Metal Container Threaded Closure with Tensioned Thread Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metallic beverage containers lack a cost-effective, pressure-resistant closure that allows for resealing and provides an enjoyable drinking experience, as existing solutions fail to account for the elastic nature of metal, leading to loose engagements and potential tampering issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a metallic container with a threaded closure that includes a first tool to elastically deform the closure and a second tool to form container threads on the neck, ensuring a secure seal by applying forces that alter the angle of the closure threads and create tension between the closure and container threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded closure is used on a metallic container, then the container can be sealed and reclosed, but the elastic nature of metal causes the container threads to spring back and move relative to the closure threads, resulting in loose engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the container threads on the exterior surface of the metallic container before the closure is applied. This allows the threads to be pre-formed with precise geometry and position, eliminating the problem of elastic spring-back that occurs when threads are formed after container assembly. The pre-formed threads ensure stable engagement with the closure threads throughout the sealing and reclosing process.
2Strength
If external threads are used on the container neck, then the closure can engage the container, but the diameter of the bore is limited by the internal pressure required for the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by moving the threads from the interior surface to the exterior surface of the container neck. This allows the bore diameter to be maximized for better product flow and dispensing, while the external threads provide the necessary engagement strength for the closure. The external threading configuration maintains pressure resistance without constraining the internal bore dimensions.
3Reliability
If the closure is tightly engaged to prevent tampering, then the seal is secure, but it becomes difficult to determine if someone has tampered with the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by incorporating a tamper-indicating element that changes its visual state when tampering occurs. The indicium can change color, position, or configuration to provide clear visual evidence of attempted or completed tampering, allowing consumers to easily detect security breaches while maintaining a secure sealed state during normal storage and transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, pressure-resistant resealable metallic container with improved consumer satisfaction by ensuring a secure and tamper-indicating closure, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a first tool configured to apply a first force to the threaded closure positioned in an opening of the metallic container... the first force selected to alter an angle at which the extension projects from the closure body
Implementation Method 2
a second tool configured to apply a second force to an exterior surface of a neck to form container threads on the neck by pressing the neck against the closure threads
Implementation Method 3
the closure threads move away from a bottom portion of the metallic container and apply a force to the container threads thereby placing the threaded closure in tension
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. The threads are formed on the metallic container by pressing a neck portion of the metallic container against closure threads of a threaded closure which is inserted at least partially into the opening. The container threads may optionally be formed while the threaded closure is in tension. In this manner, after the container threads are formed, the closure threads can apply a force to the container threads such that the threaded closure is in tension. The container opening may be selectively sealed and reclosed with the threaded closure which releasably engages the container threads. Novel apparatus and methods of sealing metallic containers and forming threads on the metallic containers are also disclosed.