Metal Can Internal Threads for Resealing Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metallic beverage containers with external threads are expensive to produce, prone to leakage, and have limitations in pressure resistance, leading to waste and environmental concerns due to the lack of a cost-effective, resealable closure that provides an enjoyable drinking experience.
Innovation Solution
A metallic container with inwardly facing threads and a threaded closure that can be removably interconnected, allowing for resealing and featuring a method of forming threads using a mandrel or hydraulic bag to create a secure seal, along with a tamper indicator and gas permeation barrier for improved functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external threads are used on the bottle neck, then the container can be sealed with a threaded closure, but the production cost increases and the container becomes prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional threading approach by moving the threads from the external bottle neck surface to the internal surface. This allows the closure to thread internally within the bottle neck, eliminating the need for external threads while maintaining resealability. The internal threading is formed by inserting a threaded mandrel into the bottle neck and forming threads on the internal surface, which reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to external threading.
2Reliability
If external threads are used on the bottle neck, then the container can be sealed, but the pressure resistance decreases and the seal may fail under internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the thread location to the internal surface of the bottle neck, the sealing mechanism is positioned to better withstand internal pressure. The internal threads engage with the closure from the inside, allowing the bottle neck material to provide structural support against the internal pressure while the seal maintains integrity. This internal threading configuration prevents the seal blowout issues associated with external threading under pressure.
3Ease of operation
If a threaded closure is used to seal the container, then the container can be reclosed, but the container cannot be reused after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-sealing mechanism where the internal threaded closure, when screwed into the bottle neck, automatically compresses an elastomeric seal against the internal surface of the bottle neck. This self-actuating sealing action occurs simply by threading the closure in place, without requiring additional sealing components or complex mechanisms. The elastomeric seal deforms under compression to fill gaps and create a tight seal, enabling the container to be reclosed and reused multiple times after opening, thereby reducing waste.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a container that may be sealed and reclosed with a threaded closure. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a metallic container having an opening with inwardly facing threads that are formed after a threaded closure is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads.