Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
v CA 02479825 2005-10-19
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CRIMP TOP SEAL FOR VIALS
Fie2d of the Invention
The invention relates to vials, particularly
laboratory sample via3.s and dispensers for in~ectable
pharmaceuticals and medicinal agents. Typically, this
type of dispenser requires a securely sealed cap. The
required seal is presently accomplished with a standard
snap cap,~a~crimp aluminum cap, or a threaded cap and a
corresponding bottle neck finish. zn the present
invention, the better properties of the snap cap and the
crimp aluminum Eap are adopted to provide a more safe and
secure crimp top seal.
Background
Many conventional conta~.ners have a standard
snap cap and neck finish; most aspirin bottles utilize
this type of container. In this basic snap cap design,
the extended skirt of the cap secures under a protrusion
on the neck of the vial such that there is one point of
contact between the skirt and vial. upon, sealing the
container. In addition, those designs which have more
than one point of contact do not generally have tight
dimensional tolerances between the cap and container
contact points. This type of cap cart only be used on
vials which have a snap ring far engagement with the
skirt of the snap cap.
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The conventional design of the snap cap does
not provide for ease of assembling the cap and the vial
or for ease of removing the cap from the vial. The snap
cap requires the use of downward pressure to apply the
cap and upward pressure to remove the cap. Such pressure
typically is exerted by the thumb of the user.
Advantageously, a snap is heard or felt when the cap is
positioned and the. container is sealed. No tools are
required either to apply or to remove the cap.
The cap and container are typically made of
plastic. This is advantageous because metal is
undesirable in laboratory settings. The seal i.s
consistent and provides an adequate short term (about 8
hours? seal against solvent evaporation. Because the
materials used to form the cap and container are not very
rigid, however, the designs cannot provide a seal able to
withstand contents under high pressure or provide for
long term storage without leakage--even with multiple
points of contact. The protrusion on the neck of
conventional vials is of increased mass; therefore,
dimensional tolerance is not closely controlled during
the molding process. Furthermore, the basic snap cap
design does not allow for self-aligning or secure
retention of the cap and the vial.
Another common closure for conCainers of this
type is a crimp cap, which is securely retained on the
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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neck finish of the container by crimping a metallic
(usually aluminum) skirt under a lip on the neck of the
container. One advantage of the aluminum crimp cap is
that it works on containers having either a standard
crimp seal or a snap ring. A disadvantage is that the
aluminum crimp cap requires the use of a crimping tool to
form a seal. The seal is subject to the amount of
squeeze and alignment given by the user. When properly
applied, however, the aluminum crimp cap provides a good
J.0 seal against solvent evaporation.
The crimping tool. is made of metal (typically
aluminum) to provide the foxce necessary to deform the
aluminum crimp cap and, thereby, either 'to apply or
remove the aluminum crimp cap to or from the container.
Removal of an aluminum crimp cap from a conCainer is
dangerous. If not done properly, the neck finish of the
container can break--leaving ragged glass edges.
Moreover, sharp aluminum pieces are exposed as the
aluminum crimp cap is literally torn away from the
container.
Still another common closure for containers
involves a standard screw thread neck finish on the. vial
and a corresponding screw thread on the cap. Closure is
attained and a seal obtained by twisting_or rotating the
cap onto the vial. Thus, screw thread closures require
finger torque pressure to apply and remove the cap. The
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
seal is subject to the amount of torque applied by the
~zser. When torqued properly, the threaded cap provides a
good seal equivalent to or better than the aluminum crimp.
seal. One drawback is that the threaded cap can lose
torque upon relaxation of the plastic material, from
which the typical threaded cap is made, which allows the
cap to back off the threads. In addition, the threaded
cap can only be used on threaded vials.
Finally, conventional containers allow only one
type of cap per container. Suppliers must maintain large
inventories, therefore, of several types of caps and
several types of corresponding containers. These
containers also are not conducive to simple industrial
automation; the only convenient means of handling the
contai~ners~is with complicated and expensive equ~.pment.
Erief Descxipt3on of the Invention
In the present invention, there is provided a
crimp top seal which can be applied to a variety of
different. containers. Circumferentially displaced points
or lines of contact between the crimp top seal and the
container at axially displaced positions provide self-
alignment and secure retention of the crimp top seal on
the container. The resilient crimp top seal includes a
top member, angular locking ribst and a crimp ring or
lugs which engage the neck finish of the container. The
CA 02479825 2006-11-28
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inner diameter of the skirt of the crimp top seal, the angle of the locking
ribs, and the
crimp ring or lugs provide the multiple, axially displaced lines of contact
and allow the
crimp top seal to engage a variety of containers.
In accordance with a broad aspect, the invention provides a device comprising
a
container and crimp top seal combination having a vertical axis and adapted to
form a
securely sealed closure of the container. The combination comprises a
container with an
upper surface and a neck finish, the neck finish including:
(a) an upper flange,
(b) a lower flange having a bottom,
(c) an intermediate section disposed between the upper flange and the lower
flange,
(d) a shoulder disposed beneath the bottom of the lower flange, and
(e) a reduced diameter section disposed concentrically with the vertical axis
and between the bottom of the lower flange and the shoulder.
The combination further comprises a crimp top seal formed of a resilient
material
and including:
(a) a diameter,
(b) a top member having an underside,
(c) a dependent skirt having an inner surface adapted to surround the neck
finish and to mate therewith, the skirt extending axially downward from the
top member
and having a lower end substantially flush laterally with the bottom of the
lower flange so
that the reduced diameter section of the container provides an exposed
vertical section
between the crimp top seal and the container when the crimp top seal and the
container
are combined to permit handling of the container and crimp top seal
combination with
automated equipment, and
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(d) a plurality of flexible locking ribs, each angular in shape to allow
tolerance variation and having a top and a bottom, positioned on the inner
surface of the
skirt at a corresponding plurality of axially intermediate positions and at
circumterentially
spaced locations around the intermediate section of the neck finish.
The combination further comprises a first line of contact between the inner
surface of the skirt of the crimp top seal and the neck finish of the
container formed by
the ribs engaging the intermediate section, a second line of contact between
the inner
surface of the skirt of the crimp top seal and the neck finish of the
container disposed
axially above the first line of contact and forned by the upper flange and the
skirt; and a
third line of contact between the inner surface of the skirt of the crimp top
seal and the
neck finish at the container disposed axially below the first line of contact
and forned by
the lower flange and the skirt, the three lines of contact adapted to align
the crimp top
seal and the container and to secure a sealing engagement between the
underside of the
top member of the crimp top seal and the upper surface of the container.
In accordance with a broad aspect, the invention provides another device
comprising of a container and cap combination having a vertical axis and
adapted to form
a securely sealed closure of the container. The combination comprises a
container with
an upper surface and a neck finish, the neck finish having:
(a) a top flange including a top forming the upper surface of the container,
(b) an axially displaced lower flange having a bottom,
(c) a ramp having an inwardly slanted top and an outwardly slanted bottom
and being disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange,
(d) a shoulder disposed beneath the bottom of the lower flange, and
a reduced diameter section disposed concentrically with the vertical axis and
between the
bottom of the lower flange and the shoulder.
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The combination further comprises a cap formed of a resilient material and
including:
(a) a diameter,
(b) a top member having an underside,
(c) a dependent skirt having an inner surface adapted to surround the flanges
and the ramp and to mate therewith.. the skirt extending axially downward to
be
substantially flush laterally with the bottom of the lower flange so that the
reduced
diameter section of the container provides an exposed vertical section between
the cap
and the container when the cap and the container are combined to permit
handling of the
container and cap combination with automated equipment, and
(d) a plurality of flexible locking ribs, each angular in shape to allow
tolerance variation and having a top and a bottom, positioned on the inner
surface of the
skirt at an axially intermediate position and at circumferentially spaced
locations around
the ramp of the neck finish.
The combination further comprises a first line of contact between the inner
surface of the skirt of the cap and the neck finish of the container formed by
the ribs
engaging the ramp; a second line of contact between the inner surface of the
skirt of the
cap and the neck finish of the container disposed axially above the first line
of contact
and formed by the top flange and the skirt; and a third line of contact
between the inner
surface of the skirt of the cap and the neck finish of the container disposed
axially below
the first line of contact and formed by the lower flange and the skirt, the
three lines of
contact adapted to align the cap and the container and to secure a sealing
engagement
between the underside of the top member of the cap and the upper surface of
the
container.
In accordance with a further broad aspect, the invention provides another
device
comprising of a container having a vertical axis and adapted for combination
with one of
CA 02479825 2006-11-28
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a snap cap which includes locking ribs and a crimp sealed cap which includes a
crimped
skin. The container comprises a neck finish with:
(a) a top flange including an outer surface with a diametric dimension and an
axial dimension, each dimension having a tolerance;
(b) an axially displaced lower flange including an outer surface with a
diametric dimension and an axial dimension, each dimension having a tolerance;
(c) an uninterrupted ramp having an inwardly slanted top and an outwardly
slanted bottom and being disposed between the upper flange and the lower
flange and
defined by an axial height dimension and a lateral width dimension, each with
a
tolerance, the ramp of substantially V-shaped cross-section adapted to accept
the locking
ribs of the snap cap while allowing tolerance variation upon downward movement
of the
snap cap onto the container:
(d) a shoulder disposed beneath the lower flange; and
(e) a reduced diameter section disposed concentrically with the vertically
axis
for about l/8 - 3/16 inches an axial length and between the lower flange and
the
shoulder, the reduced diameter section exposed upon completed downward
movement of
the cap onto the container to permit handling of the container with automated
equipment.
The dimensional tolerance of the ramp and the flanges adapted to serve as
alignment means for the snap cap, the dimensional tolerances of the diametric
dimension
of the outer surface of the top flange and the lower flange being + 10
thousandths of an
inch. The axially displaced lower flange and reduced diameter section adapted
to receive
the crimped skirt of the crimp cap sealed thereby. The container thereby
adapted to
receive either of two alternative types of cap, a top sealed snap cap and a
crimp sealed
cap.
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Brief Description of the Figures
FIG. 1 illustrates a container and cap combination in accordance with the
present
W vention;
FIG. 2 is an expanded, cross-sectional view of the upper part of the cap-
container
combination shown in FIG. l, taken along plane 2-2;
FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 with the components dissembled;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the inside of the cap of the combination shown in FIG.
I ,
taken along plane 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. ~ is an expanded cross-sectional view of the upper part of the container
of
the present invention with the alternative crimp cap for which it is adapted;
FIG. 6 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the crimp cap prior to assembly;
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6
FIG. 7 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
the cap-container combination with collar in accordance
with the present invent~.on;
FIG. 8 is an e5rpanded cross-sectional view of
the one piece cap with optional collar placed on the
container just before assembly therewith to effect
sealing of the container;
FIG. 9 is bottom viewr of the one piece cap with
collar taken along the plane 9-9 of FIG. 9;
3.0 FIG. 10 is a side. view of a cap-container
combination with collar iw accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 11 is an expanded view of a cap with a
collax partially slid over the cap;
FIG. 12 is an expanded view of a separate
collar;
FIG. 33A is a top_ view of a cap without a
collar but with a pull tab;
FTG. ~.3H is a side view the cap shown in FTG.
2a 13A;
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FTG. 13C is side view, in partial cross-
section, of a cap-container combination with a cap pull
tab in accordance with the present invention, taken along
plane 13C-13C of FIG. 13A;
. FIG. 14A is a side view of a cap with a pull
tab in the closed position;
FIG. 14H is a side view of a cap-container
combination with a pull tab in the open position-;
FIG. 14C is a front view of a cap with a pull
to tab in the open position;
FTG. 15A is a top view of a cap with both a
collar and a pull tab;
FIG. 15H is side view, in partial. cross-
section, of a cap-container combination wzth a cap pull
tab in accordance with the present invention, taken along
plane 15H-15B of FIG. 15A;
FIG. I6 illustrates a second embodiment of a
container and cap combination in accordance with the
present invention;
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FIG. 17 is an expanded, cross-sectional view of
the upper part of the cap-container combination shown in
FIG. 1&, taken along plane 37-37;
FIG. 1$ is similar to FXG. 17 with the
components dissembled;
FIG. 19 is a top view of the inside of the cap
of the combination shown in FIG. 16, taken along plane
39-39 of FIG. 38;
FIG. 20 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
the crimp top seal, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention, before assembly;
FTG. 21 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
the crimp top seal of FIG. 20 shown as applied to the
upper part of the container of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
the cramp top seal of FIG. 20 shown as applied to the
upper part of a standard container;
FIG. 23 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
the crimp top seal of FIG. 20 with an alternative crimp
ring design;
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FIG. 24 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
an alternative gimp top seal, in accordance with still
another embodiment of the present invention, bef ore
assembly;
FIG. 25 is a top view of the inside o~ the
crimp top seal shown in ~rG. 24, taken along plane 25-25
of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is an expanded cross-sectional view of
the crimp top seal of FIG. 24 shown as applied to the
upper part of the container of the present invention; and
FIG. 27 illustrates a container in accordance
with the present invention.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present
invention includes a container and cap combination 20,
comprising container 10 and resilient cap 1 having an
axis., a. Three Lines of contact 14, 16, and 18 exist
between cap 1 and container ~.0 which provide self-
al.igning and secure retention of cap 1 and container 10.
Container 10 may be plastic, glass, or other similar
material.. Cap 1 is a resilient. material such as plastic.
1Q Now referring to details of this cap-container
combination as better seen in FIGS. 2-4, cap 1 includes
top member 9.with a center opening ~. Cap 1 has the
capacity to retain within itself liner 2 which may be
composed of silicone rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber
or the like. Thus, liner 2 z.s resilient and underlies
top member 9. It is possible to access the contents of
container is without ret~ioval of cap 1 by, for example,
inserting a syringe into center opening 4 and through
perforatable liner 2. Center opening 4 is sufficiently
wide (on the order of 5-6 millimeters) to allow a syringe
to be inserted without bending or breaking:
Historically, heavy metals such as cadmium have
been used to manufacture liner 2, especially when
container and cap combination 20 were designated far
certain applications. The industry has moved toward
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stricter regulations, however, requiring proper disposal
of such heavy metals. Compliance with these regulations
is made easier by manufacturing linex 2 without heavy
metals.
Cap skirt 5, the internal diameter of which
corresponds to or is only slightly greater than the outer
diameter of the neck of container 10, extends vertically
(axially) downward from cap top member.9 to cap lower end
6, to be substantially flush laterally with the bottom of
the lower flange l2 of container lo, and facilitates
alignment of cap 1 and container 10 as they are
assembled. Four angular locking ribs 3 project from
skirt 5 and axe located at circumferentially spaced
locations around the inside of skirt 5 along contact line
16. Lacking ribs 3 axe placed at an axially intermediate
height inside ski-rt 5 to provide, in combination with
contact lines 14 and 18, alignment between cap 1 and
container 3Ø The angular shape of locking ribs 3 also
allows for tolerance variation of liner 2, ~ 0.010 of an
inch, thus accommodating thick and thin liners. Locking
ribs 3, as shown in FIG. 4, retain liner 2 and provide
the pull down and lack mechanism which seals container
10.
Circular ridge 26 extends from the underside of
top member 9 of cap 1 and aligns with the neck of
container 10. Circular ridge 26 applies a slight
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pressure to liner 2 urging liner 2 outwaxd, thus more
securely sealing container Z0.
To facilitate alignment, as well as retention
of cap 1 on container 10, the neck finish of container 10
includes upper flange 11 and lower flange 12, between
which is disposed snap groove 13. When cap 3. is mounted
on container 1Q and force is applied to top member 9,
locking ribs 3 expand past upper flange ~.i and engage
snap groove 13. Thus, snap groove 13 provides the~pull
down and lock mechanism in con~unetion with locking ribs
3 which seals container 10. Ridge 26 also acts as a
fulcrum, when ribs 3 are locked in snap groove 13 between
upper flange, and lower f~.ange, 11 and 12, pulling
downward on cap skirt 5.
There are three Lines of contact 14, 16, and 18
between skirt 5 of cap 1 and the neck finish of container
10. Locking ribs 3 engage snap groove 33 thus defining
line of contact 16, formed between the apex of each rib 3
and the inner surface of groove 13, and the enlarged
inner diameter of skirt 5 above and below ribs 3 contacts
flanges 11 and 1.2, thus defining lines of -contact 14 and
18. (Although the top angled surface of each-rib 3 may
engage under flange 11, depending on the dimensions of
the various components and, specifically, of the liner 2,
such engagement is viewed as a continuation of contact
line 14 and not as a~discrete line of ccintact.) The
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three lines of contact self-align and securely retain cap
1 and container 1Q.
The snap groove 1.3 has a substantially
rectangular cross-section (rectangular with some latitude
allowed for tolerance variation?, formed between the top
flange 11 and the lower flange 12, to accept locking ribs
3 while allowing tolerance variation upon downward
movement of cap l onto container 30. Also, the snap
groove 13 between flanges 13. and 12 causes the neck
finish of container 3.0 to be of reduced mass as compared
to conventional neck finishes for receiving a self-
gripping cap. This facilitates tighter dimensional
tolerance in the molding of the neck finish (yet permits
mating with the self-aligning cap of the present
invention and permits better gripping as~well) because
thermal expansion.and contraction is controlled in the
molding of the.glass or plastic article. Therefore,
closer dimensional tolerance is permitted as compared to
conventional containers.
More important, the multiple axially displaced
alignment features of the mating cap and neck finish of
the present invention provide a self alignment, which in
turn results in better, i.e. more secure, cap retention,
as well as more secure seating and sealing of liner 2
between the mating opposing surfaces of cap 1 and the top
of the neck finish of container 10. To best accomplish
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
14
this, the dimensional tolerances of the opposing surfaces
of the inner diameters of skirt 5 and the outer diameters
of the container neck flanges 7.1, 12 and groove l3 are
all tightly controlled, preferabJ.y to plus or minus 5-10
thousandths of an inch, most preferably 3-7 thousandths
of an inch.
A cap with a. crimp seal 53, as shown in FIG. 6,
composed of aluminum, for example, may also be used to,
seal container 10 by securing the lower end 6 0~ skirt 5,
as shown in FTG. 5, under lower flange 12 of container
10. The skirt 5 of the crimp seal 53 provides two,poi.nt,s
of contact, 14 and 18, between the skirt 5 and the upper
flange 11 and the lower flange 12 of the container 10 in
addition to the paint of contact between the Lower end 6
7.5 of the crimp cap skirt 5 and the bottom df lower flange
I2 .
Thus, the container of the present invention
allows the user a choice of capping, cap 1 or a crimp
seal 53, thus minimizing the container inventory
required.
FTGS. 7-12 show.the use of a collar 30 in
conjunction with a cap 1, where FIGS. 7-9 show a one-
piece cap with collar 37 and FxGS. 10-12 show the use of
a separate collar 30 or the.use of the collar 30 shown in
FIGS. 7-9 once detached from the cap 1.
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FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the configuration
of the container 10, cap 1, and collar 30 in combination.
As shown in FIG. 7, the use of the collar creates an area
of continuous contact 33 around the entire circumference
of the cap l, from the upper edge 31 of the collar 30 to
the lower edge 32 of the collar 30. The continuous
contact 33 provides radial pressure against the cap 1 and
from the cap l against the container 1.0 since the inner
diameter 35 of the collar 30 is slightly smaller than,
but in tight tolerance with, the outer diameter of the
cap 1.
In detail, the continuous contact 33 enhances
the perpendicular pressure, relative to a~ci.s a, of the
three points of contact, 14, 16, and 18, between the cap
1-and the container 10. The additional pressure against
the points of contact increases the ability of the
container-cap combination 20 to withstand high internal
pressure and improves sealability for long term storage.
FIG. 7 shows the upper edge 3I of the collar 3a
flush with the top member 9 of the cap l and the lower
edge 32 of the collar 30 even with the bottom of the
angular locking ribs 3 on the inner diameter of the cap
1. The upper edge 3l,of the collar 30 could be placed in
a range of positions along the cap, from the top of the
angular locking ribs 3 on the inner diameter of the cap 1
to the top member 9 of the cap Z, and the lower edge 32
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of the collar 30 could be placed in a range of positions
along the cap, from the bottom of the~angulax 7.ocking
ribs 3 on the inner diameter of the cap 1 to the lowex
end 6 of the cap 1, while still providing increased
perpendicular pressure to the three contact points
between the cap 1 and the container 10--although the
amount of pressure could vary as a function of the choice
of positions chosen for the lower and upper edge of the
collar, 31 and 3~.
On the lower edge 32 of the cdllar 30 there can
be a tab 36.- The tab.36 is used to allow pulling on. (for
easy assembly) or pushing off (for easy removal) of
either the cap 1 and collax 30 at one time or just the
collar 30 by a user or automated equipment.
FRGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an exemplary farm of a
one-piece cap with collar 37. FIG. 8 shows the one-piece
cap with collar 37 placed on the container 10 in
preparation for sealing the container 10 by snapping the
cap 1 over the container 10. FIG: 9 shows an exemplary
20, method of detachably securing the collar 30 to the cap 1.
The collar 30 in FIG. 9 is attached to the cap 1 by tabs
34. 'Ihe collar 30 could also be attached to the cap 1 by
a continuous membrane, or a-continuous membrane with a
thin score line.
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The securing means described.above allows the
user or automated equipment, by placing downward axial
pressure on the entire upper edge 31 of the collar 30,
to: snap the cap 1 onto the container 10, separate the
collar 30 from the cap Z, and slide the collar 30 into
position alongside the cap 1 with only one, single,
downward action. This allows the cap 1 and collar 30 to
seal the container 10 with only one operation. The one-
piece cap with collar 37 is formed in a single molding
operation and, thus, is of the same material.
FIGS. 10-12 show an exemplary use of a separate
collar 30, or a collar 30 as shown in FIGS. 7-9 once
detached from the cap 1, to enhance the points of contact
between the cap I and the container 14. FIG. 10 shows
7.5 the collar 3~ in place over the~cap 1 and is similar to
FIG. 7, FIG. ~.l.shows a version of the cap and a
separately formed collar, or a co3lar 30 as shown in
FIGS. 7-9 once detached from the cap 1, where the
ccimbination is preassembled. FIG. 12 shaws an exemplary,
separately formed collar 30 or a collar 30 as shown in
FIGS. 7-9 once detached from the cap 1.
There are additional advantages to the use of a
separately formed collar in conjunction with the cap and
container combination 20 described above. The separately
foraned collar 30 can be formed of more rigid material
than the cap 1, thereby increasing the radial pressure
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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when the collar 30 is in position, thus further enhancing
the sealability of the container 7.0 and the long-term
storage potential. The separately formed collar 30 may
also be a pre-selected color for container content
~.dentification purposes.
1?referably, the cap and conta~.ner combination
20, with or without a collar 30, should have a maximum
vertical clearance between lower end 6 of cap 1 and
shoulder 8 of container 10 of at least 1/8-3/16 of an
inch to allow a point of contact 19, as seen in FTG. 2,
for positioning container 10, either manually or by
automated equipment (such as robotically).
Turning to FIGS. ~3A-~.SB, the cap-container
combination 20 is illustrated with a pull tab 60. The
7.5 reason for providing pull tab 60 is as follows:
To provide an adequate seal between cap 7, anal
container 10, especially when highly volatile solvents
will be stored, a solvent-resistant material such as
polypropylene must be used to form cap 1. Container lfl
is formed of glass, plastic, or the like--as described
above. The cap-container combination 20 is assembled by
aligning cap 1 with the.top surface 7 of container 10
(see FIG. 3)' and applying downward pressure on cap
Such downward pressure enables locking ribs 3 to expand
past upper flange 11 and to engage snap groove 13. With
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19 -
locking ribs 3 engaging snap groove 13, liner 2 seals
against top surface 7 of container 10. The user can
accomplish such assembly of the cap-container combination
20 with relative ease using, for example, the .thumb.
Automated equipment could also be used to assemble the
cap-container combination 20.
The seal formed between cap 1 and container 10
often is so good, however, that a problem arises: removal
of cap 1 from container 10 is difficult. The user may be
1Q unable to push upward (using, for example, the thumb) on
the cap lower end 6 with sufficient force to disengage
locking ribs 3 from snap groove 13. Consequently, an
external tool, such as a bottle opener., pliers, or the
like, may be required to generate the force required. Of
course, automated equipment would overcome. the removal
problem created by the excellent seal.
To facilitate removal of cap 1 from container
10 by the user, a pull tab 60 is provided. Pull tab 60
may be molded integrally with cap 1. Tf so, the
preferable molding position of pull tab 60 relative tv
cap 1 is shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 13C. Thus,
pull tab 60 may be of the same material as cap 1.
Full tab 60 has a central locking ring 62_
When pull tab 60 is in its closed position, as shown in
25. FIGS. 13A, 13C, and 14A, locking ring 62 fractionally
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fits within opening 4 in cap ~.. The friction fit between
locking ring 62 and opening 4 holds pull tab 60 in place
over cap-container combination 20.
Pull Cab 60 has an outer rim 64 which extends
laterally beyond top member 9 of cap 1. The user can
easily push upward on outer rim 64 (using, for example,
the thumb? to remove locking ring 62 from opening 4.
Such action will displace pull tab 60.along the path of
arrow "A" in FIG. 13C, from its closed position tshown in
solid lines) to azi open position (shown in dashed lines).
Once locking ring 62 disengages opening 4, and
preferably when pull tab 60 is in a completely vertical
position parallel to axis a (as shown in FIGS. 14B and
14C), the user can pull upward on pull tab 60 in the
~.5 direction of arrow "H" in FIG. 148. Pull tab 60 allows
the user to generate more upward force than was possible
without pull tab 60. Consequently, the user can displace
locking ribs 3 from snap groove, l3, thereby disengaging
cap 1 from container 10, without the need fvr external
tools.
For many applications, cap 1 is removed from
container i0 only once; cap 3, is not required to re-seal
container l0 after container 3.0 is first opened.
Especially for such applications, cap 1 may be provided
with one or more tear grooves 66 defining a tear ring 68.
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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Tear ring 68 may be integrally formed with pull tab 60.
Once locking ring 62 disengages opening 4, and preferably
when pull tab 60 is in a completely-vertical position
parallel to axis a (as shown in FTGS. 14B and.l4C), the
user can pull downward on pull tab 60 in the direction of
arrow "C" iri FIG. 14B. The downward force on pull tab 60
breaks tear-ring 68 along tear grooves 66 (which are
weaker than. the remainder of cap 1). Because cap ~. then
has a gap~where tear ring 68 has been removed, cap 1, can
easily be removed from container 10.
Pull tab 60 on cap 1, described above with
reference to FIGS. 13A-14C for a cap=container
combination 2o without a collar 30, can also be applied
to a cap-container combination 20 with a collar 30--as
shown in FIGS. 15A and ~.SB. Collar 30 is preferably made
of a relatively rigid material, such as polypropylene,
enabling collar 30 to apply circumferential pressure
against the softer and more resilient material of cap 1
(which is, for example, low density. polyethylene). Pull
tab 60 may be molded integrally with collar 30. Thus,
pull tab 60 may be of the same material as collar 30.
Collar 30 can be removed from cap 1 by pushing
upward on outer rim 64 of pull tab 60, until locking ring
62 disengages opening 4, and then pulling upward on pull
tab 60 until collar 30 is removed from cap 1. Because
cap 1 is typically formed of a resilient material when
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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used with collar 30,. slight upward pressure against cap 1
will enable the user t-o remove cap 1 from container 3,0
once cellar 30 is removed from cog 1.
Collar 30 may also be provided with tear
grooves 66 defining a tear ring 68, as described above.
Tear grooves 66 and tear ring 68 allow the user to break
collar 30 upon exerting~downward pressure on pull tab 60.
Note that, as described above, collar 30 (with or without
pull tab 60? may be preassembled with cap 1 or added
later.
As stated above, one object of the present
invention is. to alleviate the requirement that suppliers
maintain large inventories of several types of caps and
several. types of corresponding containers. One type of
z5 container is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The neck finish of that container 10 has an upper flange
11 and a lower flange 12, between which is disposed a
snap groove 13. Another type of container 80 is
illustrated in FIGS. L6-18. The container 80 shown in.
24 FTGS. 16-18 has a standard screw thread neck finish 90.
The threads of neck finish 90 form a clockwise helix
around container 80.
An alternative embodiment to cap 1 is provided,
namely cap 70 as shown in FIGS. x6-19, to sealingly
25 engage screw thread neck finish 90 of container 80 and to
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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farm an alternative container and cap combination 100.
Because most of the elements of cap 70 and container 80
which form container and cap combination 100 are
identical to the elements of cap 1 and container 10 which
form container and cap combination Z0, like reference
numerals have been used to designate like elements
throughout the figures.
Cap 70, like cap 1, has a cap skirt 5, the
internal diameter of which corresponds to or is only
slightly greater than the outer diameter of the screw
thread neck finish 90 of container 80. Cap skirt 5
extends vertically (axially) downward from cap top member
9 to cap lower end 6, to be substantially flush laterally
with the bottom of the lowest thread 92 of container 80,
and facilitates alignment of cap 70 and container 80 as
they are assembled.
A number of angular locking ribs 3 project from
skirt 5 and are located at circumferentially spaced
locations around the inside of skirt 5. Preferably four
locking ribs 3 are provided, equidistant from each other,
so that they are separated by ninety degrees. Locking
ribs 3 are each placed at a different axial height inside
skirt 5 to provide a helix around cap 70. The
circumferential and axial placement of locking ribs 3 are
selected so that locking ribs 3 align with the pitch and
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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angle of screw thread neck finish 90 of container 84 when
cap 70 and container 80 are secured.
As shown in FIGS. 1.5 and 17, a small separation
may exist between skirt 5 of cap 70 and the outer
diameter of the screw thread neck finish 90 of container
80. Despite such separation, however, the angular shape
of locking ribs 3 allows locking ribs 3 to engage the
threads of screw thread neck finish 90. Preferably, no
separation exists between skirt 5 of cap 70 and the outer
diameter of the screw thread neck finish 90 of container
80.
Absent separation, the area of skirt 5
surrounding at least two of locking ribs 3 will define
three contact points or lines facilitating alignment
between cap 70 and container 80. Each of those locking
ribs 3 engage the groove formed by the threads of screw
thread neck finish 90 of container 80, thus defining a
first line of contact formed between the apex of locking
rib 3 and the inner surface of the thread groove. The
inner diameter of skirt 5 above and below locking rib 3
contacts the outer diameter of adjacent threads of screw
thread neck finish 90, thus defining two. additional lines
of contact. The Chree lines of contact self-align and
securely retain cap 70 and container 80.
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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Locking ribs 3 thus provide the lock mechanism
which seals container 80. Circular ridge 26 extends from
the underside of top member 9 of cap 70 and aligns with
the neck of container 80. Circular ridge 26 applies a
slight pressure to liner 2, urging liner 2 outward and,
therefore, more securely sealing container 80. Locking
ribs 3, as shown in FIG. 19, retain liner 2 thereby
preventing liner 2 from falling out of cap 70 and
eliminating the need for adhesive, welds, or the like to
affix liner 2 inside cap 70_
Cap 70 and container 80 may be secured using a
snap an force, a twisting action, or a combination of
bath. When cap 70 is mounted on container 80 and twisted
with a clockwise rotational action, locking ribs 3
parallel the action of a conventional cap thread and
travel downward along the helical ramp defined by screw
thread neck finish 90. Cap 70 is twisted until it fully
engages container 80, as shown in FIG. 17.
Alternatively, when cap 70 is mounted on
container 80 and force is applied to top member 9,
locking ribs 3 expand past the threads of screw thread
neck finish 90 and engage the grooves formed between the
threads. Once cap 70 has been locked onto container 80,
a slight clockwise rotation of cap 70 will finally and
most securely seal cap 70 on container 80. A collar 30,
as shown in FIGS. 7-12, may be used in conjunction with
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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cap 70 to further improve the seal between cap 70 and
Container 80.
Thus, regardless of whether a snap on force, a
twisting action, or a combination of both are used, the
thread grooves provide the pull down and lock mechanism
in conjunction with locking jibs 3 which seals container
80. Ridge 26 also acts as a fulcrum, when ribs 3 are
locked in the grooves between the threads, pulling
downward on cap skirt 5.
A reverse of the snap on force, twisting
action, or combination of both used to mount cap and
container combination ~.Oa will remove cap 70 from
container 80. Specifically, cap 70 may be twisted in a
counter-clockwise direction. Locking ribs 3 will then
1.5 parallel the action of a conventional cap thread and
travel upward along the helical ramp defined by screw
thread neck finish 90. Cap 74 is twisted until it fully
disengages container 80. Alternatively, the user may
push upward (using, for example, the thumb) on cap lower
end 6 with sufficient force to disengage locking ribs 3
from screw thread neck finish 90. To facilitate removal
of cap 70 from container 80 by the user, a pull tab 60
may be provided (as shown in FIGS. 1-3A-15H). Pull tab 60
on cap 70 can also be applied t4 a cap-container
combination~l0a with a collar 30.
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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Cap-container combination 100 offers a unique
functional advantage when compared to the conventional
combination of a threaded cap and a corresponding
threaded container neck finish. The user may'
inadvertently overtighten or overtorque the conventional
device by rotating the cap even after the cap is fully
sealed onto the container. Distortion of the liner
inserted between~the cap and container may result.
Consequently, the risk of sample leakage increases. The
7.0 user may also strip the threads on the cap, the
container, or both when the conventional device is
overtorqued.
In contrast, cap-container combinatian 100
eliminates the possibility that the user may
inadvertently overtighten or overtorque cap 70 when
placing it on container 80. rf the user continues to
twist cap 70 in a clockwise direction after cap 70 is
fully sealed onto container 80, cap 70 will simply
disengage screw thread neck finish 90 of container 80.
Specifically, at least one flexible locking rib 3 will
pop out of engagement with the groove defined by the
.screw thread. That action (1) informs the user that
overtorquing has occurred, (2) prevents distortion of
liner 2 and the consequent risk of sample ~.eakage, (3)
assuxes that the threads of screw thread neck finish 90
are not stripped, and (4) maintains the integrity of
locking ribs 3. The user can then remove cap 70 and
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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reseat it onto container 80, taking care not to
overtighten cap 70 again.
It is preferable to form screw thread neck
finish 90 as tightly as possible, wherein the helix
requires a minimum axial distance, and to locate screw
thread neck finish 90 as close to the top of container 80
as possible. The formation of a tight helix will
increase the line of contact between locking ribs 3 and
the threads of screw thread neck finish 90.
Consequently, a better seal of cap and container
combination 100 is achieved. By locating screw thread
neck finish 90 close to the top of container 80, a
maximum vertical clearance 94 (see FAG. 16} is achieved
between lower end 6 of cap 70 and shoulder S of container
80. That clearance allows a point of contact 19, as seen
in FZG. 17, for positioning container 80, either manually
or by automated equipment (such as robotically).
Locking ribs 3 allow cap 70 to be molded in an
inexpensive manner. Specifically, during the
manufacturing process, cap 70 is simply stripped off the
mold care using a stripper plate or sleeve. This avoids
the need far a rotating core in which drive~gears,
bearings, ratchets, and a motor are used~to unscrew the
molded cap of conventional design. Because the locking
rib9 3 are interrupted (and do not traverse the entire
circumference of cap 70), the cap can be expanded during
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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stripping. This allows locking ribs 3 to be formed
having a clean definition, especially for cap-container
combinations 3.04 with small diameters.
The multiple, circumferentially and axially
displaced alignment features of the cap and container
combination 100 of the present invention provide a self
alignment, which in turn results in better, i.e. more
secure, cap retention, as well as more secure seating and
sealing of liner 2 between the mating opposing surfaces
of cap 70 axed the neck finish of container 80. To best
accomplish this, the dimensional tolerances of the
opposing surfaces of the inner diameters of skirt 5 and
the outer diameters of the screw thread neck finish 90
are all tightly controlled, preferably to plus or minus
5-~0 thousandths of an inch, most preferably 3-7
thousandths o~ an inch.
Cap and container combination 100 provides a
secure closuxe which resists sample evaporation losses.
The snap on feature of cap 70 avoids the tedious assembly
process, of twisting a threaded cap onto a threaded vial
such as container 80, yet provides the tight seal
achieved by threaded caps. Those users who are most
comfortable w~,th threaded closures, however, can twist
cap 70 onto container 80--regardless of whether they use
the snap on feature of cap 70. Cap 70 can be removed
easily from container 80 to add or remove sample.
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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The advantageous properties of the resilient
snap cap ~. (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the aluminum
crimp seal 53 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6} can be combined in
a crimp top seal 200. A first embodiment of crimp top
seal. 200 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.
20: A resilient material such as plastic is suitable for
manufacturing crimped top seal 200.
Crimp tap seal 200 includes top member 9 with a
center opening 4 and a circular ridge 26. A skirt 5
extends vertically (axially) downward from top member 9
to the lower end 6 of crimp top seal 200. Four angular
locking ribs 3 project from skirt 5 and are located at
circum~erentially spaced locations around the inside of
skirt 5. The angular~shape of locking ribs 3 (formed at
an angle, a, of about 120°) allows fox tolerance.
variation of liner 2. Locking ribs 3 retain.liner 2 and
provide the pull down and lock mechanism which seals the
container to which crimp top seal 200 is secured. In
addition, locking ribs.3 provide a tactile "feel" and an
audible "click" indicating that crimp top seal 200 i9
secured to the container.
At lower end 6, crimp top seal 200 has a crimp
ring 202. Crimp ring 202 extends radially away from
skirt 5 and provides the additional material necessary to
permit crimp top seal Z00 to be crimp around~the flange
or shoulder,of the container to which crimp top seal 200
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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is secured (see FIG. 21). Crimp ring 202 may extend
perpendicularly away from skirt 5, forming a rectangular
shape, as shown in FIG.-20. Alternatively, crimp ring
202 may be provided with a radius, R, as shown in FIG.
23. The radius is advantageous because it relieves
stress points which otherwise tend to form in crimp top
seal 20.0 during the crimping and removal operations.
Unlike snap cap 1, which is preferably made of
low density polyethylene, crimp top seal 200 is
preferably made of polypropylene. Polypropylene allows
crimp top seal 200 to form and hold its crimped seal
better than the less rigid polyethylene material. Also
unlike snap cap 1, which has a skirt 5 having (except for
ribs 3? a substantially constant internal diameter, skirt
5 of crimp top seal 200 may be provided with a variable
internal diameter. Specifically, the internal diameter
of skirt 5 above ribs 3 is less than that of skirt 5
below ribs 3. This diametric variation enables crimp top
seal 200 to better follow the shape of the flange or
shoulder of the container to whi-ch it is affixed during
the crimping operation.
As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22; crimp top seal 200
allows the user to maintain in inventory a single crimp
top seal 200 suitable fox at least twa separate
containers. Consequently, the required cap inventory is
minimized. One type of container is illustrated, for
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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example, in FIGS. 2, 3, and 21. The neck finish of that
container 10 has an upper flange 11 and a lower flange
12, between which is disposed a snap groove 13. Another
type of container 250 is illustrated in FIG. 22. The
container 250 shown in FIG_ 22 has a standard neck finish
252. Neck finish 252 has an upper flange 11 and a lower
flange 12, between which is disposed a straight
(vertical? side wall devoid of either threads or a snap
groove_
Turning. first to FIG. 21, the present invention
includes a container and crimp top seal combination 300,
comprising container 10 and resilient crimp top seal 200
having an axis, a. Four lines of contact 14; 16, 18, and
22 exist between crimp top seal 200 and container 10
which provide self-aligning and secure retention of crimp
top seal 200 and container 10. Crimp top seal 200 is
used to seal container 10 by securing crimp ring 202 of
skirt 5, as shown in FIG. 21, under 3ower'flange 12 of
container 10.
Skirt 5 of crimp top seal 200 provides two
lines of contact, 14 and 18, between skirt 5 and upper
flange 11 and lower flange z2 of container 10. Tn
addition, there is a line of contact 16 between ribs 3 of
skirt 5 and snap groove 13 of container 10. Finally,
lower end 6 of skirt 5 forms a line of contact 22 with
the bottom of lower flange 12. For some applications,
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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three lines of contact (14, 16, and 18) provide a
sufficient seal and crimp top seal 200_need not be
crimped to dorm fourth line of contact 22.
When crimp top seal 200 is mounted on container
10 and force is applied to top member 9, locking ribs 3
expand past upper flange 11 and engage snap groove 13.
Thus, snap groove 13 provides the pull down and lock
mechanism an conjunction with locking ribs 3 which seals
container Z0. Ridge 26 also acts as a fulcrum, when ribs
3 are locked in snap groove 13 between upper flange 11
and lower flange 12, pulling downward on skirt 5.
Turning now to FIG. 22, the present invention
includes a container and crimp top seal combination 260,
comprising standard container 250 and resilient crimp top
seal 200 having an axis, a. Four lines o:~ contact 14,
16, 18, and 22 exist between crimp top seal 200 and
container 250 which provide self-aligning and secure
retention of crimp top seal. 200 and container 250. Crimp
top seal 200 is used to seal Container 250 by securing
crimp ring 202 of skirt 5, as shown in FIG. 22, under
lower flange 12 of container 250.
Skirt 5 of crimp top seal 200 provides two
lines of contact, 14 and 18, between skirt 5 and upper
flange 11 and lower flange 12 of container 250. In
addition, there is a line of contact 16 between ribs 3 of
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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skirt 5 and the vertical wall of container 250 disposed
between flanges ~1 and 12. Finally, lower end 6 of skirt
forms a line of contact 22 with the bottom of lower
flange 12.
5 When crimp top seal 200 is mounted on container
250-and force is applied to top member 9, locking ribs 3
expand past v.pper flange 11, and engage the vertical wall
of container 250 disposed between flanges 17. and 12. The
angle, a, of about 120° and the inside diameter of crimp
top seal 200 are predetermined to assure that ribs 3
"snap" into position approximately in the middle of the
vertical wall. Thus, the user receives a tactile "feel"
assuring that crimp~top seal 200 is correctly aligned and
in position before the crimping operation.
Tha angle of ribs 3 and the inside diametex of
skirt 5 of crimp top seal 200 are both cxitical, in
combination, to permit crimp top seal 200 to seal a
variety of container types (e.g., both container.7.0 and
container 250). Tn comparison to snap cap 1 (see FIGS. 2
and 3}, ribs 3 of crimp top seal 200 have a more gradual
angle--ribs 3 of snap cap 1 have an angle of about 90°--
and the inside diameter of skirt 5 of crimp top seal 200
is less than that of snap cap 1. A crimp top seal 200
having t-he dimensions of snap cap 1 would not seal
container 250. The sharper angle of ribs 3 and the
greater inside diameter of skirt 5 of snap cap 1 prevent
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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such a crimp top seal 200--at least absent extreme force-
-from seating on the middle.of the vertical wall of
container Z50. Instead, after the user removes the
downward force, ribs 3 push sk-lrt 5 upward. Lower end 6
of skirt S then is no longer adjacent the bottom of lower
flange 12 of container 250 and the crimping operation
cannot be .performed.
Two, separate tools are used to apply and to~
remove aluminum crimp seal 53 (FIGS. 5 and ~) from a
container. Hoth tools are made of metal to provide the
force required to apply and remove the relatively rigid
aluminum crimp seal 53. During the removal process, the
tool literally tears aluminum crimp seal 53 away fram the
container--creating jagged aluminum edges which pose a
danger to the user and equip~ient. Sharp pieces of
aluminum often-stick to the jaws of the tool and must be
removed. Occasionally, the neck finish on the container
breaks--Leaving ragged edges which are especially
dangerous when the container is glass.
Unlike metal crzmp seal 53., it is possible to
apply and remove crimp top seal 200 without any tools.
If desired, the t6ols used to apply and remove crimp top
seal 200 can be made of relatively inexpensive plast~.c,
rather than metal, because less force is required to
apply and remove the.plastic crimp top seal 2Q0 than the
metal crimp seal 53. During the removal process, the
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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tool pries flexible crimp top seal 200 away from the
container without tearing. Avoided are the dangerousr
ragged edges of metal crimp seal 53; a broken container
neck finish, or both. Even if plastic crimp top seal 200
were to tear during removal, the ragged plastic edges
would pose less risk of injury than their metal
counterparts.
An alternative embodiment of the crimp top seal
is illustrated in FTGS. 24 and Z5. FIG. 24 is an
expanded cross-sectional view of alternative crimp top
seal 400 before assembly. FIG. 25 is a top view of the
inside of crimp top seal 400 shown in FzG. Z4, taken
along plane 25-25 of FIG. 24.
Alternative crimp top seal 400 includes top
15. member 9 with a center opening 4 and a circular ridge 26.
skirt 5 extends vertically (axiallyy downward from top
member 9 to the lower end 6 of alternative crimp top seal
400. Four angular locking ribs 3 project from skirt 5
and are located at circumferentially spaced locations
around the inside of skirt, 5. The angular shape of
locking ribs 3 is very important to assure a tight seal
with container 10. As shown in FIG. 24, locking ribs 3
form an: angle, Q, of about l2° from vertical. The
angular shape of locking ribs 3 also allows for tolerance
variation of liner 2 (as discussed more fully below).
Locking ribs 3 retain liner 2 and provide the pull down
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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and lock mechanism which. seals the container to which
alternative cr-imp top seal 400 is secured.
Clearly, alternative crimp top seal 400 differs
from crimp top seal 200 with respect to the angle of
locking ribs 3. Alternative crimp top seal 400 also
differs from crimp top seal 200 at lower end 6. Although
crimp top seal 200 has a crimp ring 202, alternative
crirnp'top seal 400 has a number of lugs 33.0 positioned at
lower end 6 and extending radially inward from skirt 5.
Preferably, lugs 310 are equally spaced around the
circumference of alternative crimp top seal 400. As
shown in FZG. 25, eight lugs 310 spaced at 45° intervals
with a depth of about O.aoa inches are suitable. Lugs
31.0 provide the additional material necessary to permit
7.5 alternative crimp top seal 400 to be crimped around the
flange or shoulder of the container to which alternative
crimp top seal 400 is secured (see FIG. 26).
Like crimp top seal. 200, alternative crimp top
seal 400 is preferably made of polypropylene. Alsv like
crimp top~seal 200, skirt 5 of alternative crimp top seal
400 may be provided with a variable internal diameter.
Specifically, for t-he exemplary alternative crimp top
seal 400 illustrated in FIG. 24, the internal diameter,
B, of skirt 5 above ribs 3 is about 0.425 inches. (The
internal diameter, A, of ribs 3 is about 0.409 inches.)
The internal diameter, D, of skirt 5 below ribs 3 is
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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about 0.446 inches--somewhat greater than that of skirt 5
above r~.bs 3. This diametric variation enables
alternative crimp top seal 400 to better follow the shape
of the flange or shoulder of the container to which it is
affixed during the crimping operation. The internal
diameter, C, of lugs 310 is~about 0.430 inches. Finally,
the external diameter, E, of skirt 5 at lower end 6 is
about. 0.485 inches.
Alternative crimp top seal 400 allows the user
to maintain in inventory a single alternative crimp top
seal 400 suitable for a variety of separate containers.
Consequently, the required cap inventory is minimized.
Alternative crimp top seal 400 3s especially adapted,
however, for use with the unique container 350
n5 illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. The neck finish of
container 350 has an upper flange 11 and a lower flange
22, between which is disposed a shallow ramp 340. Ramp
340 has an inwardly slanted top 342 and an outwardly
slanted bottom 344 which mate with the correspondingly
2o ang~.ed sides of ribs 3 of alternative crimp top seal 400
to seal. alternative crimp top seal and container
combination 360.
Turning to FIG. 26, the present invention
includes a3ternative crimp tnp seal and container
25 combination 360 comprising container 350 and alternative
crimp top seal 400 having an axis, a. Four lines of
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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contact 14, 16, Z8, and 22 exist between alternative
crimp top seal 400 and container 350 which provide self-
aligning and secure retention of alternative crimp top
seal 400 and container 350. Altex~ative crimp tap seal
400 is used to seal container 350 by securing lugs 310 of
skirt 5, as~shown in FIG. 26, under lower flange 12 of
container 350.
Skirt 5 of alternative crimp top seal 400
provides two lines of contact, 14 and x8, between skirt 5
and upper flange 11 and lower flange l2 of container 350.
Tn addition, there is a line of contact 16 between ribs 3
of skirt 5 and ramp 340 of container 350. Finally, lower
end 6 of skirt 5 forms a line of contact 22 with the
bottom of lower flange 12. For some applications, three
lines of contact (14, 16, and 18) provide a~suffiCient
seal and alternative crimp top seal 400 need not be
crimped to form fourth line of contact 22. Fox other
applications, three different fines of contact (14,_26,
and 22) provide a sufficient seal and ribs 3 need not
seat in perfect alignment with ramp 340.
When alternative crimp top seal 400 is mounted
on container 350 and force is applied to top member 9,
locking ribs 3 expand past upper flange ll and engage
ramp 340_ Thus, ramp 340 provides the pull down and lock
mechanism in conjunction with locking ribs 3 which seals
container.350. Ridge.26 also acts as a fulcrum, when
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
_ 40 _
ribs 3 are locked in ramp 390 between upper flange 11 and
lower flange ~,2, pulling downward on sk~.rt 5.
The "head" pressure, or downward force that the
user must apply to top member 9 to mount alternative
crimp top seal 400 on container 350 is advantageously
small. Tests were done comparing the head pressure for a
number of different cap (or crimp top seal) and container
combinations. Specifically, four tests were repeated for
the following caps. and crimp top seal, each in
~0 combination with a container 10 having an outer diameter
of about 0.425 inches: (1) a low density polyethylene cap
l, (2) a polypropylene cap 1, and (3) a polypropylene
alternative crimp rop seal 40D. Tests were also run for
the combinations o~ (4) a polypropylene alternative crimp
top seal 400 and a container 250 having an outer diameter
of about 0.425 inches, and (5) a polypropylene
alternative crimp top seal 400 and a container 350 also
having an outer diameter of about 0.425 inches. The rest
results~are summarized below.
2 0 CONTAINER 10 CONTAINER 2 COivITAINER
5 0 3 5 0
LDPE CAP P CAP SEAL SEAL, SEAL
5.5 14.0 4.S 5.0 4.0
6 . 2 5 J.4 . 5 5 . 0 5 . 5 4 . 5
5.75 36.5 5.0 5.0 4.75
6.25 14.5 5.0 5.5 a.0
(All forces in pounds.?
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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The angle of ribs 3 and the inside diameter of
skirt 5 of alternative crimp top seal 400 are both
critical,, in combination,. to permit alternative crimp .top
seal 900 to seal a variety of container types (e. g.,
container 7.0, container 250, and container 350?. In
comparison to crimp top seal 200, ribs 3 of alternative
crimp top seal 400 have a more gradual angle. In
addition; alternative crimp top seal 900 replaces crimp
ring 202 of crimp top seal 200 with lugs 31,0 at lower end
Z0. 6. This replacement provides an advantage.
The crimping tool used to apply and remove a
crimp seal, such as either crimp top seal 200 or
alternative crimp top seal 900, has atypically) four jaws
that compress or release the crimp seal when the user
7.5 squeezes or releases the handles- o-f the crimping tool.
Some crimping tools leave a space or gap between the jaws
even in the fu~ly closed position. Such gaps tend to
°cateh°' crimp ring 202 of crimp top seal 200 upon
application of crimp top sea3 200 to a container using
20 the crimping tool. Consequently, when the jaws of the
crimping tool are released, the crimping tool remains
caught on crimp top seal 200 and will not release crimp
top seal 20o as desired. ''his problem does not occur for
lugs 310 of alternative crimp top seal 400 because the
25 crimping tool rolls lugs 310 under the shoulder of the
container. In contrast, the crimping tool must bend
crimp ring 202 under the shoulder of the container.
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
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Alternative crimp top seal and container
combination 360 is extremely versatile. A single crimp
top seal 400 of specified dimensions may be applied to a
variety of containers 350 having different dimensions.
S Specifically, crimp. top seal 400 having the dimensions
illustrated in FTG. 24 will seal containers 350 having
outer diameters at flanges 11 and 12 of 0.420, 0.425, and
0.430 inches. Thus, only one alternata.ve crimp top seal
404 need be maintained in inventory for use with a number
of containers. The versatility of alternative crimp top
seal and container combination 360 is important, too,
because it can account for manufacturing tolerances. A
container 350 designed to have an outer diameter at
flanges 11 and 12 of 0.425 ~ 0.005 inches, for example,
Z5 may yield an actual container having an outer diameter at
flanges 11 and 12 of between 0.420 and 0.430 inches.
The matching angles between ribs 3 of
alternative crimp top seal 400 and ramp 340 of, container
35U provide both an enhanced seal and increased
flexibility. Typically, a number of caps must be
provided to accommodate liners 2 of varying thickness.
Liners 2 typically vary between 0.010 and 0.040 inches in
thickness. Unless a cap 1 having the proper dimensions
is used with a thin liner 2, ribs 3 of cap 1 might move
within snap groove 13 of container 10. This movement
would permit a cap 1, designed for use with a thicker
CA 02479825 2005-10-04
- 43 -
liner 2, to s ide vertically with respect to container
10.
Alternative crimp tap seal and container
combination 360 permits a single crimp top seal 400 of
specified dimensions to be used with liners 2 of, varying
thicknesses. (In fact, the seal. achieved by alternative
crimp tap seal and container combination 360 allows the
user to dispense with any liner 2.O A crimp tap seal 440
having dimensions which cause ribs 3 to seat in
substanCially perfect alignment with ramp 340 of
container 3.50, when a reJ.atively thin liner 2 is used,
will also seal container 350 when a relatively thick
liner Z is used. Although ribs 3 may "ride up" slanted
top 342 of ramp 340 of cozitainer 350 when the thicker
liner 2 is used, the seal of alternative crimp top seal
and container combination 360 remains satisfactory.
Although this invention has been disclosed with
reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that
other embodiments and equivalent variations of this
2D invention may be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the true spirit and scope of this
invention. The appended claims are intended to be
construed to include all such embodiments arid equivalent
variations.
