the dome is concave relative to the opening.

13. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen is flat.

14. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen includes a thermoplastic material.

15. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen is a metallic mesh material.

16. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen includes a metal encapsulated in a thermoplastic material.

17. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen consists of at least one layer.

18. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the screen has a diameter of 10mm - 40mm.

19. The closure of claim 1 , where the screen is retained by one of mechanical press fit, heat-staking and ultrasonic welding.

20. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the spout has an inner diameter of 22mm to 42mm.

21. A flame mitigation closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the flame mitigation closure comprising: a closure finish defining an opening at a top end of the closure, the opening defining a spout including a spout diameter; threads at an outer surface of the closure finish configured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end; wherein the screen includes a cumulative open surface area that is 21% - 60% of a total surface area of the screen; and wherein the screen includes a cumulative solid surface area between 40% - 79% of a total surface area of the screen.

22. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the spout diameter is less than 1 .49 or more than 2.51 times greater than the ring axial height.

23. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the spout diameter is less than .99 or more than 1 .51 times greater than the screen axial height.

24. The closure of claim 21 , wherein the spout diameter is less than 0.99 or more than 1 .21 times greater than a ring diameter of the ring.

25. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , further comprising an inner tab opposite to the lower flange, the screen is retained between the inner tab and the lower flange.

26. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen has a total thickness of 1 mm - 6mm.

27. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen is shaped to include a dome.

28. The flame mitigation closure of claim 27, wherein the dome has a radius of 5mm - 20mm.

29. The flame mitigation closure of claim 27, wherein the dome has an axial height of 2mm to 7mm.

30. The flame mitigation closure of claim 27, wherein the dome is concave relative to the opening.31 . The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen is flat.

32. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen is a thermoplastic material.

33. The closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen is a metallic mesh material.

34. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen includes a metal encapsulated in a thermoplastic material.

35. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen consists of at least one layer.

36. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the screen has a diameter of 10mm - 40mm.

37. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , where the screen is retained by one of mechanical press fit, heat-staking and ultrasonic welding.

38. The flame mitigation closure of claim 21 , wherein the spout has an inner diameter of 22mm to 42mm.

39. A flame mitigation closure for a container configured to store a flammable material, the flame mitigation closure comprising: a closure finish defining an opening at a top end of the closure, the opening defining a spout including a spout diameter; threads at an outer surface of the closure finish configured to cooperate with a cap for closing the opening; an inner flange extending around an inner surface of the closure finish to define a ring, the inner flange spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a ring axial height; a removable cover adjacent to the inner flange to close the closure; a lower flange opposite to the inner flange; a screen adjacent to the lower flange and extending across an interior of the closure, the screen spaced apart from the top end of the closure by a screen axial height extending from a top surface of the screen to the top end; wherein: the spout diameter is about 2.53 times greater than the ring axial height; the spout diameter is about 1.81 times greater than the screen axial height; the screen includes a cumulative open surface area of wire mesh that is 21% - 60% of a total surface area of the screen; and the screen includes a cumulative solid surface area of wire mesh between 40% - 79% of a total surface area of the screen.

40. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the screen is shaped to include a dome.41 . The flame mitigation closure of claim 40, wherein the dome has a radius of 5mm - 20mm.

42. The flame mitigation closure of claim 40, wherein the dome has an axial height of 2mm to 7mm.

43. The flame mitigation closure of claim 40, wherein the dome is concave relative to the opening.

44. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the screen is flat.

45. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the screen is a thermoplastic material.

46. The closure of claim 39, wherein the screen is a metallic mesh material.

47. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the screen includes a metal encapsulated in a thermoplastic material.

48. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the screen consists of at least one layer.

49. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the screen has a diameter of 10mm - 40mm.

50. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, where the screen is retained by one of mechanical press fit, heat-staking and ultrasonic welding.

51. The flame mitigation closure of claim 39, wherein the spout has an inner diameter of 22mm to 42mm.

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