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WO2006053013A1 - Scellement mobile - Google Patents

Scellement mobile Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006053013A1
WO2006053013A1 PCT/US2005/040526 US2005040526W WO2006053013A1 WO 2006053013 A1 WO2006053013 A1 WO 2006053013A1 US 2005040526 W US2005040526 W US 2005040526W WO 2006053013 A1 WO2006053013 A1 WO 2006053013A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
seal
closure
hot
rim
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2005/040526
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gregory Trude
John W. Tobias
John Denner
Jean-Francois Durdilly
Wesley S. Hawk
Andrew Osgood
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Graham Packaging Co LP
Original Assignee
Graham Packaging Co LP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Graham Packaging Co LP filed Critical Graham Packaging Co LP
Publication of WO2006053013A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006053013A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D79/00—Kinds or details of packages, not otherwise provided for
    • B65D79/005—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting
    • B65D79/0087—Packages having deformable parts for indicating or neutralizing internal pressure-variations by other means than venting the deformable part being located in a closure, e.g. in caps or lids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a seal for a hot-fill or pasteurizable container, and more particularly to a moveable seal for accommodating resulting pressure/vacuum formed in a hot-fill or pasteurizable container.
  • blow-molded containers are usually made of plastic and employ flex panels and/or ribs that reinforce the integrity of the container while accommodating internal changes in pressures and volume in the container as a result of heating and cooling. This is especially true with hot-fillable containers and pasteurizable containers.
  • known plastic hot-fillable and pasteurizable containers tend to be formed with protruding rib structures that surround panels forming the container. While the protruding rib structures improve the strength of the container that is blow-molded out of plastic, panels and protruding rib structure detract from the desired sleek look. Accordingly, a hot-fillable or pasteurizable, blow-molded container and process of manufacturing same is needed to provide a container more closely simulating the strength and smooth outward appearance associated with glass containers.
  • known plastic hot- fillable containers and pasteurizable containers tend to have rectangular panels for vacuum compensation.
  • the present invention is directed to a closure system for a seal for a hot-fill or pasteurizable container.
  • the seal includes a movable portion that can move in response to pressure changes in the container, and this moveable portion can take the shape of ribs or concentric circles.
  • the ability of the seal to accommodate changes in pressure within the container reduces performance demands on the container.
  • the closure system prevents air from passing through the container.
  • the seal can be capable of multi-directional movement and can be fixed the rim of the container.
  • the seal can also be permanently fixed to the rim, and can have a tab to facilitate removal of the seal.
  • the seal can be made of a metallic or polymeric material.
  • the closure system can also include a closure, such as a nestable or domed closure.
  • the container can be a wide-mouth container.
  • the seal can be fixed to the closure, and the closure can have a vent.
  • the present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a hot-fillable or pasteurizable container, the method including placing a seal with a moveable portion in contact with an opening of the container and allowing the seal to move in a controlled manner in response to pressure inside the container.
  • the container can be filled before the seal is placed on the container opening.
  • the container can be hot-filled, and the container can also be heated after it is filled.
  • the container can be heated in a pasteurization or a retort process.
  • the container has neck with a finish, and grooves can be preformed on the finish.
  • the method can also include placing a seal on a closure the container and placing the closure on the container.
  • the seal can be fixed to the container by, for example, gluing, spin welding, or thermal sealing.
  • the closure can be placed on the container after the container has cooled.
  • the closure can also be a vented closure.
  • FIG. IA is a front view of an accordion seal for a hot-filled container according to one embodiment the present invention.
  • FIG. IB is a perspective view of the accordion seal shown in FIG IA;
  • FIG. 2A is a top view of an accordion seal according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-section of the seal of FIG. IA, taken along line IE-II of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 A depicts an exemplary embodiment of an accordion seal of the present invention in a compressed state
  • FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary embodiment of an accordion seal of the present invention in an expanded state
  • FIG. 4A depicts a seal attached to a closure according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4B depicts the seal of figure 4A in an expanded state.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a seal attached to a container according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 A depicts a seal according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6B depicts the action of the seal depicted in FIG. 6 A.
  • FIG. 7 A depicts a seal according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7B depicts a seal according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a seal according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • a hot-filled container may be sealed with a moveable seal that can move in response to pressure or vacuum created in the container during the hot-fill or pasteurization process.
  • the seal can be accordion-shaped such as that illustrated in FIGS 1 A-3B.
  • a seal 100 with a movable portion 102 may have an upper flange 112 that is adapted to be attached to the neck of a plastic, hot-filled container.
  • the movable portion 102 may have a number of collapsible portions or bellows 104 that can be folded next to one another to extend into the container when the seal is attached to the neck of the container.
  • the collapsible portion or bellows 104 can expand so that the movable projection 102 can increase its volume inside the hot-filled container.
  • the upper flange 112 is of a diameter to securely seal the neck of a plastic container.
  • each collapsible portion can have an inner ring or inner hinge portion 106 and an outer ring or outer hinge portion 108.
  • These inner 106 and outer 108 hinges are more clearly illustrated in the cross section shown in Figure 2B, taken along line E-II in FIG. IA.
  • the hinges 106 and 108 take the shape of a ring at the exterior. This ring enables additional expansion of the movable projection 102.
  • other hinges are contemplated by the invention.
  • inner hinge portion 116 and outer hinge portion 118 need not contain a ring.
  • the bellows 104 can become progressively smaller in diameter as they move away from flange 112. In other embodiments, the diameter of each bellows may remain constant, or exhibit a variety of other diameter patterns.
  • the seal 100 can also have an extension 110 with a central recess 112. hi the illustrated embodiment, the extension 110 is dome-shaped, but other suitable shapes are also encompassed by the invention. Central recess 114 adds rigidity to the dome created by extension 110.
  • FIG. IB illustrates the interior of an accordion seal according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Inner hinges 106 are more clearly depicted here.
  • the accordion-shaped seal has an upper flange 112 that is of a diameter to sufficiently seal the neck of the plastic container.
  • the upper flange 112 has a diameter that covers the neck of the plastic container and has a central recess 114 with a vertical skirt 116 (see FIG. IA) that may be held securely within the neck of the container by a friction fit to seal the same.
  • the flange 112 can be sealed to the top of an opening in a container by, for example, gluing, spin- welding or thermal sealing.
  • the outer diameter of the flange 112 can have ridges 118 for mating with the neck and a finishing cap or lid, for example. These ridges 118 can have a vacuum break such as a vent 130 to permit air to move from the seal 100 to the outside of the container. The vacuum break does not permit air exchange between the inside and the outside of the container.
  • the accordion seal 100 is initially compressed together so that the seal initially takes up a smaller volume in the container.
  • the inner rings 106 of each collapsible portion 104 are shown tightly together.
  • pressure in the container decreases, creating a vacuum, hi response to this vacuum pressure, inner rings 106 of the collapsible portion 104 can expand to increase the volume of the three-dimensional seal 100.
  • the seal 100 of the present invention is attached to a container after a substance at an elevated temperature is inserted in the container.
  • a closure such as a cap or lid, can then be placed on the container and over the seal 100.
  • the closure may be attached immediately after placement of the seal on the container or after the contents of the container are allowed to cool.
  • the closure is removed and the seal 100, including the flange 112, is removed from the container.
  • the seal 100 may include a tab (not shown) formed in the recess 114 to facilitate removal. The closure can be placed back on the container if further storage of the container contents is desired.
  • the seal 100 may be fixed to a closure 120 that is then placed on a container.
  • the closure 120 can also contain a vacuum break such as vent 122, to allow air into the moveable portion only, so that the moveable portion 102 can expand more easily.
  • additional collapsible portions can be added for sealing larger containers to accommodate larger volumetric or barometric changes.
  • fewer collapsible portions may be required in wide-mouth containers as the movement of a bellows with a larger cross-sectional area will result in a larger change in volume.
  • the accordion-shaped seal may be molded in multiple layers to avoid oxygen- egress into the container. That is, the plastic accordion-shaped seal may include a nylon layer or other layer that allows a longer shelf-life by protecting the product within the container from oxygen.
  • the container seal is capable of multi-directional movement, meaning that the seal or a particular portion thereof can move both into and away from the container.
  • This multi-directional movable portion contains additional material so that the movable portion is able to move beyond the substantially planar states of known prior art seals (seals that are mostly flat).
  • the multi ⁇ directional moveable portions of the seal can move, for example, from approximately 1/8 to approximately 1/4 of an inch.
  • Figure 5 depicts a seal 200 attached to a container according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the multi-directional seal 200 as pictured in FIG. 5 is particularly suited, but not limited to, wide mouth containers.
  • the seal 200 is welded to a container rim 204, preferably having grooves or scores 202 that are preformed on the container finish.
  • the grooves 202 are preformed on the inside of the container finish.
  • the center portion of the seal 200 that is over the opening of the container is able to move either into the container opening or away from it. (An example of multi-directional movement is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 6B.) Additionally, there can be a tab 206 on the seal 200 along the outer edge of the seal to facilitate removal of a portion of the seal.
  • the grooves 202 can form a circle leading from the tab 206 around the outside of the seal, ending at a point just on the other side of the tab. This enables the tab 206 to be pulled in a circular motion around the rim of the container inside of the finish, thus removing the inner portion of the seal.
  • grooves 202 need not run all the way around the container rim 204.
  • the seal is not fixed to the container at the grooves 202.
  • the tab 206 is pulled, the seal 200 separates along the outer edge, allowing the inner portion of the seal to be removed while the strip of seal attached at the rim 204 remains attached to the container rim 204. It is also possible to fix the seal to the container by gluing, thermal-sealing, or other methods known in the art. Additionally, neither grooves 202 or tab 206 are required to practice the seal of the present invention.
  • the multi-directional, movable portion of the seal in Fig 5 is the entire center of the seal 200 that is not fixed to the container rim 204. In other embodiments of the invention, only certain portions of the seal utilize multi-directional movement.
  • FIGS 6 A and 6B are a top view of a seal 300 having concentric circles 302 defining the areas 304 that are capable of multi-directional movement.
  • FIG. 6B is a side view showing downward movement by dotted lines, and upward movement by dashed-dotted lines. As illustrated by Figures 6 A and 6B, the areas 304 between the concentric circles 302 are capable multi-directional movement. It is possible for portions of the seal 300 not designed for multi-directional movement to move somewhat in response to pressure/vacuum created during the manufacturing process; however, the multi-directional movable portions will exhibit significantly more movement.
  • Fig 7A has rib-like multi-directional moveable portions, and Fig 7B is almost entirely multi-directional, expanding much like a balloon. Though tabs are not illustrated in Figs 7A and 7B, embodiments including tabs with these seals are encompassed by the invention.
  • a closure may be added at any point after the container is filled. Because the seal is capable of withstanding the hot-fill and pasteurization processes, many closures known in the art, such as a twist fit closure or a snap-fit closure is suitable. Some particularly suitable closures include domed and nestable closures, which allow stacking of the containers.
  • a further embodiment speaks to a movable seal having a vent beneath the seal.
  • seal 400 is placed in a closure and the closure shell 404 can contain a vent 408.
  • the vent is designed to allow air exchange, which enhances the movement of the seal 400 and alleviates pressure within the container.
  • a ring liner 406 can also be present, hi this particular embodiment, the ring liner 406 and flexible seal 400 are molded into the closure shell 404, resulting in a one-piece style closure.
  • the seal of the present invention can be made of any metallic or polymeric material that provides suitable performance and barrier properties as required.
  • the seal can be made of, for example, aluminum foil.
  • Blow-molded containers are preferably made of plastic, such as a thermoplastic polyester resin, for example PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or polyolefins, such as PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene).
  • the seal can also made be made from PET, polyolefins, or other pliable materials including EVOH barrier material.
  • One major benefit of the present invention is that the seal, with its ability to accommodate pressure/vacuum, takes some performance demand off the container. In utilizing a seal having a movable portion as described above, the need for flex panels and or rib-like support structures on the container body is eliminated or reduced.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un scellement mobile destiné à des bouteilles de remplissage à chaud pasteurisables et le procédé associé. Ce scellement mobile possède une partie mobile qui se déplace en réaction à la pression créée dans le récipient pendant le processus de remplissage à chaud et de pasteurisation. Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le scellement est capable de mouvement multidirectionnel dans l'ouverture du récipient et à distance de celui-ci.
PCT/US2005/040526 2004-11-10 2005-11-09 Scellement mobile Ceased WO2006053013A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US62648004P 2004-11-10 2004-11-10
US60/626,480 2004-11-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006053013A1 true WO2006053013A1 (fr) 2006-05-18

Family

ID=36061333

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/040526 Ceased WO2006053013A1 (fr) 2004-11-10 2005-11-09 Scellement mobile

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006053013A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8342344B2 (en) 2008-01-11 2013-01-01 Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing a positive pressure in the headspace of a plastic container
WO2013175288A1 (fr) * 2012-05-19 2013-11-28 Stantiford Samuel James Bouchon de bouteille comprenant une région d'accueil de gaz
US8919601B2 (en) 2011-02-10 2014-12-30 Graham Packaging Company, L.P. Pressure-motion compensating diaphragm for containers
JP2016519022A (ja) * 2014-02-12 2016-06-30 サンビーム プロダクツ, インコーポレイテッドSunbeam Products, Inc. 拡張可能部を備えた保存容器
US11155373B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2021-10-26 David Murray Melrose Headspace modification method for removal of vacuum pressure and apparatus therefor

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1389226A (fr) * 1964-03-23 1965-02-12 Mauser Kg Récipient en matière synthétique
US3517616A (en) * 1967-12-19 1970-06-30 Atlas Chem Ind Axially expandable and contractable container
EP0208352A1 (fr) * 1985-06-11 1987-01-14 Wavin B.V. Couvercle pour un récipient et emballage constitué par un récipient et son couvercle
FR2630408A3 (fr) * 1988-04-22 1989-10-27 Alsacienne Aluminium Opercule a soufflet de dilatation pour recipient tel que pot ou barquette destine a subir un traitement thermique apres fermeture
EP0357276A1 (fr) * 1988-09-02 1990-03-07 General Foods Corporation Produit emballé sous vide et procédé utilisant une membrane comme fermeture d'extrémité
WO2000030491A1 (fr) * 1998-11-24 2000-06-02 Coty S.A. Emballage et couverture pour emballage de compositions cosmetiques ou pharmaceutiques

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1389226A (fr) * 1964-03-23 1965-02-12 Mauser Kg Récipient en matière synthétique
US3517616A (en) * 1967-12-19 1970-06-30 Atlas Chem Ind Axially expandable and contractable container
EP0208352A1 (fr) * 1985-06-11 1987-01-14 Wavin B.V. Couvercle pour un récipient et emballage constitué par un récipient et son couvercle
FR2630408A3 (fr) * 1988-04-22 1989-10-27 Alsacienne Aluminium Opercule a soufflet de dilatation pour recipient tel que pot ou barquette destine a subir un traitement thermique apres fermeture
EP0357276A1 (fr) * 1988-09-02 1990-03-07 General Foods Corporation Produit emballé sous vide et procédé utilisant une membrane comme fermeture d'extrémité
WO2000030491A1 (fr) * 1998-11-24 2000-06-02 Coty S.A. Emballage et couverture pour emballage de compositions cosmetiques ou pharmaceutiques

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8342344B2 (en) 2008-01-11 2013-01-01 Amcor Rigid Plastics Usa, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing a positive pressure in the headspace of a plastic container
US11155373B2 (en) 2008-05-19 2021-10-26 David Murray Melrose Headspace modification method for removal of vacuum pressure and apparatus therefor
US8919601B2 (en) 2011-02-10 2014-12-30 Graham Packaging Company, L.P. Pressure-motion compensating diaphragm for containers
WO2013175288A1 (fr) * 2012-05-19 2013-11-28 Stantiford Samuel James Bouchon de bouteille comprenant une région d'accueil de gaz
JP2016519022A (ja) * 2014-02-12 2016-06-30 サンビーム プロダクツ, インコーポレイテッドSunbeam Products, Inc. 拡張可能部を備えた保存容器

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