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WO2006130923A1 - Bouchon a coeur en mousse et peau exterieure - Google Patents

Bouchon a coeur en mousse et peau exterieure Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006130923A1
WO2006130923A1 PCT/AU2006/000798 AU2006000798W WO2006130923A1 WO 2006130923 A1 WO2006130923 A1 WO 2006130923A1 AU 2006000798 W AU2006000798 W AU 2006000798W WO 2006130923 A1 WO2006130923 A1 WO 2006130923A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wad
liner
polymeric material
stopper
core
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2006/000798
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Adrian Raymond Vom Berg
Frantisek Tkac
Original Assignee
Advanced Beverage Closures Pty Ltd
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
Priority claimed from AU2005903033A external-priority patent/AU2005903033A0/en
Application filed by Advanced Beverage Closures Pty Ltd filed Critical Advanced Beverage Closures Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2006255496A priority Critical patent/AU2006255496A1/en
Publication of WO2006130923A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006130923A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/16—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
    • B29C45/1642—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles having a "sandwich" structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
    • B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C44/04—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles consisting of at least two parts of chemically or physically different materials, e.g. having different densities
    • B29C44/0461—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles consisting of at least two parts of chemically or physically different materials, e.g. having different densities by having different chemical compositions in different places, e.g. having different concentrations of foaming agent, feeding one composition after the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B25/00—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber
    • B32B25/04—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B25/045—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/065—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/304—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl halide (co)polymers, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
    • 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
    • B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
    • B65D39/0052—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers made in more than one piece
    • B65D39/0058—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers made in more than one piece from natural or synthetic cork, e.g. for wine bottles or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
    • B29K2105/04—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped cellular or porous
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/56—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures
    • B29L2031/565—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures for containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2266/00—Composition of foam
    • B32B2266/02—Organic
    • B32B2266/0214—Materials belonging to B32B27/00
    • B32B2266/025—Polyolefin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2274/00—Thermoplastic elastomer material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2435/00—Closures, end caps, stoppers
    • B32B2435/02—Closures, end caps, stoppers for containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a closure for a container and a method for its manufacture.
  • the invention relates to stoppers for narrow-necked containers, such as bottles for still and sparkling wine, and liner wads for screw- thread closures .
  • a consistent, uniform, fine cell structure contributes to the ability of a stopper to maintain even compression during insertion of the stopper into a narrow- necked container, and also to suitable reduction in stopper to corkscrew contact, for ready removal of the corkscrew from the stopper after extraction of the stopper from the narrow-necked container .
  • the present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.
  • a stopper for a container comprising a core of foamed polymeric material and an outer skin.
  • the outer skin adheres to the core of foamed polymeric material .
  • the outer skin substantially encapsulates the core.
  • the foamed polymeric material is selected to provide the core with desirable compressive recovery and compression set properties, whereas the outer skin affords the stopper with desirable release and gas permeability properties.
  • the core of foamed polymeric material has a compressive recovery of less than 20 seconds.
  • the core of foamed polymeric material has a compression set of no more than 30%.
  • the polymeric material (s) comprising the core are selected from one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) , one or more thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV) , or a homogenous blend thereof .
  • the core contains a ratio by weight percent of thermoplastic elastomers : thermoplastic vulcanisates of about 30:70 to 75:25. - A -
  • the polymeric material (s) comprising the core also contains a metallocene catalysed (co) polymer, preferably a metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer, such as an ethylene octane copolymer, or a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer.
  • a metallocene catalysed (co) polymer preferably a metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer, such as an ethylene octane copolymer, or a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer.
  • the core contains 20% to 30% by weight of metallocene catalysed (co) polymer.
  • the selection of polymeric material (s) comprising the core is governed by a consideration of whether the stopper is used for short or long term storage purposes.
  • the polymeric material preferably comprises a metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer, such as an ethylene octane copolymer, or a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer, optionally blended with one or more TPVs.
  • the polymeric material preferably comprises one or more thermoplastic vulcanisates .
  • the polymeric material (s) forming the core are foamed with foaming agents.
  • foaming agents include, but are not limited to, expandable fillers, chemical foaming agents, and inert gasses such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • the expandable filler is preferably a polymeric shell containing a liquid hydrocarbon.
  • the core preferably contains about 5% to 10% of the expandable filler based on the total polymeric material content.
  • the polymeric materials are foamed with a foaming agent to afford a density to the core of about 0.35 to about 0.65 g.c ⁇ f 3 , preferably about 0.4 to 0.6 g.cm "3 .
  • the outer skin is formed from one or more thermoplastic elastomers.
  • the thermoplastic elastomer or blend thereof comprising the outer skin may be the same as, or may differ from, the thermoplastic elastomers comprising the core, depending on the desired properties of the outer skin.
  • the outer skin is comprised of one or more thermoplastic elastomers which affords adhesion between the outer skin and the core .
  • the one or more thermoplastic elastomers comprising the outer skin is also blended with colour-providing pigments, release agents, and other additives known to the person skilled in the art to afford desirable characteristics to the outer skin.
  • the stopper is configured for insertion with an interference fit into an opening of a container.
  • the stopper is substantially cylindrical.
  • the stopper has a uniform outer diameter and opposing axial ends provided with tapered bands or fillets.
  • respective surfaces of the opposing axial ends of the stopper are provided with a film.
  • the film further reduces the gas permeability of the stopper.
  • the film comprises a single layer of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) .
  • PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
  • Suitable examples of polyvinylidene chloride films include but are not limited to L801 and L810A PVDC latex from Asahi Kasei Chemicals.
  • the thickness of the film is about 10-30 microns.
  • a method of producing a stopper for containers comprising injecting a foamed polymeric material into an injection cavity and forming a core of foamed polymeric material and co-injecting an outer skin encapsulating the core.
  • the polymeric material comprising the core is foamed with a foaming agent prior to injection of the foamed polymeric material into an injection cavity.
  • the core is fully encapsulated by the outer skin by simultaneously injecting one or more thermoplastic elastomers, optionally blended with colour-providing pigments and release agents, with the foamed polymeric material via a sequenced injection technique.
  • the core is substantially encapsulated by the outer skin in a single process step, and adhesion between the outer skin and the core is effected.
  • the method further comprises applying a film to respective surfaces of the opposing axial ends of the stopper.
  • the film is applied as a water- based emulsion of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) to respective surfaces of opposing axial ends of the stopper.
  • PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
  • a liner wad for a threaded closure means wherein the liner wad comprises a wad of foamed polymeric material and an outer skin.
  • the outer skin is bonded to one or more surfaces of the wad of foamed polymeric material .
  • the polymeric material (s) are selected from one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) , one or more thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV) , or a combination thereof.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomers
  • TPV thermoplastic vulcanisates
  • the polymeric material is comprised of TPV.
  • the TPV has a high degree of cross-linked ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) .
  • EPDM cross-linked ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer
  • a typical example thereof is Santoprene 271-64 from Advanced Elastomer Systems.
  • the polymeric material (s) forming the wad are foamed with foaming agents.
  • the foaming agents may be physical, chemical, or inert gases. Examples of foaming agents include, but are not limited to, expandable fillers such as Expancel 92MB120 for Akzo Nobel, chemical foaming agents such as Hydracerol BIH70 from Clariant, and inert gasses such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • the wad preferably contains about 5% to 10% of the foaming agent based on the total polymeric material content .
  • the polymeric materials are foamed with a foaming agent, either a physical, chemical or gaseous foaming agent, to afford a density thereto of about 0.4 and 0.6 g.cm “3 , preferably 0.35-0.50 g.cm "3 .
  • a foaming agent either a physical, chemical or gaseous foaming agent
  • the wad has a thickness of about 2 ⁇ 0.2 mm.
  • the outer skin comprises a plurality of layered polymeric films.
  • the layered polymeric films are bonded to surface (s) of the wad via a tie resin.
  • the outer skin provides a low permeability barrier to gasses such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
  • gasses such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
  • One embodiment of the invention affords an oxygen permeability of approximately 1.7 cc.20u.m " 2 .day "1 .atm '1 , which exceeds acceptable oxygen permeability standards for long term storage of wine.
  • the layered polymeric films have a total thickness of about 100-500 microns.
  • the outermost polymeric film comprises a polyalkylene film, preferably a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film of about 50 microns thickness.
  • LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
  • Figures l(a), 1 (b) , and l(c), show side, plan, and cross- sectional views, respectively, of a stopper for a container in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a flow chart describing a method of manufacturing the stopper of Figure 1;
  • Figures 3 (a) , 3 (b) and 3 (c) show plan, side, and cross- sectional views, respectively, of a liner wad of a threaded closure for a container in accordance with an alternative aspect means of the present invention.
  • a stopper 10 for a container having a core 12 of foamed polymeric material and an outer skin 14.
  • the outer skin 14 substantially encapsulates the core 12.
  • the outer skin 14 adheres to the core 12 of foamed polymeric material .
  • the stopper 10 is configured for insertion with an inteference fit into an opening of a container.
  • the stopper 10 will be typically used to plug an opening in a narrow necked bottle, such as narrow-necked bottles for still and sparkling wine.
  • the stopper 10 is substantially cylindrical having a central portion 16 of uniform outer diameter and opposing axial ends 18.
  • the central portion 16 has a diameter of about 21.0 ⁇ 0.2 mm, and one or both axial ands 18 are provided with circumferential tapered bands or fillets 17, having a length of up to 3 mm and reducing to an outer diameter of about 19.8 ⁇ 0.2 mm in a direction away from the central portion 16.
  • the length of the stopper 10 is nominally about 38 mm.
  • the central portion 16 of the stopper 10 has a diameter of about 29 ⁇ 0.2 mm, and the one or both axial ends 18 are provided with circumferential tapered bands or fillets 17 with a length of up to 3 mm, reducing to an outer diameter of about 26.0 ⁇ 0.2 mm in a direction away from the central portion 16.
  • the length of the stopper 10 is nominally 38 mm.
  • the thickness of the skin 14 is about 1.5 +/- 0.5 mm at the opposing axial ends 18, and about 0.8 +/- 0.2 mm along the central portion 16 of the stopper 10.
  • the foamed polymeric material is selected to provide the core 12 with desirable compressive recovery and compression set properties, whereas the outer skin 14 affords the stopper 10 with desirable release and gas permeability properties.
  • compressive recovery refers to the time taken for a material to substantially revert to its original shape after undergoing a compressive force, and in respect of the present invention relates to the ability of the material to obtain sealing pressure in an opening of a container after inserting the material in the opening of the container to form an interference fit therein.
  • One test to measure compressive recovery in respect of the present invention is to measure the time taken to substantially obtain sealing pressure in the neck of a bottle of 19 mm diameter after insertion and compression of a stopper through an insertion diameter of 16 mm. A short period of time indicates a good compressive recovery which is important for maintaining a vacuum applied to the neck of the bottle at the time of bottling to reduce the oxygen level in the headspace.
  • the core of foamed polymeric material has a compressive recovery of less than 20 seconds.
  • compression set refers to the ability of a material to resist permanent deformation under load, and in respect to the present invention relates to the ability of a stopper to provide ongoing sealing pressure by maintaining its original dimensions. In a standard test to measure compression set, a 50% compression is applied to the material, across the diameter thereof, for 70 hours at ambient temperature. The loss of original diameter is measured when the load is removed and a recovery time of 30 minutes has elapsed.
  • the core of foamed polymeric material has a compression set of no more than 30% under the above test conditions.
  • the polymeric material (s) comprising the core 12 are selected from one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) , one or more thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV), or a combination thereof. Blends of TPEs with TPVs in various ratios will afford a range of compressive recovery and compression set properties. It is envisaged that a person skilled in the art will be able to readily select one or more TPEs and TPVs, and be able to formulate a suitable blend ratio thereof to obtain the desired compressive recovery and compression set properties of the stopper of the present invention.
  • the core contains a ratio by weight percent of thermoplastic elastomers : thermoplastic vulcanisates of about 30:70 to 75:25.
  • the polymeric material (s) comprising the core can also contain a metallocene catalysed (co) polymer, preferably a metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer, such as an ethylene octane copolymer, or a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer.
  • a metallocene catalysed (co) polymer preferably a metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer, such as an ethylene octane copolymer, or a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer.
  • the core contains 20% to 30% by weight of metallocene catalysed (co) polymer.
  • the selection of polymeric material (s) or homogenous blend thereof comprising the core is governed by a consideration of whether the stopper is used for short or long term storage purposes.
  • the polymeric material preferably comprises a metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer, such as an ethylene octane copolymer, or a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer, blended with one or more TPVs.
  • a metallocene catalysed polyethylene copolymer is Exact 0201 from Dex Plastomers, although alternatives such as Engage using the Dupont-Dow Insight technology are acceptable alternatives for the purpose of the present invention.
  • the metallocene catalysed polyalkylene copolymer may be a metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer, optionally blended with one or more TPVs.
  • Vistamaxx from ExxonMobil is a typical example of a preferred metallocene catalysed polypropylene copolymer.
  • the core is preferably formed substantially from one or more foamed TPVs.
  • the TPVs are alloys of a rubber phase and a plastic phase in which the rubber copolymer phase is cross-linked and the plastic phase is polypropylene.
  • the rubber copolymers are preferably of the type ethylene- propylene (EPDM) .
  • TPVs are Santoprene 271-73EU and Vyram, both from Advanced Elastomer Systems.
  • foaming agent refers to a physical agent, chemical agent, or gas, which is blended with the polymeric materials, and achieves a substantially even cellular structure throughout the matrix of the foamed polymeric material by a controlled release (or incorporation) of gaseous materials therein under treatment by heat.
  • foaming agents include, but are not limited to, expandable fillers, chemical foaming agents, and inert gasses such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • the expandable filler is preferably a polymeric shell containing a liquid hydrocarbon. When the liquid hydrocarbon inside the shell is heated its pressure increases and the polymeric shell softens resulting in the filler expanding.
  • Suitable expandable fillers include Expancel 92MB120 from Akzo Nobel which are microspheres comprising a polymer shell encapsulating a liquid hydrocarbon. Utilising an expandable filler of this type assists in improving compatibilisation and dispersion in the matrix of the foamed polymeric material .
  • Suitable examples of a chemical foaming agent includes Hydracerol BIH70 from Clariant .
  • the core preferably contains about 5% to 10% of the expandable filler based on the total polymeric material content .
  • the polymeric material is foamed with a foaming agent to afford widespread and substantially even porosity throughout the core, so as to absorb and repel the compressive action required to insert the stopper into the container neck.
  • the polymeric materials are foamed with a foaming agent to afford a density to the core of about 0.35 to about 0.65 g.cm "3 , preferably about 0.4 to 0.6 g.cm "3 .
  • the outer skin is formed from one or more TPEs, one or more TPVs, or homogenous blend thereof.
  • the TPEs and/or TPVs comprising the outer skin may be the same as, or may differ from, the polymeric materials comprising the core, depending on the desired properties of the outer skin.
  • the outer skin is comprised of one or more TPEs, TPVs which affords adhesion between the outer skin and the core.
  • the outer skin is a thermoplastic vulcanisate
  • TPV TPV
  • the preferred TPV affords very low gas permeability properties to the outer skin, coupled with suitable hysteresis properties for the stopper insertion process.
  • the outer skin has a base hardness of about 65 - 85 Shore A.
  • a typical example is Trefsin 3271-65W308 and 3271-85W308 from Advanced Elastomer Systems.
  • a suitable alternative to this material is an EVA copolymer, with a VA content of between 8 and 10%.
  • An example of this resin is Escorene FL00209 from ExxonMobil.
  • thermoplastic elastomer (s) , thermoplastic vulcanisate(s) , or blend thereof comprising the outer skin is also blended with colour providing pigments, release agents, and other additives known to the person skilled in the art to afford desirable characteristics to the outer skin.
  • colour providing pigments, release agents, and other additives known to the person skilled in the art to afford desirable characteristics to the outer skin.
  • incorpororation of a poly-siloxane master-batch such as supplied by Dow-Corning MB50-001 to provide reduction in surface friction is preferred.
  • respective surfaces of one or both axial ends 18 of the stopper 10 can be provided with a film 19.
  • the film 19 further reduces the gas permeability of the stopper 10.
  • gas permeability refers to the ability of a matrix of a material to allow or restrict passage of gas therethrough.
  • the film 19 comprises a single layer of polyvinylidene chloride (PYDC) .
  • PYDC polyvinylidene chloride
  • Suitable examples of polyvinylidene chloride films include but are not limited to L801 and L810A PVDC latex from Asahi Kasei Chemicals.
  • the thickness of the film 19 is 10-30 microns.
  • the film 19 reduces the gas permeability of the stopper 10 to 0.00004cc/day.atm which is comparable to the gas permeability of tinfoil liners on standard screw cap closures (0.00002cc/day.atm.) .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the process of manufacture of the stopper
  • the polymeric material (s) comprising the core and optionally the foaming agents are blended 22 in a first conventional mixing apparatus (not shown) .
  • the blended polymeric material (s) are/is foamed with a foaming agent prior to injection of the polymeric material into an injection cavity 26.
  • the components of the outer skin, comprising a blend of TPEs, TPVs, colour providing pigments, and release agents, and other additives are blended 24 in a second conventional mixing apparatus (not shown) and then the outer skin is co-injected with the foamed polymeric material via the action of a multi-material injection moulding press equipped with a two-channel nozzle 28. In this way, adhesion between the outer skin and the core is achieved, together with total encapsulation of the core by the outer skin, in a single process step .
  • the residual materials are anti-oxidants and heat stabilizers, which have been added to the polymeric materials of the core or the outer skin to provide consistent performance under high processing temperatures.
  • the removal of residual materials, as described below, is similar to a treatment step that is common in the manufacture of medical bottle closures, and said removal step has been adapted to the specific requirements of a beverage container stopper .
  • the stoppers are placed in wire mesh trays in an appropriately designed washing unit, and subjected to treatment 30 with a warm ethanol/water solution applied under pressure via fine sprays for a predetermined period of time. A film can then be applied to respective surfaces of the opposing axial ends of the stopper 10.
  • the surface of the outer skin 14 of the stopper 10 is cleaned 30 via the action of ethanol as previously described, followed by a further washing with hexane 32, to activate the polymeric surface to facilitate the adhesion of the PVDC during the drying process.
  • a water based of PVDC emulsion is applied 34 via techniques currently employed in the current coating of packaging materials, and dried using warm air of approximately 40C.
  • the dry film build should be in the order of 10-20 microns thick to obtain required barrier properties, whilst ensuring that film cracking does not occur during compression and insertion of the closure to the narrow necked bottle.
  • OTR Oxygen Transmission Rate
  • the stoppers After allowing the stoppers to drain, the stoppers are further washed 36 with hot water applied under pressure via fine sprays for a predetermined period of time. The stoppers are then subjected to a stream of hot air to effect drying prior to removal of the stoppers from the washing unit .
  • the stopper can optionally be passed through a conventional rotational pad printer 38 if it is desired to apply trademarks/branding or other insignia or indicia to the stopper.
  • a pass of corona discharge plasma treatment
  • any remaining volatile materials, in particular odour-forming materials are removed from the stoppers by the applying a vacuum thereto 40.
  • the stoppers are transferred to a hot water jacketed vacuum oven, and subjected to pressures of around 5 mbar at 50 deg C for a predetermined period of time. When removed and cooled to ambient temperature, the stoppers are ready for packing and dispatch 42.
  • the threaded closure means is of a type used with beverage containers for storing wine, alcoholic beverages such as beer, pre-mixed alcoholic beverages, cider, spirits, and liqueurs, still water, sparkling water, fruit and/or vegetable juices, fruit-based drinks, milk-based drinks, syrups, cordials, soy- based drinks, tea-flavoured beverages, coffee-flavoured beverages, and effervescent drinks or screw top jars and containers for storing foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and substances which require storage in a closed, dry environment.
  • the threaded closure means is formed from plastic or metals.
  • the liner wad 100 is configured for insertion into a base of a threaded closure means, and is adapted to compress and form a seal between the base of the threaded closure means and a rim of an open neck of the container when borne down upon by the rim.
  • the liner wad 100 is disc-like.
  • the liner wad 100 includes a wad 112 of foamed polymeric material and an outer skin 114.
  • the outer skin 114 is bonded to one or more surfaces of the wad 112 of foamed polymeric material.
  • the wad 112 provides a compressible substrate for attachment of the outer skin 114 which restricts ingress and/or egress of gasses into the container.
  • the wad 112 is compressible to ensure that any contours in the mouth or rim of the container are accommodated by the threaded closure means. In this way, it is envisaged that a long term sealing pressure is able to be applied to the substance contained in the container thereby enhancing its storage life.
  • the outer skin 114 is arranged to afford a very low permeability barrier to gasses such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, all of which feature prominently in concerns for storage life of beverages in particular.
  • the polymeric material (s) of the wad are selected from one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) , one or more thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPV) , or a combination thereof, as described above in respect of the core 12 of the stopper 10.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomers
  • TPV thermoplastic vulcanisates
  • the polymeric material is comprised of TPV.
  • the TPV has a high degree of cross-linked ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) .
  • EPDM cross-linked ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer
  • a typical example thereof is Santoprene 3251 from Advanced Elastomer Systems. If material costs are an issue, a metallocene PP from ExxonMobil (Vistamaxx VMXIlOO) , or an SEBS based resin may also be effectively utilised.
  • the polymeric material is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably Styrene- Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) .
  • SEBS Styrene- Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene
  • the SEBS displays a high degree of cross-linking. Typically, cross- linking in the SEBS takes place after the polymeric material has been foamed and during extrusion of the
  • the polymeric material (s) forming the wad 112 are foamed with foaming agents.
  • the foaming agents may be physical, chemical, or inert gases. Examples of foaming agents include, but are not limited to, expandable fillers such as Expancel 92MB120 for Akzo Nobel, chemical foaming agent such as Hydracerol BIH70 from Clariant, and inert gasses such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • the wad 112 preferably contains about 5% to 10% of the foaming agent based on the polymeric material content .
  • the polymeric materials are foamed with a foaming agent, either a physical, chemical or gaseous foaming agent, to afford a density thereto of about 0.4 and 0.6 g.c ⁇ f 3 , preferably 0.35-0.50 g.cm "3 .
  • a foaming agent either a physical, chemical or gaseous foaming agent
  • the foamed polymeric materials are extruded into a sheet of predetermined width at a thickness of about 2 ⁇ 0.2 mm.
  • the outer skin 114 includes a plurality of layered polymeric films 116.
  • the layered polymeric films 116 are bonded to surface (s) of the wad 112 via a tie resin 118 which is activated by heat and/or pressure.
  • the outer skin 114 provides a low permeability barrier to gasses such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
  • gasses such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
  • One embodiment of the invention affords an oxygen permeability of approximately 1.7 cc ⁇ Ou.m ⁇ .day ⁇ .at ⁇ f 1 , which exceeds acceptable oxygen permeability standards for long term storage of wine .
  • the layered polymeric films 116 have a total thickness of about 100-500 microns.
  • an outermost polymeric film 118 comprises a polyalkylene film, preferably a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) film of about 50 microns thickness.
  • LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
  • the container is arranged to store beverages containing ethanol (otherwise known as alcohol)
  • a polyethylene film as the outermost polymeric film 118 to protect the wad 112 from contact with the beverage, as in some cases the foamed polymeric materials used in the wad 112 will have limited resistance to ethanol, such as for example ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) .
  • EVOH ethyl vinyl alcohol
  • the outermost polymeric film may be provided with an inert inorganic coating.
  • inert inorganic coatings include, but are not limited to, Al 2 O 3 and SiO x , applied via plasma deposition techniques.
  • the thickness of the outer skin 114, the number of layers of polymeric films 116 from which it is made, and the specific characteristics of the polymeric films 116 can all be manipulated to achieve variations in the overall permeability features of the outer skin 114.
  • a 0.5 mm thick layer of Trefsin can be applied to the wad 112 in a less complicated manufacturing process, while still providing a line wad 100 for a threaded closure means suitable for mid term storage of beverages.
  • the outer skin 114 consists of an outermost polymeric film 118 of LLDPE of about 50 microns thickness, the LLDPE film being in contiguous communication with a 10 micron thick layer of
  • the extrusion and application of the outer skin 114 to the wad 112 is achieved via standard technologies familiar to those skilled in the art.
  • the outer skin 114 may be applied to one or both sides of the wad 112 depending on the permeability and cost requirements .
  • the liner wads 100 are punched out of the extruded sheet as described above in diameters appropriate for insertion to the threaded closure means, preferably a plastic or metal threaded closure, which provides the locking mechanism to the beverage container.
  • the insertion of the liner wad 100 to the threaded closure means is usually achieved via, but not limited to, compressed air, to avoid the application of mechanical methods which can distort the liner wad 100 in such a way as to compromise the sealing performance that can be achieved if no such distortion is evident. Examples
  • Example 1 Formulation for Stopper for still wine bottle
  • Example 2 Formulation for Liner wad for screw thread closure
  • Example 3 Formulation for Liner wad for screw thread closure

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un bouchon (10) pour un contenant qui comprend un coeur (12) en matériau polymère expansé et une peau externe (14). Le matériau polymère constituant le coeur est expansé avec un agent d'expansion avant l'injection du matériau polymère expansé dans la cavité d'injection (26). Le coeur est entièrement encapsulé par la peau externe en injectant simultanément la peau externe avec le matériau polymère expansé par l'intermédiaire d'une technique d'injections par séquences. Un tampon de revêtement (100) pour une fermeture filetée comprend un tampon (112) en matériau polymère expansé et une peau externe (114). La peau externe comprend une pluralité de films polymères stratifiés (116) collés au tampon par l'intermédiaire d'une résine d'étanchéité, et ayant une épaisseur de 100 à 500 microns.
PCT/AU2006/000798 2005-06-10 2006-06-09 Bouchon a coeur en mousse et peau exterieure WO2006130923A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006255496A AU2006255496A1 (en) 2005-06-10 2006-06-09 A stopper with a foamed core and an outer skin

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005903033A AU2005903033A0 (en) 2005-06-10 Stopper
AU2005903033 2005-06-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006130923A1 true WO2006130923A1 (fr) 2006-12-14

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Country Link
AU (1) AU2006255496A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006130923A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009063095A3 (fr) * 2007-11-16 2009-07-09 Nomacorc Sa Bouchon synthétique à plusieurs composants et son procédé de fabrication
ITPD20130277A1 (it) * 2013-10-08 2015-04-09 Microcell Srl Tappo perfezionato per contenitori
CN108912381A (zh) * 2011-10-25 2018-11-30 埃克森美孚化学专利公司 组合物、泡沫材料和由其制得的制品

Citations (14)

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US1431871A (en) * 1922-01-20 1922-10-10 Burnet Edward Bottle and like closing device
US3143364A (en) * 1960-07-29 1964-08-04 Allied Chem Process for bonding polyethylene to non-porous surfaces and laminated polyethylene product
US3963845A (en) * 1972-02-01 1976-06-15 Joseph Dukess High frequency heat sealing container closure
GB2040889A (en) * 1979-01-30 1980-09-03 Metal Box Co Ltd Closures for containers for wine or wine-based products
US4721643A (en) * 1986-01-28 1988-01-26 Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Laminated structure for interior finishing materials, and method of production thereof
WO1990014945A1 (fr) * 1989-06-01 1990-12-13 The Dow Chemical Company Pellicule de mousse multicouche coextrudee pour dispositif de fermeture de recipient en plastique, et procede de fabrication
FR2662142A1 (fr) * 1990-05-18 1991-11-22 Cofarep Sa Bouchon en polymere expanse.
WO1999006293A1 (fr) * 1997-07-31 1999-02-11 Southcorp Australia Pty. Ltd. Bouchon en polyethylene pour recipient
US6017615A (en) * 1997-08-25 2000-01-25 Huntsman Polymers Corporation Film product comprising novel polyolefins
US6085923A (en) * 1996-08-13 2000-07-11 Neocork Technologies, Inc. Composite synthetic stopper
WO2000040407A1 (fr) * 1998-12-31 2000-07-13 Mobil Oil Corporation Film hermetiquement scelle a ouverture facile
WO2000056526A1 (fr) * 1999-03-24 2000-09-28 Nomacorc, L.L.C. Fermeture synthetique
WO2003018304A1 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-06 Nomacorc, L.L.C. Dispositif de fermeture synthetique
US6863949B2 (en) * 2000-08-03 2005-03-08 Va-Q-Tec Ag Foil-enveloped evacuated thermal insulation elements

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1431871A (en) * 1922-01-20 1922-10-10 Burnet Edward Bottle and like closing device
US3143364A (en) * 1960-07-29 1964-08-04 Allied Chem Process for bonding polyethylene to non-porous surfaces and laminated polyethylene product
US3963845A (en) * 1972-02-01 1976-06-15 Joseph Dukess High frequency heat sealing container closure
GB2040889A (en) * 1979-01-30 1980-09-03 Metal Box Co Ltd Closures for containers for wine or wine-based products
US4721643A (en) * 1986-01-28 1988-01-26 Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Laminated structure for interior finishing materials, and method of production thereof
WO1990014945A1 (fr) * 1989-06-01 1990-12-13 The Dow Chemical Company Pellicule de mousse multicouche coextrudee pour dispositif de fermeture de recipient en plastique, et procede de fabrication
FR2662142A1 (fr) * 1990-05-18 1991-11-22 Cofarep Sa Bouchon en polymere expanse.
US6085923A (en) * 1996-08-13 2000-07-11 Neocork Technologies, Inc. Composite synthetic stopper
WO1999006293A1 (fr) * 1997-07-31 1999-02-11 Southcorp Australia Pty. Ltd. Bouchon en polyethylene pour recipient
US6017615A (en) * 1997-08-25 2000-01-25 Huntsman Polymers Corporation Film product comprising novel polyolefins
WO2000040407A1 (fr) * 1998-12-31 2000-07-13 Mobil Oil Corporation Film hermetiquement scelle a ouverture facile
WO2000056526A1 (fr) * 1999-03-24 2000-09-28 Nomacorc, L.L.C. Fermeture synthetique
US6863949B2 (en) * 2000-08-03 2005-03-08 Va-Q-Tec Ag Foil-enveloped evacuated thermal insulation elements
WO2003018304A1 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-06 Nomacorc, L.L.C. Dispositif de fermeture synthetique

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009063095A3 (fr) * 2007-11-16 2009-07-09 Nomacorc Sa Bouchon synthétique à plusieurs composants et son procédé de fabrication
CN101861274B (zh) * 2007-11-16 2015-09-23 诺玛科有限责任公司 多部件合成密闭件以及制造方法
US9314953B2 (en) 2007-11-16 2016-04-19 Nomacorc, Llc Multi-component synthetic closure and method of manufacture
CN108912381A (zh) * 2011-10-25 2018-11-30 埃克森美孚化学专利公司 组合物、泡沫材料和由其制得的制品
ITPD20130277A1 (it) * 2013-10-08 2015-04-09 Microcell Srl Tappo perfezionato per contenitori
WO2015052659A1 (fr) * 2013-10-08 2015-04-16 Microcell S.R.L. Bouchon permettant de fermer des récipients

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