Bridges for polyester resin closures for containers and methods of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

Polyester resin closures with folded bands including a plurality of bridges for closing containers are provided herein. The polyester resin closures mount onto a finish of a container. A folded band is configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, the folded band comprising the plurality of bridges. Methods of making the closures are further provided. Systems for creating the closures are further provided.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601BRIDGES FOR POLYESTER RESIN CLOSURES FOR CONTAINERS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 733,037 filed December 12, 2024, with the entire disclosure incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to polyester resin closures. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to polyester resin closures with tamper- evident bridges.BACKGROUND

[0003] During capping, closure bridges are intended to remain untouched while capping so as to provide evidence of tampering when they are easily cracked while opening the cap. However, current bridge designs either result in caps being hard to open or failing during manufacturing while being capped on a container. Therefore, there is a need in the art for closures with bridges that survive capping applications during manufacturing but are easy to open for consumers.SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a polyester resin closure that mounts onto a finish of a container; the polyester resin closure including: (a) an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; (b) an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall includes one or more threads configured to engage with the finish; and (c) a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, the folded band including a plurality of bridges that connect an upper surface of the folded band to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure. In some aspects, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to break when the closure is unthreaded from the finish, such that the folded band is retained in position by the tamper evidence ledge. In some aspects, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to withstand a greater breaking stress than a breaking stress of remaining bridges, such that the one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges remain intact to provide a tether to keep the closure attached to the finish. In some aspects, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges include a notch on a favored side of a corresponding bridge,Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601 the favored side being against a direction of rotation of the polyester resin closure. In some aspects, the folded band is configured to fold behind the lower wall and at least a portion of the folded band sits under the tamper evidence ledge of the finish. In some aspects, at least one bridge of the plurality of bridges has a width at a top of the at least one bridge that is smaller than a width at a base of the at least one bridge. In some aspects, there is no contact and / or no overlapping of adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges. In some aspects, a free space between adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges is trapezoidal or triangular in shape. In some aspects, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are staggered such that a top of the one or more bridges is circumferentially offset from a bottom of a corresponding bridge of the plurality of bridges. In some aspects, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are curved between a top of a bridge of the plurality of bridges and a base of a corresponding bridge. In some aspects, rotation of the closure in a direction of the one or more threads results in an increase in the slanted angle of the plurality of bridges, relative to the slanted angle prior to the rotation. In some aspects, the one or more threads are positioned between the annular wall and the lower wall. In some aspects, the one or more threads include an internal thread or an external thread. In some aspects, the one or more threads are configured for a snap-on engagement with the finish. In some aspects, the polyester resin closure includes polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandicarboxylate, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandi carb oxy late. In some aspects, a polyester resin closure further includes a plurality of external knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall. In some aspects, a polyester resin closure further includes a plurality of internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall. In some aspects, a polyester resin closure further includes a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish. In some aspects, the outer cylindrical wall includes an outer skirt having a clearance with a corresponding outer surface of the rim such that the polyester resin closure deforms in a region of the plug seal. In some aspects, the plug seal includes a chamfer for guiding the plug seal past a lip of the inner surface of the finish when the polyester resin closure is capped onto the container. In some aspects, the plug seal includes an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall. In some aspects, the inner cylindrical wall includes a radial surface that is dimensioned for an interference fit with a corresponding inwardly facing surface of the rim of the finish for sealing. In some aspects, the interference fit is configured to seal the polyester resin closure to the finish. In some aspects, an amount of interference in the interference fit is from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm. In some aspects, an amount of interference in the interference fit is about 0.05 mm. In some aspects, a lower wall extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall. In some aspects, the lower wall is configured to change shape in response to pressurized contents within an interior of the container. In some aspects, the lower wall has a concave upwardAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 shape that becomes a convex upward shape when pressure is applied by pressurized contents within the interior of the container. In some aspects, the lower wall is configured to increase pressure on a sealing interface between the plug seal and the finish. In some aspects, the plug seal is configured to establish a sealing interface with the finish; optionally wherein a width of the sealing interface is configured to bridge defects present in the finish. In some aspects, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are positioned such that a top or base of each of the one or more bridges aligns with a portion of a folding tab of the folded band.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly including: a container including a tamper evidence ledge at a finish portion of the container.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for creating a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system including a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers.

[0008] These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view with a partial diametrical cross-section of an example of a closure mounted to an example of a finish of a container;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a diametrical cross-sectional view of another example of a closure including an external seal for scaling to another example of a finish of a container; and

[0012] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a perspective view (FIG. 3A) and a close-up view (FIG. 3B), respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a closure;

[0013] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a side view of a CAD model (FIG. 4A) and a side view photograph (FIG. 4A), respectively, of a closure with molded in bridges, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0014] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrates side views of closures with at least one molded in bridge that is slanted in either a same direction as a threading of the closure (FIG. 5 A) or an opposite direction as a threading of the closure (FIG. 5B), according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0015] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrates photographs of closures having bridges including a series of wider slits with a twofold symmetry in the shape of a high aspect ratio ellipse overlapping each other;

[0016] FIGS. 7A-7C, illustrate photographs of exemplary closures; FIG. 7A illustrates a closure having molded-in bridges that have been thermoformed circumferentially about the closure; FIG. 7B illustrates a closure having a molded-in bridge formed from a constant depth cut, and slits laterally surrounding the molded-in bridge formed from a constant depth cut; and FIG. 7C illustrates a closure having a molded-in bridge, and slits laterally surrounding the molded-in bridge formed from a constant depth cut.

[0017] While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a polyester resin closure. The closure includes an annular wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container. The closure further includes an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall includes one or more threads configured to engage with the finish. The closure further includes a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish. In some embodiments, the folded band includes a plurality of bridges that connect an upper surface of the folded band to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0020] Closure bridges are designed to stay untouched while capping as evidence of tampering when they are easily cracked while opening the closure. Further, consumers often complain that some closures are hard to open, and there are problems in manufacturing lines with closures having bridges fail while being capped on a container.

[0021] Conventionally, bridges are formed vertically along the axis of rotation rather than slanted with respect to that axis. While capping a closure with such bridges, shearing forces in hoop direction act in one direction at the top, and the opposite direction at the bottom of the bridges, causing shearing deformation. The inventors have recognized and appreciated the use of angled bridges in closures, allowing for closures that are stronger than conventional closures during capping with a capping machine while also having low strength requirements for ease of opening the closure by a consumer. Angled bridges perform differently while initially capped clockwise than when they are later opened counterclockwise, or vice versa. Asymmetric angled bridges with respect to a vertical axis of a closure thus provide higher strength while capping and easy opening, thus improving beverage manufacturing efficiency and consumer safety and experience.

[0022] Angled bridges can further provide a controlled amount of springing as well. For example, during capping, a tamper evidence band (TEB) connected to a body of the closure using angled bridges can be allowed to stretch, which allows for more resilience to breaking during initial application to a finish of the container, while requiring less breaking stress for removal of the closure body from the TEB. Additionally, said stretching can embed residual compression into the bridges, resulting in plastic deformation of the surface of the bridges so as to replace undesirable tensile stresses with compressive ones that can improve the bridges’ strength, fatigue life, and resistance to crack propagation.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to break when the closure is unthreaded from the finish, such that the folded band is retained in position by the tamper evidence ledge. In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to withstand a greater breaking stress than a breaking stress of the remaining bridges, such that the one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges remain intact to provide a tether to keep the closure attached to the finish. In some embodiments, an orientation of the bridges corresponds to an orientation of a threading on the closure. In some embodiments, the bridges are rectangular. In some embodiments, the bridges are knife shaped. In some embodiments, a shape of each bridge of the plurality of bridges varies and / or alternates with neighboring bridges or at patterned intervals.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of bridges comprises about 2 to 5 bridges, about 2 to 10 bridges, about 5 to 25 bridges, about 10 to 25 bridges, about 10 to 30 bridges, about 25 to 50 bridges, about 2 to 8 bridges, about 4 to 12 bridges, about 4 to 20 bridges, about 5 to 25 bridges, about 10 to 30 bridges, about 15 to 40 bridges, about 20 to 50 bridges, about 30 to 70 bridges, about 40 to 80 bridges, about 50 to 100 bridges, about 40 to 100 bridges, or greater than 100 bridges.

[0025] In some embodiments, the plurality of bridge can be offset from one another in height along an outer wall of the closure. For example, every other bridge can be relatively higher along the outer wall as compared to the rest of the bridges.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bridges are angled at less than about 45 degrees relative to a bottom edge of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the bridges are angled between about 1 to 10 degrees, between about 1 to 20 degrees, between about 5 to 30 degrees, between about 10 to 30 degrees, between about 5 to 45 degrees, between about 20 to 45 degrees, between about 30 to 50 degrees, between about 40 to 75 degrees, between about 50 to 80 degrees, between about 45 to 85 degrees, between about 50 to 85 degrees, between about 25 to 75 degrees, between about 35 to 65 degrees, or between about 75 to about 90 degrees relative to a bottom edge of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, an angle of each of the bridges increases or decreases progressively around the closure. In some embodiments, the bridges curve or angle out of plane of a bottom edge of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, rotation of the closure in the direction of the one or more threads results in an increase in the slant angle of the plurality of bridges, relative to the slant angle prior to the rotation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the bridges are slanted radially, i.e., either towards or away from a central axis of a closure. For example, a bottom edge of a bridge can be toward an outer surface of a closure, and a top edge of the bridge can be toward a central axis of a closure. As another example, a bottom edge of a bridge can be toward a central axis of a closure, and a top edge of the bridge can be toward an outer surface of a closure. In some embodiments, the bridges are slanted tangentially, i.e., either towards or away from an outer edge or tangent of a surface of a closure. For example, a direction of a bottom edge of a bridge to a top edge of a bridge can be clockwise. As another example, a direction of a bottom edge of a bridge to a top edge of a bridge can be counterclockwise. In some embodiments, a bridge can be angled in multiple directions, i.e., a combination of both tangential and radial directions, with varying magnitudes of each direction. For example, a direction of a bottom edge of a bridge to a top edge of a bridge can be clockwise while the bottom edge is toward a central axis of a closure and the top edge is toward an outerAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 surface of a closure. By adjusting a direction and severity of each angle of the bridges, an amount of residual stress to be stored by the bridges and a strength of the bridges during application of the closure and opening of the closure can each be controlled. For example, if incorporating bridges that oppose a direction of the threading, when applying a closure, low stress is applied to the bridge; however, when removing the closure, high stress is applied to the bridge, thus allowing for smaller bridges to have a relatively higher performance upon opening of the closure.

[0028] In some embodiments, all bridges are angled in the same way. In some embodiments, all bridges are angled in a different way. In some embodiments, any number of the plurality of bridges are angled in a same fashion as each other, whereas any other amount of bridges can be angled differently from one another according to any of the angles or directions described above.

[0029] The inventors have further recognized and appreciated that the use of a notch on bridges allow for crack initiation while opening the closure. When closing the closure, since the notch is under compression, there is less likely for the crack in the notch tip to grow. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges include a notch on a favored side of a corresponding bridge, the favored side being against a direction of rotation of the polyester resin closure. In some embodiments, a direction of rotation is upon opening a closure and / or for breaking one or more of the plurality of bridges.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one bridge of the plurality of bridges has a width at the top of the at least one bridge that is smaller than a width at the base of the at least one bridge. In some embodiments, the bridges include a series of wider slits with a twofold symmetry in the shape of a high aspect ratio ellipse overlapping each other. In some embodiments, a width of each of a base or a top of a bridge ranges from about 0.1 to 1 mm, from about 1 to 2 mm, from about 0.1 to 1.5 mm, from about 0.5 to 2 mm, from about 0.8 to 3 mm, from about 0.2 to 2 mm, from about 0.5 to 4 mm, from about 1 to 5 mm, from about 0.5 to 6 mm, from about 1 to 4 mm, from about 2 to 5 mm, from about 2 to 8 mm, from about 3 to 9 mm, from about 4 to 10 mm, from about 3 to 10 mm, from about 4 to 12 mm, from about 2 to 15 mm, from about 2 to 6 mm, from about 3 to 7 mm, from about 0.4 to 3 mm, from about 0.4 to 2 mm, from about 5 to 8 mm, from about 10 to 15 mm, or greater than 15 mm.

[0031] In some embodiments, there is no contact and / or no overlapping of adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges. In some embodiments, a free space between adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges is trapezoidal or triangular in shape.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0032] In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are staggered such that a top of the one or more bridges overlaps an adjacent bridge of the plurality of bridges. Putting the terminal end of a bridge or a notch or slit thereof about 45 degrees from a terminal end of its overlying row’s nearest neighbor is intended to encourage crack propagation to the next slit upon opening.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are offset from a base of a bridge to a top of a bridge. A base, or base root, of a bridge would be a portion of a bridge that is closer to a folded band or a tamper evidence band (TEB), whereas a top, or skirt connection, of a bridge can be a portion of a bridge that is closer to an outer skirt of a closure. In some embodiments, a top of the one or more bridges is offset circumferentially from a base of the one or more bridges. In some embodiments, such an offset is by a predetermined distance. In some embodiments, a predetermined distance is designed to prevent any overlap between adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges. In some embodiments, a predetermined distance is designed to allow for a portion of overlap between adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges. In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are staggered such that a top of the one or more bridges is offset circumferentially from a base of the corresponding one or more bridges.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are curved between a top of a bridge of the plurality of bridges and a base of said bridge. In some embodiments, the bridges include rounded ends. This may strengthen a bridge for closure applications. In some embodiments, rounded ends of the bridges may be combined with a varied orientation of the bridges, thereby favoring opening or uncapping performance.

[0035] In some embodiments, a closure further includes an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for scaling against the inwardly facing surface of the finish. The closure further includes a lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall.

[0036] In some embodiments, one or more threads are positioned between the annular wall and the lower wall. In some embodiments, the one or more threads comprise an internal thread or an external thread. In some embodiments, the one or more threads are configured for a snap-on engagement with the finish.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0037] In some embodiments, a closure further includes a plurality of external knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, a closure further includes a plurality of internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0038] In some embodiments, a closure further includes a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish. In some embodiments, the plug seal includes an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall. In some embodiments, the inner cylindrical wall includes a radial surface that is dimensioned for an interference fit with a corresponding inwardly facing surface of the rim of finish for sealing. In some embodiments, the plug seal is configured to establish a sealing interface with the finish. In some embodiments, the lower wall is configured to increase pressure on a sealing interface between the plug seal and the finish.

[0039] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of making a polyester resin closure for mounting to a finish of a container. The method includes forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body using a mold. In some embodiments, a closure body includes: an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish; and a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, wherein an upper surface of the folded band is connected to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall. The method further includes forming a plurality of holes into the folded band along a horizontal axis of the cap. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes are trapezoidal or triangular in shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes in the folded band results in formation of a plurality of bridges that connect the upper surface of the folded band to the lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure.

[0040] In some embodiments, a folded band is configured to fold behind the lower wall. In some embodiments, the folded band is configured to fold under the tamper evidence ledge of the finish, such that the plurality of bridges breaks when the closure is unthreaded from the finish while retaining the folded band in position. In some embodiments, a folded band is configured to fold behind the lower wall and at least a portion of the folded band sits under the tamper evidence ledge of the finish. In some embodiments, a folded band comprises a plurality of folding tabs, or “flaps,” where each of the folding tabs is separate from one another and may be folded individually. In some embodiments, each of the folding tabs is adjacent to one another along aAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 lower edge of the lower wall. This can allow for at least one flap that sits above the band and at least one flap that sits below the band. This can also allow for a folded band on the outer cylindrical wall to terminate above or below the tamper-evidence bead based on where the tamper-evidence band is slit. The folded band is discussed in more detail below.

[0041] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system for creating a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container. A system may include a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures including: an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish; and a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish. The folded band may include plurality of bridges that connect an upper surface of the folded band to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure. In some embodiments, the closure, when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0042] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a resin closure for closing a container including a polyester. The closure includes a top wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container. The closure further includes a cylindrical wall extending downwardly from the top wall and configured such that an inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the rim for scaling against the outwardly facing surface of the rim.

[0043] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an injection molded polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, wherein the polyester resin includes polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF).

[0044] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester. The closure includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer includes an outer layer annular wall. The outer layer further includes an outer layer outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the outer layer annular wall. The outer layer further includes an outer layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the outer layer annual wall. The outer layer further includes an outer layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the outer layer inner depression wall, the outer layer lower wall including a firstAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 shaped downward depression. The inner layer includes an inner layer annular wall. The inner layer includes an inner layer outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall. The inner layer includes an inner layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall, the inner layer depression wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner layer inner depression wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the finish for scaling against the outwardly facing surface of the finish. The inner layer includes an inner layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner layer inner depression wall, the inner layer lower wall including a second shaped downward depression that receives the first shaped downward depression. A lower surface of the first shaped downward depression is configured to confront and lock against an upper surface of the second shaped downward depression.

[0045] Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a closure element (closure) for a container or a precursor for such a closure element, comprising a closure body which is made of thermoplastic material and is formed by thermoforming, with a lid wall and a side wall, wherein the side wall has an end face facing away from the lid wall, and wherein the side wall surrounds an opening of the closure body at the end face.

[0046] The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a closure element for a container or a preliminary product for a closure element for a container, in which a starting material is provided in sheet form or film form from thermoplastic material and a closure body is produced by thermoforming the starting material, which closure body has a lid wall and a side wall, the side wall surrounding an opening. An example of such a closure element is a cap for a bottle (for holding liquids) as a container.

[0047] WO 2023 / 205730 Al, incorporated herein in its entirety, discloses polyester resin closure elements for containers produced by thermoforming. The present disclosure is based on the task of developing a closure element of which may be produced with advantageous properties in a simple manner by thermoforming. This task is solved in accordance with the present disclosure in the case of the closure element mentioned at the beginning in that a plurality of folding tabs are arranged on the side wall in the region of the end face, adjacent folding tabs being separate from one another, and in that the folding tabs may be folded individually.

[0048] By thermoforming from a thermoplastic material, closure elements may be produced which have a relatively low wall thickness. This means that the amount of material used may be kept low and the mass of such a closure element may be kept relatively low. This also makes itAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 possible to produce closure elements from PET for PET bottles, for example. This makes it easy to recycle the entire system of closure element and bottle.

[0049] In some embodiments, the plurality of bridges arranged on the side wall allow at least preliminary elements for such bridges to be produced integrally during forming or thermoforming. The bridges may be used, for example, to realize a tamper-evident device that is suitable for ensuring tamper-proof opening of the closure element on the container. The fact that neighboring bridges are separated from each other means that a preliminary element for such a bridge may be used in a thermoforming process, integrally with the production process. For example, bridges may be produced starting from a contact area (clamping edge) of a workpiece during thermoforming. Due to the individual mobility of the plurality of bridges in relation to the side wall, the closure element may then be easily produced from a pre-product, in which the plurality of bridges may be folded into the side wall.

[0050] Due to the separation of adjacent bridges and their individual mobility in relation to the side wall, adjacent bridges are not coupled to each other in terms of mobility and these may be easily moved from an initial position outside through the opening into the interior of the closure body to a position outside the side wall. If bridges are arranged in the interior of the body, the diameter of the opening is reduced. As a result, a closure element that is correspondingly aligned with the closed opening may be used.

[0051] The container may be fixed in place in the form of a press fit and / or by positive locking, particularly via undercuts. Increased force is then used at least for the initial opening and a tamperproof device is realized as a result. For example, a separating plane between adjacent bridges extends to the side wall. This allows the bridges to be moved independently of each other (without coupling with each other) relative to the side wall and, for example, to be brought into their end position. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent material overlap or the like. Starting from a starting position, the end position of the bridges may be easily achieved by machine, for example using punches as the corresponding tools. For the same reason, in some embodiments, neighboring bridges are spaced apart from each other and are not connected to each other. As a result, there is no direct mechanical coupling between adjacent bridges and, as a result, the closure element may be realized in a simple manner starting from an initial position of the bridges (corresponding to a preliminary product for a closure element) with simple manufacturability, with the bridges are in the end position.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0052] In some embodiments, one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are formed in a way such that movement of the one or more bridges influences a position of one or more neighboring bridge when bent. In some embodiments, the forming of the plurality of bridges is through thermoforming. In some embodiments, the forming of the plurality of bridges is through cutting or punching through the closure, such as, for example, at or adjacent to the folded band. When thermoforming the bridges with a mold, for example, an angle of formation of the bridges can be more easily controlled. When cutting is performed, for example, such cuts may vary based on a cutting depth, where the bridges can be cut toward a side wall via punching, e.g., from a punching mechanism. Thus, based on the cutting, folding of one or more bridge may start to influence a bend in the neighboring bridge. In this way, some of the bridges may be cut so as to allow for dependency or influence from other bridges.

[0053] In some embodiments, the forming of the plurality of bridges is through slitting the closure a predetermined and constant depth circumferentially about the closure such that bridges can be formed during thermoforming. The slitting can be along a predetermined height along the outer cylindrical wall of the closure. Such a forming can allow for fixed alignment of the plurality of bridges with the folding tabs or flaps of the TEB. In some embodiments, one one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are positioned such that a top or base of each of the one or more bridges aligns with a portion, e.g., any feature, of a folding tab of the folded band or TEB.

[0054] In some embodiments, predecessors for the bridges can be thermoformed at one or more predetermined location circumferentially about the closure and / or along an outer cylindrical wall of the closure. A predecessor for the bridges, for example, can be dimples that are later slit to become bridges. Predecessors for bridges can be prescribed with any desired configuration. For example, predecessor for bridges can be prescribed to be between folding tabs, on either side of a folding tab, to be aligned with every other tab, to be centered on a folding tab of a plurality of folding tabs, or the like. When centered on a folding tab, forces acting to break the bridge could be communicated to or transferred to a finish of the container through the folding tab. In such an example, a shear stress can also be present. In an example to avoid the shear stress, a predecessor of a bridge, or a final bridge, can be formed to be offset from a center of a folding tab. In some embodiments, at least one predecessor of a bridge or thermoformed bridge of the plurality of bridges can be combined with at least one slitted bridge, such that a combination of different bridges can be formed.

[0055] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: the first transverse side and the second transverse side run up to an outside of the side wall; or the first transverse side ofAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 a first bridge is adjacent to a transverse side of a second bridge adjacent to the first bridge, where the first transverse side of the first bridge and the second transverse side of the second bridge are adjacent to each other and are separated from the second bridge by a free space.

[0056] The corresponding bridges may therefore be produced easily and also easily moved from the starting position to the end position. By providing a free space, adjacent bridges may not directly mechanically coupled to each other.

[0057] In some embodiments, the bases of the bridges lie on a common plane. This results in a simple design and easy to manufacture. In some embodiments, the tops of the bridges lie on a second circular line. This allows for simple manufacturability with a simple design. For example, in an initial position, the bridges are angled away from the lower wall to a different vertical location along the outer cylindrical wall and the second circle line has a similar diameter to that of the circle with the first circle line. This corresponds to the preliminary product for a closure element. The initial position may be determined integrally from a contact area (clamping area or sealing area) during thermoforming.

[0058] For example, the bridges have an initial position in which they point outwards away from the folded band, and have an end position in which they lie in the opening and point inwards, for example, with at least one of the following: in the end position, the bridges are oriented parallel to the side wall or at an acute angle of no more than 20° to the side wall; in the starting position, the bridges are transverse and, for example, oriented perpendicular to a height axis of the closure body; in the initial position, the bridges are positioned outside an interior space of the closure body and in the end position they are positioned in the interior space of the closure body; in the initial position, the bridges are oriented transversely and, for example, perpendicular to the side wall; or an angle between the starting position and the end position is in the range between 340°-a and 380°-a, where a is an angle between the side wall and the bridges is in the starting position.

[0059] In some embodiments linear stamping processes may be used to position the bridges from outside an interior space of the closure body into the closure body. In some embodiments, the bridges are arranged on a ring which is connected to the side wall and which is created from a contact area or part of the contact area of a sheet or film on a mold during thermoforming. This allows for producing predecessors for the bridges on a ring. The bridges may then be produced in their final shape by thermoforming from a mold, or cutting or punching slits in the folded band, for example.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0060] In some embodiments, folding lines and / or swivel axes and / or tilting axes are provided for the bridges to be movable in relation to the side wall. This means that a transition area between a contact area (clamping edge) may be used directly to form (virtual) fold lines or pivot axes or tilting axes during thermoforming. For example, spaced bridges are separated from each other by cutting and, for example, punching. The bridges themselves are then formed from a mold or cut out, so to speak, from a clamping edge that is present during the thermoforming process. Material may be removed, for example by punching, in order to create the final shape of the bridges.

[0061] In some embodiments, bridges of a base, when positioned inside the opening of the closure body, do not protrude into an outer space surrounding the side wall or, at most, protrude 0.5 mm into the outer space. This allows the bridges to be advantageously integrated into the closure element as a tamper-evident device.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: the bridges have a wall thickness between an underside and an upper side which differs by at most 50% and, for example, by at most 25% from a wall thickness of the side wall, and, for example, the wall thickness of the side wall corresponds to the wall thickness of a respective bridge; the wall thickness of the bridges is a maximum of 2 mm; the bridges are evenly spaced around the opening; or the bridges have the same size and shape.

[0063] In some embodiments, the uniform spacing around the opening and the same size and shape allows for producing the bridges. The pre-product may be made by thermoforming, and the closure element made from the pre-product by demolding. If the bridges have essentially the same wall thickness as other wall elements of the closure body, they may be produced by thermoforming.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bridges form a tamper-evident device for the closure element.

[0065] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: a thread is arranged on the second part; a transition from the first part to the second part is provided with at least one predetermined breaking point; or at least one securing element, which is connected to the second part, sits integrally on the first part. In some embodiments, the second part may then be removed from the container after releasing the anti-tampering device (by moving the second part towards the first part). Opening may be carried out in the same way as unscrewing. In this way, reclosability may be achieved. By providing at least one predetermined breaking point, for example in in the form of at least one perforation, the second part may be released relative to the first part once aAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 force threshold has been exceeded. Such perforations may be produced, for example, on the preliminary product (after the thermoforming process has been completed).

[0066] When manufacturing the closure body, a securing element may be produced in one piece, for example, from a clamping edge during thermoforming. This may be connected to the first part. The second part, which may in principle be removed from the first part, may be secured against loss in relation to the first part and therefore also in relation to the fastener via the securing element as a holder on which the first part (with the bridges as a manipulation safety device) is located. The task mentioned at the beginning is further solved in accordance with the present disclosure in that at least one securing element is arranged on the side wall, wherein the at least one securing element is integrally connected to the side wall. The at least one securing element serves as an anti-loss device for the locking element in relation to the container. The locking element is secured via the at least one securing element is connected to the container, even if the closure element no longer closes the container, or it connects parts of the closure element to one another, for example, a first part of the closure element being held on the container by the securing element and a second part of the closure element being removable from the container and is securely connected to the first part via the locking element.

[0067] In some embodiments, at least one securing element is integrally connected to the side wall. The at least one securing element may be easily produced integrally with the closure body during thermoforming. For example, the at least one securing element may be connected to the side wall in the area of the end face. This makes it easy to manufacture the at least one securing element integrally with the connector body. In some embodiments, the at least one securing element protrudes outwards from the side wall in a basic position. The basic position is, for example, the position of the at least one securing element towards the side wall. The thermoforming process and, if necessary, a cutting or punching process in which the shape of the securing element is cut or punched out of the clamping edge makes it easy to manufacture the closure body with integrated at least one securing element.

[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is produced from a contact area of a sheet or film on a mold during thermoforming. This allows for the at least one securing element to be integrally connected to the closure body (including bridges), without subsequent connection or similar with a closure body. This further allows for material-saving use. The recyclability of a corresponding closure element with an integrated at least one securing element is also high.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0069] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is provided to one or more of the following: a base to which the at least one securing element is connected to the side wall; a fixing area for fixing to the container; or, if necessary, a web area between the base and the fixation area. The at least one securing element may be integrally connected to the side wall via the base. The at least one securing element may also be fixed to the container via the fixing area. The web area may be used to adjust the distance between the base and the fixing area, in case of use for a desired application. The fixing area may allow for fixing the at least one securing element and thus the closure element to the container or to fix parts of the container to the container. This fixation may be achieved in different ways, for example by welding or adhesion. The design of the fixing area of the at least one securing element depends on the application. For example, if an adhesive connection is provided it makes sense if the fixing area provides a continuous surface. For other applications, the fixing area may have a recess with an opening to the outside and a horseshoe shape, for example.

[0070] In some embodiments, the fixing area of the at least one securing element is a loop or comprises a loop and is, for example, an annularly connected loop or comprises such a loop. For example, a neck of a container may be dipped through an opening of the loop, or a form-fit connection with the container may be made via the loop. Such a securing element may be easily integrated during the manufacture of the closure. The corresponding shape may be easily obtained by thermoforming with a mold, cutting or punching from a clamping edge. In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is produced by stamping. This results in simple production from a clamping edge during thermoforming.

[0071] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element is movable relative to the side wall, with at least one of the following: the at least one securing element is foldable and / or pivotable and / or tiltably connected to the side wall; or the at least one securing element exhibits mobility due to its inherent elasticity. This may allow for creating a securing element with which the closure element may be held securely to a container.

[0072] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is provided: a base of the at least one securing element, with which the at least one securing element is connected to the side wall, lies between bridges; the at least one securing element has the same wall thickness as the bridges; a folding line and / or swivel axis and / or tilting axis of the at least one securing element for a movability of the at least one securing element of a securing element to the side wall lies in the same plane as folding lines and / or pivot axes and / or tilting axes of bridges; or bridges and the atAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 least one securing element are produced from the same contact area on a mold during thermoforming.

[0073] In some embodiments, the at least one securing element may be integrated with the production of bridges. The at least one securing element and the bridges may be produced from a clamping edge during thermoforming. Their final shape may be created by thermoforming with a mold, punching or cutting the clamping edge. The transition from the closure body to the clamping edge makes it easy to achieve a folding line or pivot axis or tilting axis for movement of the at least one securing element in relation to the side wall.

[0074] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material of the closure body comprises PET. PET is a common material for containers and, for example, for bottles. In the case of a closure element made of PET (optionally with at least one securing element), a standardized material may be used for the system of bottle and closure element. This allows for high recyclability and, for example, no plastic separation required during recycling. Furthermore, the closure element may be produced with relatively little material input, low mass and low wall thicknesses.

[0075] In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material comprises a polystyrene, a polyolefin, a polycarbonate, a polyester or a thermoplastic elastomer (such as TPE, TPE-O, TPE- S, TPE-U). In some embodiments, the closure element is used as a cap and, for example, a screwable closure cap for a container and, for example, a bottle is designed as a container. The corresponding closure element may be effectively produced in large quantities by thermoforming. In some embodiments, the closure element according to the present disclosure is used for a container which is made of the same thermoplastic material as the closure body, such as, for example, PET. This may allow for high recyclability.

[0076] According to the present disclosure, a method of the type mentioned at the beginning is provided in which at least one of the following is produced from a clamping edge for the thermoforming process: at least one safety element; or bridges, which are separate from each other and may be moved independently of each other in relation to the side wall.

[0077] The present disclosure further provides a method for a closure element according to the present disclosure or preliminary product according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for a closure element to be produced, a clamping edge, which may be present during thermoforming, may be used to produce at least one securing element and / or bridges. For example, the bridges and / or the at least one securing element may be produced by punching on the clamping edge. This production by punching allows for shaping of the bridges and / or the at least oneAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 securing element. In some embodiments, the bridges then form the tamper-evident device for the closure element when it closes the container.

[0078] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides closures formed from a polymer that may be recycled in the same recycling stream as the containers closed by the closures. Examples of suitable polymers from which the closures described herein may be formed may include polyester resins, including bio-modified polyesters, such as co-polymers of PET and polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF, also referred to as polyethylene 2.5-furandicarboxylate, polyethylene 2.5 -furanoate,’ or polyethylene furanoate), which may include from 0 to 100 mole percent of each of PET and PET (for example, 100 mole percent or less of PET, with the remainder, if any. being PEF), and co-polymers modified by isophthalic acid (IP A) or other additives or co monomers. In some embodiments, closures may be made of a polyester resin that includes PEF of up to 90 mole percent (0.90 mole fraction) of the polyester resin. In some embodiments, the PEF may be derived from a reaction of furandi carb oxy late (FDCA) with ethylene glycol polyethylene glycol (PEG) and / or diethylene glycol (DEG). In some embodiments, closures may be made from a polyester resin having a total comonomer content of the reaction product of FDCA with ethylene glycol, PEG, and / or DEG of up to 50 mole percent (0.5 mole fraction)of the polyester resin. The polyester resin may be prepared by a process including melt blending PEE with PET, or by a process that includes reacting ethylene glycol with FDCA. In some embodiments, closures may be made by injection molding or compression molding a polyester resin including a total comonomer content of the reaction product of FDCA with ethylene glycol, PEG, and / or DEG of up to 90 mole percent (0.90 mole fraction) of the polyester resin), or up to 50 mole percent (0.50 mole fraction) of the polyester resin, or from 5 to 25 mole percent (from 0.05 to 0.25 mole fraction) of the polyester resin, or from 12 to 15 mole percent (0.12 to 0.15 mole fraction) of the polyester resin. In some embodiments, closures may be made by thermoforming a polyester resin having a total comonomer content of the reaction product of FDCA with ethylene glycol, PEG. and / or DEG of up to 50 mole percent (0.50 mole percent) of the polyester resin, or from 0.5 to 20 mole percent (from 0.05 to 0.20 mole fraction) of the polyester resin, or from 1 to 8 mole percent (from 0.01 to 0.08 mole fraction) of the polyester resin. In some embodiments, a container may be made of a polyester or polyester resin described herein. A closure comprising a polyester or polyester resin described herein may be shrunk to a finish or thermally or ultrasonically bonded to a finish of a container comprising a polyester or polyester resin described herein. Alternatively, a closure may be heat shrunk to a finish.

[0079] In some embodiments, a closure may include a plurality of layers of polyester resins. In some embodiments, an inner layer of a plurality of layers may be more compliant than an outerAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 layer of the plurality of layers to more readily deform to the finish, and provide a better seal. Additionally, or alternatively, an outer layer may provide more aesthetic appeal than an inner layer, which may be more functional than an outer layer. Examples of techniques for preparing a closure including a plurality of layers of polyester resins may include thermoforming, compression molding, and injection molding.

[0080] As described herein, examples of closures made from polyester resin, such as PET and / or PEF, may have a number of advantages over closures made from conventional materials, such as HDPE and / or PP. For example, the polyester resin closures described herein may help to avoid contaminating a recycle stream and may be made from a high fraction of recycled polyester resin, such as recycled PET (rPET). The rPET supply may be cleaner and more readily accessible than HDPE supplies. In some embodiments, the polyester resins may be supplemented with biobased PET (bio-PET) or virgin-PET.

[0081] In some embodiments, the polyester resin closures may increase the oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier compared to HDPE and PP, thereby increasing the resulting shelf-life of beverages due to the improvement barrier. In some embodiments, an oxygen barrier of closures including PET may be at least 10 times greater than an oxygen barrier of closures made from HDPE. In some embodiments, the oxygen barrier of closures may even further increase if the closures also include FDCA. In some embodiments, the polyester resin closures may not float (e.g., may have a reduction in buoyancy), and may reduce the tendency of closures to contaminate the environment.

[0082] In some embodiments, the polyester resin closures may provide for lighter container finishes, which may reduce the cost of materials and the amount of material wasted. Further, because the coefficient of thermal expansion of a polyester resin closure described may closely match the coefficient of thermal expansion of a PET finish of a container, the ability to successfully seal a lighter finish may improve. In some embodiments, during a deformation caused by an external force, such as during storage or transportation, a closure and a finish may deform similarly due to the material of the closure and the finish being similar, resulting in a scaling between the closure and finish remaining intact.

[0083] In some embodiments, because the polyester resin closures are made from a material similar to, or the same as, the container, such as, for example, PET, the closures may be thermally or ultrasonically welded to the finish of the container. In some examples, a polyester resin closure described herein may be welded to a PET finish at one or more locations. In some embodiments, a closure may be welded to a top rim of a finish to provide an additional seal between the closureAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 and the finish. In some embodiments, one or more spot welds may be included so as to provide evidence of lack of tampering. The ability to weld a closure to a PET container may also offer a unique way to meet the tethering requirements of the European Union and considered for the United States. In some embodiments, a polyester resin closure described herein may include a tamper-evident (TE) band, a spiral tether, or another feature such as a hinge that is spot welded at one or more terminal points to the container, providing a tether with controlled strength.

[0084] In some embodiments, the closures described herein may require from 10 N to 20 N of force for removal.

[0085] In some embodiments, polyester resin closures described herein may be made via a thermoforming process. Thermoformed closures may be designed to balance wall thickness and tuning for an interference fit with container finishes within the elastic limit of PET or any of the other polymers described herein, such as by, for example, including a plug seal or an external seal. Because of the relatively higher stiffness of polyester resins, such as PET, compared to HDPE and PP (for example, on the order of two times higher), the seal designs for conventional HDPE and PP closures may be ineffective for thermoformed polyester resin disclosures described herein, because the seal designs for conventional HDPE and PP closures rely upon a relatively high level of elastic deformation that is generally not achievable with thermoformed polyester resin closures described herein. Accordingly, In some embodiments, the seal configurations of thermoformed polyester resin closures may be tailored to provide sufficient scaling with less material strain.

[0086] In some embodiments, the thermoforming is done using a thermoforming machine, which shapes the material into the desired size and shape. A thermoforming machine may include a mold, which may be a male mold or a female mold. The male mold may matches a shape of a desired interference with the finish while accounting for shrinkage. The features of the closure that may provide the interference and clearance with the finish may be in contact with the mold.

[0087] In some embodiments, a mold in a thermoforming machine comprises a female mold. Such a female mold would comprise inverting the mold such that the thermoforming material would be inserted into the female mold to impart features from the female mold, rather than the thermoforming material being placed onto the mold to impart features from the mold. In some embodiments, a mold comprises a female mold, which is then penetrated with a male mold to compress a formation of features, e.g., threads, into place. Subsequently, the female portion of the mold may be unscrewed from the male mold. In some embodiments, the closure is trimmed from the multilayer structure as a final part or an intermediate part with features on the peripheryAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 designed for forming tamper evidence. In some embodiments, a closure of the present disclosure is cooled within a thermoforming machine.

[0088] In some embodiments, a thermoforming machine comprises a rotary thermoforming machine. Rotary thermoforming machines may serve as an alternative to thermoforming closures in a previously formed sheet that is subsequently heated, such that parts may be formed from a thermoplastic material out of the molten state, As a result, parts may be extruded like a sheet that is quenched onto a chilled mold. Rather than forming only a sheet, the chilled mold, typically in the form of a roller or wheel, may also include any number of intricate parts (e.g., threads) for forming closures as segments on the roller. This works particularly well for positive molded parts, also known generally as male mold components. Similar to forming on a flat mold, individual closures with threads may be rotationally removed from a sheet after it is cooled. Such removal may be driven by rotation of a cam or gear within a roller. This method may allow for high fidelity formation of the part and any engravings on the part. In some embodiments, the thermoforming machine comprises multiple rotary thermoforming machines in series

[0089] In some embodiments, a diameter of a roller or wheel may be matched to an extrusion rate and the part thickness. For example, as a thickness of an extruded sheet decreases (e.g., from 1 mm to 0.5 mm), the parts may need to be removed by rotating off at a faster rate to accommodate the larger material. In some embodiments, the removal may be timed with a cooling rate of the thermoplastic material and a rotational step of the parts. In some embodiments, the formation of knurls on the formed parts may be performed with another roller mated and timed to coin knurls on outer portions of the parts. If not trimmed in place, trimming of the parts from the sheet may be performed in a second station. In some embodiments, design of the mold, roller, and part may allow room for cooling the roller, which, for example, may be performed using chilled water. With advances in additive manufacturing of steels or other alloys, some mold components may be generated by additive manufacturing to get around standard machining limitations that otherwise may cause excessive skeleton scrap.

[0090] In some embodiments, a rotary thermoforming machine comprises a hinged wheel or roller (not shown) for receiving an extrusion die or sheet, a screen changer / vacuum pump, and a press. In some embodiments, the rotary thermoforming machine comprises a rotary mold system. In some embodiments, the rotary thermoforming machine rotates at a desired speed, such as, for example, a speed less than 1 RPM, or a speed ranging between about 1 and about 5 RPM, between about 5 and about 10 RPM, between about 10 and about 20 RPM, between about 20 and about 30 RPM, between about 30 and about 40 RPM, between about 40 and about 50 RPM, between aboutAttorney Docket No. 227254-71760150 and about 60 RPM, between about 60 and about 70 RPM, between about 70 and about 80 RPM, or greater than 80 RPM.

[0091] In some embodiments, closures described herein may be made by vacuum forming. In some embodiments, closures described herein may be made via pressure-assisted vacuum forming at pressures up to 4 bar, up to 24 bar, or up to 40 bar. In some embodiments, a thermoformed polyester resin closure with a plug seal may include a relatively wide scaling surface that may be designed to bridge defects (for example, scratches) that may be present in the finish of a container. By contrast, plug seals of conventional HDPE and PP closures take advantage of the relative softness of the HDPE and PP material and are designed with relatively high levels of elastic deformation that result in relatively smaller areas of scaling contact with the finish. In some embodiments, a polyester resin closure described herein, such as a thermoformed polyester resin disclosure, may include a scaling surface of a plug seal with a width of 0.7 millimeters that may be configured for a finish with an inner diameter of 26 millimeters, and a width of 1.5 millimeters that may be configured for a finish with an inner diameter of 48 millimeters.

[0092] In some embodiments, a plug seal of a closure described herein may be configured for providing an interference fit with a finish, such that a scaling surface of the closure may provide sufficient pressure against a mating surface of the finish and provide sufficient sealing, including for containing pressurized contents, such as carbonated liquids. An amount of interference may refer to a difference between a radius of a scaling surface of a closure and a corresponding scaling surface of a finish. The amount of interference may vary depending on a diameter of a finish and a wall thickness of a closure. In some embodiments, an amount of interference may range from 0.02 millimeters to 0.2 millimeters for material thicknesses in a range of from 0.2 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, an amount of interference for a closure thermoformed from a sheet of PET having a thickness of 0.5 millimeters may be 0.05 millimeters. An amount of interference may be adjusted, for example by changing a behavior of the polyester resin such as by including FDCA and / or DEG, such that a softer polymer may result in a larger interference fit and / or a larger thickness. The values for interference disclosed herein are nominal interference values provided as examples, and variations from the disclosed values may occur due to manufacturing variability.

[0093] In some embodiments, a polyester resin closure described herein may be thermoformed from a sheet of polyester resin described herein having a thickness of from 0.20 millimeters to 2.00 millimeters. In some embodiments, a sheet of polyester resin may have a thickness of from 0.20 millimeters to 1.95 millimeters, or to 1.90 millimeters, or to 1.85 millimeters, or to 1.80Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601 millimeters, or to 1.75 millimeters, or to 1.70 millimeters, or to 1.65 millimeters, or to 1.60 millimeters, or to 1.55 millimeters, or to 1.50 millimeters, or to 1.45 millimeters, or to 1.40 millimeters, or to 1.35 millimeters, or to 1.30 millimeters, or to 1.25 millimeters, or to 1.20 millimeters, or to 1.15 millimeters, or to 1.10 millimeters, or to 1.05 millimeters, or to 1.00 millimeters, or to 0.95 millimeters, or to 0.90 millimeters, or to 0.85 millimeters, or to 0.80 millimeters, or to 0.75 millimeters, or to 0.70 millimeters, or to 0.65 millimeters, or to 0.60 millimeters, or to 0.55 millimeters, or to 0.50 millimeters, or to 0.45 millimeters, or to 0.40 millimeters, or to 0.35 millimeters, or to 0.30 millimeters, or 0.25 millimeters; or from 0.25 millimeters, or from 0.30 millimeters, or from 0.35 millimeters, or from 0.40 millimeters, or from0.45 millimeters, or from 0.50 millimeters, or from 0.55 millimeters, or from 0.60 millimeters, or from 0.65 millimeters, or from 0.70 millimeters, or from 0.75 millimeters, or from 0.80 millimeters, or from 0.85 millimeters, or from 0.90 millimeters, or from 0.95 millimeters, or from 1.00 millimeters, or from 1.05 millimeters, or from 1.10 millimeters, or from 1.15 millimeters, or from 1.20 millimeters, or from 1.25 millimeters, or from 1.30 millimeters, or from 1.35 millimeters, or from 1.40 millimeters, or from 1.45 millimeters, or from 1.50 millimeters, or from 1.55 millimeters, or from 1.60 millimeters, or from 1.65 millimeters, or from 1.70 millimeters, or from 1.75 millimeters, or from 1.80 millimeters, or from 1.85 millimeters, or from 1.90 millimeters, or from 1.95 millimeters to 2.00 millimeters; or any range that may be formed from any two of the foregoing numbers, including any subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, a sheet of polyester resin may have a thickness of from 0.50 millimeters to 0.90 millimeters, including any of 0.50 millimeters. 0.55 millimeters, 0.60 millimeters, 0.65 millimeters. 0.70 millimeters, 0.75 millimeters, 080 millimeters, 0.85 millimeters, or 0.90 millimeters, including any ranges or subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, a desirable or controllable thickness of a sheet of a polyester resin described herein used to prepare a polyester resin closure described herein may be a determinable function of a diameter of a polyester resin closure.

[0094] In some embodiments, so as to allow a plug seal of a closure described herein to deform when engaging a finish, a thermoformed polyester resin closure may be configured with sufficient radial clearance between an outer surface of the finish and an outer wall of the closure, which encloses the outer surface of the finish. Without a radial clearance, a plug seal of a closure may not be able to fully insert within a finish, or stress on a closure may be high enough to cause failure.

[0095] In some embodiments, a thermoformed polyester resin closure described herein may be configured with an external seal that seals with an outer surface of a mouth of a finish. The external seal may be achieved with an interference fit with the finish. An amount of interference may depend on the application. Examples of interferences and wall thicknesses disclosed aboveAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 for the plug seal may be used for the external seal. In some embodiments, a scaling of the external seal may be enhanced by taking advantage of an ability of a polyester resin to heat shrink by heat shrinking a closure after capping.

[0096] To achieve a suitable interference of a seal, such as a plug seal and / or an external seal, with the finish, and In some embodiments, a suitable clearance between an outer wall of a closure and a finish, the dimensions of the interference and the clearance may be well controlled during manufacture by thermoforming a closure using a male mold that matches a shape of a desired interference with the finish while accounting for shrinkage. The features of the closure that may provide the interference and clearance with the finish may be in contact with the mold.

[0097] Because thermoformed polyester resins are relatively stiff, a scaling surface of a polyester resin closure may have a relatively low surface roughness. In some embodiments, a low surface roughness may be achieved by polishing regions of a thermoforming mold that form the scaling surfaces. In some embodiments, portions of a thermoforming mold that do not form the scaling surfaces of the closure are not polished, or are not polished to the same degree as portions that do form the scaling surface so as to avoid a closure sticking to the mold and being difficult to release. Examples of a roughness of scaling surface(s) of a closure may include about 0.2 microns (an Ra value of 0.2 or an N4 finish).

[0098] In some embodiments, a seal, a thread-engagement, and / or a TE band of a polyester resin disclosure described herein may be configured to provide an opening torque in a range of from 0.45 N-m to 1.24 N m, for example, 1.02 N-m. In some embodiments, a closure may be configured to provide a pressure retention of less than or equal to 2 bar, or less than or equal to 10 bar.

[0099] In some embodiments, a polyester resin used in thermoformed closures described herein may include some amount of FDCA and / or DEG, which may provide numerous advantages. For example, FDCA and DEG may interfere with crystal formation, so resulting material may have a longer processing window in which to form features on the closure. Additionally, including FDCA and / or DEG may make material of a closure sufficiently different from material of a finish such that the closure docs not fuse to the container during storage. Additionally, including FDCA and / or DEG may lower a modulus of material of a closure, which may allow for higher material strains, and higher material strains may be useful for increasing a seal between a closure and a finish.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0100] In some embodiments, a closure may be made by injection molding or compression molding a polymer resin. In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include some amount of FDCA and / or DEG. The FDCA and / or DEG content may sufficiently reduce the modulus of the material such that a closure may easily eject from various cavities of a mold. For example, a modulus of the amorphous phase of the material may be in the range of 1 to 3 GPa. An increased FDCA content may increase the processing window such that ejection of a closure is easier, because the polyester resin may remain soft for a longer period of time. The amount of FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin that is submitted to injection molding or compression molding may be relatively higher than an amount of FDCA and / or DEG in a thermoformed closure because of a need for greater compliance in injection molding or compression molding. In some embodiments, an ability of a material to flow during injection molding or compression molding may be increased by limiting an intrinsic viscosity of the material. Examples of methods of limiting an intrinsic viscosity of the material may include limiting the duration of solid-state polymerization of the polyester resin after synthesizing the polyester resin. In some embodiments, an intrinsic viscosity may be in a range of from 0.4 dL / g to 0.7 dL / g. A higher intrinsic viscosity may lead to more toughness in the final closure. In some embodiments, an intrinsic viscosity in the range of Irom 0.8 dL / g to 1.2 dL / g may be beneficial for toughness. A bimodal resin may provide benefits from both of a low viscosity polyester and a high viscosity polyester to impart both beneficial flow and toughness characteristics. Similar to thermoformed closures, by including FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin closure described herein, the closure material may be made sufficiently different from a finish material such that the closure may not fuse to the container during storage. Further, by including FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin closure described herein, the modulus of the closure material may be lowered, which may allow for higher material strains, and which may increase the seal between the closure and the finish. Further, by including FDCA and / or DEG in a polyester resin closure described herein, the co-monomers may also lower the melting point, allowing reduced energy for bonding or intentional scaling using heat as is used with inductive seals on metalized film.

[0101] In some embodiments, a movable core component may be used in injection molding or compression molding in order to reduce the need of warm threads so as to strip stiff PET, which is conventionally performed with injection molded HDPE. In some embodiments, an FDCA-. PEG-, and / or DEG-modified polyester resin may be used in combination with a movable core.

[0102] In some embodiments, closures may be colored using dye or dyeing processes that are compatible with recycling. For example, a dye used to color a closure may be compatible withAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 recycling. In some embodiments, a dye or an ink may be removable via washing. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of a closure.

[0103] Closures may be configured to fit custom or industry standard finishes. Examples of industry standard thread finishes may include 26 / 22, 29 / 25, 29 / 21, 28PCO1881, 30 / 25, 38 / 33, and 48 mm.Thermoformed PET Closure with Plug Seal

[0104] Referring to FIG. 1, a side view with partial diametrical cross section of an example of a thermoformed polyester resin closure 100 mounted to an example of a finish 200 of a container typically used for storing liquid contents, such as still or carbonated drinks, is illustrated. Closure 100 may be made of any of the polyester resins described herein. Closure 100 includes internal threads 102 formed into outer cylindrical wall 104 of closure 100 for engaging with external threads 206 of finish 200. The threads 206 may be continuous threads or may be interrupted threads. Other examples may be configured for snap-on engagement with finish 200. Outer cylindrical wall 104 extends downwardly from annular wall 112.

[0105] Closure 100 includes plug seal 108 for scaling against inner surface 204 of finish 200. Plug seal 108 includes cylindrical wall 110 that extends downwardly from annular wall 112 of closure 100. Annular wall 112 may be configured to scale against top surface 210 of rim 208 of finish 200. Outwardly facing radical surface 114 of inner cylindrical wall 110 of plug seal 108 may be dimensioned for an interference fit with the corresponding inwardly facing surface 204 of rim 208 of finish 200 for scaling. In some embodiments, an interference fit maybe 0.05 millimeters for a wall thickness of 0.5 millimeters. As closure 100 is threaded onto finish 200, plug seal 108 is forced into the mouth of finish 200 into a compressed state in which outwardly facing radial surface 114 of plug seal 108 pushes against inwardly facing surface 204 of finish 200, forming a seal, the mouth being the open volume between diametrically opposing inwardly facing surfaces 204 of rim 208 of finish 200. Inner cylindrical wall 110 extends downwardly from annular wall 112 to lower wall 120. The degree of interference fit and dimensions of plug seal 108 and finish 200 determine the scaling force and. thus, these parameters may be adjusted to adjust the degree of scaling force for a given application. The interference fit between plug seal 108 and finish 200 may serve as a sealing feature for sealing closure 100 to finish 200. Plug seal 108 may include chamfer 122 for guiding plug seal 108 past lip 212 of the mouth of finish 200 as closure 100 is capped onto the container.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0106] Plug seal 108 may be configured to have a relatively wide scaling interface with finish 200, the scaling interface being the contact area between outwardly facing radial surface 114 and inwardly facing surface 204 of finish 200, the scaling interface being designed to bridge defects (for example, scratches) that may be present in finish 200. An example width for the contact area between outwardly facing radial surface 114 and inwardly facing surface of the finish for finish 200 with an inner diameter of 26 millimeters may be 0.7 millimeters, and for finish 200 with an inner diameter of 48 millimeters may be 1.5 millimeters.

[0107] To enable closure 100 to elastically deform in the region of plug seal 108, closure 100 may be designed lor a clearance between outer skirt 126 of outer cylindrical wall 104 of closure 100 and corresponding outer surface 214 of rim 208 of finish 200. The amount of clearance may be at least as much as the amount of interference of plug seal 108 with finish 200. For example, the amount of clearance may be 0.05 millimeters or more for an interference of 0.05 millimeters.

[0108] An interference fit 250 may be provided for threads 102 to ensure that closure 100 is tightly fitted to finish 200. An exemplary interference fit is 0.05 millimeters. Interference fit 324 of threads 102 may also serve as a sealing feature for sealing closure 100 to finish 200. The interference may increase with reduction of the modulus of the material of closure 100.

[0109] Closure 100 includes tamper evidence feature 116, which in FIG. 1 is illustrated in the form of folded band 106 that engages with a tamper evidence ledge 202 of finish 200. As closure 100 is threaded onto finish 200, folded band 106 rides over ledge 202, and once folded band 106 has cleared ledge 202, fits into place beneath ledge 202, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Tamper evidence feature 116 may include a plurality of spaced-apart bridges 128 that connect folded band 106 to main body 124 of closure 100. In the event that closure 100 is unthreaded from finish 200, folded band 106 will be retained in position by ledge 202. The upward force from unthreading of closure 100 will eventually cause sufficient stress on bridges 128 that they will break, providing evidence that closure 100 has been tampered with.

[0110] Optionally, one or more of bridges 128 may be dimensioned such that it or their breaking stress is greater than the breaking stress of remaining bridges 128 such that the one or more bridges 128 will remain intact to provide a tether to keep closure 100 attached to the bottle upon removal.[OHl] In some embodiments of closure 100, a pull tab may be included in place of folded band 106 as tamper evidence feature 116. The pull tab may be configured such that the pull tab must be at least partially removed in order to disengage closure 100 from finish 200.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0112] Closure 100 may be thermoformed with a sheet of PET (or any of the materials described herein) with a thickness of 0.22 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters, for example, about 0.5 millimeters.

[0113] In some embodiments, the interface between annular wall 112 and top surface 210 of rim 208 of finish 200 may serve as a secondary seal. In some embodiments, the secondary seal may be formed and / or enhanced by welding the two surfaces together, such as ultrasonically or via direct application of heat.

[0114] In some embodiments, the portion of closure 100 with the greatest diameter is cylindrical in shape without any significant outwardly projecting interruptions in the general cylindrical shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, lower outer wall 120 of outer cylindrical wall 104 of main body 124, which is at the greatest diameter of closure 100, may be vertical, which may enable the use of conventional capping equipment, which is typically designed to grip onto cylindrical shapes.

[0115] Lower wall 130 extends across a bottom of inner cylindrical wall 110. In some embodiments, lower wall 130 may have a concave upward shape as illustrated in the example in FIG. 1 that, when pressure is applied (upward against lower wall 130 from pressurized contents of the container that closure 100 closes, becoming convex downward. A change in shape may result in the pressure applied to lower wall 130 increasing the pressure on the scaling interface between plug seal 108 and finish 200. In some embodiments, lower wall 130 may include one or more ridges, such as cylindrical ridges, or other features to control a shape that lower wall 130 may form when under pressure.

[0116] Thermoformed polyester resin closures may be configured with an external seal instead of or in addition to a plug seal. External seals may be easier to thermoform than plug seals, and may provide sufficient scaling for at least some beverages. Optionally, a heat shrinking step may be used to solidify the external seal of the closure.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 2, a diametrical cross-sectional view of another example of a thermoformed resin closure 300 that includes external seal 380 for scaling to finish 350 of a container is illustrated. Closure 300 may be made of any of the polyester resins described herein. External seal 380 may be provided by an interference fit between an inner surface 302 of the top end of closure 300 and outer surface 354 of mouth 352 of finish 350. An exemplary interference fit may be 0.05 milliliters.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0118] Similar to closure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, closure 300 may be configured for threaded engagement with finish 350 or may be configured for a snap-on pressure fit engagement with finish 350. Closure 300 may also include a tamper evidence feature such as folded band 304 like folded band 106 in closure 100.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, a perspective view of a closure 400 and a close-up view of bridges 401 of the closure 400, respectively, are illustrated. Bridges 401 are shown at a slant to connect a folded band 402, similar to folded band 106 or folded band 304 in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, to an outer skirt 403 of the closure 400. The slant is angled at angle a so as to prefer a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the folded bank 402 relative to the outer skirt 403. The bridges 401 thus survive capping application of the closure 400 with less stress than the stress applied during removal of the closure 400, thereby providing a tamper evident feature.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, a side view of a CAD model and a side view photograph, respectively, of a closure 500 with molded in bridges 501 are illustrated. The molded in bridges501 are shown in FIG. 4 A as not being slanted, rather they are formed as part of the thermoplastic material as indents or depressions relative to an outer surface of an outer cylindrical wall of the closure 500. FIG. 4B shows the molded in bridges 501 as being between a tamper evidence band502 and the outer cylindrical wall 503 of the closure 500. In some embodiments, the molded in bridges 501 may be formed by depressions in the mold surface. In this way, rather than have a knife that leaves bridges behind by pulling away from the wall or with gaps in the knife, the bridges may be thermoformed from the mold or cut at a constant depth such that the shape of the molded part leaves the bridges behind, i.e., the “molded in” bridges. As an example of how the closure500 can operate, the closure 500 can be rotated in the direction of the threading upon application to a finish of the container, causing the bridges 501 to move to the left. Upon rotation, each bridge501 become pressed against a neighboring bridge 501, and without being held in place, causes the bridges 501 to be compressed. If the closure 500 is over-rotated by, for example, 20 degrees, a protrusion from a bridge would fall in the hole; may not fall back in, climb up the side of the cap

[0121] In some embodiments, the molded in bridges may be formed using a constant thickness sheet, such that the bridges are formed using a molded depth at which a part of the depressions will be left behind if formed into the depression, and any neighboring material will be at a height to be sliced by a knife. Further, such a method of forming the bridges aligns the bridges with other features on the mold, such as flaps. In this way, a strongest part of the tamper evidence band may be aligned with the bridges, which increases the desired property of breaking upon opening. In some embodiments, bridges are generally centered over each of the flaps. In such a scenario, whenAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 flaps are folded and sitting on a finish of a container and one is trying to open the closure, the strongest engagement to the container is via the flaps so that, in order to disengage a closure from the container, the bridges would have to break as they would be designed to be weaker than the engagement from the flaps, thereby forming a tamper-evidence feature. However, if the bridges are between flaps, the bridges can be more likely to survive during the removal of the closure. In such a scenario, there is still likely to be tamper-evidence, while maintaining a “hanging bridge” feature, or a type of tether between the closure body and the tamper-evidence band.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, side views of a closure 600 with at least one molded in bridge 601 that are slanted is illustrated. Specifically, the closure is configured with at least one molded in bridge that is slanted either in a same direction as a threading of the closure (FIG. 5A) or in an opposite direction as a threading of the closure (FIG. 5B). The molded in bridges may be formed similar to the molded in bridges 501 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, though with a mold structure such that the indents or depressions form a slanted bridge, i.e., having a triangular or trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, any number of the molded in bridges are shaped to be slanted, may not be slanted, or any combination thereof.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, photographs of closures 700 having bridges 701 including a series of wider slits 701a and 701b with a twofold symmetry in the shape of a high aspect ratio ellipse overlapping each other are illustrated.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, photographs of exemplary closures 800, 900 and 1000 are illustrated, respectively. FIG. 7A illustrates a closure 800 having molded-in bridges 801 that have been thermoformed circumferentially about closure 800. FIG. 7B illustrates a closure 900 having a molded-in bridge 901 formed from a constant depth cut, and slits 902a, 902b laterally surrounding the molded-in bridge 901 formed from a constant depth cut. FIG. 7C illustrates a closure 1000 having a molded-in bridge 1001, and slits 1002a, 1002b laterally surrounding the molded-in bridge 1001 formed from a constant depth cut. Further shown in FIG. 7C is a tamper-evidence band 1003 having a plurality of knurls 1004.

[0125] The present disclosure additionally provides methods of making closures described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making a closure described herein may include thermoforming a sheet of polyester resin into the closure. In some embodiments, the thermoforming may include applying the sheet of polyester resin to a male mold. In some embodiments, a method of making a closure described herein may include injection molding or compression molding a polyester resin into the closure.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0126] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container, the closure including: an annular wall that scales up against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container; an outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the outer cylindrical wall including an outer skirt configured to be spaced outwardly from an outer surface of the rim of the finish to provide a clearance between the closure and the outer surface of the rim of the finish; an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall, the inner cylindrical wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an inwardly facing surface of the finish of the container for scaling against the inwardly facing surface of the finish; and a lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the outer cylindrical wall includes an outer skirt is configured such that the polyester resin closure deforms in a region of the plug seal.

[0127] In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may be a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the lower wall may include a ramped portion for centering the inner cylindrical wall during engagement of the closure with the finish. In some embodiments, the lower wall has a concave upward shape when in an unpressurized state and a concave downward shape when the closure closes a pressurized container, such that a pressure acts to increase a scaling force of the inner cylindrical wall against the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may be colored by a removable dye and / or an ink. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of the closure. In some embodiments, the closure may include a tamper evidence band about a bottom circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may include a plurality of knurls distributed about an outer surface or an inner surface of the tamper evidence band. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may be configured to form a tether for attaching the closure to the container when the closure is removed from the finish. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall may be smooth. In some embodiments, the outwardly facing surface of the inner cylindrical wall may include a roughness of 0.2 microns. In some embodiments, the closure may further include a thread in the outer cylindrical wall for engaging a thread of the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may include a plurality of threads in the outer cylindrical wall, each of the plurality of threads beginning at a corresponding thread start. In some embodiments, the outer cylindrical wall may include a plurality of knurls or a plurality of knurled portions distributed about at least a portion of an outer surface or an inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall. In someAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 embodiments, the closure may further include a seal attached to the rim of the finish to close the finish of the container, the seal in contact with the lower wall of the closure when the closure is applied to the finish of the container. In some embodiments, the container may include PET. In some embodiments, the container may include PEF. In some embodiments, the container may include a copolymer including PET and PEF.

[0128] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a thermoformed polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, the closure including: a top wall that scales against a top surface of a rim of a finish of the container: and a cylindrical wall extending downwardly from the top wall and configured such that an inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the rim for scaling against the outwardly facing surface of the rim.

[0129] In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may be a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the closure may be colored by a removable dye and / or an ink. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of the closure. In some embodiments, the closure may include a tamper evidence band about a bottom circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may include a plurality of knurls distributed about an outer surface or an inner surface of the tamper evidence band. In some embodiments, the tamper evidence band may be configured to form a tether for attaching the closure to the container when the closure is removed from the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may further include a thread in the cylindrical wall lor engaging a thread of the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may include a plurality of threads in the cylindrical wall, each of the plurality of threads beginning at a corresponding thread start. In some embodiments, the cylindrical wall may include a plurality of knurls or a plurality of knurled portions distributed about at least a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical wall or the inwardly facing surface. In some embodiments, the closure may include a seal attached to the rim of the finish to close the finish of the container, the seal in contact with a lower surface of the top wall of the closure when the closure is applied to the finish of the container. In some embodiments, the container may include PET. In some embodiments, the container may include PEF. In some embodiments, the container may include a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the closure may be shrunk onto the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may be heat shrunk onto the finish. In some embodiments, the closure may be bonded to the finish by thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding. In some embodiments, the closure may be bonded to the top surface of the rimAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 of the finish. In some embodiments, a bonding of the closure to the finish may be configured to provide tamper evidence.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an injection molded polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, the polyester resin including polyethylene furandi carb oxy late (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include up to 90 mole percent of PEF and the PEF may be derived from a reaction of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and / or diethylene glycol (DEG).

[0131] In some embodiments, a method of making the closure may include injection molding or compression molding the polyester resin into the closure.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polyester resin closure for closing a container including a polyester, the closure including: an outer layer including: an outer layer annular wall; an outer layer outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly form the outer layer annular wall; an outer layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the outer layer annular wall; and an outer layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the outer layer inner depression wall, the outer layer lower wall including a first shaped downward depression: and an inner layer including: an inner layer annular wall; an inner layer outer cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall; an inner layer inner depression wall that extends downwardly from the inner layer annular wall, the inner layer inner depression wall configured such that an outwardly facing surface of the inner layer inner depression wall has an interference fit with an outwardly facing surface of the finish for scaling against the outwardly facing surface of the finish; and an inner layer lower wall that extends across a bottom of the inner layer inner depression wall, the inner layer lower wall including a second shaped downward depression that receives the first shaped downward depression; and wherein a lower surface of the first shaped downward depression is configured to confront and lock against an upper surface of the second shaped downward depression.

[0133] In some embodiments, the outer layer outer cylindrical wall may include an outer layer folded band disposed radially outward along a bottom circumference of the outer layer outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the outer layer outer cylindrical wall may include plurality of knurls distributed circumferentially about an outer surface of the outer layer outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall may include a thread for engaging a thread of a finish of the container. In some embodiments, the inner layer outer cylindrical wall may include an inner layer folded band disposed radially outward along aAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 bottom circumference of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall. In some embodiments, the outer layer folded band may be configured to Lightly fit within a groove between an outer surface of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall and the inner layer folded band. In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may include polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF). In some embodiments, the polyester resin may be a copolymer including PET and PEF. In some embodiments, the inner layer lower wall may include a ramped portion for centering the inner layer inner cylindrical wall during engagement of the closure with the finish. In some embodiments, the inner layer lower wall may have a concave upward shape when in an unpressurized state and a concave downward shape when the closure closes a pressurized container, such that a pressure acts to increase a scaling force of the inner layer inner cylindrical wall against the finish. In some embodiments, the outer layer and / or the inner layer may be colored by a removable dye and / or an ink. In some embodiments, a nanocoating may be deposited on a surface of the outer layer and / or the inner layer. In some embodiments, the closure may include a tamper evidence band about a bottom circumferential surface of the inner layer. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner layer outer cylindrical wall may include a plurality of threads, each of the plurality of threads beginning at a corresponding thread start. In some embodiments, the container may include PET. In some embodiments, the container may include PEF. In some embodiments, the container may be a copolymer including PET and PEF.

[0134] In some embodiments, a method of making the closure may include: thermoforming a sheet of polyester resin into the outer layer; separately thermoforming a second sheet of polyester resin into the inner layer; and combining the outer layer and the inner layer.

[0135] In some embodiments, the transforming may include applying the sheet of polyester resin to a male mold. In some embodiments, the separately transforming may include applying the second sheet of polyester resin to a second male mold.DEFINITIONS

[0136] The uses of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “plurality of’ is defined by the Applicant in the broadest sense, superseding any other implied definitions or limitations hereinbefore or hereinafterAttorney Docket No. 227254-717601 unless expressly asserted by Applicant to the contrary, to mean a quantity of more than one. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein by context.

[0137] As will be understood by one skilled in the art. for any and all purposes, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. It is therefore understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if “10 to 15” is disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed, individually, and as part of a range. A recited range (for example, weight percentages or car bon groups) includes each value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range may he easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than,” “or more,” and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that may be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio. Accordingly, values recited for radicals, substituents, and ranges are for illustration only, they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for radicals and substituents. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0138] One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the present disclosure encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Additionally, for all purposes, the present disclosure encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The present disclosure therefore envisages the explicit exclusion of any one or more of members of a recited group. Accordingly, provisos may apply to any of the disclosed categories or examples whereby any one or more of the recited elements, species, or examples may be excluded from such categories or examples, for example, for use in an explicit negative limitation.

[0139] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The present description also contemplates other examples “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” the examples or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0140] In describing elements of the present disclosure, the terms “1st,” “2nd,” “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” and the like may be used herein. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, but do not limit the corresponding elements irrespective of the nature or order of the corresponding elements.

[0141] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted as having meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art.

[0142] As used herein, the term “about,” when used in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means a variation of ±15%, ±14%, ±10%, or ±5%, among others, would satisfy the definition of “about,” unless more narrowly defined in particular instances.

[0143] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference Io examples and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] In addition to the features mentioned in each of the independent aspects enumerated above, some examples may show, alone or in combination, the optional features mentioned in the dependent aspects and / or as disclosed in the description above and shown in the figures.Illustrative Embodiments

[0145] Embodiment 1. A polyester resin closure that mounts onto a finish of a container; the polyester resin closure comprising: a. an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; b. an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises one or more threads configured to engage with the finish; and c. a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, the folded band comprising a plurality of bridges that connect an upper surface of the folded band to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure.

[0146] Embodiment 2. The polyester resin closure of Embodiment 1, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to break when the closure is unthreaded from the finish, such that the folded band is retained in position by the tamper evidence ledge.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0147] Embodiment 3. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-2, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to withstand a greater breaking stress than a breaking stress of remaining bridges, such that the one or more bridges remain intact to provide a tether to keep the closure attached to the finish.

[0148] Embodiment 4. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges comprise a notch on a favored side of a corresponding bridge, the favored side being against a direction of rotation of the polyester resin closure.

[0149] Embodiment 5. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the folded band is configured to fold behind the lower wall and at least a portion of the folded band sits under the tamper evidence ledge of the finish.

[0150] Embodiment 6. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein at least one bridge of the plurality of bridges has a width at the top of the at least one bridge that is smaller than a width at a base of the at least one bridge.

[0151] Embodiment 7. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-6, wherein there is no contact and / or no overlapping of adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges.

[0152] Embodiment 8. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-7, wherein a free space between adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges is trapezoidal or triangular in shape.

[0153] Embodiment 9. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-8, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are staggered such that a top of the one or more bridges overlaps an adjacent bridge of the plurality of bridges.

[0154] Embodiment 10. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-9, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are curved between a top of a bridge and a base of a corresponding bridge.

[0155] Embodiment 11. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-10, wherein rotation of the closure in a direction of the one or more threads results in an increase in the slant angle of the plurality of bridges, relative to the slant angle prior to the rotation.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0156] Embodiment 12. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the one or more threads are positioned between the annular wall and the lower wall.

[0157] Embodiment 13. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the one or more threads comprise an internal thread or an external thread.

[0158] Embodiment 14. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-13, wherein the one or more threads are configured for a snap-on engagement with the finish.

[0159] Embodiment 15. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-14, wherein the polyester resin closure comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carb oxy late, or a copolymer thereof.

[0160] Embodiment 16. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-15, further comprising a plurality of external knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0161] Embodiment 17. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-16, further comprising a plurality of internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

[0162] Embodiment 18. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-17, further comprising a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.

[0163] Embodiment 19. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises an outer skirt having a clearance with a corresponding outer surface of the rim such that the polyester resin closure deforms in a region of the plug seal.

[0164] Embodiment 20. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-19, wherein the plug seal comprises a chamfer for guiding the plug seal past a lip of the inner surface of the finish when the polyester resin closure is capped onto the container.

[0165] Embodiment 21. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-20, wherein the plug seal comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall.

[0166] Embodiment 22. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-21, wherein the inner cylindrical wall comprises a radial surface that is dimensioned for an interference fit with a corresponding inwardly facing surface of the rim of finish for sealing.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0167] Embodiment 23. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-22, wherein the interference fit is configured to seal the polyester resin closure to the finish.

[0168] Embodiment 24. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-23, wherein an amount of interference in the interference fit is from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0169] Embodiment 25. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-24, wherein an amount of interference in the interference fit is about 0.05 mm.

[0170] Embodiment 26. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-25, wherein a lower wall extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall.

[0171] Embodiment 27. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-26, wherein the lower wall is configured to change shape in response to pressurized contents within an interior of the container.

[0172] Embodiment 28. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-27, wherein the lower wall has a concave upward shape that becomes a convex upward shape when pressure is applied by pressurized contents within the interior of the container.

[0173] Embodiment 29. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-28, wherein the lower wall is configured to increase pressure on a sealing interface between the plug seal and the finish.

[0174] Embodiment 30. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-29, wherein the plug seal is configured to establish a sealing interface with the finish.

[0175] Embodiment 31. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-30, wherein a width of the sealing interface is configured to bridge defects present in the finish.

[0176] Embodiment 32. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-31, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are positioned such that a top or base of each of the one or more bridges aligns with a portion of a folding tab of the folded band.

[0177] Embodiment 33. The polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-32, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are staggered such that a top of the one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges is circumferentially offset from a base of a corresponding bridge of the plurality of bridges.Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0178] Embodiment 34. A method of making a polyester resin closure for mounting to a finish of a container, the method comprising:

[0179] a. forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into a closure body using a mold, wherein the closure body comprises:

[0180] i. an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish;

[0181] ii. an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish; and

[0182] iii. a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, wherein an upper surface of the folded band is connected to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall,

[0183] b. cutting a plurality of holes into the folded band along a horizontal axis of the closure body, wherein the plurality of holes are trapezoidal or triangular in shape, and wherein the plurality of holes in the folded band results in formation of a plurality of bridges that connect the upper surface of the folded band to the lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure.

[0184] Embodiment 35. The method of Embodiment 34, wherein the folded band is configured to fold behind the lower wall.

[0185] Embodiment 36. The method of any one of Embodiments 34-35, wherein the folded band is configured to fold under the tamper evidence ledge of the finish, such that the plurality of bridges breaks when the closure is unthreaded from the finish while retaining the folded band in position.

[0186] Embodiment 37. A system for creating a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system comprising:

[0187] a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising:

[0188] a. an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish;Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601

[0189] b. an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises internal threads configured to engage with the finish; and

[0190] c. a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, the folded band comprising plurality of bridges that connect an upper surface of the folded band to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure;

[0191] wherein the closure when detached from the finish of the container is capable of reattachment to the container with a sufficient seal.

[0192] Embodiment 38. A method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the method comprising:

[0193] forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into the polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-33.

[0194] Embodiment 39. An assembly comprising:

[0195] a container comprising a tamper evidence ledge at a finish portion of the container; and

[0196] a closure mounted onto the container, the closure comprising the polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-33.

[0197] Embodiment 40. A system for creating a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system comprising:

[0198] a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising the polyester resin closure of any one of Embodiments 1-33.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 227254-717601CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A polyester resin closure that mounts onto a finish of a container; the polyester resin closure comprising: a. an annular wall configured to seat against a top surface of a rim of the finish; b. an outer cylindrical wall extending downward from the annular wall, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises one or more threads configured to engage with the finish; and c. a folded band configured to engage with a tamper evidence ledge of the finish, the folded band comprising a plurality of bridges that connect an upper surface of the folded band to a lower wall of the outer cylindrical wall, wherein each bridge of the plurality of bridges individually extends from the lower wall to the folded band at a slanted angle with respect to a vertical axis of the closure.

2. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to break when the closure is unthreaded from the finish, such that the folded band is retained in position by the tamper evidence ledge.

3. The polyester resin closure of claim 2, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are configured to withstand a greater breaking stress than a breaking stress of remaining bridges, such that the one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges remain intact to provide a tether to keep the closure attached to the finish.

4. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges comprise a notch on a favored side of a corresponding bridge, the favored side being against a direction of rotation of the polyester resin closure.

5. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein the folded band is configured to fold behind the lower wall and at least a portion of the folded band sits under the tamper evidence ledge of the finish.

6. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein at least one bridge of the plurality of bridges has a width at a top of the at least one bridge that is smaller than a width at a base of the at least one bridge.Attorney Docket No. 227254-7176017. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein there is no overlapping of adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges.

8. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein a free space between adjacent bridges of the plurality of bridges is trapezoidal or triangular in shape.

9. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are staggered such that a top of the one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges is circumferentially offset from a base of a corresponding bridge of the plurality of bridges.

10. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are curved between a top of a bridge of the plurality of bridges and a base of a corresponding bridge.

11. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein rotation of the closure in a direction of the one or more threads results in an increase in the slanted angle of the plurality of bridges, relative to the slanted angle prior to the rotation.

12. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein the one or more threads are positioned between the annular wall and the lower wall.

13. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein the one or more threads comprise an internal thread or an external thread.

14. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein the one or more threads are configured for a snap-on engagement with the finish.

15. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein the polyester resin closure comprises polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene furandi carb oxy late, or a copolymer of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene furandicarboxylate.

16. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of external knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

17. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of internal knurls distributed around a circumference of the outer cylindrical wall.

18. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, further comprising a plug seal configured to seal against an inner surface of the finish.Attorney Docket No. 227254-71760119. The polyester resin closure of claim 18, wherein the outer cylindrical wall comprises an outer skirt having a clearance with a corresponding outer surface of the rim such that the polyester resin closure deforms in a region of the plug seal.

20. The polyester resin closure of claim 18, wherein the plug seal comprises a chamfer for guiding the plug seal past a lip of the inner surface of the finish when the polyester resin closure is capped onto the container.

21. The polyester resin closure of claim 18, wherein the plug seal comprises an inner cylindrical wall that extends downwardly from the annular wall.

22. The polyester resin closure of claim 21, wherein the inner cylindrical wall comprises a radial surface that is dimensioned for an interference fit with a corresponding inwardly facing surface of the rim of the finish for sealing.

23. The polyester resin closure of claim 22, wherein the interference fit is configured to seal the polyester resin closure to the finish.

24. The polyester resin closure of claim 23, wherein an amount of interference in the interference fit is from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm.

25. The polyester resin closure of claim 23, wherein an amount of interference in the interference fit is about 0.05 mm.

26. The polyester resin closure of claim 21, wherein a lower wall extends across a bottom of the inner cylindrical wall.

27. The polyester resin closure of claim 26, wherein the lower wall is configured to change shape in response to pressurized contents within an interior of the container.

28. The polyester resin closure of claim 27, wherein the lower wall has a concave upward shape that becomes a convex upward shape when pressure is applied by pressurized contents within the interior of the container.

29. The polyester resin closure of claim 26, wherein the lower wall is configured to increase pressure on a sealing interface between the plug seal and the finish.

30. The polyester resin closure of claim 18, wherein the plug seal is configured to establish a sealing interface with the finish; optionally wherein a width of the sealing interface is configured to bridge defects present in the finish.

31. The polyester resin closure of claim 1, wherein one or more bridges of the plurality of bridges are positioned such that a top or base of each of the one or more bridges aligns with a portion of a folding tab of the folded band.Attorney Docket No. 227254-71760132. A method of making a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the method comprising: forming a sheet of a thermoplastic material into the polyester resin closure of any one of claims 1-31.

33. An assembly comprising: a container comprising a tamper evidence ledge at a finish portion of the container; a closure mounted onto the container, the closure comprising the polyester resin closure of any one of claims 1-31.

34. A system for creating a closure that mounts onto a finish of a container, the system comprising: a rotational module configured to engage one or more closures onto a finish of each of a plurality of containers, each of the one or more closures comprising the polyester resin closure of any one of claims 1-31.

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