JP2008503400A - Composite sealing device with barrier end panel - Google Patents

Abstract

  A composite sealing device for a plastic container is disclosed. The composite sealing device includes an end panel (20) having oxygen barrier properties. The liner includes a seal liner (38) or gasket for sealing engagement with the mouth of the container.

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application 60/580946, filed Jun. 18, 2004.

  The present invention is directed to composite sealing caps for containers such as, but not limited to, plastic bottles and jars. The sealing cap includes a disc-shaped end panel having excellent oxygen barrier properties. Installing a hermetic cap provides a hermetic seal between the container and the cap. More particularly, the present invention is a composite hermetic comprising an end panel that is substantially made of plastic, has oxygen barrier properties, and provides a hermetic seal between a container and a cap in a variety of seal and sterilization environments. Target the cap.

  Composite sealing devices are well known in the art. A composite sealing device generally includes an annular shell or ring having a central opening and two parts of a separate end panel that covers the central opening (hence the term “composite”). Combined closures often (filled containers with sealed closures) undergo an entire package “retorting” (ie heating the package to a temperature higher than 104.44 ° C. (220 ° F.)). Used for products that are hot filled, including products, or that are thermally sterilized or sterilized after filling.

  Most currently available composite sealing devices include a metal end panel and an annular gasket or ring liner that provides a hermetic seal between the sealing device and the mouth of the container. The metal end panel of a metal / plastic composite sealing device provides a good barrier to oxygen, which can lead to food spoilage if allowed to penetrate the package without interference. More recently, composite sealing devices have been introduced in which the end panels are substantially made of a non-metallic material such as plastic. Such “entire plastic” composite sealing devices have the advantage that the end panels are less susceptible to corrosion and are less expensive to manufacture.

  Although many of the known composite sealing devices have functioned satisfactorily, the composite sealing device includes (1) effectively limiting oxygen ingress through the sealing device, and (2) a container mouth and a sealing cap. There is a continuing need to seal the package to further limit oxygen entry at the interface, (3) provide proof of tamping, and (4) reduce manufacturing costs. Yes.

  Whether the composite sealing device has a metal end panel or a plastic end panel, especially if the end panel is made of substantially plastic, maintaining the integrity of the seal is a retort treatment. This can be particularly problematic with food products packaged in plastic containers that receive the product. Plastic containers, and more specifically the mouths of plastic containers that undergo retorting, often undergo expansion and subsequent contraction. The expansion and contraction of the container mouth adversely affects the seal interface between the container and the sealing device, thus making the product more likely to rot. Accordingly, there is a need for a sealing device having the characteristics described above that can be subjected to retort processing while maintaining seal integrity. The sealing device of the present invention addresses the above stated requirements.

  Referring to the figure, a sealing cap 10 comprises a generally cylindrical shell 12 having a central opening covered by an end panel 20 held within the shell 12. The shell 12 is preferably molded from a plastic material such as but not limited to polypropylene.

  As shown, and in particular in FIG. 2, the shell 12 includes a downwardly extending skirt 14 that is integrally formed with an upper radially and inwardly extending flange 18. The flange includes a top surface 19 and a bottom surface 21. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper surface 19 of the flange 18 is slightly inclined downward in the direction of the center of the sealing device.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 11, and 12, the inner peripheral surface of the skirt 14 is provided with one or more preformed threads 22. The threads 22 are intended to cooperatively engage and engage with corresponding threads 23 on the mouth 27 of the container, as generally shown in FIG. 7 or otherwise. In a preferred embodiment, the thread 22 is a single lead thread that extends over 360 ° on the inner surface of the ring 12. Alternatively, the thread 22 may be a multi-lead thread.

  The inner peripheral surface of the skirt 14 is preferably provided with a lifting bead 24, which is arranged on the thread 22 and more specifically of the thread 22 Located on the upper end. The lifting bead 24 lifts the end panel 20 and releases it from sealing contact with the container during the opening sequence. In the preferred embodiment, the lifting bead 24 is substantially horizontal (i.e., not tilted). In one embodiment, the bead 24 can extend around the entire circumference of the shell 12 (ie, 360 °). More preferably, the bead 24 may extend less than 360 ° around the shell 12. In one embodiment, the lifting bead 24 extends about the ring 12 no more than about 240 ° and continuously (ie, without interruption). However, as shown in FIG. 26 and discussed below, the lifting bead is discontinuous and may be composed of a series of annular bead segments 24a, 24b, and the like.

  Alternatively, the shell 12 may not be provided with the lifting bead 24. In the absence of the bead 24, the release of the disk 20 from the container can be accomplished by the lifting action of one of the threads 22. This provides a longer distance between the disk 20 and the lifting means (ie, threads 22), thereby maximizing the distance traveled by the disk 20 before the package's primary seal is broken. This can be advantageous when more sequential opening is desired.

  An opening proof band 26 is attached to the end of the skirt 14. In a preferred embodiment, the band 26 is an extension of the skirt 14 and can be attached to the skirt 14 by a plurality of bridges at a position below the container holding bead 60. A continuous or semi-continuous slit 28 or weakening line between the skirt 14 and the band 26 is likewise provided so that the cap can be separated from the band 26 during opening. The strip 26 further includes a retaining member 29 extending inwardly and annularly to engage a bead 60 on the mouth 27 of the container. One example of this type of tamper evident band is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,658,443, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the band 26 is a series of annular ratchets or ratchet segments (not shown) that engage corresponding ratchets 37 on the container mouth 27 (see FIGS. 19-20, 22-23). ) Can be included. Such ratchet engagement is well known and will be understood by those skilled in the art.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the end panel 20 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the ring 12 at the inner surface of the skirt 14 between the lifting bead 24 and the transition portion 43 between the skirt 14 and the flange 18. Have. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, best shown in FIG. 11, the outer diameter of the end panel 20 is slightly larger than the diameter of the lifting bead 24 so that the sealing device 10 is combined, but combined. Allow the end panel 20 to lay flat on the lifting bead 24 before placing the sealed device on the container mouth. Therefore, the end panel 20 floats freely between the lifting bead 24 and the bottom surface of the flange 18.

  The end panel disk 20 can be made from any preferred plastic composition and can be provided as a single sheet or layer, or multiple sheets as discussed below. In one embodiment, end panel 20 can be made from one or more layers of polypropylene. However, preferably the disc is made from a material having good oxygen barrier properties. One example is a material that includes a metal component, such as a metal film. Alternatively, non-metallic (eg plastic), substantially oxygen-impermeable compositions can be used. In one embodiment, if oxygen barrier properties are desired, the end panel disk 20 is made from a single layer of one or more plastic materials, at least one of which is an oxygen barrier. .

  In another embodiment, the end panel disk 20 may be a multi-layer disk 20. Multi-layer discs can be made by various methods, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and elsewhere. In one embodiment, the disk 20 can be made from a co-extruded sheet of multiple sheet layers. In yet another embodiment, the disk 20 can be made by molding, such as by injection molding.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a multi-layer disc can include a top sheet 32, an intermediate sheet 34, and a bottom sheet 36 of plastic material, with at least one layer having oxygen barrier properties. In one embodiment, the top layer 32 can be made from a plastic material such as, but not limited to, polypropylene and / or polypropylene copolymer. The intermediate layer 34 can be a compound with good oxygen barrier properties. For example, the intermediate layer 34 can be an ethylene vinyl compound such as, but not limited to, EVOH. The bottom layer 36 can be polypropylene or polypropylene polymer. Further, if the disk 20 is a multi-layer disk 20, the disk can include an adhesive between the top layer and the intermediate layer and between the bottom layer and the intermediate layer.

  Alternatively, a material having an oxygen barrier property (for example, EVOH) can include the upper layer 32. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the top layer 32 can be an oxygen barrier, the intermediate layer 24 can be a bonding layer, and the bottom layer 36 can be polypropylene, a copolymer of polypropylene, or other polymeric material with weak oxygen barrier properties. it can. Examples of commercially available films that can be useful in the manufacture of the end panel 20 include Besela ™ film available from Kureha Chemical Industry.

  In addition, or as a further option to the above, the disc 20 can include an oxygen scavenger. Preferably, the deaerator is combined, mixed or otherwise incorporated into a single layer disc. If the disk 20 is made of multiple layers, the bottom layer 36 can include an oxygen scavenger to reduce the oxygen level in the top space after sealing the container. Examples of suitable degassing agents include fine sodium ascorbate particles or powder. Other examples of oxygen scavengers include iron-based compounds such as ferrous oxide. The use of oxygen scavengers in one or more oxygen barrier layers results in a barrier system that is active and passive.

  The thickness of the panel will depend in part on the dimensions of the sealing device 10, but in most of the embodiments described herein, the panel thickness may be about 0.020 inches. preferable. In particular, an end panel having a reduced thickness is preferred for the purpose of cost reduction during retort processing and effective heat transfer. In this embodiment, the top and bottom layers are polypropylene or a copolymer of polypropylene, with an intermediate layer, eg, EVOH, in between, and the thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably about 1.2 mils.

  The sealing cap 10 may also include an annular gasket or liner 38 that is sealably engageable with the end and preferably the inner surface of the container mouth. The liner 38 can also be a full pad liner that substantially covers the entire bottom surface of the disk 20. A liner or gasket 38 may be attached to the bottom of the end panel disk 20. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing material is provided as a ring or gasket 38 around the outer peripheral surface of the disk 20, as best seen in FIGS. Examples of gaskets and their method of manufacture and attachment are described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 634,182 filed Aug. 9, 2000, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0098287A1, filed Jan. 9, 2003. Both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The gasket 38 provides an effective seal between the end panel disk 20 and the container mouth 27. The gasket 38 is preferably injection molded over the disk 20 of the end panel. A suitable composition for use in the gasket 38 or liner 38 is any composition that can provide a hermetic seal to the mouth 27 of the container. In one embodiment, the seal can be made from polypropylene or a copolymer of polypropylene. Other known sealant compositions that can be used include SEBS block copolymers. Thermoplastic elastomers or other compositions that have an oxygen barrier to change temperature can also be used. Such thermoplastic elastomers are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,677,397 and US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 400,304, filed Mar. 27, 2003, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Although any suitable TPE or TPE-based composition can be used for the gasket 38, the preferred plastic compounds disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 400,304 are particularly useful for the sealing devices described herein.

  The composite sealing device of the present invention provides a further improvement in oxygen barrier properties over the more conventional metal / plastic composite sealing devices (ie, plastic instrument rings with metal end panels). In one study, a composite sealing device (A) comprising a polypropylene / EVOH / polypropylene end panel 20 lined by a gasket made from the preferred sealant composition described in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 400,304. The oxygen barrier property was compared with (B) metal / plastic composite type sealing device lined with a plastisol compound.

  Using an oxygen permeability measuring device, Model Ox-Tran 2/61, sold by MOCON ™, Minneapolis, Minnesota, the sealing device of the present invention (as described above) is (40 mm) at 65% relative humidity. Measured oxygen), generally less than about 0.003 cc / package / day / atm, and about 0.0025 cc / package / day / atm. A plastic / metal composite sealing device lined with plastisol exhibited an oxygen transmission rate of about 0.0041 cc / package / day / atm. Briefly, a device of the type described above measures oxygen transmission by introducing nitrogen gas into a container sealed by a lined sealing device. Nitrogen gas permeates any oxygen that may be present in the sealed container due to permeation through the sealing device. Nitrogen gas exits the container through the outlet, and the level of trapped oxygen is recorded as an electronic signal and per day penetrates into the package (sealing device with liner) as cubic centimeter (cc) oxygen To be reported. The reading is then adjusted to take into account the oxygen barrier properties of the container or container to give a more accurate reading.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing cap 10 includes a plurality of vent holes 40 that are annularly spaced along the bottom surface 21 of the flange 18. Vent hole 40 provides a flow passage for discharging liquid (water) used to cool or rinse the package. The vent holes 40 are spaced apart from each other and can be separated by the portion of the flange 18 identified by reference numeral 42. When the container is sealed by the sealing cap 10, the portion 42 contacts the disk 20, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The sealing device 10 of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in hot filling or retort environments if the container is also suitable for use in retorting operations. Further embodiments of “retortable” sealing devices for use with more conventional container materials are also described below.

  8-10 illustrate another version of a sealing cap embodying the present invention. As in the preferred embodiment described above, the sealing cap 10 comprises an instrument ring 12 and an end panel disk 20 within the ring 12. In contrast, in the previous embodiment (of FIGS. 1-7), the flange 18 of the shell 12 defines a central opening, so in the embodiment of FIGS. There is another central panel 50 overlying.

  Preferably, the central panel 50 is integral with the ring 12 and is made from the same (plastic) material as the ring 12 during the molding process. As shown in FIG. 8, the central panel 50 is attached to the flange 18 by a region 52 of a connecting arm 52 extending radially therefrom. Both sides of the connecting arm 52, the end wall 54 of the central panel 50, and the end wall 43 of the flange define a window 56 through which the disk 20 is exposed to the outside environment. Preferably, the web connecting arm 52 has a thickness of about (1/2) the thickness of the flange 18. As in the previous embodiment, the ring 12 includes a plurality of annularly spaced vent holes 40 along the bottom surface of the flange 18 separated by the portion 42 of the flange 18. Vent hole 40 may be blocked by connecting arm 52 of ring 12 as best seen in FIG.

  In all other respects, the sealing cap 10 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is substantially the same as the embodiment described above. A ring 12 such as that shown in FIGS. 8-10 and described above can be used where a stronger ring 12 is desired (so that the central end panel 50 reinforces the ring 12). Panel 50 also provides a surface that can be used for printing, embossing, or otherwise attaching product information thereon.

  FIGS. 13-17 illustrate another embodiment or feature of the sealing device 10, and more particularly, the end panel disk 20. FIG. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, the disk 20 of the end panel includes a vacuum activation button. A composite sealing device comprising buttons mechanically formed on an end panel is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,898,740, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, the at least substantially plastic end panel 20 can be mechanically pre-formed to include a vacuum activated button. The presence of a vacuum in the sealed container indicates that the container is sealed. The lowered button can be detected at a high rate in the filling line using an optical measurement sensor.

  18-32 show a further embodiment of the sealing cap 10 of the present invention. In many respects, the sealing cap 10 is similar or identical in structure and material to the sealing cap 10 described above. When such similar or identical features are included in the embodiment of FIGS. 18-32, they are not described in great detail; instead, the foregoing description of similar or identical features is by reference. It will be understood that it is incorporated. Thus, for example, the embodiment of FIGS. 18-32 does not show a band of proof evidence attached to the end of the skirt 14 as shown, for example, in FIGS. It will be understood that the sealing device shown includes means for indicating any opening. The band 26 indicating opening can be provided with a retaining member 29 as shown in FIGS. 1-17 and as described above, or can include an annular ratchet for engaging the neck of the container 33.

  The sealing cap 10 of FIGS. 18-32 not only provides a good barrier to oxygen and proof of opening the product also provided by the above-described embodiments, but they are at the same time particularly well suited for retorting operations. It effectively maintains a hermetic seal even after temperature changes experienced during retorting and bottle expansion and contraction. One such example of a retortable seal device is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 18, the composite sealing device 10 includes the shell 12 including the end panel 20 as described above. The shell 12 can generally be made of polypropylene or other suitable plastic material. The shell 12 includes a skirt 14 that extends downward and is integrally formed with the flange 18 as in the previously described embodiment. Similarly, as described above, the inner surface of the skirt 14 includes one or more threads for cooperating engagement with the threads of the container 23, as can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. The inner surface of the skirt 14 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-32 also includes a bead 24 as generally described above. A bead 24 is placed on the upper end of the thread 22 on the inner surface of the skirt 14 and lifts the end panel 20 during the opening sequence.

  In one embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the bead 24 extends 360 ° around the inner surface of the skirt 14 and is non-continuous. For example, the beads 26 are provided as a series of annular bead segments that extend about 360 ° or less around the inner surface of the skirt 14 and can be separated from each other. Alternatively, the bead 24 can be a continuous bead that extends less than 360 °, preferably less than 240 °, around the inner surface of the skirt 14 as described above.

  Similar to the previous embodiment, the shell 12 of the sealing device shown in FIG. 18 comprises an upper flange 18 formed integrally with the skirt 14. The flange 18 includes an upper surface 19 and a bottom surface 21. However, as best seen in FIG. 19, the flange 18 of the sealing device shown in FIG. 18 differs from the previously described embodiment in that it has a generally C-shaped cross section and / or contour. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, both the top surface 19 and the bottom surface 21 of the flange have a generally C-shaped profile, and the top surface 19 and the bottom surface 21 are parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 19, the bottom surface 21 includes a radially extending portion 21a, a downwardly extending portion 21c, and a centrally curved portion 21b. Similarly, as variously shown in FIGS. 18 to 26, the upper surface 19 of the flange includes a radially inwardly extending portion 19a, a radially outwardly extending portion 19c, and a central curved portion 19b. Can be provided. In one embodiment, only the bottom surface can have a generally C-shaped profile, and the top surface 19 of the flange can have a different profile. For example, the top surface 19 of the flange may have a generally C-shaped profile to provide a relatively and continuously smooth surface (eg, as shown in FIGS. 24-26). Alternatively, the top surface 19 of the flange has some other outline other than a C-shape as a whole, for example having a notch 29 between the upper curved portion and the radially outer portion of the top surface 19 of the flange. Can do.

  The shell 12 of the composite sealing device 10 shown in FIGS. 18 to 32 may include a plurality of vent holes 70. In general, the vent holes 70 are annularly spaced along the entire circumferential surface of the shell 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18, 21 and 24, the vent hole 70 extends outwardly within the flange 18 between the central curved portion 19b of the top surface 19 of the flange and the radially outwardly extending outer portion 19c. It is open. As shown in FIG. 19, the vent hole 70 provides a flow path 72 between the skirt 14 and the mouth 17 of the container 23.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 to 32, the composite sealing device 10 also includes an end panel 20. The end panel 20 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 32 is substantially the same as the end panel 20 described above, particularly in terms of its material composition. That is, in one embodiment, the end panel 20 preferably has oxygen barrier properties. Further, as described above, end panel 20 is made from a single layer or sheet of one or more plastic materials, or preferably, one or more sheets have an oxygen barrier and / or oxygen scavenger. It can be produced from a plurality of sheets. As described above, in a preferred embodiment, the end panel can be made from three layers or sheets, the middle sheet comprising an oxygen barrier such as EVOH, and the top and bottom sheets comprising polypropylene or other suitable plastic material. . Adhesives can be used as needed and as described above. Of course, if multiple layers of end panels are desired, as described above, such end panels can be made by molding or extrusion.

  As shown in the figure, the end panel 20 includes an upper surface 20a and a lower surface 20b. The end panel 20 further includes a central portion 60 and an outer peripheral portion 62. In a preferred embodiment, end panel 20 may comprise a liner (e.g., full pad) or gasket of sealant, as described above and more specifically shown in FIGS. Preferably, the gasket 38 is attached as a ring on the lower surface 20b to at least the peripheral portion of the end panel 20, as shown in FIG. The method of manufacturing the gasket 38 and attaching it to the end panel 20 is outside the scope of this application. However, gasket manufacturing and mounting methods are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0098287A1 filed on January 9, 2003, and US Patent Application No. 09/634182 filed on August 9, 2000. Both of which have been previously incorporated by reference.

  The end panel 20 can be provided as a flat disk as shown in FIG. While the sealing device 10 is attached to the mouth 27 of the container, the disk 20 is shaped to substantially coincide with the bottom surface 21 of the flange. Alternatively, the end panel 20 can be provided as a contoured, pre-formed disk as shown in FIG. 29 so that it has a shape that substantially matches the contour of the bottom surface 21 of the flange. To be done. When provided as a flat disk, the overall diameter of the disk 20 can be greater than the diameter of the inner surface of the skirt.

  FIGS. 27A-27F show the steps in combining the composite sealing device 10 and in attaching the combined sealing device 10 to the container mouth 27. During the combination, the end panel 20 is guided through the opening of the shell 12. The end panel 20 is pushed through the shell 12 to a point beyond the bead 24 in the vicinity of the flange 18. Due to its larger diameter, the end panel 20 can bend slightly at the outer periphery 62 and take the shape shown generally in FIG. 27b.

  FIG. 27 c shows the first step in attaching the sealing device 10 to the container mouth 27. As shown in FIG. 27 c, the end of the container mouth first contacts the outer periphery 62 of the disk 20 and the gasket 38 at the radially innermost point. In other words, when contacting the gasket 38 by the container mouth 17, the gasket 38 from the radially inner portion of the gasket 38 to the radially outer portion of the gasket 38, or from bottom to top as shown in FIG. 38 goes on.

  If contact between the container mouth 27 and the end panel 20 continues during the attachment process, the outer periphery 62 will have a shape that matches the shape of the bottom surface 21 of the flange as shown in FIG. 27d. In this regard, the disk 20 is preferably provided with a weakening point between the central portion 60 and the outer peripheral portion 62. The point of weakening allows the plastic disc to bend at a point between the central portion 60 and the outer periphery 62 so that the end panel bends in the manner described above and shown in FIGS. 27a-27d. To be able to be in a consistent shape. The point of weakening can be given, for example, as an area where the disk thickness of the end panel is reduced while coining or cold forming the end panel 20 to provide the notch 64 in the disk 20.

  FIG. 27e shows the outer peripheral portion of the disk 20 shaped to coincide with the inner radial direction portion 21a and the central portion 21b of the flange bottom surface 21. FIG. As the sealing device 10 further advances over the mouth 27 of the container 23, the gasket 38 is compressed over the inner and upper surfaces of the mouth 27 of the container, thereby providing a seal as shown in FIG. 27f. After expansion, the seal, more importantly, can become stronger after contraction of the container mouth 17 that typically occurs during retorting operations.

  FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of the end panel 20. In FIG. 29, the end panel 20 is not shown as a flat disk. Instead, the end panel 20 is initially flat but then shaped before it is introduced into the shell 12 and associated with it. The end panel 20 is undulated so as to closely follow the shape of the flange bottom surface 21 at the inner radial portion 21a and the central portion 21b. Thus, the end panel 20 can be shaped, for example, by bending and undulating the end panel in the presence of heat, ie, thermoforming. Alternatively, the shaped end panel can be provided by injection molding or compression molding. As shown in FIG. 29, the shaped and preformed end panel comprises a generally flat central portion 60. In the vicinity of the outer periphery 62 of the end panel 20, the disc tilts slightly downward (in the radially outward direction) before becoming substantially flat again. At the outer periphery 62, the disk 20 is inclined upward (in the radially outward direction) as shown in FIG.

  Whether the end panel 20 is mounted as a flat disc as shown in FIGS. 27a to 27f or as a pre-formed end panel as shown in FIGS. The combined closure device 10 provides a suitable seal at the mouth 17 of the container. Unlike other retortable composite sealing devices that often require both radially inner and radially outer seals of the container mouth, the composite of the present invention as shown in FIGS. The sealing device 10 primarily provides an inner top seal. An effective seal is maintained in the container even after the package has been exposed to high temperatures of retorting.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the composite sealing device can also be provided with an additional central panel 50 as described above. The central panel 50 can be molded integrally with the shell 12 during the molding process. The central panel 50 comprises a web of connecting members 52 spaced annularly from one another, thereby exposing at least a portion of the end panel 20 to the outside environment.

  22 and 23 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 21 through the vent and solid portions of shell 12, respectively. As can be seen in FIGS. 22 and 23, the central panel 50 can be spaced from the end panel 20. Alternatively, the center panel 50 can contact the upper surface 20a of the end panel 20. As described above, the central panel 50 provides additional strength to the shell 12. It also provides a surface in the middle of the central panel 50 that can have a product name embossed or stencil printed, thereby further exposing the end panel 20 to the outside environment. In all other respects, the top and bottom contours of the flange are identical to the corresponding surfaces described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.

  While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. . Accordingly, the invention is to be construed and limited only by the appended claims.

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a composite sealing device fitted over the mouth of a container. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the composite sealing device of FIG. 1 cut into a cross-section to show the end panel disk lined with a ring-shaped (gasket) sealant. It is a top view of a package provided with the sealing device which implements this invention. FIG. 4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the combined sealing device of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the sealing cap of FIG. 1 through the vent hole with the sealing device fitted over the mouth of the container. FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a hermetically sealed cap shell without an end panel disk. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the sealing cap of FIG. 1 fitted over the mouth of the container showing the internal threads and beads on the inner surface of the sealing device and the threads on the outer surface of the container neck (in broken lines). . FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sealing cap cut open in cross-section, with a sealing device fitted over the mouth of the container. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along 9-9 in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view taken along 10-10 in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing device of FIG. 1 after inserting the end panel into the shell but before placing it in the mouth of the container. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing cap of FIG. 1 fitted over the mouth of the container. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sealing cap fitted over the mouth of a container having an end panel (in the up position) with a vacuum activated button in which the sealing cap is mechanically shaped. . FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the sealing cap of FIG. 13 with a vacuum activation button (in a down position). It is a top view of the sealing device of FIG. FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing device of FIG. 13 taken along 15-15 of FIG. FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing device of FIG. 14 taken along line 16-16 of FIG. It is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of a compound type sealing device. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the sealing cap of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19, fitted over the mouth of the container. FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the sealing cap of FIG. 18 taken along line 20-20, fitted over the mouth of the container. It is a perspective view of another embodiment of the shell 9 of a composite type sealing device. FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the sealing cap of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22, fitted over the container. FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the sealing cap of FIG. 21 taken along line 23-23, fitted over the container. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a sealing cap with a portion cut away. FIG. 25 is a side view of the sealing cap of FIG. 24 with a portion cut away. FIG. 25 is another (bottom) perspective view of the sealing cap of FIG. 24. It is side sectional drawing of the sealing cap before inserting an end panel in a shell. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing cap with the end panel inserted into the shell but before the sealing device is installed over the mouth of the container. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a sealing cap being installed over the mouth of a container. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing cap at a later stage while attaching the sealing cap over the mouth of the container. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing cap at a later stage while the sealing cap is being mounted over the container mouth when the container mouth is fully engaged with the sealing device. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing cap in a position that is finally completely sealed with respect to the mouth of the sealing device. It is a perspective view of the end panel with which the gasket was attached to the lower panel surface. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a pre-formed end panel with a gasket attached to the peripheral portion of the lower panel surface. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a flat end panel with a gasket attached to the peripheral portion of the lower panel surface. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of the preformed disc of FIG. 29 attached to the shell of the sealing device. FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of the sealing device of FIG. 31 attached to the mouth of the container.

Claims (45)

In composite sealing caps for containers,
An end panel disk substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having oxygen barrier properties, the disk having a top surface and a bottom surface, a central portion, and a peripheral portion terminating at an outer edge; ,
A shell having a cylindrical and downwardly extending skirt and an annular upper flange, the upper flange overlying and contacting the upper surface of the outer periphery of the disc; and
A composite sealing cap comprising: a seal liner on at least the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the disk.   The composite sealing device of claim 1, wherein the disk comprises a plurality of sheets, at least one of the sheets being made at least in part from a material that is a substantial barrier to oxygen.   The disk comprises a top sheet, an intermediate sheet, and a bottom sheet, at least one of the top sheet or the intermediate sheet being made from a material that is at least partially a barrier to oxygen. 2. The composite sealing device according to 2.   The disc is a top layer made at least partly from polypropylene or a copolymer of polypropylene, an intermediate sheet made at least partly from EVOH, and a bottom sheet made at least partly from a copolymer of polypropylene or polypropylene The composite sealing device according to claim 3, comprising:   The disc comprises a top sheet made from a material that is at least partially a barrier to oxygen, the bottom sheet is made at least partially from polypropylene or a copolymer of polypropylene, and the middle sheet is the top and bottom sheets 4. A composite sealing device according to claim 3, made from a material selected to adhere to.   The composite sealing device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the sheets has an oxygen scavenger.   The composite sealing device of claim 1, wherein the flange defines a central opening in the shell.   The composite sealing device of claim 1, further comprising a panel, the panel overlying and spaced from the inner portion of the central portion of the end panel disk. .   The composite sealing device of claim 8, wherein the overlying panel is integrally formed with the shell.   The composite sealing device of claim 9, wherein the overlying panels are joined to the flange by a plurality of annularly spaced connecting arms.   The composite sealing device of claim 1, wherein the skirt comprises at least one preformed thread on an inner peripheral surface of the skirt.   The skirt comprises at least one preformed thread on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt and a preformed bead, the bead being spaced over the upper end of the thread The composite type sealing device according to claim 1.   13. The composite sealing device of claim 12, wherein the bead is continuous.   The composite sealing device of claim 12, wherein the bead extends less than 360 °.   13. The composite sealing device of claim 12, wherein the preformed bead is discontinuous.   The composite sealing device according to claim 12, wherein the outer diameter of the panel disk is larger than the diameter of the preformed bead.   The composite sealing device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of annularly spaced ventilation holes in the flange. In composite sealing caps for containers,
An end panel disk substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having oxygen barrier properties, the disk having a top surface and a bottom surface, a central portion, and a peripheral portion terminating at an outer edge; ,
A cylindrical shell having a downwardly extending skirt, the skirt having an annular upper flange, the upper flange having a top surface, a bottom surface, a radially inner surface between the top surface and the bottom surface; A shell overlying at least the outer peripheral portion of the disk, the shell so that the bottom surface of the flange is in contact with the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the disk;
At least a portion of the top surface of the disk is exposed to the outside environment;
A composite sealing cap comprising a seal liner on at least the outer periphery of the lower surface of the disk.   19. The composite sealing device of claim 18, comprising a panel overlying the inner portion of the central portion of the end panel disk.   20. The composite sealing device of claim 19, wherein the overlying panel is integrally formed with the shell.   20. The composite sealing device of claim 19, wherein the overlying panel is joined to the flange by a plurality of annularly spaced connecting arms.   19. The composite sealing device of claim 18, comprising a plurality of annularly spaced vent holes in the flange.   23. The composite sealing device according to claim 22, wherein the vent hole is disposed on an innermost surface in the radial direction of the flange.   23. The composite sealing device of claim 22, wherein the vent hole is disposed on the upper surface of the flange. In composite sealing caps for containers,
A shell having a downwardly extending skirt portion and an annular upper flange, wherein the flange has a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least the bottom surface of the flange has an overall C-shaped profile; The flange bottom surface includes a shell comprising an inner portion extending radially inwardly downward, a portion extending radially outwardly downward, and a curved portion between the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion. ,
The disk of the end panel is substantially made of one or more plastic materials and has an oxygen barrier property, and the disk has a top surface and a bottom surface, a central portion, and an outer peripheral portion that terminates at a free end. The outer periphery of the disk is substantially shaped to be in contact with the upper portion that extends at least below the flange bottom surface and is curved;
A seal liner on at least the outer periphery of the lower surface of the disk, wherein the disk is substantially shaped to extend downward in the radial direction of the flange bottom surface and coincide with a curved upper portion. A composite sealing cap with a liner.   26. The composite sealing device of claim 25, wherein the disc comprises a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers being made from a material that is at least partially a barrier to oxygen.   The disk comprises a top layer, an intermediate layer, and a bottom layer, at least one of the top layer or intermediate layer being made from a material that is at least partially substantially a barrier to oxygen. 25. The composite sealing device according to 25.   The disc is a top layer made at least partly from polypropylene or a copolymer of polypropylene, an intermediate sheet made at least partly from EVOH, and a bottom sheet made at least partly from a copolymer of polypropylene or polypropylene The composite sealing device according to claim 27, comprising:   The upper surface of the flange has a C-shaped outline as a whole, so that the upper surface has an inner portion extending downward in the radial direction, a portion extending downward in the radial direction, and the radial inner portion and the outer portion. 26. The composite sealing device of claim 25, comprising a curved portion between.   30. The composite sealing device of claim 29, comprising a plurality of annularly spaced vent holes in the flange.   31. The composite sealing device according to claim 30, wherein the vent hole includes an opening between the bottom surface and the top surface of the flange.   32. The composite sealing device of claim 31, wherein the vent hole is disposed between the curved portion and the radially outer portion of the top and bottom surfaces of the flange.   Material selected to sealably engage the mouth of the container where the gasket is exposed to temperatures exceeding 104.4 ° C. (220 ° F.) and is susceptible to shrinkage during subsequent cooling 26. The composite sealing device of claim 25, made from   26. The composite sealing device of claim 25, wherein the gasket is made from a material selected to adhere to the mouth of a container made from polyethylene terephthalate. In a method for producing a composite sealing cap,
Forming an outer plastic shell with a cylindrical skirt and an annular top flange, the skirt defining a central opening, the flange having a top surface, a bottom surface and a generally C-shaped By having a cross-sectional profile, the bottom surface includes an inner portion that extends downward in the radial direction, an outer portion that is lower in the radial direction, and a curved portion between the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion. Steps,
Providing a circular disc having an upper surface and a lower surface, the disc comprising a central portion and an outer periphery, and providing a circular disc;
Attaching a sealing material on at least the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the disk;
Guiding the disk through the central opening to the shell.   36. The method of claim 35, comprising providing a generally flat and flexible circular disc.   36. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing an area of weakening of the disk between the central portion and the outer periphery of the disk.   38. The method of claim 37, further comprising providing the weakened region in the disc by forming a notch between the central portion and the outer periphery of the disc.   38. The method of claim 37, comprising the step of pressing the outer periphery of the disc against the flange so that the outer periphery has a shape that substantially matches the shape of the inner radial portion and the top of the flange bottom surface. .   Providing a disk having a central portion and an outer peripheral portion, the outer peripheral portion having a generally C-shaped cross section, comprising a radially extending downward surface and a radially outer curved surface. 36. The method of claim 35, comprising.   41. The method of claim 40, comprising thermoforming the disk to provide a disk having an outer periphery with a generally C-shaped cross-section comprising a radially inwardly downwardly extending surface and a curved surface. .   42. The method of claim 41, comprising attaching the sealant prior to the thermoforming. In composite sealing caps for containers,
An end panel disk substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having oxygen barrier properties;
A plastic ring comprising a downwardly extending skirt and an upwardly radially inwardly extending flange, wherein the flange overlaps the outer periphery of the disk;
A composite-type sealing cap, comprising: a sealing material attached to a bottom surface of the disk.   44. The composite sealing device according to claim 43, wherein the sealing material is attached as a gasket to an outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the disk.   44. The composite sealing device of claim 43, wherein the end panel comprises a single sheet of one or more plastic materials.

Images