Abstract: A closure constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of a container, the closure having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of the closure, wherein the closure further comprises: (a) a closure precursor having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising a lateral surface and substantially flat terminating surfaces forming the opposed ends of the closure precursor, wherein the lateral surface and the flat terminating surfaces of the closure precursor have a substantially uniform color; and (b) a decorative layer that at least partially covers at least the lateral surface of the closure precursor.

Abstract: A mounting device for holding a hollow cylindrical object, particularly a screw cap, in a printing system, comprises a support member, and a mandrel for receiving a hollow cylindrical object arranged at the support member, and a heating device for heating the hollow cylindrical object mounted at the mandrel. A printing system for printing on hollow cylindrical objects, preferably screw caps, comprises at least one mounting device, and at least one printhead configured to print on surfaces of cylindrical objects, preferably screw caps.

Abstract: A tiltable mounting device is for mounting cylindrical objects with a top surface and a lateral surface, and for tilting the objects relative to a reference plane. The device has a frame, and one or more mandrels, each configured to mount a cylindrical object. Each mandrel is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and is tiltable in the frame between first and second positions. The longitudinal axis of each mandrel in the first position is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the respective mandrel in the second position. In the first position, each mandrel is oriented with the top surface of the object in the reference plane, and in the second position, each mandrel is oriented such that the lateral surface of the cylindrical object is tangent to the reference plane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a closure constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of a product-retaining container is provided. Such method may include intimately combining a plurality of particles comprising cork and having a specified particle size distribution with a plastic material including one or more thermoplastic polymers, optionally in combination with other constituent(s) to form a composition, heating the composition to form a melt, extruding or molding a closure precursor from the melt to provide a specified water content range, and optionally cutting and/or finishing the closure precursor. A composition for use in manufacturing a closure for a product-retaining container includes a plurality of particles comprising cork and having a specified particle size distribution with a plastic material including one or more thermoplastic polymer, optionally in combination with other constituent(s).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a closure constructed to be inserted and securely retained in a neck of a product-retaining container includes intimately combining a plurality of coated particles (each comprising a cork material core and a first plastic material) with a second plastic material, and other optional constituents; heating the composition to form a melt; extruding or molding a closure precursor from the melt; and optionally cutting and/or finishing the closure precursor. A composition for use in manufacturing a closure includes a plurality of coated particles (each comprising a cork material core and a first plastic material) with a second plastic material, and one or more blowing agents. Methods for producing particulate material, cork composite material, and additional method for producing closures are also provided.

Abstract: By securely affixing or bonding a multi-layer film to the terminating end of a closure/stopper, with the multi-layer film being constructed for promoting the transfer of all of the desirable gases, chemicals, and/or compounds while preventing the transfer of undesirable gases, chemicals, and/or compounds, a unique, closure or stopper having a sealed and/or barrier bearing terminating end is achieved. In this way, wine sealed in the wine bottle by the closure/stopper of the present invention is assured of possessing a long storage life, while also having the flavor, bouquet, taste, and quality desired for the wine fully maintained.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a synthetic closure for a product-retaining container constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of said container, said closure comprising at least a core member comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, and at least one peripheral layer at least partially surrounding and intimately bonded to at least one surface of the core member, said peripheral layer comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, wherein the synthetic closure is formed by extrusion, and at least one of the core member and the peripheral layer comprises a plurality of cells, and wherein the synthetic closure comprises cork powder.

Abstract: A multi-component synthetic closure and/or a rod-shaped intermediate product which incorporate printed indicia comprising ink that is invisible under normal lighting and/or temperature conditions and a continuous, in-line manufacturing process therefor are described. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the core member of the synthetic closure and/or the rod-shaped intermediate product can be formed by a continuous extrusion process which enables the core to be manufactured as an elongated, continuous length of material. As the continuous elongated length of extruded material forming the central core is advanced from the extruder towards an outer skin forming station, the central core passes through a printing station for forming any desired indicia among which can be a registration mark that can be invisible under normal lighting and/or temperature conditions on the outer surface of the central core prior to the application of the outer skin layer.

Abstract: Container closures wherein at least one void comprised in the closure is at least partially filled with a gas or gaseous mixture which by composition or pressure is different from air are disclosed. The oxygen content of said gas can be lower than the oxygen content of air. Through use of such closures for sealing closed containers, the amount of air and therefore oxygen that enters the closed container through closure desorption can be effectively controlled, changed, or even largely eliminated.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cylindrical closure for a product-retaining container constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of said container, said closure comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least one natural organic filler wherein the lateral surface of said closure has a hardness of 40 to 90 Shore A. Such closures are particularly suitable for sealingly closing wine bottles.

Abstract: A synthetic closure for a product-retaining container is constructed for being inserted and securely retained in a portal-forming neck of said container, said closure comprising at least a core member comprising at least one cycloolefin-based copolymer.

Abstract: By providing a synthetic closure which comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer and, as an additive, at least one fatty acid derivative, in particular a fatty acid ester or a fatty acid amide such as a stearamide, a synthetic closure is attained which achieved substantially enhanced properties. In particular, it has been found that the oxygen transfer rate of the closure is reduced substantially, thus reducing unwanted oxidation of wine. Furthermore, the use of a fatty acid derivative additive improves the performance characteristics of synthetic corks, such as extraction force, ovality control, diameter control and length control.