Sealing liner for a closure

Abstract

A sealing liner for a container includes a unitary body having a substantially circular shape with an outer peripheral edge, an interior panel, and an annular wave portion surrounding the interior panel and being positioned between the interior panel and the peripheral edge. The wave portion is constructed and arranged with an inwardly-directed surface that includes two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions and a concave land area between the two annular portions. The sealing liner is bonded into a unitary closure having a sidewall and an upper panel wherein the sidewall is constructed and arranged for attaching to the neck finish of a container. The neck finish includes an upper edge and the sealing liner is configured such that its concave land area contacts the upper edge for sealing of that location and the corresponding interface between the container and closure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to container closures and the construction of closure liners that are intended to provide sealing at an interface between the closure and the corresponding container. Without a sealing liner, there is a greater risk that the contents within the container will leak past the point of connection between the closure and the container and/or will allow oxygen ingress into the container.

More specifically, the present invention relates to the construction and arrangement of a liner that is suitable for a hot fill process, an aseptic fill process, and/or a nitrogen fill process. Each of these three processes affect the container/closure structure in slightly different ways, and this in turn requires a slightly different sealing strategy and sealing design for the closure liner and its interfit between the closure and the container.

Regardless of the fill process selected for a particular container/closure combination, the sealing liner of the present invention is suitable for creating and maintaining sealing at the interface(s) between the container and the closure. In order to provide this design versatility, the sealing liner of the present invention has an annular wave portion adjacent an outer peripheral edge of the sealing liner. This wave portion includes two axially protruding, concentric ridges that define therebetween an annular concave portion that is constructed and arranged to position itself against an upper surface of the container neck finish. This specific liner construction is novel and unobvious and provides an improvement to current liner designs in terms of versatility and the integrity of the seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A container, closure, and liner combination according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a container having a neck finish, a unitary closure having a sidewall and an upper panel, and a sealing liner received by the closure for sealing a container/closure interface. The unitary closure is constructed and arranged for attaching to the neck finish. The sealing liner includes a unitary body having a substantially circular shape with an outer peripheral edge, an inner panel, and an annular wave portion surrounding the inner panel and being positioned between the inner panel and the peripheral edge. The wave portion being constructed and arranged with an inwardly directed surface that includes two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions, and a concave land area between the two portions. The land area is designed to contact an upper edge of the container neck finish with one annular portion on the outer surface of the neck finish and another annular portion on an inner surface of the neck finish.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved container, closure, and liner combination.

Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, in full section, of a container closure and sealing liner combination according to a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 1 combination, as applied to the neck finish of a container.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 1 closure.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 1 sealing liner.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial, front elevational view of the FIG. 1 combination.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial, front elevational view of the FIG. 5 combination, focusing on one side of the container closure and sealing liner combination.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial, front elevational view, in full section, of the FIG. 6 combination, as applied to the FIG. 2 container neck finish.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a container closure and sealing liner combination or assembly 20 wherein the liner 21 is bonded to the inner surface 22 of the upper panel 23 of closure 24. Closure 24 is a generally cylindrical component that includes an annular tamper-evident band 25 that is connected to the upper portion 26 of closure 24 by a plurality of spaced-apart frangible elements 27. Cylindrical sidewall 28 is internally threaded for attachment to the externally threaded neck finish 29 of container 30 (see FIG. 2). The externally threaded neck finish 29 includes a slightly rounded or curved top edge 31.

As the assembly 20 is threaded onto the neck finish 29, the liner 21 is drawn into contact with top edge 31. The construction and arrangement of liner 21 is such that, with suitable threaded engagement and threaded tightening of the assembly 20 onto the neck finish 29, a sealed interface is established by liner 21 between the closure 24 and the top edge 31 of the container neck finish 29.

As mentioned in the Background, the container 30 and the closure 24 are intended to represent something of a generic design wherein the combination may be subjected to a hot fill process or to an aseptic fill process or to a nitrogen fill process. As used herein in the context of the present invention, a hot fill process is just what its name implies. The product being placed in the container is hot at the time of filling. During this process, the neck finish 29 of the container 30 shrinks inwardly away from the edge of the internal threads on closure 24. This result is expected due to the properties of PET material that is used for the container. As the product in the container cools as part of the overall cooling process, a vacuum is created as the contents go from hot to cold. Due to the positional and dimensional shifts between container 30 and closure 24, the selected liner, such as liner 21, needs to provide a secure and continuous seal between the container 30 and closure 24. In order to provide the requisite secure and continuous seal at the container edge and closure interface, the focus of the design for liner 21 is on its wave portion that is positioned between the interior panel and the outer peripheral edge and the ability of this wave portion to contact and seal against the top edge 31 of the neck finish. As described, the wave portion includes an annular concave portion that is constructed and arranged and positioned so as to fit down over top edge 31 in order to establish and maintain a secure and continuous seal between the container 30 and closure 24. The construction and functioning of liner 21 for the hot fill process are explained in greater detail hereinafter.

In the aseptic fill process, as defined for purposes of the present invention, a container is filled with product at or near room temperature in a sterile environment. It is intended to maintain the sterile condition of the product and it is important to do so in view of the particular product selected for the container. Accordingly, the construction and arrangement of the selected liner, such as liner 21, is an important aspect of being able to maintain the requisite sterile condition for the contents placed in the container. The construction and functioning of liner 21 for the aseptic fill process are explained in greater detail hereinafter.

In the nitrogen fill process, as defined for the purposes of the present invention, a small amount of very cold nitrogen is placed in the container. As the temperature of the nitrogen approaches the ambient temperature (i.e., warms up), pressure is created in the head space between the container contents and the closure. Due to this internal pressure, it is important for the selected liner, such as liner 21, to be able to provide a secure and suitable seal at the interface between the container 30 and closure 24. The construction and functioning of liner 21 for the nitrogen fill process are explained in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring again to FIG. 1, assembly 20 includes closure 24 in combination with liner 21 with these two secured together in a suitable fashion, preferably by the use of an adhesive so that once bonded together, the liner does not come loose from the closure, nor separate from the closure during removal of the closure from the neck finish. It is important that the sealing liner remain with the closure and not break loose or come apart or separate in any fashion, as that would risk portions of the liner falling into the container and contaminating the contents. It is equally important that the sealing liner not remain with the neck finish when the closure is removed. A suitable material for the sealing liner includes any of the common EVA-based liner materials that are presently available on the market.

With reference to FIG. 3, the tamper-evident band 25 is arranged with a plurality of tabs or wings 35 that flex to lock beneath the A diameter stop 36 at the base of the neck finish 29, below the external threads (see FIG. 2). A plurality of inwardly protruding ridges 37 are located adjacent the bottom edge 38 of the tamper-evident band 25. The ridges 37 are circumferentially aligned with a corresponding wing 35 (see FIG. 3) such that any attempt to pry down the wings by the insertion of a small tool or implement is prevented due to wing abutment against the upper surface of its aligned and corresponding ridge 37. As can be seen from the illustrations provided, the wings 35 are set at a position and orientation such that any attempt to remove the closure 24 from the neck finish causes the wings to move up into engagement against the underside of the A diameter stop 36. Continued retrograde rotation of closure 24 and the abutment of wings 35 against stop 36 causes the frangible elements to sever, thereby allowing closure 24 to be removed with the tamper-evident band 25 retained on the neck finish below the A diameter stop 36. This allows an end user who did not open the container to see that someone did. Whether or not this was a tampering attempt, the end user is alerted. If it would be possible to insert a small tool or implement between the closure and the container neck finish in order to pull or pry down the wings 35 so that they would be able to clear the A diameter stop 36, then it might be possible to remove closure 24 without the wing abutment and without breaking the frangible elements. This in turn would preclude any indication of a tampering attempt to the end user.

By the design, construction, and positioning of ridges 37, including the inclined upper surface of each ridge in proximity to its corresponding wing 35, even if a small implement or tool is inserted to try and pull down the wings, the wing will abut up against each corresponding ridge 37 before the wing 35 can be positioned so as to clear the A diameter stop 36.

The use of ridges 37 as either a segmented plurality (see FIG. 3) or as a generally annular singular element, is disclosed in a co-pending patent application filed on the same date as this application and is commonly owned by the same entity. The attorney docket number for this corresponding patent application is RKE-096/1104-856. This co-pending application is expressly incorporated by reference herein for its overall teachings.

The upper panel 23 of closure 24 connects to the generally cylindrical sidewall 28 at circular “corner” 41. The upper surface 42 of panel 23 is substantially flat as is the center portion 43 of inner surface 22. Positioned between center portion 43 and corner 41 is an annular, axially-protruding ridge 44 that includes two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions 45 and 46 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Each portion 45 and 46 is generally V-shaped with a rounded tip 45a and 46a, respectively. An annular concave land area 47 is defined by and between projecting portions 45 and 46. Land area 47 is rounded at its base 47a. The substantially flat inner surface portion 50 that is located between portion 46 and corner 41 has an annular ring shape and is coplanar with center portion 43.

With reference to FIG. 4, the structural details of liner 21 are illustrated. Liner 21 is an annular, generally circular disc that is unperforate throughout with an annular wave portion 51 adjacent the outer peripheral edge 52. The inner circular panel 53 that is surrounded by wave portion 51 is substantially flat with parallel inner and outer surfaces 54 and 55, respectively. The upwardly or outwardly-directed surface 51a of wave portion 51 includes a pair of concentric, recessed, annular channels 56 and 57. Each channel 56 and 57 is generally V-shaped with a curved or rounded base 56a and 57a, respectively. Raised annular ridge 58 that is located between and defined by channels 56 and 57 includes a curved or rounded tip 58a.

The downward or inwardly-directed surface 51b of wave portion 51 includes two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions 61 and 62. Each portion 61 and 62 is generally V-shaped with a rounded tip 61a and 62a, respectively. An annular concave land area 63 is defined by and between projecting portions 61 and 62. Land area 63 is rounded at its base 63a.

Liner 21 is of a substantially uniform thickness, both prior to forming or shaping of the wave portion 51 and after the forming or shaping of wave portion 51. Further, the various contours and shaping of the upper surface 51a each have a reverse aligned contour or shaping in the lower surface 51b. For example, each annular channel 56 and 57 has a corresponding projecting portion 61 and 62, respectively. A similar correspondence exists between ridge 58 in the upper surface 51a and land area 63 in lower surface 51b. In effect, the forming of the channels on one side of the liner 21 creates the projecting portions or vice versa. Additionally, the shaping of the upper surface 51a of wave portion 51 of liner 21 corresponds to the shaping of ridge 44 in inner surface 22. In this way, the liner 21 has an overall close conforming shape as it fits up against the inner surface 22. With reference against to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be seen how the liner 21 has a close conforming fit into closure 24 up against the inner surface 22 of top panel 23.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, the fit of liner 21 is illustrated and shows the liner 21 as being shaped over and against the top edge 31 of neck finish 29 when the closure and liner assembly 20 is fully threaded onto neck finish 29. Before full threaded engagement of assembly 20 onto container 30, the concave land area 63 is axially aligned with top edge 31. Then, as the assembly 20 is threadedly advanced on to neck finish 29 of container 30, the top edge 31 pushes up into the land area 63 channel, wedging the annular inside surface of top edge 31 up against projecting portion 61 and wedging the annular outside surface of top edge 31 up against projecting portion 62. The back-up support provided by projecting portions 45 and 46 of closure 24 helps to maintain the tight sealing fit of the liner 21 up against the top edge 31. Projecting portions 45 and 46 actually capture and trap the liner 21 between portions 45 and 46 and the top edge 31, specifically against the inside and outside surfaces that help to define top edge 31.

As previously described, the closure and liner assembly 20 is constructed and arranged to provide a suitable sealed interface with container 30, whether the container is subjected to a hot fill process, an aseptic fill process, or a nitrogen fill process. More specifically, during the hot fill process, a vacuum is created. Since the liner 21 has both inside and outside contact by the pressure of projecting portions 45 and 46, as well as axial compression of top edge 31 into concave land area 63, a secure seal is established and maintained for the closed container 30.

For the aseptic fill process, it is important to maintain the closed container, i.e., the container contents, sterile. Since liner 21 has both inside and outside contact by the pressure of projecting portions 45 and 46, as well as axial compression of top edge 31 into concave land area 63, a secure seal is established and maintained for the closed container 30.

For the nitrogen fill process, an internal pressure is created in the head space between the liner 21 and container contents. Since the liner 31 has both inside and outside contact by the pressure of projecting portions 45 and 46, as well as axial compression of top edge 31 into concave land area 63, a secure seal is established and maintained for the closed container 30. Regardless of the fill process that is selected for the container and closure combination 20, liner 21 provides, in cooperation with closure 24, an effective and reliable seal for the interface between the container and the closure.

The wave seal liner 21 can be produced from any of the common EVA-based copolymer liner materials that are commercially available. So long as the closure configuration is maintained, the liner 21 can be used in combination with either a metal or a plastic closure. The present invention and the design of liner 21 takes into account the option for adding a barrier to protect the contents from oxygen ingress. In this regard, it is anticipated that the liner can be compounded with an oxygen scavenger material or with clay platelets.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A sealing liner for a container closure comprising:

a unitary body having a substantially circular shape with an outer peripheral edge, an interior panel, and an annular wave portion surrounding said interior panel and being positioned between said interior panel and said peripheral edge, said wave portion being constructed and arranged with an inwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions and a concave land area between said two annular portions.

2. The sealing liner of claim 1 wherein said wave portion is constructed and arranged with an outwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two concentric annular channels and a raised annular ridge located between said two annular channels.

3. The sealing liner of claim 2 wherein each annular channel is generally V-shaped.

4. The sealing liner of claim 1 wherein each annular portion is generally V-shaped.

5. The sealing liner of claim 1 wherein said unitary body has a substantially uniform thickness.

6. A closure and liner assembly for closing a container, the container having a neck finish constructed and arranged to receive said closure and liner assembly, said closure and liner assembly comprising:

a unitary closure having a sidewall and an upper panel, said sidewall being constructed and arranged for attaching to said neck finish; and

a sealing liner received by said unitary closure for sealing between the closure and the container, said liner having a unitary body having a substantially circular shape with an outer peripheral edge, an interior panel, and an annular wave portion surrounding said interior panel and being positioned between said interior panel and said peripheral edge, said wave portion being constructed and arranged with an inwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions and a concave land area between said two annular portions.

7. The closure and liner assembly of claim 6 wherein said top panel includes a center portion and an annular ridge surrounding said center portion.

8. The closure and liner assembly of claim 7 wherein said annular ridge includes two axially-projecting, concentric portions separated by a concave land area.

9. The closure and liner assembly of claim 8 wherein said wave portion is constructed and arranged with an outwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two concentric annular channels and a raised annular ridge located between said two annular channels.

10. The closure and liner assembly of claim 9 wherein each annular channel is generally V-shaped.

11. The closure and liner assembly of claim 9 wherein said unitary body has a substantially uniform thickness.

12. The closure and liner assembly of claim 8 wherein said wave portion is constructed and arranged with an outwardly-directed surface having two annular channels, said two annular channels fitting up against said two axially-projecting concentric portions.

13. The closure and liner assembly of claim 6 wherein said wave portion is constructed and arranged with an outwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two concentric annular channels and a raised annular ridge located between said two annular channels.

14. The closure and liner assembly of claim 13 wherein each annular channel is generally V-shaped.

15. The closure and liner assembly of claim 6 wherein said unitary body has a substantially uniform thickness.

16. In combination:

a container having a neck finish;

a unitary closure having a sidewall and an upper panel, said sidewall being constructed and arranged for attaching to said neck finish; and

a liner received by said unitary closure for sealing between the closure and the container, said liner having a unitary body having a substantially circular shape with an outer peripheral edge, an interior panel, and an annular wave portion surrounding said interior panel and being positioned between said interior panel and said peripheral edge, said wave portion being constructed and arranged with an inwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two axially-projecting, concentric annular portions and a concave land area between said two annular portions.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said neck finish being externally threaded and said sidewall being internally threaded.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein said container being constructed and arranged with an annular A diameter stop position below the threading on said neck finish.

19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said unitary closure includes a tamper-evident band connected to said sidewall by a plurality of frangible elements.

20. The combination of claim 16 wherein said wave portion is constructed and arranged with an outwardly-directed surface that is constructed and arranged with two concentric annular channels and a raised annular ridge located between said two annular channels.

21. The combination of claim 20 wherein each annular channel is generally V-shaped.

22. The combination of claim 16 wherein said upper panel includes a center portion and an annular ridge surrounding said center portion.

23. The combination of claim 22 wherein said annular ridge includes two axially-projecting, concentric portions separated by a concave land area.

24. The combination of claim 23 wherein said wave portion is constructed and arranged with an outwardly-directed surface having two annular channels, said two annular channels fitting up against said two axially-projecting concentric portions.

25. The combination of claim 16 wherein said unitary body has a substantially uniform thickness.