screwcap

Abstract

A screwcap includes a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on a neck of a bottle. The shell includes: a first line of weakness; a second line of weakness spaced apart from the first line of weakness; a head having a head nominal diameter, the head including a first cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the first line of weakness and having a first maximum outer diameter greater than the head nominal outer diameter; a skirt having a skirt nominal outer diameter, the skirt including a second cut-prevention ring proximal to the second line of weakness and having a second maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter, and a first support ring distal to the second cut-prevention ring; and a tear band detachably connected to the head along the first line of weakness and to the skirt along the second line of weakness.

Description

Attorney Case No. 21369-WOSCREWCAPTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to a screwcap, and in particular to a screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle.BACKGROUND

[0002] Screwcaps are generally used to seal a bottle. Screwcaps may include a tear band positioned between a pair of lines of weakness for easy opening. Each of the pair of lines of weakness may include a plurality of perforations. Due to the plurality of perforations, each of the pair of lines of weakness may include sharp edges and spots of roughness and more so after the tear band has been removed. The sharp edges and spots of roughness may cause accidental injury to a user.SUMMARY

[0003] A screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle has been developed. The screwcap includes a shell configured to be disposed on the neck. The shell includes a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness spaced apart from the first line of weakness. The shell further includes a head including a first cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the first line of weakness. The shell further includes a skirt including a second cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the second line of weakness and a first support ring distal to the second cut-prevention ring. The shell further includes a tear band detachably connected to the head along the first line of weakness and to the skirt along the second line of weakness.

[0004] The first cut-prevention ring has a first maximum outer diameter that is greater than a head nominal outer diameter of the head, and the second cutprevention ring has a second maximum outer diameter that is greater than a skirt nominal outer diameter of the skirt. Therefore, the first cut-prevention ring and the second cut-prevention ring may circumferentially protrude farther than the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness, respectively, and may provide a tactile cue to the user. The first and second cut-prevention ringsAttorney Case No. 21369-WOmay therefore protect a user from accidental injury (e.g., finger cuts, puncture of the skin) due to sharp edges and spots of roughness of the first and second lines of weakness. Further, the first support ring may improve crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle, thereby enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle. The first support ring may therefore prevent undesired pull-offs of the screwcap from the bottle.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle. The screwcap includes a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck. The shell includes a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness spaced apart from the first line of weakness. The shell further includes a head having a head nominal outer diameter. The head includes a first cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the first line of weakness. The first cut-prevention ring has a first maximum outer diameter greater than the head nominal outer diameter. The shell further includes a skirt having a skirt nominal outer diameter. The skirt includes a second cut-prevention ring proximal to the second line of weakness. The second cut-prevention ring has a second maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter. The skirt further includes a first support ring distal to the second cut-prevention ring. The first support ring has a third maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter. The shell further includes a tear band detachably connected to the head along the first line of weakness and to the skirt along the second line of weakness.

[0006] The screwcap of the present disclosure may allow easy access to a product stored in the bottle and prevent accidental injuries (e.g., finger cuts) to a user handling the screwcap. Specifically, the tear band may be easily removed from the shell along the first and second lines of weakness to detach the head from the skirt, thereby allowing easy access to the product stored in the bottle. Further, as the first maximum outer diameter of the first cutprevention ring is greater than the head nominal outer diameter, and the second maximum outer diameter of the second cut-prevention ring is greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter, the first cut-prevention ring and the second cutprevention ring may circumferentially protrude farther than the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness, respectively. Consequently, the first and second cut-prevention rings may protect the user from accidentalAttorney Case No. 21369-WOinjuries due to sharp edges and spots of roughness of the first and second lines of weakness. The first and second cut-prevention rings may prevent accidental injuries before and after removal of the tear band from the shell. Further, the first support ring may improve crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle, thereby enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle. The first support ring may therefore prevent undesired pull-offs of the screwcap from the bottle. The first support ring may also prevent leakage of the product stored in the bottle.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first cut-prevention ring includes a first peak having the first maximum outer diameter. The second cut-prevention ring includes a second peak having the second maximum outer diameter. The support ring includes a third peak having the third maximum outer diameter. A first distance between the first peak and the second peak is greater than a second distance between the second peak and the third peak.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first distance is greater than the second distance by a factor of at least 1.1.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first distance is about 4 millimeters (mm), and the second distance is about 3 mm.

[0010] The aforementioned relationships between the first distance and the second distance may improve accessibility to the tear band while ensuring that the first support ring properly engages a shoulder of the neck of the bottle after crimping, thereby improving crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle and enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first cut-prevention ring further includes a first proximal end proximal to the first line of weakness and having a first minimum outer diameter of the first cut-prevention ring. The first cut-prevention ring further includes a first distal end distal to the first line of weakness and having the first minimum outer diameter of the first cut-prevention ring. The first peak is disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end along the longitudinal axis. A first proximal peak distance between the first proximal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis is equal to a first distal peak distance between the first distal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0012] In some embodiments, the second cut-prevention ring further includes a second proximal end proximal to the second line of weakness and having a second minimum outer diameter of the second cut-prevention ring. The second cut-prevention ring further includes a second distal end distal to the second line of weakness and having the second minimum outer diameter of the second cutprevention ring. The second peak is disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end along the longitudinal axis. A second proximal peak distance between the second proximal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis is equal to a second distal peak distance between the second distal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first support ring further includes a third proximal end proximal to the second line of weakness and having a third minimum outer diameter of the first support ring. The first support ring further includes a third distal end distal to the second line of weakness and having the third minimum outer diameter of the first support ring. The third peak is disposed between the third proximal end and the third distal end along the longitudinal axis. A third proximal peak distance between the third proximal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis is substantially equal to a third distal peak distance between the third distal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In some embodiments, the third maximum outer diameter is greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter by at least 0.25 mm. The third maximum outer diameter being greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter by at least 0.25 mm may improve crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle, thereby enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first maximum outer diameter, the second maximum outer diameter, and the third maximum outer diameter are substantially equal to one another.

[0016] In some embodiments, the third maximum outer diameter is greater than each of the first maximum outer diameter and the second maximum outer diameter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first cut-prevention ring has a first length along the longitudinal axis. The second cut-prevention ring has a second length along the longitudinal axis. The first support ring has a third length along theAttorney Case No. 21369-WOlongitudinal axis. The first length, the second length, and third length are substantially equal.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first gap defined between a first proximal end of the first cut-prevention ring and the first line of weakness along the longitudinal axis is from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The first gap being from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm may ensure that the user does not accidentally contact the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of the first line of weakness.

[0019] In some embodiments, a second gap defined between a second proximal end of the second cut-prevention ring and the second line of weakness along the longitudinal axis is from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The second gap being from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm may ensure that the user does not accidentally contact the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of the second line of weakness.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first line of weakness has a plurality of bridges and each bridge having a midline and the second line of weakness comprises a plurality of bridges and each bridge having a midline. Each bridge midline of the plurality of bridges of the first line of weakness are offset from each bridge midline of the plurality of bridges of the second line of weakness.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of bridges of each of the first line of weakness or the second line of weakness comprise a trapezoid shape.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tear band has a length between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness from 2.0 mm to 15.0 mm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second cut-prevention ring has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the first and second cut-prevention rings has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first support ring has a curve-shaped crosssection along the longitudinal axis.

[0026] In some embodiments, each of the first and second cut-prevention rings has a curve-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] There are several other aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use ofAttorney Case No. 21369-WOthese aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or in different combinations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of a bottle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a screwcap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the screwcap of FIG.2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a screwcap of the bottle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the screwcap of FIG.3A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 3C illustrates an enlarged view of individual bridges of the screwcap of FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a shell of the screwcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the shell of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate schematic cross-sectional profiles of rings in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic front view of a screwcap in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. It will be understood, however, that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0040] The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same (or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure relates to a screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle. The screwcap includes a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck. The shell includes a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness spaced apart from the first line of weakness. The shell further includes a head having a head nominal outer diameter. The head includes a first cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the first line of weakness. The first cut-prevention ring has a first maximum outer diameter greater than the head nominal outer diameter. The shell further includes a skirt having a skirt nominal outer diameter. The skirt includes a second cut-prevention ring proximal to the second line of weakness. The second cut-prevention ring has a second maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter. The skirt further includes a support ring distal to the second cut-prevention ring. The support ring has a third maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter. The shell further includes a tear band detachably connected to the head along the first line of weakness and to the skirt along the second line of weakness.

[0042] The screwcap of the present disclosure may allow easy access to a product stored in the bottle and prevent accidental injuries (e.g., finger cuts) to a user handling the screwcap. Specifically, the tear band may be easily removed from the shell along the first and second lines of weakness to detach the head from the skirt, thereby allowing easy access to the product stored in the bottle. Further, as the first maximum outer diameter of the first cutprevention ring is greater than the head nominal outer diameter, and the second maximum outer diameter of the second cut-prevention ring is greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter, the first cut-prevention ring and the second cutprevention ring may circumferentially protrude farther than the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness, respectively. Consequently, theAttorney Case No. 21369-WOfirst and second cut-prevention rings may protect the user from accidental injuries due to sharp edges and spots of roughness of the first and second lines of weakness by providing a tactile cue or signal for the user to touch or grasp the first and second cut-prevention rings instead of the sharp edges and rough spots. The first and second cut-prevention rings may prevent accidental injuries before and after removal of the tear band from the shell. Further, the first support ring and the second support ring may improve crimping of the shell to the neck of the bottle, thereby enhancing securement of the screwcap with the bottle. The first support ring and the second support ring may therefore prevent undesired pull-offs of the screwcap from the bottle. The first support ring and the second support ring may also prevent leakage of the product stored in the bottle.

[0043] As used in the present application, the term “crimping” may refer to any suitable process of joining two parts by mechanically deforming one or both of the two parts to hold the other, and the term “crimp” may refer to a region of deformation that may result from crimping.

[0044] As used in the present application, the term “line of weakness” may refer to continuous or non-continuous series of holes, vents, slits, slots, perforations, notches, punctures, orifices, openings, inlets, channels, etc., in the surface of or throughout a shell of a screwcap. Its depth may extend from a first surface of the shell to a second surface of the shell (i.e., throughout an entire thickness of the shell). Alternatively, its depth may extend from about 50% to about 95% of the thickness of the shell. A line of weakness may extend circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the shell.

[0045] As used in the present application, the term “nominal outer diameter” refers to a minimum outer diameter of a major portion of an element prior to undergoing a metalworking process, such as crimping. A length of the major portion of the element may be greater than about 50% of its total length. For example, a major portion of a head of a screwcap may have a length greater than 50% of a total length of the head. In some cases, the head of the screwcap may include threads that define the major portion of the head, and consequently a nominal outer diameter of the head.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a bottle assembly 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0047] Bottle assembly 300 includes a bottle 100. Bottle 100 is partially shown in FIG. 1. Bottle 100 may include a neck 102. Neck 102 may include a shoulder 104 and an opening 106. Neck 102 may further include at least one external thread 108.

[0048] In some embodiments, bottle 100 may be made of glass. Bottle 100 may be used to store any suitable product. In some cases, bottle 100 may be used to store liquid products. For example, bottle 100 may be used to store alcoholic drinks, such as wines, aperitifs, liqueurs, and alcohols. In another example, bottle 100 may be used to store juices, carbonated drinks, and the like.

[0049] Bottle assembly 300 further includes a screwcap 110 for sealing neck 102 of bottle 100. Screwcap 110 includes a shell 112 extending along a longitudinal axis 10 and configured to be disposed on neck 102 of bottle 100.

[0050] Shell 112 may be made from any suitable metal. In some embodiments, shell 112 may be made of aluminum or any aluminum alloy for screwcaps application. Specifically, in some embodiments, shell 112 may be made of aluminum 3105 or aluminum 8011. Shell 112 may be formed using a suitable drawing process, by drawing a sheet of metal into a cylindrical shape that is open on one side that is known by one of skill in the art.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , screwcap 110 further includes an insert 114 disposed between shell 112 and neck 102. In some embodiments, insert 114 may include at least one internal thread 116 configured to engage with at least one external thread 108 of neck 102. Insert 114 may be made of any suitable plastic, such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and the like.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , screwcap 110 further includes a sealing arrangement 118 disposed between shell 112 and neck 102. In some embodiments, sealing arrangement 118 is configured to seal opening 106 of neck 102. In some embodiments, sealing arrangement 118 may facilitate providing an air-tight seal between neck 102 and screwcap 110 to seal opening 106. In some embodiments, sealing arrangement 118 may include a liner. In some embodiments, the liner of sealing arrangement 118 may be made from a composition including a thermoplastic elastomer, polyisobutylene, andAttorney Case No. 21369-WOpolybutylene. In some other embodiments, the liner of sealing arrangement 118 may include a multilayer liner including a layer of expanded polyethylene (EPE), expanded polypropylene (EPP), a layer of white kraft, a layer of tin, a layer of an oxide coating, such as aluminum or silicone oxide, a layer of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), a layer of polyester (PET), a layer of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and the like.

[0053] FIG. 2A shows a schematic perspective view of screwcap 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B shows an enlarged view of a portion 50 of screwcap 110.

[0054] Shell 112 includes a first line of weakness 124 and a second line of weakness 126 spaced apart from first line of weakness 124. In other words, second line of weakness 126 is distal from first line of weakness 124. Each of first and second lines of weakness 124, 126 may extend circumferentially about longitudinal axis 10.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, each of first and second lines of weakness 124, 126 may include a plurality of bridges 125 defining a plurality of perforations 128 therebetween. In some embodiments, each of plurality of perforations 128 may be a through-perforation, i.e., each of plurality of perforations 128 may extend through an entire thickness of shell 112. In some embodiments, plurality of perforations 128 of first line of weakness 124 and plurality of perforations 128 of second line of weakness 126 may differ from each other. For example, plurality of perforations 128 of first line of weakness 124 may be through-perforations and plurality of perforations 128 of second line of weakness 126 may not be through-perforations, or plurality of perforations 128 of first line of weakness 124 may not be through- perforations and plurality of perforations 128 of second line of weakness 126 may be through-perforations. Further, plurality of perforations 128 of first line of weakness 124 may have a shape that differs from a shape of plurality of perforations 128 of second line of weakness 126.

[0056] In some embodiments, plurality of bridges 125 of each of first line of weakness 124 and second line of weakness 126 may include at least 10 bridges, at least 15 bridges, at least 20 bridges, at least 25 bridges, at least 30 bridges, at least 35 bridges, at least 40 bridges, at least 45 bridges, or at least 50 bridges. Furthermore, a width of each bridge 125 defined as beingAttorney Case No. 21369-WOsubstantially normal to longitudinal axis 10 may be from about 0.2 millimeters (mm) to about 2.0 mm.

[0057] In some embodiments, plurality of bridges 125 of each of first line of weakness 124 and second line of weakness 126 may include a shape that includes a triangle, a trapezoid (i.e., a flat closed shape having four straight sides with one pair of the sides being parallel), or an isosceles trapezoid (i.e., a trapezoid where the non-parallel sides have equal length and equal base angles). The individual bridge shape is defined as the shape of the bridge between two perforations that form an individual bridge and the first cutprevention ring or the second cut-prevention ring that is nearest the first line of weakness or the second line of weakness, respectively, that includes the individual bridge.

[0058] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show schematic views of a screwcap 410 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Screwcap 410 is substantially similar to screwcap 110 of FIG. 2A, with like elements designated by like numbers. FIG. 3B shows an enlarged view of a portion 450 of screwcap 410. With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, screwcap 410 includes plurality of bridges 125 where each individual bridge includes an isosceles trapezoid shape. An individual bridge 455, 455’ of plurality of bridges 125 of each the first line of weakness 124 and the second line of weakness 126, respectively, is shown in FIG. 3C. Individual bridge 455 of first line of weakness 124 includes side A that is proximal to first cut-prevention ring 140 and side B that is parallel to side A and distal to first cut-prevention ring 140. Individual bridge 455 includes side C that is first non-parallel side and side D that is second non-parallel side, with each non-parallel side C, D joined to both parallel sides A, B in an opposing manner. Base angle P is the angle between each non-parallel side C, D and parallel side B. Individual bridge 455’ of second line of weakness 126 includes side A’ that is proximal to second cut-prevention ring 160 and side B’ that is parallel to side A’ and distal to second cut-prevention ring 160. Individual bridge 455’ includes side C’ that is first non-parallel side and side D’ that is second non-parallel side, with each non-parallel side O’, D’ joined to parallel sides A’, B’ in an opposing manner. Base angle P’ is the angle between each non-parallel side O’, D’ and parallel side B’. Base angle P,P’ may range from 10 to 89 degrees with respect to individual bridge midline M,Attorney Case No. 21369-WOM’ that is defined as being substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 10 and bisecting individual bridge 455, 455’. In some embodiments, the width of parallel sides distal to first cut-prevention ring 140 and second cut-prevention ring 160 (B,B’) may be from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, where width is defined as being substantially normal to longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, the width of parallel sides proximal to first cut-prevention ring 140 and second cut-prevention ring 160 (A, A’) may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0059] In some embodiments, individual bridges included in the first line of weakness 124 and individual bridges included in the second line of weakness 126 may be aligned with each other. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, plurality of bridges 125 of first line of weakness 124 are substantially aligned with plurality of bridges 125 of second line of weakness 126. That is, midline N of each bridge of first line of weakness 124 is substantially aligned with midline N’ of each bridge of second line of weakness 126.

[0060] In some embodiments, individual bridges included in the first line of weakness 124 and individual bridges included in the second line of weakness 126 may be misaligned (e.g., offset) from each other (i.e., midline of each bridge of first line of weakness 124 is substantially misaligned with midline of each bridge of second line of weakness 126). With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, plurality of bridges 125 of first line of weakness 124 are substantially misaligned with plurality of bridges 125 of second line of weakness 126. Misalignment of plurality of bridges 125 may reduce the force needed to remove tear band 130, for example, 10%, by 20%, by 30%, or by 40%, when compared to tear bands 130 that include aligned plurality of bridges 125.

[0061] In some cases, each of first line of weakness 124 and second line of weakness 126 may include sharp edges and spots of roughness due to plurality of bridges 125 and plurality of perforations 128. Such sharp edges and spots of roughness may be formed, for example, during formation of first and second lines of weakness 124, 126 on shell 112.

[0062] Shell 112 further includes a head 120. Head 120 includes a first cutprevention ring 140 disposed proximal to first line of weakness 124. Shell 112 further includes a skirt 122. Skirt 122 may be spaced apart from head 120.Attorney Case No. 21369-WOSkirt 122 includes a second cut-prevention ring 160 disposed proximal to second line of weakness 126.

[0063] First and second cut-prevention rings 140,160 will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First and second cut-prevention rings 140,160 may protect a user from accidental injury due to the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of first and second lines of weakness 124, 126. That is, first and second cut-prevention rings 140,160 may prevent the user from accidentally contacting the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of first and second lines of weakness 124, 126.

[0064] Shell 112 further includes a tear band 130 detachably connected to head 120 along first line of weakness 124 and to skirt 122 along second line of weakness 126. Specifically, tear band 130 may detachably connect head 120 to skirt 122. Tear band 130 may be removed from shell 122 along first and second lines of weakness 124, 126 to detach head 120 from skirt 122 in order to access the product stored in bottle 100 (shown in FIG. 1). In some cases, trapezoidal-shaped bridges 455, 455’ may reduce the formation of sharp edges and spots of roughness along first line of weakness 124 and second line of weakness 126 after tear band 130 is detached from head 120 and skirt 122. Tear band 130 may include a grip tab 132 that allows a user to grasp the tear band 130 for removal from head 120 and skirt 122. Grip tab 132 may be formed by removal of a portion of shell 112 near tear band 130 or any other means as known by one of skill in the art. Two grip tabs 132 are shown in FIG. 2A that allow for right- or left-handed grasping of tear band 130. In some cases, tear band 130 may also function as a tamper-proof feature.

[0065] Skirt 122 further includes a first support ring 180. First support ring 180 is distal to second cut-prevention ring 160. Specifically, first support ring 180 may be disposed distal to each of second cut-prevention ring 160 and second line of weakness 126. In some embodiments, at least a portion of first support ring 180 is configured to deform and engage shoulder 104 (shown in FIG. 1) of neck 102 (shown in FIG. 1) after crimping. In other words, in some embodiments, shell 112 may be crimped, such that at least a portion of first support ring 180 may deform and engage shoulder 104. Therefore, it may be noted that a position of first support ring 180 may depend upon a profile of neck 102.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0066] First support ring 180 may improve crimping of shell 112 to neck 102 of bottle 100, thereby enhancing securement of screwcap 110 with bottle 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In other words, first support ring 180 may prevent undesired pull-offs of screwcap 110 from bottle 100. Consequently, first support ring 180 may prevent leakage of the product stored in bottle 100.

[0067] Skirt 122 may further include a second support ring 200. With reference to FIG. 3A, second support ring 200 is disposed distal to second line of weakness 126 and may be positioned between second cut-prevention ring 160 and first support ring 180 relative to longitudinal axis 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least a portion of second support ring is configured to deform and engage shoulder 104 of neck 102 (shown in FIG. 1) after crimping. In other words, in some embodiments, shell 112 may be crimped, such that at least a portion of second support ring 200 may deform and engage shoulder 104. Therefore, it may be noted that a position of second cut-prevention ring 160, second support ring 200, and first support ring 180 may depend upon a profile of neck 102.

[0069] In some embodiments, first support ring 180 may be configured to protect second line of weakness 126 during crimping of shell 112. In some embodiments, second support ring 200 may be configured to improve an appearance of screwcap 410 after crimping of shell 112. In some embodiments, second support ring 200 may be configured to reduce or eliminate distortion of the first support ring 180 during crimping of shell 112.

[0070] Advantageously, second support ring 200 may allow crimping of shell 112 at a greater penetration by crimping rollers on neck 102 to reduce maximum crimped outer diameter. Reduction of maximum crimped outer diameter may prevent undesired pull-off of screwcap 410 from bottle 100. Further, second support ring 200 may allow first support ring 180 to be positioned lower as compared to a conventional screwcap. This may further reduce distortion of first support ring 180 during crimping, thereby preventing several defects such as bird beaks and facets. Thus, second support ring 200 may improve the circularity of first support ring 180 that may further improve an appearance of screwcap 410 on bottle 100.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of shell 112 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0072] Shell 112 has a shell length 112L. Shell length 112L may depend upon design and dimensions of bottle 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Shell length 112L is measured along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, shell length 112L may be from about 30 mm to about 70 mm. In some embodiments, shell length 112L may be about 60 mm.

[0073] Head 120 has a head length 120L. Head length 120L is measured along longitudinal axis 10. Head length 120L may depend upon design and dimensions of neck 102 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, head length 120L may be from about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

[0074] Skirt 122 has a skirt length 122L. Skirt length 122L is measured along longitudinal axis 10. Skirt length 122L may depend upon design and dimensions of neck 102 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, skirt length 122L may be from about 16 mm to about 45 mm.

[0075] Further, tear band 130 has a length 130L between first line of weakness 124 and second line of weakness 126. In some embodiments, length 130L of tear band 130 may be from 3 mm to 15 mm. Tear band 130 may therefore be easy to access and grip by the user.

[0076] Shell 112 has an average thickness T. Average thickness T of shell 112 may depend upon desired application attributes and a material of shell 112. In some embodiments, average thickness T of shell 112 may be from about 0.18 mm to about 0.30 mm. In other words, head 120 may have an average thickness from about 0.18 mm to about 0.30 mm, and skirt 122 may have an average thickness from about 0.18 mm to about 0.30 mm. In some embodiments, average thickness T of shell 112 may be from about 0.18 mm to about 0.23 mm. In some embodiments, average thickness T of shell 112 may be about 0.20 mm. Average thickness T of shell 112 of about 0.20 mm may provide shell 112 with desired structural integrity for capping applications.

[0077] Tear band 130 has an average thickness T’. Average thickness T’ of tear band 130 may depend upon desired application attributes and a material of shell 112. In some embodiments, average thickness T’ of tear band 130 may be from about 0.15 mm to about 0.30 mm. Average thickness T’ of tear band 130 of about 0.18 mm to about 0.20 mm may allow a force such that a user can manually remove tear band 130 from shell 112 (e.g., user opening or tearingAttorney Case No. 21369-WOtear band 130 away from shell 112 with fingers and without any other instrument).

[0078] Head 120 has a head nominal outer diameter 121. Head nominal outer diameter 121 may be defined as a minimum outer diameter of a major portion of head 120. The major portion of head 120 may be proximal to first cutprevention ring 140. Specifically, the major portion of head 120 may extend from first cut-prevention ring 140 opposite to second cut-prevention ring 160. Head nominal outer diameter 121 may depend upon the design and dimensions of bottle 100 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, head nominal outer diameter 121 may be from about 25 mm to about 37 mm.

[0079] First cut-prevention ring 140 has a first maximum outer diameter 142 greater than head nominal outer diameter 121. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, first cut-prevention ring 140 includes a first peak 144 having first maximum outer diameter 142. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, first maximum outer diameter 142 of first cut-prevention ring 140 is disposed at first peak 144. In some embodiments, first maximum outer diameter 142 of first cut-prevention ring 140 may be from about 25.25 mm to about 40 mm. As first maximum outer diameter 142 of first cut-prevention ring 140 is greater than head nominal outer diameter 121 , first cut-prevention ring 140 may circumferentially protrude farther than first line of weakness 124, thereby preventing contact of the user with the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of first line of weakness 124.

[0080] Further, skirt 122 has a skirt nominal outer diameter 123. Skirt nominal outer diameter 123 may be defined as a minimum outer diameter of a major portion of skirt 122. The major portion of skirt 122 may extend from first support ring 180 opposite to second cut-prevention ring 160. Skirt nominal outer diameter 123 may depend upon the design and dimensions of bottle 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, skirt nominal outer diameter 123 may be from about 25 mm to about 37 mm.

[0081] Second cut-prevention ring 160 has a second maximum outer diameter 162 greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, second cut-prevention ring 160 includes a second peak 164 having second maximum outer diameter 162. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, second maximum outer diameter 162 ofAttorney Case No. 21369-WOsecond cut-prevention ring 160 is disposed at second peak 164. In some embodiments, second maximum outer diameter 162 of second cut-prevention ring 160 may be from about 25.25 mm to about 40 mm. As second maximum outer diameter 162 of second cut-prevention ring 160 is greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123, second cut-prevention ring 160 may circumferentially protrude farther than second line of weakness 126, thereby preventing contact of the user with the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of second line of weakness 126.

[0082] First support ring 180 has a third maximum outer diameter 182 greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123. In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter 182 of first support ring 180 may be from about 25.25 mm to about 40 mm. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, first support ring 180 includes a third peak 184 having third maximum outer diameter 182. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, third maximum outer diameter 182 of first support ring 180 is disposed at third peak 184. In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter 182 is greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123 by at least 0.25 mm. Third maximum outer diameter 182 being greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123 by at least 0.25 mm may improve crimping of shell 112 to neck 102 of bottle 100, thereby enhancing securement of screwcap 110 with bottle 100 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter 182 may be greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123 by at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm.

[0083] Similarly as described for first support ring 180, second support ring 200 has a fourth maximum outer diameter greater than nominal outer diameter 124 of skirt 122. Second support ring 200 includes a fourth peak having fourth maximum outer diameter. Fourth maximum outer diameter is a maximum outer diameter of second support ring 200 at fourth peak. In some embodiments, fourth maximum outer diameter is greater than nominal outer diameter 124 by at least 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter 182 may be greater than skirt nominal outer diameter 123 by at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.6 mm, at least 0.7 mm, or at least 0.8 mm.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0084] In some embodiments, first maximum outer diameter 142, second maximum outer diameter 162, and third maximum outer diameter 182 are substantially equal to one another. However, in some other embodiments, first maximum outer diameter 142, second maximum outer diameter 162, and third maximum outer diameter 182 may be different from one another. In some embodiments, third maximum outer diameter 182 of first support ring 180 may be greater than each of first maximum outer diameter 142 and second maximum outer diameter 162.

[0085] First peak 144 and second peak 164 define a first distance 202 therebetween. Further, second peak 164 and third peak 184 define a second distance 204 therebetween. First and second distances 202, 204 may be defined along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, first distance 202 between first peak 144 and second peak 164 may be greater than second distance 204 between second peak 164 and third peak 184. In some embodiments, first distance 202 may be greater than second distance 204 by a factor of at least 1.1. In other words, in some embodiments, first distance 202 may be greater than or equal to 1.1 times of second distance 204. In some embodiments, first distance 202 is about 4 mm, and second distance 204 is about 3 mm.

[0086] The aforementioned relationships between first distance 202 and second distance 204 may improve accessibility to tear band 130 while ensuring that first support ring 180 properly engages shoulder 104 (shown in FIG. 1) of neck 102 of bottle 100 after crimping, thereby improving crimping of shell 112 to neck 102 of bottle 100 and enhancing securement of screwcap 110 with bottle 100.

[0087] In some embodiments, each of first and second cut-prevention rings 140, 160 may have a curve-shaped cross-section along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, first support ring 180 may have a curve-shaped crosssection along longitudinal axis 10. However, it may be noted that first cutprevention ring 140, second cut-prevention ring 160, and first support ring 180 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape depending on desired aesthetics and application attributes. In some examples, first support ring 180 may have an asymmetric cross-sectional shape along longitudinal axis 10. TheAttorney Case No. 21369-WOasymmetric cross-sectional shape of first support ring 180 may provide increased rigidity to first support ring 180 during crimping.

[0088] In some embodiments, second support ring 200 has a symmetric shape along longitudinal axis 10. However, in some other embodiments, second support ring 200 may have an asymmetric shape along longitudinal axis 10.

[0089] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of shell 112 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, first cut prevention ring 140 further includes a first proximal end 146 proximal to first line of weakness 124. First cut prevention ring 140 further includes a first distal end 150 distal to first line of weakness 124. In some embodiments, first peak 144 is disposed between first proximal end 146 and first distal end 150 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, first proximal end 146 has a first minimum outer diameter 148 of the first cut prevention ring 140. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, first distal end 150 has first minimum outer diameter 148 of first cut prevention ring 140. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, first proximal end 146 and first distal end 150 have a substantially equal outer diameter, that is, first minimum outer diameter 148.

[0092] First proximal end 146 and first peak 144 define a first proximal peak distance 152 therebetween along longitudinal axis 10. Further, first distal end 150 and first peak 144 define a first distal peak distance 154 therebetween along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, first proximal peak distance 152 between first proximal end 146 and first peak 144 along longitudinal axis 10 is equal to first distal peak distance 154 between first distal end 150 and first peak 144 along longitudinal axis 10. However, in some other embodiments, first proximal peak distance 152 between first proximal end 146 and first peak 144 along longitudinal axis 10 may be different from first distal peak distance 154 between first distal end 150 and first peak 144 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0093] First cut prevention ring 140 has a first length 156 along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, first length 156 may be defined as a sum of first proximal peak distance 152 and first distal peak distance 154. In some embodiments, first length 156 may be from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, second cut prevention ring 160 further includes a second proximal end 166 proximal to second line of weakness 126. Second cut prevention ring 160 further includes a second distal end 170 distal to second line of weakness 126. In some embodiments, second peak 164 is disposed between second proximal end 166 and second distal end 170 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, second proximal end 166 has a second minimum outer diameter 168 of second cut prevention ring 160. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, second distal end 170 has second minimum outer diameter 168 of second cut prevention ring 160. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, second proximal end 166 and second distal end 170 have a substantially equal outer diameter, that is, second minimum outer diameter 168.

[0096] Second proximal end 166 and second peak 164 define a second proximal peak distance 172 therebetween along longitudinal axis 10. Further, second distal end 170 and second peak 164 define a second distal peak distance 174 therebetween along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, second proximal peak distance 172 between second proximal end 166 and second peak 164 along longitudinal axis 10 is equal to second distal peak distance 174 between second distal end 170 and second peak 164 along longitudinal axis 10. However, in some other embodiments, second proximal peak distance 172 between second proximal end 166 and second peak 164 along longitudinal axis 10 may be different from second distal peak distance 174 between second distal end 170 and second peak 164 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0097] Second cut-prevention ring 160 has a second length 176 along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, second length 176 may be defined as a sum of second proximal peak distance 172 and second distal peak distance 174. In some embodiments, second length 176 may be from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, first support ring 180 further includes a third proximal end 186 proximal to second line of weakness 126. First support ring 180 further includes a third distal end 190 distal to second lineAttorney Case No. 21369-WOof weakness 126. In some embodiments, third peak 184 is disposed between third proximal end 186 and third distal end 190 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, third proximal end 186 has a third minimum outer diameter 188 of first support ring 180. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, third distal end 190 has third minimum outer diameter 188 of first support ring 180. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, third proximal end 186 and third distal end 190 have a substantially equal outer diameter, that is, third minimum outer diameter 188.

[0100] Third proximal end 186 and third peak 184 define a third proximal peak distance 192 therebetween along longitudinal axis 10. Further, third distal end 190 and third peak 184 define a third distal peak distance 194 therebetween along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, third proximal peak distance 192 between third proximal end 186 and third peak 184 along longitudinal axis 10 is substantially equal to third distal peak distance 194 between third distal end 190 and third peak 184 along longitudinal axis 10. However, in some other embodiments, third proximal peak distance 192 between third proximal end 186 and third peak 184 along longitudinal axis 10 may be different from third distal peak distance 194 between third distal end 190 and third peak 184 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0101] First support ring 180 has a third length 196 along longitudinal axis 10.In some embodiments, third length 196 may be defined as a sum of third proximal peak distance 192 and third distal peak distance 194. In some embodiments, third length 196 is from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

[0102] In some embodiments, first length 156, second length 176, and third length 196 may be substantially equal. In other words, in some embodiments, first cut-prevention ring 140, second cut-prevention ring 160, and first support ring 180 may be substantially equal in length along longitudinal axis 10.

[0103] A first gap 206 is defined between first proximal end 146 of first cutprevention ring 140 and first line of weakness 124 along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, first gap 206 may be from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. First gap 206 being from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm may ensure that the user does not accidentally contact the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of first line of weakness 124. Furthermore, a second gap 208 is defined between second proximal end 166 of second cut-prevention ring 160 and second line ofAttorney Case No. 21369-WOweakness 126 along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, second gap 208 may be from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Second gap 208 being from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm may ensure that the user does not accidentally contact the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of second line of weakness 126.

[0104] FIGS. 6A and 6B show schematic symmetric and asymmetric cross- sectional profiles 210, 220 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, first cut-protection ring 140, second cut-protection ring 160, and first support ring 180 may include one of symmetric and asymmetric cross-sectional profiles 210, 220.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, in some embodiments, second cutprevention ring 160 may have a symmetric shape along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, each of first and second cut-prevention rings 140, 160 may have a symmetric shape along longitudinal axis 10. In some embodiments, first support ring 180 may have a symmetric shape along longitudinal axis 10.

[0106] Specifically, first cut-prevention ring 140, second cut-prevention ring 160, and first support ring 180 may have symmetric cross-sectional profile 210. Symmetric cross-sectional profile 210 is symmetrical about an axis 211 that is orthogonal to longitudinal axis 10 and passes through a mid-point 212 of symmetric cross-sectional profile 210. Mid-point 212 may correspond to first peak 144, second peak 164, or third peak 184. In other words, first cutprevention ring 140 may be symmetric about first peak 144 along longitudinal axis 10, second cut-prevention ring 160 may be symmetric about second peak 164 along longitudinal axis 10, and first support ring 180 may be symmetric about third peak 184 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0107] In some other embodiments, one or more of first cut-prevention ring 140, second cut-prevention ring 160, and first support ring 180 may be asymmetric along longitudinal axis 10. Specifically, in some embodiments, one or more of first cut-prevention ring 140, second cut-prevention ring 160, and first support ring 180 may have asymmetric cross-sectional profile 220. Asymmetric cross- sectional profile 220 is asymmetrical about an axis 221 that is orthogonal to longitudinal axis 10 and passes through a mid-point 222 of asymmetric cross- sectional profile 220. Mid-point 222 may correspond to first peak 144, second peak 164, or third peak 184. In other words, first cut-prevention ring 140 may be asymmetric about first peak 144 along longitudinal axis 10, second cut-Attorney Case No. 21369-WOprevention ring 160 may be asymmetric about second peak 164 along longitudinal axis 10, and first support ring 180 may be asymmetric about third peak 184 along longitudinal axis 10.

[0108] FIG. 7 shows a schematic front view of a screwcap 110’ in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Screwcap 110’ is substantially similar to screwcap 110 of FIG. 2A, with like elements designated by like numbers. However, shell 112 of screwcap 110’ has a different configuration as compared to that of screwcap 110.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in some embodiments, head 120 includes at least one internal thread 117 configured to engage with at least one external thread 108 of neck 102. As a result, insert 114 may be omitted from screwcap 110’. Consequently, screwcap 110’ may require fewer components for capping and include fewer plastic components than screwcap 110. Screwcaps that do not include an insert, such as screwcap 110’, may accordingly include a groove 115 and a knurling 119.

[0110] Screwcaps 110, 110’, 410 including first cut-prevention ring 140 and second cut-prevention ring 160 may protect a user from accidental cutting injury due to the sharp edges and the spots of roughness of first and second lines of weakness 124, 126. For example, when tear band 130 is removed from screwcap 110, 110’, 410, first and second lines of weakness 124, 126 are fully exposed. The exposed first or second line of weakness 124, 126 passes (no cut to foam) the Sharp Edge Test as disclosed herein.TEST METHODS

[0111] Sharp Edge Value: Sharp Edge Tester, Model TES SET-50 and caps from Tape Cap Kit Model TC-3, were used with all available from Technical Engineering Service (TESC), Mesa, Arizona, USA. Empty bottles (including for wine or spirits that can include calibers from 18 mm to 40 mm) including a skirt (bottle samples) were tested. Each bottle sample was obtained from a wine bottle (e.g., bottle with a neck and having volume of 750 milliliters) that included a screwcap crimped to the neck of the wine bottle under conditions known to one of skill in the art for capping a 30H60 ROPP. The screwcap included a head, a tear band, a skirt, and first and second cut-prevention rings. The tearAttorney Case No. 21369-WOband was detached from the bottle allowing removal of the head with the skirt remaining on the neck of the bottle. Bottle samples were mounted on a horizontal rotary support such that the neck and bottle base were supported. The horizontal rotary support had a speed of one revolution of the bottle neck per minute. The Sharp Edge Tester was mounted at a 45 degree angle such that a foam cap was in contact with the skirt edge from where the tear band was detached (i.e., exposed skirt edge). A load of 700 g was applied perpendicular to the Sharp Edge Tester. The test was completed by allowing a complete revolution of the exposed skirt edge against the foam cap. A pass (no cut to foam) or fail (cut to foam) result was recordedPROPHETIC EXAMPLES

[0112] Skirt samples from screwcaps including tear bands with aligned bridges (such as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) are Example 1. Skirt samples from screwcaps including tear bands with misaligned bridges (such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) are Example 2. Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated according to the Sharp Edge Value test described herein. Sharp Edge values are reported in TABLE 1. Ten samples were tested and the average was reported.TABLE 1

[0113] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0114] Clause 1. A screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle, the screwcap comprising: a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck, the shell comprising: a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness spaced apart from the first line of weakness; a head having a head nominal outer diameter, the head comprising a first cut-Attorney Case No. 21369-WOprevention ring disposed proximal to the first line of weakness, the first cutprevention ring having a first maximum outer diameter greater than the head nominal outer diameter; a skirt having a skirt nominal outer diameter, the skirt comprising: a second cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the second line of weakness, the second cut-prevention ring having a second maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter; and a first support ring distal to the second cut-prevention ring, the first support ring having a third maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter; and a tear band detachably connected to the head along the first line of weakness and to the skirt along the second line of weakness.

[0115] Clause 2. The screwcap of clause 1 , wherein: the first cut-prevention ring comprises a first peak having the first maximum outer diameter; the second cutprevention ring comprises a second peak having the second maximum outer diameter; the first support ring comprises a third peak having the third maximum outer diameter; and a first distance between the first peak and the second peak is greater than a second distance between the second peak and the third peak.

[0116] Clause 3. The screwcap of clause 2, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance by a factor of at least 1.1.

[0117] Clause 4. The screwcap of clause 2 or 3, wherein the first distance is about 4 millimeters (mm), and the second distance is about 3 mm.

[0118] Clause 5. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first cut-prevention ring further comprises: a first proximal end proximal to the first line of weakness and having a first minimum outer diameter of the first cutprevention ring; and a first distal end distal to the first line of weakness and having the first minimum outer diameter of the first cut-prevention ring; wherein the first peak is disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end along the longitudinal axis; and wherein a first proximal peak distance between the first proximal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis is equal to a first distal peak distance between the first distal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis.

[0119] Clause 6. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the second cut-prevention ring further comprises: a second proximal end proximal to the second line of weakness and having a second minimum outer diameter of the second cut-prevention ring; and a second distal end distal to the second line ofAttorney Case No. 21369-WOweakness and having the second minimum outer diameter of the second cutprevention ring; wherein the second peak is disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end along the longitudinal axis; and wherein a second proximal peak distance between the second proximal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis is equal to a second distal peak distance between the second distal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis.

[0120] Clause 7. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first support ring further comprises: a third proximal end proximal to the second line of weakness and having a third minimum outer diameter of the first support ring; and a third distal end distal to the second line of weakness and having the third minimum outer diameter of the first support ring; wherein the third peak is disposed between the third proximal end and the third distal end along the longitudinal axis; and wherein a third proximal peak distance between the third proximal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis is substantially equal to a third distal peak distance between the third distal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis.

[0121] Clause 8. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the third maximum outer diameter is greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter by at least 0.25 mm.

[0122] Clause 9. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first maximum outer diameter, the second maximum outer diameter, and the third maximum outer diameter are substantially equal to one another.

[0123] Clause 10. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the third maximum outer diameter is greater than each of the first maximum outer diameter and the second maximum outer diameter.

[0124] Clause 11. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein: the first cut-prevention ring has a first length along the longitudinal axis; the second cutprevention ring has a second length along the longitudinal axis; the first support ring has a third length along the longitudinal axis; and the first length, the second length, and third length are substantially equal.

[0125] Clause 12. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 11 , wherein a first gap defined between a first proximal end of the first cut-prevention ring and the first line of weakness along the longitudinal axis is from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO

[0126] Clause 13. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein a second gap defined between a second proximal end of the second cutprevention ring and the second line of weakness along the longitudinal axis is from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0127] Clause 14. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the first line of weakness comprises a plurality of bridges and each bridge having a midline and the second line of weakness comprises a plurality of bridges and each bridge having a midline, and wherein each bridge midline of the plurality of bridges of the first line of weakness are offset from each bridge midline of the plurality of bridges of the second line of weakness.

[0128] Clause 15. The screwcap of clause 14, wherein the plurality of bridges of each of the first line of weakness or the second line of weakness comprise a trapezoid shape.

[0129] Clause 16. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the tear band has a length between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness from 2.0 mm to 15.0 mm.

[0130] Clause 17. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the second cut-prevention ring has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

[0131] Clause 18. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein each of the first and second cut-prevention rings has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

[0132] Clause 19. The screwcap of any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the first support ring has a curve-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

[0133] Clause 20. wherein each of the first and second cut-prevention rings has a curve-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

[0134] Each and every document cited in this present application, including any cross referenced, is incorporated in this present application in its entirety by this reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed in this present application or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this present application conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same termAttorney Case No. 21369-WOin a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present application governs.

[0135] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing sizes, amounts, ranges, limits, and physical and other properties used in the present application are to be understood as being preceded in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present application are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation using the teachings disclosed in the present application.

[0136] As used in the present application, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the present application, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or”, “unless” the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0137] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “lower”, “upper”, “beneath”, “below”, “above”, “bottom” and “top”, if used in the present application, are used for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described in the present application. For example, if an object depicted in the drawings is turned over or flipped over, elements previously described as below, or beneath other elements would then be above those other elements.

[0138] The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings.

[0139] The description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed are illustrative only and should not be interpreted as limiting. The present invention includes the description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed; but it is not limited to such description, examples, embodiments, or drawings. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that features of one disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments,Attorney Case No. 21369-WOunless expressly indicated to the contrary. Modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the packaging arts, and all such modifications and other embodiments are intended and deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Attorney Case No. 21369-WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A screwcap for sealing a neck of a bottle, the screwcap comprising:a shell extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed on the neck, the shell comprising:a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness spaced apart from the first line of weakness;a head having a head nominal outer diameter, the head comprising a first cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the first line of weakness, the first cut-prevention ring having a first maximum outer diameter greater than the head nominal outer diameter;a skirt having a skirt nominal outer diameter, the skirt comprising:a second cut-prevention ring disposed proximal to the second line of weakness, the second cut-prevention ring having a second maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter; anda first support ring distal to the second cut-prevention ring, the first support ring having a third maximum outer diameter greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter; anda tear band detachably connected to the head along the first line of weakness and to the skirt along the second line of weakness.

2. The screwcap of claim 1 , wherein:the first cut-prevention ring comprises a first peak having the first maximum outer diameter;the second cut-prevention ring comprises a second peak having the second maximum outer diameter;the first support ring comprises a third peak having the third maximum outer diameter; anda first distance between the first peak and the second peak is greater than a second distance between the second peak and the third peak.

3. The screwcap of claim 2, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance by a factor of at least 1.1.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO4. The screwcap of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first distance is about 4 millimeters (mm), and the second distance is about 3 mm.

5. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first cut-prevention ring further comprises:a first proximal end proximal to the first line of weakness and having a first minimum outer diameter of the first cut-prevention ring; anda first distal end distal to the first line of weakness and having the first minimum outer diameter of the first cut-prevention ring;wherein the first peak is disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end along the longitudinal axis; andwherein a first proximal peak distance between the first proximal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis is equal to a first distal peak distance between the first distal end and the first peak along the longitudinal axis.

6. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second cut-prevention ring further comprises:a second proximal end proximal to the second line of weakness and having a second minimum outer diameter of the second cut-prevention ring; anda second distal end distal to the second line of weakness and having the second minimum outer diameter of the second cut-prevention ring; wherein the second peak is disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end along the longitudinal axis; andwherein a second proximal peak distance between the second proximal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis is equal to a second distal peak distance between the second distal end and the second peak along the longitudinal axis.

7. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first support ring further comprises:a third proximal end proximal to the second line of weakness and having a third minimum outer diameter of the first support ring; andAttorney Case No. 21369-WOa third distal end distal to the second line of weakness and having the third minimum outer diameter of the first support ring;wherein the third peak is disposed between the third proximal end and the third distal end along the longitudinal axis; andwherein a third proximal peak distance between the third proximal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis is substantially equal to a third distal peak distance between the third distal end and the third peak along the longitudinal axis.

8. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the third maximum outer diameter is greater than the skirt nominal outer diameter by at least 0.25 mm.

9. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first maximum outer diameter, the second maximum outer diameter, and the third maximum outer diameter are substantially equal to one another.

10. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third maximum outer diameter is greater than each of the first maximum outer diameter and the second maximum outer diameter.

11. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:the first cut-prevention ring has a first length along the longitudinal axis; the second cut-prevention ring has a second length along the longitudinal axis; the first support ring has a third length along the longitudinal axis; and the first length, the second length, and third length are substantially equal.

12. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein a first gap defined between a first proximal end of the first cut-prevention ring and the first line of weakness along the longitudinal axis is from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

13. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a second gap defined between a second proximal end of the second cut-prevention ring and the second line of weakness along the longitudinal axis is from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.Attorney Case No. 21369-WO14. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first line of weakness comprises a plurality of bridges and each bridge having a midline and the second line of weakness comprises a plurality of bridges and each bridge having a midline, and wherein each bridge midline of the plurality of bridges of the first line of weakness are offset from each bridge midline of the plurality of bridges of the second line of weakness.

15. The screwcap of claim 14, wherein the plurality of bridges of each of the first line of weakness or the second line of weakness comprise a trapezoid shape.

16. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the tear band has a length between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness from 2.0 mm to 15.0 mm.

17. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second cut-prevention ring has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

18. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each of the first and second cut-prevention rings has a symmetric shape along the longitudinal axis.

19. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first support ring has a curve-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

20. The screwcap of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein each of the first and second cut-prevention rings has a curve-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

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