Segmented Plug-Seal Closure for Mold-Resistant Hot-Fill Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric closures used in conjunction with containers face issues with mold growth in air pockets between the closure and the container, which compromises product integrity.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric closure design featuring a plurality of polymeric plug seals spaced from the annular skirt portion, providing a seal across at least 40 to 90 percent of the container finish, and an internal thread formation for mating engagement, along with a tamper-evident band and frangible connections, to prevent air pocket formation and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a polymeric closure is used in hot-fill applications, then the container can be sealed and processed at high temperatures, but mold growth occurs in air pockets between the closure and container
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is segmented into multiple plug seals (typically 3-6) arranged radially around the container opening, with spaces between them. This segmentation allows the closure to maintain sealing effectiveness while permitting heat penetration and steam circulation to eliminate air pockets and prevent mold growth during hot-fill processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the closure have different properties: the plug seals provide sealing contact with the container finish, while the spaces between plugs allow heat and steam access. The annular skirt provides structural support and threading engagement, while the plug seals provide the actual sealing function. This local differentiation of function solves both sealing and mold prevention requirements.
2Reliability
If the polymeric plug seals are spaced from the annular skirt portion, then air pocket formation is prevented and mold growth is inhibited, but the sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the annular skirt provides threading engagement and structural support, while the radially arranged plug seals provide sealing contact with the container finish. The spaces between plugs are built into the same structure, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing while achieving the desired sealing and mold-prevention performance.
3Reliability
If the polymeric plug seals provide a seal across 40 to 90 percent of the container finish, then product integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sealing parameter from a continuous seal (100% coverage requiring high precision) to a segmented seal (40-90% coverage through multiple discrete plugs). This parameter change reduces the cumulative tolerance requirements while maintaining sufficient sealing effectiveness. The spaces between plugs provide tolerance accommodation and heat access, reducing the precision needed for each individual plug while achieving reliable overall sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric closure includes a first closure portion including a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion. The top wall portion includes polymeric plug seals extending downwardly therefrom. The polymeric plug seals extend around a circumference of the closure with a respective space located between each of the adjacent plug seals. The skirt portion depends from the top wall portion. The annular skirt portion has an interior surface. The interior surface of the skirt portion includes an internal thread formation. The plug seals are spaced from the interior surface of the skirt portion and assist in sealing with a container. The plug seals provide a seal with a finish of the container across at least 40 to about 90 percent of the finish.