Crown closure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crown closure with 27 grooves that is opened or removed by applying a rotating force or a removal twist with a torque of from about 2 in lb to 9 in lb. The crown closure has a smaller contact surface between the grooves and the lip of the container that reduces friction and requires less force to open and therefore advantageously diminishes any potential harm the hands of those opening the closure.

1 . A crown container closure comprising 27 grooves.  
   
   
       2 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the closure is removed from a container with a torque of from about 2 in lb to about 9 in lb, preferably of from about 2 in lb to about 4 in lb.  
   
   
       3 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the closure further comprises an inner seal.  
   
   
       4 . The closure of claim of  3 , wherein the inner seal is comprised of one of a PVC, a PVC-free or other thermoformed material.  
   
   
       5 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the closure prevents more than a 5% loss of carbonation.  
   
   
       6 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein each groove comprises an area of about 0.69 mm to 0.89 mm, preferably of about 0.79 mm, that is in contact with a container.  
   
   
       7 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein the closure comprises a total contact area with the container of about 21.33 mm.  
   
   
       8 . The closure of  claim 1 , wherein about 32% and 39%, preferably 35%, of the surface area of the closure is in contact with the container.  
   
   
       9 . A process for making a 27 groove crown closure comprising the steps of: 
 a) cutting and refining a thin, virgin plate of metal in preparation for lithographic printing, wherein the thin plate is cut to an appropriate size;    b) decorating the thin metallic plate with a lithographic design;    c) stamping the decorated thin plate in a die, wherein the thin plate is processed to obtain a crown closure with 27 grooves; and    d) placing plastic packing in the interior of the crown closure for producing a seal.