Container-closure arrangement

Abstract

A container-closure arrangement includes a container having a base, a peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and a flange formed integrally with and surrounding the wall below the level of the rim. A closure has a central portion that is arranged to overfit the opening of the container, and has a skirt formed integrally with the central portion and arranged to surround and engage the rim when the closure is fitted to the container. A part of the skirt is adapted for being bounded to the flange, or a part of the skirt can be push-fitted in an upwardly directed opening in the flange, when the closure is fitted to the container.

1 . A container-closure arrangement including: 
 (i) a container having a base, a peripheral wall, a rim forming an upper margin of the wall and surrounding an opening of the container, and a flange formed integrally with and surrounding the wall below the rim; and    (ii) a closure having a central portion that is arranged to overfit the opening of the container, a first skirt portion formed integrally with the central portion and arranged to surround the rim when the closure is fitted to the container, a second skirt portion and optionally a third skirt portion extending in sequence from the first skirt portion, the second skirt portion being detachable either from the first skirt portion or, when present, from the third skirt portion, or being detachable from both the first and third skirt portions; the arrangement being such that, when the closure is fitted to the container: 
 (a) one of the second or third skirt portions, being that portion adjacent to the flange, can be push-fitted in an upwardly directed opening in the flange; or  
 (b) the third skirt portion when present can be bonded to the flange.  
   
     
     
         2 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein in (a) a remote end of the second or third skirt portion is push-fitted in the flange opening.  
     
     
         3 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the remote end is defined by a projecting rim which, in transverse cross-section, has an enlarged distal head and a proximal narrower neck connecting the head to the remote end, with the opening being an upwardly facing annular channel formed in the flange and extending around therewith, the channel including an annular projection at the opening thereinto and past which the rim head must be pushed to be fitted into the channel.  
     
     
         4 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein in (b) the third skirt portion is disposed and shaped to be secured to the flange by a welding or adhesive bond.  
     
     
         5 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the flange is formed with a peripheral rebate, and the disposition and shape of the third skirt portion is such as to locate in the rebate.  
     
     
         6 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second skirt portion is detachable from the first and/or third skirt portions at a relatively narrower frangible connection between the skirt portions, the severance along which enables the closure to be detached from the container.  
     
     
         7 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the flange is formed with a peripheral rebate in which the annular channel is located.  
     
     
         8 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 3  or  claim 7  wherein the projecting rim extends downwardly from the third skirt portion and is snap-fitted into the annular channel.  
     
     
         9 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a bead is formed integrally with and surrounds the rim, and the first skirt portion engages the bead at a ledge located within and formed integrally with the first skirt portion and positioned to locate in interlocking engagement with the bead.  
     
     
         10 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 5  or  claim 7  wherein the third skirt portion (when present) has an inner peripheral wall that is diametrically larger than an inner peripheral wall of the second skirt portion, and the second skirt portion has a lower marginal edge that is shaped and disposed to locate adjacent to a wall portion of the container flange that is located radially inwardly of the rebate.  
     
     
         11 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a ledge is located within and formed integrally with the peripheral wall of the container, and the closure is formed with an inner skirt that is disposed to locate within the container rim and to engage with the ledge when the closure is fitted to the container and a force is applied to the closure.  
     
     
         12 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the inner skirt is either disposed to locate adjacent the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the container, or is disposed obliquely with respect to the peripheral wall of the container.  
     
     
         13 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 11  or  claim 12  wherein the central portion of the closure is formed with a well having a base and a peripheral wall, and the closure is formed with radially extending webs that interconnect the peripheral wall of the well and the inner skirt.  
     
     
         14 . A container-closure arrangement as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the projecting rim is bonded to the container flange in a similar manner to the bonding of the second or third skirt portion to the container flange in (b).