KR20070045190A - Composite plug with barrier end panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A composite stopper for a plastic container is disclosed. The composite plug has an end panel with oxygen barrier properties. The liner has a sealing liner or gasket for sealing engagement with the container finish.

Composite stopper cap, end panel disc, flange, skirt, shell, sealing liner

Description

COMPOSITE CLOSURE WITH BARRIER END PANEL}

Cross Reference with Related Application

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 580,946, filed June 18, 2004.

The present invention relates to composite caps for containers such as, but not limited to, plastic bottles and jars. The closure cap has a disc shaped end panel with good oxygen barrier properties. Application of the closure cap forms an airtight seal between the container and the cap. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite closure cap having an end panel made of substantially plastic that has oxygen barrier properties and provides an airtight seal between the container and the cap in various sealing and sterilizing environments.

Composite stoppers are known in the art. Composite stoppers generally have two parts: an annular shell or ring with a central opening and an individual end panel covering the central opening (hence referred to as "composite"). Composite stoppers are often hot filled or filled, including products where the entire package (filled container with a sealed stopper) is “retorting” (ie, heating the package to a temperature above 104.4 ° C. (220 ° F.)). It is then used in products that are thermally pasteurized or sterilized.

Most recently available composite stoppers have a metal end panel and an annular gasket or ring liner that provides a seal between the stopper and the container finish. The metal end panels of the metal / plastic composite stopper provide a good barrier to oxygen that can lead to the decay of the food product when allowed to permeate freely into the package. More recently, composite plugs have been introduced in which the end panels are made of a substantially nonmetallic material such as plastic. This “all plastic” composite stopper has the advantage that the end panels are less susceptible to corrosion and are less expensive to manufacture.

While many of the known composite stoppers work satisfactorily, the package is sealed to (1) effectively limit the entry of oxygen through the stopper, and (2) further limit the entry of oxygen at the interface of the container closure and the stopper cap. There is a continuing need for composite closures that provide evidence of (3) signs of opening, and (4) reduce manufacturing costs.

Regardless of whether the composite plug has a metal or plastic end panel, especially when the end panel is made of substantially plastic, maintaining the integrity of the seal can be a particular problem for food products packaged in plastic containers that are carbonized. have. Plastic containers and more specifically carbonized plastic container finishes often experience expansion and subsequent shrinkage. Expansion and contraction of the container finish affects the sealing interface between the container and the closure, thus increasing the likelihood that the product may rot. Thus, there is a need for a closure with the above-described characteristics that can be carbonized while maintaining the integrity of the seal. The closure of the present invention solves the aforementioned needs.

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a composite closure fitted on a container closure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the composite plug of FIG. 1 with a section partially broken to show an end panel disk lined with a ring of sealant (gasket). FIG.

3 is a top view of a package having a closure according to the present invention.

4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the composite plug of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the closure cap of FIG. 1 taken through the vent with the closure fitted to the container closure. FIG.

6 is a bottom view of the closure cap shell without the end panel disk.

7 is a plan view of the closure cap of FIG. 1 fitted on a vessel finish showing an inner helix on the closure inner surface and a bead and a spiral on the exterior surface of the vessel neck (dashed line).

8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a closure cap having a partially broken section with the closure fitted on the container closure.

9 is a partial side cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

10 is a partial side cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the plug of FIG. 1 after insertion of the end panel into the shell but prior to placement on the vessel finish.

12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure cap of FIG. 1 fitted on a vessel finish.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap fitted on a container finish, wherein the closure cap includes an end panel having a mechanically molded vacuum operated button (in a raised position). FIG.

14 is a perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 13 with a vacuum actuation button (in the lowered position).

15 is a top view of the plug of FIG. 13.

16 is a side cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 13 taken along line 15-15 of FIG.

17 is a side sectional view of the closure of FIG. 14 taken along line 16-16 of FIG.

18 is a partial perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a composite closure.

19 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the closure cap of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 fitted on the vessel finish.

20 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the closure cap of FIG. 18 taken along line 20-20 fitted on the vessel finish.

21 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the shell 9 of the composite closure.

FIG. 22 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the closure cap of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 fitted on the container.

FIG. 23 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the closure cap of FIG. 21 taken along lines 23-23 fitted on the container.

24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure cap having a broken portion.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the closure cap of FIG. 24 with a broken portion. FIG.

FIG. 26 is a different (bottom) perspective view of the closure cap of FIG. 24. FIG.

FIG. 27A is a side cross-sectional view of the closure cap before insertion of the end panel into the shell. FIG.

FIG. 27B is a side cross-sectional view with the end panel inserted in the shell but before application of the cover onto the closure of the container prior to application of the cover to the closure of the container. FIG.

FIG. 27C is a side cross-sectional view of the closure cap as applied onto the finish of the container. FIG.

FIG. 27D is a side cross-sectional view of the closure cap at a later stage during application of the closure cap onto the finish of the container. FIG.

FIG. 27E is a side cross-sectional view of the closure cap at another later stage during application of the closure cap onto the closure of the container when the closure fully engages the closure; FIG.

27F is a side cross-sectional view of the closure cap in the final fully sealed position with respect to the closure finish.

28 is a perspective view of an end panel with a gasket applied to the bottom panel surface.

29 is a side cross-sectional view of a preformed end panel with a gasket applied to the periphery of the lower panel face;

30 is a side cross-sectional view of a flat end panel with a gasket applied to the peripheral portion of the lower panel surface.

FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the preformed disk of FIG. 29 applied to the shell of the closure.

32 is a side cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 31 applied to the finish of the container.

Referring to the drawings, the lid cap 10 has a generally cylindrical shell 12 having a central opening covered by an end panel 20 held in the shell 12. Shell 12 is preferably molded from a plastic material, such as but not limited to polypropylene.

As shown in the drawing, in particular in FIG. 2, the shell 12 has a downwardly extending skirt 14 formed integrally with the upper radial and inwardly extending flanges 18. The flange has a top face 19 and a bottom face 21. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper surface 19 of the flange 18 is inclined slightly downward in the direction of the closure center.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 11 and 12, the inner circumferential surface of the skirt 14 has one or more preformed spirals 22. The helix 22 is for cooperative mating engagement with the corresponding helix (s) 23 on the vessel finish 27 as generally shown in FIG. 7 and other figures. In a preferred embodiment, helix 22 is a single lead helix extending more than 360 ° on the inner surface of ring 12. Alternatively, helix 22 may also be a multiple lead helix.

The inner circumferential surface of the skirt 14 preferably has a lifting bead 24 located above the spiral 22, more specifically on the top end of the spiral 22. The elevating beads 24 elevate the end panel 20 and release it from the sealing contact with the vessel during the opening sequence. In a preferred embodiment, lifting bead 24 is substantially horizontal (ie, not inclined). In one embodiment, the beads 24 may extend around the entire circumference of the shell 12 (ie, 360 °). More preferably, the beads 24 may extend less than 360 ° around the shell 12. In one embodiment, elevating beads 24 extend about 240 ° or less around ring 12 and are continuous (ie, not interrupted). However, as shown in FIG. 26 described below, the lifting beads may also be discontinuous and may consist of a series of annular bead segments 24a, 24b and the like.

Alternatively, the shell 12 may be provided without the lifting beads 24. In the absence of the beads 24, the release of the disk 20 from the container may be accomplished by the lifting action of one of the spirals 22. This provides a greater distance between the disk 20 and the lifting means (ie spiral 22), thereby maximizing the moving distance of the disk 20 before the main seal of the package is broken. This may be advantageous if more sequential openings are required.

Attached to the end of the skirt 14 is a tear proof evidence band 26. In a preferred embodiment, the band 26 may be an extension of the skirt 14 and may be attached to the skirt 14 by a plurality of bridges at locations below the container holding beads 60. Continuous or semicontinuous slits 28 or fragile lines between the skirt 14 and the band 26 are also provided to allow separation of the cap from the band 26 during opening. The band 26 further includes an upward and annular inwardly extending retaining member 29 for engagement of the beads 60 on the vessel finish 27. Examples of this type of evidence of unopened evidence are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,685,663, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, band 26 may comprise a series of annular ratchets or ratchet segments (not shown) that couple to corresponding ratchets 37 (see FIGS. 19-20, 22-23) on finish 27 of the container. It can be provided. Such ratchet couplings are known and will be understood by those skilled in the art.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the end panel 20 has a ring 12 at the inner face of the skirt 14 between the lift bead 24 and the transition 43 between the skirt 14 and the flange 18. It has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, as best shown in FIG. 11, the outer diameter of the end panel 20 is slightly larger than the diameter of the elevating beads 24, which means that the closure 10 is in the assembled state but with the container closure. Allow the end panel 20 to lie flat on the lifting bead 24 prior to placement of the assembled stopper on the bed. Thus, the end panel 20 free-floats between the lifting bead 24 and the bottom face of the flange 18.

The end panel disk 20 may be made of any suitable plastic composition and may be provided as a single sheet or layer or as a plurality of sheets as described below. In one embodiment, end panel 20 may be comprised of one or more layers of polypropylene. However, preferably the disc is made of material (s) having good oxygen barrier properties. One example is a material having a metal part, such as a metal film. Alternatively, substantially oxygen impermeable compositions of nonmetals (eg, plastics) may also be used. In one embodiment, where oxygen barrier properties are desired, the end panel disk 20 is made of a single layer of one or more plastic materials, where at least one of the materials is an oxygen barrier.

In other embodiments, the end panel disk 20 may be a multilayer disk 20. For example, a multi-layer disc as shown in FIG. 5 and other figures can be produced by various methods. In one embodiment, the disk 20 may be made of a multi-sheet layer co-extruded sheet. In another embodiment, the disk 20 may be manufactured by molding, such as injection molding.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a multi-layer disc may have top 32, middle 34 and bottom 36 sheets of plastic material, at least one layer having oxygen barrier properties. . In one embodiment, top layer 32 may be made of a plastic material such as, but not limited to, polypropylene and / or polypropylene copolymer. Interlayer 34 may be a compound having good oxygen barrier properties. For example, the intermediate layer 34 may be, but is not limited to, an ethylene vinyl compound such as EVOH. Bottom layer 36 may be polypropylene or a polypropylene copolymer. In addition, where the disk 20 is a multilayer disk 20, it may comprise an adhesive between the top and middle layers and between the bottom and middle layers.

필름을 포함한다.Alternatively, a material having oxygen barrier properties (eg, EVOH) may include top layer 32. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the top layer 32 may be an oxygen barrier, the middle layer 24 may be a bonding layer, and the bottom layer 36 may have polypropylene, copolymers thereof or weak oxygen barrier properties. Other polymeric materials. An example of a commercially available film that may be useful for the manufacture of the end panel 20 is Besela, available from Kureha Chemicals.

It includes a film.

In addition to or as an alternative to the above, the disk 20 may include an oxygen scavenger. Desirably, the oxygen scavenger can be combined with the monolayer disc, mixed or otherwise incorporated. If the disk 20 is made of multiple layers, the bottom layer 36 may include an oxygen scavenger to reduce head space oxygen levels after sealing of the container. Examples of suitable deoxygenating agents include fine sodium ascorbate particulates or powders. Other examples of deoxygenating agents include iron-based compounds such as iron oxide. The use of oxygen scavenger with one or more layers of oxygen barrier provides active and passive barrier systems.

The thickness of the panel may depend in part on the size of the stopper 10, but for most of the embodiments described herein, a panel thickness of about 0.508 mm (0.020 in) is preferred. Reduced thickness end panels may be desirable, particularly for effective heat transfer and cost reduction during dry process. In an embodiment, where the top and bottom layers are, for example, polypropylene or a copolymer thereof having an intermediate layer of EVOH therebetween, the thickness of the intermediate layer may preferably be about 0.03 mm (1.2 mils).

The closure cap 10 may also have an annular gasket or liner 38 which is sealingly matable with the end and preferably with the inner surface of the container closure. The liner 38 may be a full pad liner that substantially covers the entire bottom surface of the disk 20. Liner or gasket 38 may be applied to the bottom of end panel disk 20. In a preferred embodiment, the sealant is provided as a ring or gasket 38 around the outer periphery of the disk 20 as best shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. Examples of gaskets and methods of making and applying the same are described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 634,182, filed Aug. 9, 2000, and US Patent application publication No. 2003 /, filed Jan. 9, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. 0098287 A1. The gasket 38 is preferably injection molded on the end panel disk 20. Compositions suitable for use with the gasket 38 or liner 38 are any compositions capable of providing a seal to the container finish 27. In one embodiment, the sealant may be made of polypropylene or a copolymer thereof. Other known sealant compositions SEBS block copolymers that may be used are included. Thermoplastic elastomers or other compositions with varying degrees of oxygen barrier properties can also be used. Such thermoplastic elastomers are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,677,397 and US Patent Application No. 10 / 400,304, filed March 27, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference. Although any suitable TPE or TPE-based composition can be used in the gasket 38, the preferred plastic compositions disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 400,304 are particularly useful for the closures described herein.

The composite stopper of the present invention provides an additional improvement in oxygen barrier properties compared to more conventional metal / plastic composite stoppers (ie, plastic retaining rings with metal end panels). In one study, (A) a composite closure comprising a polypropylene / EVOH / polypropylene end panel 20 lined with a gasket made of the preferred sealant composition described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 400,304, and (B) Oxygen barrier properties of metal / plastic composite plugs lined with plastic compositions were compared.

으로부터 입수 가능한 모델 Ox-Tran2/61인 산소 투과도 측정 장치를 사용하여, 본 발명의 마개(상술된 바와 같은)는 65% 상대 습도(및 40 mm 마개에 기초하여)에서 측정된 약 0.003 cc/package/day/atm 보다 일반적으로 작은 및 약 0.0025 cc/package/day/atm의 산소 도입률(ingress rate)을 나타냈다. 플라스티졸로 라이닝된 플라스틱/금속 복합 마개는 약 0.0041 cc/package/day/atm의 산소 도입률을 나타냈다. 간략하게는, 상술한 유형의 설비는 라이닝된 마개로 밀봉된 용기 내로 질소 가스를 도입함으로써 산소 도입을 측정한다. 질소 가스는 마개를 통한 도입에 기인하여 밀봉된 용기 내에 존재할 수 있는 임의의 산소를 플러싱(flush)한다. 질소 가스는 출구를 통해 용기로부터 나오고 포집된 산소의 레벨이 전자 신호로서 기록되어 1일 동안 패키지(라이너를 갖는 마개) 내로 투과한 산소의 입방 센티미터(cc)로서 보고된다. 다음, 판독값은 더 정확한 판독을 제공하도록 용기의 배리어 특성을 고려하도록 조정된다.MOCON, Minneapolis, MN

Using the Oxygen Permeability Measurement Apparatus of Model Ox-Tran2 / 61 available from, the stopper of the present invention (as described above) was about 0.003 cc / package measured at 65% relative humidity (and based on a 40 mm stopper) The oxygen ingress rate was generally less than / day / atm and about 0.0025 cc / package / day / atm. The plastic / metal composite stopper lined with plastisol showed an oxygen introduction rate of about 0.0041 cc / package / day / atm. Briefly, equipment of the type described above measures the introduction of oxygen by introducing nitrogen gas into a container sealed with a lined stopper. Nitrogen gas flushes any oxygen that may be present in the sealed container due to introduction through the stopper. Nitrogen gas exits the vessel through the outlet and the level of collected oxygen is recorded as an electronic signal and reported as cubic centimeters (cc) of oxygen that has permeated into the package (plug with liner) for one day. The reading is then adjusted to take account of the barrier properties of the vessel to provide a more accurate reading.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the closure cap 10 has a plurality of annular spacing vents 40 along the bottom face 21 of the flange 18. The vent 40 provides a flow channel for drainage (water) that is used to cool or rinse the package. The vents 40 are separated by portions of the flanges 18 regularly spaced from each other and identified with reference 42. When the container is sealed by the cap cap 10, the portion 42 is in contact with the disk 20, for example as shown in FIG. 4.

The closure 10 of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in hot filling or dry distillation environments where the vessel is likewise suitable for use in dry distillation operations. Other alternative embodiments of "dryable" stoppers for use with more conventional container materials are also described below.

8-10 show alternative versions of the closure caps embodying the present invention. As in the embodiment described above, the closure cap 10 has a retaining ring 12 and an end panel disk 20 within the ring 12. In this embodiment (FIGS. 1-7) the flange 18 of the shell 12 forms a central opening, whereas in the embodiments of FIGS. 8-10 the ring 12 is above the end panel disc 20. Another central panel 50 is provided.

Preferably, the center panel 50 is integral with the ring 12 and is made of 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 an area 52 of the connecting arm 52 extending radially from the central panel 50. The sides of the connecting arm 52, the end wall 54 of the central panel 50 and the end wall 43 of the flange form a window 56 through which the disk 20 is exposed to the external environment. Preferably, the connecting arm 52 of the web has a thickness that is about one half of the thickness of the flange 18. As in the embodiment described above, the ring 12 has a plurality of annular spacing vents 40 along the bottom face of the flange 18 separated by the portion 42 of the flange 18. The vent 40 can be blocked by the connecting arm 52 of the ring 12 as best shown in FIG. 8.

In all other respects, the closure cap 10 shown in FIGS. 8-10 is substantially the same as the embodiment described above. The ring 12 shown in FIGS. 8-10 and described above can be used where a more robust ring 12 is required (because the central end panel 50 reinforces the ring 12). . The panel 50 also provides a surface that can be used to apply product information thereon by printing, embossing or otherwise.

13-17 illustrate another alternative embodiment or feature of the stopper 10 and more specifically of the end panel disk 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 17, the end panel disk 20 has a vacuum actuated button. Composite containers having buttons mechanically formed in the end panel are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,989,740, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, at least substantially the plastic end panel disk 20 may be mechanically preformed to include a vacuum actuated button. The presence of a vacuum in a sealed container is an indication that the container is sealed. The button in the down state can be detected at the charging line at a high rate using an optical measuring sensor.

18-32 show additional embodiments of the closure cap 10 of the present invention. In many respects, the closure cap 10 is similar or identical in structure and material to the closure cap 10 described above. If such similar or identical features are included in the embodiment of FIGS. 18-32, they will not be described in detail, and it will be understood that a previous description of similar or identical features is incorporated by reference instead. Thus, for example, the embodiment of FIGS. 18-32 does not show a tear opening evidence band attached to the end of the skirt 14, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1-17, and FIGS. It will be appreciated that the closure shown at 32 may be provided with any opening trace indicating means. The tear opening indication band 26 may have a retaining member 29 as shown in FIGS. 1-17 and described above, or may have an annular ratchet for engagement with the neck of the container 33. .

The stopper cap 10 of FIGS. 18-32 also provides evidence of good barrier and product opening traces to the oxygen provided by the embodiments described above, as well as sealing after bottle expansion and contraction encountered during temperature changes and dry flow. It is effective in keeping it effective and especially suitable for dry working. One such example of a carbonizable plug is shown in FIGS. 18-21. As shown in FIG. 18, the composite plug 10 has a shell 12 with an end panel 20 as described above. Shell 12 may generally be made of polypropylene or other suitable plastics material. The shell 12 has a downwardly extending skirt 14 formed integrally with the flange 18 as in the embodiment described above. In addition, as described above, the inner surface of the skirt 14 has one or more helixes for cooperative engagement with the helix of the container 23 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 19. The inner surface of the skirt 14 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-32 also has a bead 24 as outlined above. Beads 24 are located above the upper end of the spiral 22 on the inner surface of the skirt 14 and lift the end panel 20 during the opening sequence.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the beads 24 extend 360 degrees around the skirt inner surface 14 and are discontinuous. For example, the beads 26 may be provided as a series of annular bead segments extending up to 360 ° around the inner surface of the skirt 14 and spaced apart from each other. Alternatively, the beads 24 may be continuous beads extending below 360 °, preferably below 240 °, around the inner surface of the skirt 14 as described above.

As in this embodiment, the closure shell 12 shown in FIG. 18 has an upper flange 18 integrally formed with the skirt 14. The flange 18 has a top face 19 and a bottom face 21. However, the flange 18 of the closure shown in FIG. 18 differs from the embodiment described above in that it generally has a C-shaped cross section and / or profile as best seen in FIG. 19. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, both flange top face 19 and bottom face 21 are generally C-shaped with top face 19 and bottom face 21 parallel to each other. Have a profile. As shown in FIG. 19, the bottom surface 21 has a radially inner downward extension 21a, a downward extension 21c and a central curve 21b. Similarly, the flange top surface 19 may have a radially inner downward extension 19a, a radially outer downward extension 19c and a central bend 19b as variously shown in FIGS. 18-26. Can be. In one embodiment, only the bottom face may generally have a C-shaped profile, and the flange top surface 19 may have a different profile. For example, the flange top surface 19 generally has a C-shaped profile and can provide a relatively and continuous smooth surface (eg, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 26). Alternatively, the flange top surface 19 may generally have something other than a C-shaped profile, for example having a notch 29 between the radially outer side and the upper curve of the flange top surface 19. Can be.

The shell 12 of the composite plug 10 shown in FIGS. 18-32 may also have a plurality of vents 70. In general, the vents 70 are annularly spaced from one another along the entire circumference of the shell 12. As shown in FIGS. 18, 21 and 24, for example, the vent 70 is provided at the flange 18 between the downwardly extending radially outer portion 19c and the central bend 19b of the flange upper surface 19. Open to the outside. As shown in FIG. 19, the vent 70 provides a flow path 72 between the finish 17 and the skirt 14 of the container 23.

As shown in FIGS. 18-32, the composite plug 10 also has an end panel 20. The end panel 20 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-32 is substantially identical to the end panel 20 described above, in particular in terms of its material composition. That is, in one embodiment, the end panel 20 preferably has oxygen barrier properties. Moreover, as described above, the end panel 20 may be made of a single layer or sheet of one or more plastic materials, or preferably a plurality of sheets wherein one or more of the sheets have an oxygen barrier and / or an oxygen scavenger. It can be prepared as. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the end panel may be made of three layers or sheets, wherein the intermediate sheet has an oxygen barrier, such as EVOH, and the top and bottom sheets are made of polypropylene or other suitable plastic material. Equipped. Adhesives can be used as needed and as described above. Of course, where multilayer end panels are desired, such end panels can be manufactured by molding or extrusion as described above.

As shown in the figure, the end panel 20 has an upper surface 20a and a lower surface 20b. The end panel 20 further includes a central portion 60 and an outer circumferential portion 62. In a preferred embodiment, the end panel 20 may be provided with a liner of sealant (eg, a full pad) or gasket 38 as described above and as more specifically shown in FIGS. 28-30. Can be. Preferably, the gasket 38 is applied as a ring on the bottom surface 20b at least at the periphery of the end panel 20 as shown in FIG. The method of making the end panel 20 and applying it to the gasket 38 is outside the scope of the present invention. However, methods of making and applying gaskets are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0098287 A1, filed Jan. 9, 2003, which is already incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / filed August 9, 2000. 634,182.

The end panel 20 may be provided as a flat disk as shown in FIG. During application of the stopper 10 to the container finish 27, the disk 20 substantially mates with the flange bottom face 21. Alternatively, the end panel 20 may be provided as a contouring disc, as shown in FIG. 29, preformed to substantially match the profile of the flange bottom face 21. When provided as a flat disk, the overall diameter of the disk 20 may be larger than the diameter of the skirt inner surface.

27A-27F show the steps in the assembly of the composite stopper 10 and in the application of the assembled stopper 10 to the container closure 27. During assembly, the end panel 20 is introduced through the mouse of the shell 12. The end panel 20 is pressed through the shell 12 to a point past the beads 24 near the flange 18. Due to its large diameter, the end panel 20 may be slightly curved at the outer circumferential portion 62 to adopt the shape generally shown in FIG. 27B.

FIG. 27C shows a first step in the application of the stopper 10 to the container closure 27. As shown in FIG. 27C, the end of the container closure first contacts the gasket 38 and the outer circumference 62 of the disk 20 at its radially innermost point. In other words, contact by the container closure 17 to the gasket 38 travels from the radially inner side of the gasket 38 to the radially outer side of the gasket 38, or from bottom to top as shown in FIG. 27. do.

If contact between the vessel finish 27 and the end panel 20 continues during the application process, the outer circumference 62 conforms to the shape of the flange bottom face 21 as shown in FIG. 27D. In this regard, it is preferable that the disk 20 be vulnerable between the central portion 60 and the outer circumferential portion 62. The vulnerability is that the plastic disk is curved at the point between the central portion 60 and the outer circumference 62, whereby the end panel is curved and conformed in the manner described above and shown in FIGS. 27A-27D. The vulnerability may be provided, for example, as an area where the thickness of the end panel is reduced during coining or cold forming of the end panel 20 to provide the notch 64 to the disk 20.

FIG. 27E shows the outer periphery of the disk 20 mating to the inner radial and center portions 21a, 21b of the flange bottom face 21. As the stopper 10 proceeds further onto the finish 27 of the container 23, the gasket 38 compresses onto the interior and top surfaces of the finish 27, thereby as shown in FIG. 27F. To provide a hermetic seal. The seal may become more airtight after expansion, and more importantly after shrinkage of the container finish 17, which generally occurs during dry operation.

29 shows an alternative embodiment of the end panel 20. In FIG. 29, the end panel 20 is not represented as a flat disk. Instead, the end panel 20 is initially flat, but is then shaped in relation to the shell 12 before its introduction. The end panel 20 is contoured to more closely follow the shape of the flange bottom face 21 at its inner radial and central portions 21a, 21b. Thus, the end panel 20 can be shaped, for example thermoformed, by bending and contouring the end panel in the presence of heat. As shown in FIG. 29, the molded preformed end panel has an approximately planar center portion 60. In the vicinity of the outer circumference 62 of the end panel 20, the disk is inclined slightly downward (radially outward) before it becomes substantially planar again. At the outer circumferential portion 62, the disk 20 is inclined upwards (radially outward) as shown in FIG.

Whether the end panel 20 is applied as a flat disk as shown in FIGS. 27A-27F or as a preformed end panel as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the composite plug 10 of the present invention. ) Provides a seal suitable for the vessel finish 17. Unlike other carbonizable composite plugs, which often require both a radially inner and a radially outer seal of the container finish, the composite stopper 10 of the present invention is primarily designed for inner and top seals as shown in FIGS. 18-32. to provide. Efficient sealing is maintained in the container even after the package has been subjected to elevated temperatures of dry distillation.

As shown in FIG. 21, the composite plug may also have an additional center panel 50 as described above. The central panel 50 may be integrally formed with the shell 12 during the molding process. The central panel 50 comprises a web of connecting members 52 annularly spaced from each other, thereby exposing at least a portion of the end panel 20 to the external environment.

22 and 23 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 21 taken through the vent and solids of the shell 12, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the central panel 50 may be spaced apart from the end panel 20. Alternatively, the center panel 50 may contact the top surface 20a of the end panel 20. As mentioned above, the central panel 50 provides additional strength to the shell 12. A surface may also be provided that may include an embossed or stencil printed product name in the center of the center panel 50 to further expose the end panel 20 to the external environment. In all other respects, the contours of the flange top and bottom surfaces are the same as the corresponding surfaces described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 24.

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 therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should be construed and limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (45)

An end panel disk substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having an oxygen barrier property, the end panel disk having an upper surface and a lower surface and an outer circumference terminating at the central and outer edges; A shell having an annular top flange and a cylindrical downwardly extending skirt positioned over and in contact with an upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the disk; And A composite closure cap for a container comprising a sealing liner on at least an outer periphery of the bottom surface of the disk. 2. The composite closure cap of claim 1, wherein the disk comprises a plurality of sheets, at least one of the sheets being at least partially made of a material that is a substantial barrier to oxygen. 3. The composite closure cap of claim 2, wherein the disk has a top, middle, and bottom sheet, and at least one of the top or middle sheet is at least partially made of a material that is a barrier to oxygen. 4. The disk of claim 3 wherein the disk comprises a top layer at least partially made of polypropylene or a copolymer thereof, an intermediate sheet at least partially made of EVOH, and a bottom sheet at least partially made of polypropylene or a copolymer thereof. Composite stopper cap for container to say. 4. The disk of claim 3, wherein the disk comprises a top sheet at least partially made of a material that is a barrier to oxygen, wherein the bottom sheet is at least partially made of polypropylene or a copolymer thereof, and the intermediate sheet is made of the top sheet And a composite closure cap for a container made of a material selected to adhere to the bottom sheet. 4. The composite closure cap of claim 3, wherein at least one of the sheets comprises an oxygen scavenger. 2. The composite closure cap of claim 1, wherein the flange defines a central opening in the shell. 2. The composite closure cap of claim 1, further comprising a panel positioned above and spaced apart from the inner portion of the central portion of the end panel disk. 9. The composite closure cap of claim 8, wherein the upper panel is integrally formed with the shell. 10. A composite closure cap for a container according to claim 9, wherein said upper panel is coupled to said flange by a plurality of annular spaced connection arms. 2. The composite closure cap of claim 1, wherein the skirt has at least one preformed spiral on the inner circumferential surface of the skirt. 2. The composite closure cap of claim 1, comprising at least one preformed helix and a preformed bead on the inner circumferential surface of the skirt, wherein the bead is spaced above the top of the helix. 13. The composite closure cap of claim 12, wherein the beads are continuous. 13. The composite closure cap of claim 12, wherein said bead extends less than 360 degrees. 13. The composite closure cap of claim 12, wherein the preformed beads are discontinuous. 13. The composite closure cap of claim 12, wherein an outer diameter of the end panel disk is greater than a diameter of the preformed beads. 2. The composite closure cap of claim 1, comprising a plurality of annular spacing vents in the flange. An end panel disk substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having an oxygen barrier property, the end panel disk having an upper surface and a lower surface and an outer circumference terminating at the central and outer edges; A shell comprising a cylindrical downwardly extending skirt having an upper surface, a bottom surface and an annular top flange having a radially inner surface between the top surface and the bottom surface, the flange having a bottom surface of the flange at the outer peripheral portion of the disc. A shell located above at least an outer circumference of the disk to contact the top surface of the disk; And A sealing liner on at least an outer periphery of the bottom surface of the disk, At least a portion of the disc top surface is a composite closure cap for a container exposed to the external environment. 19. A composite closure cap for a container according to claim 18, comprising a panel located above an inner portion of a central portion of the end panel disk. 20. The composite closure cap of claim 19, wherein the upper panel is integrally formed with the shell. 20. The composite closure cap of claim 19, wherein the upper panel is coupled to the flange by a plurality of annular spaced connection arms. 19. A composite closure cap for a container according to claim 18, comprising a plurality of annular spacing vents in the flange. 23. A composite closure cap for a container according to claim 22, wherein the vent is located at the radially innermost face of the flange. 23. The composite closure cap of claim 22, wherein the vent is located on an upper surface of the flange. A shell having a downwardly extending skirt and an annular top flange having an upper surface and a bottom surface, wherein at least the bottom surface of the flange generally has a C-shaped profile, whereby the flange bottom surface is radially inner downwardly extending inside portion. A shell having a radially outer downward extension and a curved top between the radially inner and outer portions; An end panel disk substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having an oxygen barrier property, the end panel disk having an upper surface and a lower surface and an outer circumference terminating at the center and the free edge, the outer circumference of the disk being substantially the product of the flange bottom surface. An end panel disk mating with and contacting at least the downward extension and the curved top; And A sealing liner on at least an outer periphery of the bottom face of the disc, the disc including a seal liner substantially matching a radially downward extension of the flange bottom face and a curved top. 27. The composite closure cap of claim 25, wherein the disk comprises a plurality of layers, at least one of the layers being at least partially made of a material that is a barrier to oxygen. 27. The composite closure cap of claim 25, wherein the disk has a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer, and at least one of the top layer or the middle layer is at least partially made of a material that is a substantial barrier to oxygen. 28. The disk of claim 27, wherein the disk comprises a top layer at least partially made of polypropylene or a copolymer thereof, an intermediate sheet at least partially made of EVOH, and a bottom sheet at least partially made of polypropylene or a copolymer thereof. Composite stopper cap for container to say. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the flange top surface generally has a C-shaped profile, the top surface having a radially inner downwardly extending inner portion, a radially outer downwardly extending portion and a bend between the radially inner and outer portions. Composite stopper cap for container to say. 30. A composite closure cap for a container according to claim 29, comprising a plurality of annular spaced vents in said flange. 31. The composite closure cap of claim 30, wherein the vent comprises an opening between the bottom and top surfaces of the flange. 32. The composite closure cap of claim 31, wherein the vent is located between the curved and radially outer portions of the flange top and bottom surfaces. 27. The composite closure cap of claim 25, wherein the gasket is made of a material selected to seal-bond a container finish made of a material susceptible to shrinkage during cooling leading to exposure to temperatures above 104.4 ° C (220 ° F). 27. The composite closure cap of claim 25, wherein said gasket is made of a material selected to adhere to a vessel finish made of polyethylene terephthalate. Forming an outer plastic shell having a cylindrical skirt and an annular top flange, wherein the skirt forms a central mouse and the flange has a top surface, a bottom surface and generally a C-shaped cross-sectional profile, the bottom surface being a radius An outer plastic shell forming step having a direction downwardly extending inner portion, a radially downward outer portion and a curved portion between the radially inner portion and the outer portion; Providing a circular disk having a top surface and a bottom surface, the circular disk having a central portion and an outer peripheral portion; Applying a sealant material to at least an outer periphery of the disk bottom surface; And Introducing the disc into the shell through the central mouse. 36. The method of claim 35, comprising providing a generally flat flexible circular disk. 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing a vulnerable area to the disk between the disk center and the outer circumference. 38. The method of claim 37, comprising providing a vulnerable area to the disk by forming a notch in the disk between the central portion and the outer peripheral portion. 38. The method of claim 37, comprising pressing the outer circumference of the disk against the flange to substantially conform the outer circumference to the shape of the inner radial and upper portions of the flange bottom face. 36. The method of claim 35, comprising providing a disk having a central portion and an outer circumference, wherein the outer circumference generally has a C-shaped cross section and has a radially inner downwardly extending surface and a radially outer curved surface. Way. 41. The method of claim 40, comprising thermoforming the disk to provide a disk having an outer periphery having a generally C-shaped cross section and having a radially inner downwardly extending surface and a curved surface. 42. The method of claim 41 comprising applying said sealant prior to said thermoforming. End panel disks substantially made of one or more plastic materials and having oxygen barrier properties; A plastic ring having a downwardly extending skirt and an upper radially inwardly extending flange, said flange comprising: a plastic ring located above an outer periphery of said disk; And A composite closure cap for a container comprising a sealant applied to the bottom surface of the disc. 44. A composite closure cap for a container according to claim 43, wherein said sealant is applied as a gasket to the outer periphery of said disk bottom face. 44. The composite closure cap of claim 43, wherein the end panel comprises a single sheet of one or more plastic materials.

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