Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a closure for a bottle .

The invention relates particularly, although by no means exclusively, to a closure that is configured for wireless communication with a reader device .

The invention also relates to a bottle including the closure .

The invention also relates to a method of forming the closure .

The invention also relates to a method of forming the bottle including the closure .

Background Art

Cork is often used as a closure for bottles storing wine, olive oils, vinegar, dressings, and other liquid food products .

More recently, synthetic closures such as roll-on tamper evident ("ROTE" ) screw cap closures, typically formed from aluminium, have become more common . This is particularly due to the increased longevity of such a closure and the ability of the closure to be reused by the consumer to reseal the bottle . One particular example of this type of closure is a Bague Verre Stelvin ® closure, often referred to as a "BVS" or "Stelvin®" closure .

A BVS closure comprises a cap and a skirt which are interconnected by frangible tamper evident ribs that break when the cap is removed from the bottle . The cap is typically screw threaded during capping and can be used to reseal the bottle after it has been open . When secured to a bottle, the cap fits over a bottle finish and the skirt extends down the bottle neck .

One challenge faced by producers of these food products, particularly premium ranges of these food products, is counterfeiting . In order to detect counterfeit products, manual inspection of the bottles to determine their origin and composition is usually required. This information is typically obtained from the label or identification indicia on the body of the bottle which is typically obstructed from view when stored in a crate. As such, it can be appreciated that this process can be labour intensive and costly. It is desirable to provide a closure that ameliorates at least one of the above problems and/or provide a useful alternative. The above description should not be taken as an admission of common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere. Summary of the Disclosure The invention provides a bottle closure configured for wireless communication with a reader device, the closure comprising a metal cap configured for releasable attachment to a bottle to seal an opening of the bottle, the metal cap having a top wall with a recessed portion, and a wireless communication tag, wherein the wireless communication tag overlaps a region of the recessed portion such that the wireless communication tag is separated from the recessed portion at a distance that is greater than the thickness of the top wall so as to enhance wireless data transmission between the wireless communication tag and the reader device. To address the issues relating to counterfeiting, the Applicant has investigated incorporating a wireless communication tag into a closure. The tag can store and transmit information such as production number, stock-keeping unit (SKU), expiry date and origin wirelessly to a reader. However, there are number of difficulties associated with incorporating the tags into the closures. Difficulties include a limited transmission range of the tag and the ability to incorporate the tag without adversely impacting the seal on the bottle. In view of the aforementioned issues, the Applicant has developed the present invention .

It was realised that the optimal location of the wireless communication tag is on the closure which is typically the most accessible portion of the bottle during the production and packaging process in which the bottles are transported upright (on a conveyor) and placed upright into a carton or crate .

However, one issue faced by BVS closures is an arguably weaker seal compared to a cork closure . The seal between a BVS closure and a bottle is typically formed around the lip of the bottle whereas the body of a cork forms a seal along the interior of the bottle neck .

To minimise the risk of the seal failing and the ingress of oxygen into the bottle, an oxygen liner is often inserted between a BVS closure and the bottle .

During various trials, the Applicant came to the realisation that the incorporation of a wireless communication tag into the closure has to be performed carefully to avoid adversely impacting on the seal between the closure and the bottle (e . g . maintain the integrity of the oxygen liner) .

A further problem discovered by the Applicant is that a closure made from non-ferrous metal (e . g . aluminium) shields the tag from electromagnetic signals . In other words, the closure acts as a Faraday cage and reduces the read range of the tag, i . e . the maximum distance that reader can wirelessly communicate with the tag .

Closures including non-metallic components which are configured for wireless communication with a reader device have also been developed in an attempt to address this problem. These closures typically involve an assembly of polymer components with the tag located between the assembled components . However, these closures are typically expensive to manufacture due to the increased componentry . Furthermore, it has been found that the gaps between the assembled components allow ingress of air (and oxygen) into the bottle which can degrade the contents of the bottle, for example by oxidation .

The Applicant has found that maintaining a gap between the tag and a surface of the cap reduces the electromagnetic shielding of the cap and enhances wireless data transmission between the tag and the reader device regardless of the material used to construct the closure . In the context of this specification, the term "cap" refers to any cap with or without a separable portion .

The closure may comprise a cap having a body with the top wall and a skirt/collar extending from the cap to engage part of the bottle . The cap and the skirt may be separated by a frangible region . The region may comprise ribs that break when the cap is removed from a bottle . Suitably, the ribs are tamper-evident ribs .

In one embodiment, the cap comprises a separable screw cap that is removable from the bottle and a skirt/collar that remains attached to the neck of the bottle .

The skirt may comprise one or more separable portions .

The "top wall" is the part of the cap that overlies the mouth of the bottle . Suitably, the top wall is located over the lip of the bottle .

In the context of this application, the term "width" refers to the largest dimension of a particular plane or surface . For circular shaped surfaces the width is equivalent to its diameter .

It is commercially desirable for the bottle closure to be readable while travelling at different speeds, for example, at high speed in a customer' s bottling/f illing hall where capped bottles can travel at up to 30m/min, and at slower speed ~5m/min (but greater range) at carton packing points within the hall .

It is desirable for the Applicant to have the bottle closure readable at a minimum of distance of 1cm, preferably l-2cm, from the reader device at high speed capping points . It was also desirable for the bottle closure to be readable (in carton) at a minimum distance of 2cm from the reader device at slower speeds .

The Applicant has identified that increasing the wireless communication tag antenna diameter and/or increasing the separation between the wireless communication tag and the cap to minimise the detrimental impacts of inductance due to proximity of the wireless communication tag to the cap may help achieve this desired target .

The wireless communication tag may have a bottom face and a top face . Suitably, the tag is plate or disc shaped with bottom and top faces .

A wireless communication tag typically comprises an antenna, an integrated circuit ( IC) chip and an outer barrier layer .

The wireless communication tag may be an IC tag . The wireless communication tag may be a near-field communication (NFC) tag . The wireless communication tag may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag .

The wireless tag may be tuned to balance loss of signal strength (due to inductance) and frequency shifting (due to metal closure material thickness and proximity) to optimise read range performance at a standard Frequency (by NFC Reader / Antenna Device) .

The wireless communication tag may have a minimum diameter of 10mm. Suitably, the wireless communication tag has a minimum diameter of 15mm. More suitably, the wireless communication tag has a minimum diameter of 20mm. Even more suitably, the wireless communication tag has a diameter of 22mm.

Maximising the size of the wireless communication tag is desirable as it allows a large antenna to be accommodated which in turn increases signal strength .

The wireless communication tag may have an antenna having a minimum diameter of 10mm. Suitably, the antenna has a minimum diameter of 12mm. More suitably, the antenna has a minimum diameter of 15mm. Even more suitably, the antenna has a diameter of 15mm.

Suitably, the diameter of the antenna is smaller than the diameter of the wireless communication tag . This reduces the risk that part of the tag may be exposed and damaged, for example, by the environment .

In the spaced apart arrangement, the wireless communication tag, particularly the bottom face of the tag, and the recessed portion of the top wall may be separated from each other by a distance (also known as vertical separation) that is greater than the thickness of the top wall . Preferably, the distance/spacing is at least 1 . 0mm, more preferably, the distance is at least 1 .25mm, even more preferably the distance is at least 1 . 40mm, yet even more preferably the distance is at least 1 . 70mm. Maximising the spacing between the tag and the cap can avoid the need for an insulating or shielding layer .

The trials and experiments performed by the Applicant optimised the wireless data transmission between the tag and the reader device, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity of the cap .

The spacing between the bottom face of the tag and the recessed portion of the closure may be sufficient to enable wireless communication with the reader device over a read range up to 30mm, suitably a read range from 1mm and 15mm.

In one embodiment wherein the reader device is a smartphone, the read range is from 10mm -13mm.

In another embodiment wherein the reader device is a powered RFID reader with an external 4 x3cm antenna, the read range is from ll-15mm.

The top wall of the closure includes a raised portion that is proud of the recessed portion . The raised portion may be a peripheral ridge . The ridge may be a raised edge of the top wall . Suitably, the recessed portion is surrounded by the raised portion .

The top face of the tag may project from the top wall of the closure . Suitably, the top face is proud of the raised portion of the top wall .

The top face of the tag may be recessed within the top wall of the closure . One benefit of having the tag recessed within the top wall of the closure is that the raised portion of the top wall protects the tag from physical damage such as from downward forces during the capping or redraw process .

The top face of the tag may be flush with the raised portion of the top wall . Having the top face of the tag flush with the raised portion of the top wall may increase the separation between the tag and the cap and while still protecting the tag against physical damage .

The top face of the tag may be proud of the raised portion by 0 .2mm to 1 . 0mm, preferably by 0 . 3mm to 0 . 9mm, most preferably by 0 . 4mm to 0 . 9mm.

The raised region of the top wall may transition into the recessed portion via a chamfer . The chamfer reduces deformation of the liner during top-loading of the closure . It was discovered by the Applicant that excessive deformation can lead to failure of the closure, specifically the liner . The chamfer may be inclined relative to the recessed portion . Suitably, the chamfer may be inclined at an angle from 10 and 80 degrees form a base of the recessed portion . More suitably, the chamfer may be inclined at an angle from 30 and 60 degrees . Most suitably, the chamfer may be inclined at an angle of approximately 35 degrees . The chamfer may extend at least part way around the perimeter of the recessed portion . Suitably, the chamfer extends around the entire perimeter of the recessed portion .

The tag may be located over the recessed portion to form an enclosed space . In one embodiment, the tag rests on the raised portion to form the enclosed space .

To further increase the vertical separation between the wireless communication tag and the top wall of the cap, the Applicant sought to modify the top wall structure .

The increased separation may provide a number of benefits including allowing the wireless communication tag to have a larger antenna .

The raised portion of the top wall may include a step to locate the wireless communication tag . Suitably, the step forms a peripheral ringed section on the edge of the top wall . More suitably, the ringed section transitions into the remaining raised portion via a vertically extending riser .

The wireless communication tag may be located on the step to increase the separation between the wireless communication tag and the top wall of the cap .

In one embodiment, the step includes an embossed region to locate the wireless communication tag .

The embossed region may form an inner ring located at the transition between the step and the raised portion .

The boss may extend between the step and a section of the remaining raised portion of the top wall .

The embossed region enabled the separation to be further increased . In addition, the embossed region protects the tag by absorbing a significant amount of force generated during the redraw step of the closure forming step which typically imparts a vertical load of 140-180 kg on the top wall (i . e . 140-180 kg force) .

The wireless communication tag may rest on a backing liner that rests on the step . Suitably, the backing liner is formed from a non-conducting material . More suitably, the backing liner comprises a polymeric material . Even more suitably, the backing liner comprises a flexible polymeric material . The bottle closure may comprise a tag spacer which is configured to space the tag from the top wall . The tag spacer may project into the recessed portion . Suitably, the tag spacer spaces the bottom face of the tag from a region of the top wall in the recessed portion . In this embodiment, a gap may not be present between the tag and the top wall of the closure .

The tag spacer may include a cavity for receiving the wireless communication tag .

The wireless communication tag may be embedded within the tag spacer .

The tag spacer may comprise a ferrite inlay . The ferrite inlay may comprise iron . The ferrite inlay has been found to boost the electromagnetic signals from the tag and hence increase its read range .

The tag spacer and backing liner may be made of the same material .

A cover may be used to conceal and protect the tag . The cover may also be used to conceal and protect the spacer . The cover may be mounted to the tag, the raised portion of the top wall, or both . The cover may be a moulded part .

In one embodiment, the cover is a moulded disc . In another embodiment, the cover is a sheath . In yet another embodiment, the cover is a cage .

The cap may have an internal liner located that is configured to reduce ingress of oxygen into a bottle when the closure is attached thereto . The liner minimises oxidation of the contents of the bottle .

The liner may comprise a polymer layer . The polymer layer may be selected from at least one of polyethylene (PE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) . The liner may have a layered arrangement . Each layer may be selected from at least one of a polymer layer, an aluminium layer and a silica-supported orthophosphoric acid (OPA-SIOx) layer . Each polymer layer may be selected from at least one of polyethylene (PE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) .

The liner may be made from Saranex® or Sarantin®. A difference between the Saranex® or Sarantin® is that Saranex® excludes paper and tin .

The cap may be made from a metal . Suitably, the cap is made from a non-ferrous metal . The non-ferrous material may be selected from any one of aluminium, copper, nickel, tin, titanium, zinc, gold, silver, or alloys thereof . Suitably, the cap is made from aluminium.

The skirt may be configured to engage a neck of the bottle . Suitably, the skirt is made from the same material as the cap .

The cap may have a unitary construction . It is also envisaged that the cap may be an assembly of components . For example, the closure comprises the cap as a first component and the skirt as a second component .

The cap may be threaded . Suitably, the cap is internally threaded .

The thread on the cap is typically formed during the capping step .

The invention also provides a bottle including the previously mentioned closure .

The invention also provides a bottle including a closure configured for wireless communication with a reader device, the closure comprising a metal cap that is releasably attached to the bottle, the metal cap having a top wall with a recessed portion, and a wireless communication tag, wherein the wireless communication tag overlaps the recessed portion such that the wireless communication tag is separated from the recessed portion at a distance that is greater than the thickness of the top wall so as to enhance wireless data transmission between the tag and the reader device . The bottle may include a finish that includes one or more of a thread profile, bore entrance profile, top sealing surface, transfer bead and neck profile .

The bottle may include a finish that meets European Standard EN16293 : 2013 for BVS wine bottle finishes .

The invention provides a method of forming the previously mentioned closure .

The invention provides a method of forming a closure configured for wireless communication with a reader device, the closure comprising a metal cap configured for releasable attachment to a bottle to seal an opening of the bottle, the metal cap having a top wall with a recessed portion and a wireless communication tag, the method including steps of : forming the metal cap; deforming the top wall inwardly to form the recessed portion; locating a wireless communication tag over the recessed portion; and forming the closure such that the wireless communication tag is separated from the recessed portion at a distance that is greater than the thickness of the top wall .

The forming step may comprise stamping a disc from a sheet of material . Suitably, the material is a metal . More suitably, the material is aluminium, copper, nickel, tin, titanium, zinc, gold, silver or alloys thereof .

The forming step may comprise forming a skirt that extends from the cap . Suitably, the forming step includes forming a frangible region separating the cap and the skirt . More suitably, the forming step includes forming a plurality of ribs between the cap and the skirt .

The forming step may comprise forming the cap and the skirt from the disc stamped from the sheet of material .

The deforming step may include forming a recessed portion having a depth of at least 1 . 0mm, more preferably, at least 1 .25mm, even more preferably at least 1 . 40mm, yet even more preferably at least 1 . 70mm.

The deforming step may include forming a step on a raised portion of the top wall . Suitably, the step is located adjacent to the recessed portion . The tag may rest on the step to form a gap between the top wall and the tag . Suitably, the deforming step forms a raised peripheral ringed section on the edge of the raised portion of the top wall .

The deforming step may include forming a boss on a raised portion of the top wall . In one embodiment, the boss is located on a step on the raised portion of the top wall . In another embodiment, the boss extends between the step and the raised portion of the top wall .

The locating step may include positioning the tag at least partially into the recessed portion of the cap . Suitably, the locating step includes forming an enclosed space between the wireless communication tag and the recessed portion .

The locating step may include arranging the tag to be proud of the raised portion . Suitably, the arranging step including locating the tag proud of the raised portion by at least 0 .2mm, preferably at least 1 . 0mm, more preferably at least 0 . 3mm. The tag may be proud of the raised portion by a maximum of 0 . 9mm, preferably by a maximum of 0 . 4mm.

The locating step may include arranging the wireless communication tag such that a top face of the tag is flush with a raised portion of the top wall or recessed within the top wall of the closure .

The method may include forming a chamfer between the raised and recessed portions of the top wall . Suitably, the chamfer forming step includes forming a chamfer that is inclined at an angle from 10 and 80 degrees form a base of the recessed portion . More suitably, the chamfer forming step includes forming a chamber that is inclined at an angle from 30 and 60 degrees . Even more suitably, the chamfer forming step includes forming a chamber that is inclined at an angle of approximately 35 degrees .

The chamfer forming step may include forming a chamfer around the entire perimeter of the recessed portion .

The method may include locating a tag spacer between the wireless communication tag and the recessed portion .

The method may include locating the tag to a cavity in the tag spacer .

The method may include embedding the tag in the tag spacer .

The method may further comprise coupling the wireless communication tag to the top wall .

The method may include coupling a cover to the top wall to conceal the tag . Suitably, the method includes forming a moulded cover .

The method may include coupling a liner to an inside surface of the cap .

The method may include forming a finish on a bottle that includes one or more of a thread profile, bore entrance profile, top sealing surface, transfer bead and neck profile .

The method may include forming a finish on a bottle that meets European Standard EN16293 : 2013 for BVS wine bottle finishes .

The method may include a capping step to apply the formed closure to a bottle . Suitably, the method includes engaging the skirt of the closure to a neck of the bottle . More suitably, the capping step includes forming threads on the closure .

The method may include a redrawing step to create a seam that forms a liquid tight seal between the formed closure and the bottle . Suitably, the redrawing step creates a seam between the formed closure, an internal liner and the bottle . The internal liner may be particularly configured to reduce oxygen ingress into the bottle .

A Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention is described further by reference to the accompanying drawings, of which :

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of the bottle closure according to an embodiment of the invention assembled with a bottle prior to capping .

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the bottle closure and bottle shown in Figure 1 after capping .

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the bottle closure shown in Figures 1 and 2 .

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a tag spacer including a wireless communication tag for use with the bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of another tag spacer including a wireless communication tag for use with the bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention .

Figure 6A is a standard BVS closure with a wireless communication tag fitted thereon .

Figures 6B-6F are schematic side views of bottle closures according to different embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment having a different configuration for receiving a wireless communication tag :

Figure 6B is a bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention having a recessed portion having an inner diameter of 16. 5mm, an outer diameter of 19. 0mm, and a depth of 2 . 5mm and the tag projecting 0 . 5mm from the end of the closure; Figure 6C is a bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention having a recessed portion having an inner diameter of 14.0mm, an outer diameter of 18.0mm, and a depth of 2.5mm and the tag projecting 0.5mm from the end of the closure;

Figure 6D is a bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention having a recessed portion having an inner diameter of 14.5mm, an outer diameter of 18.0mm, and a depth of 1.5mm and the tag projecting 0.5mm from the end of the closure;

Figure 6E is a bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention having a recessed portion having an inner diameter of 11.0mm, an outer diameter of 17.0mm, and a depth of 2.25mm and the tag projecting 0.5mm from the end of the closure; and

Figure 6F is a bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention having a recessed portion having an inner diameter of 13.5mm, an outer diameter of 17.0mm, and a depth of 1.25mm and the tag projecting 0.8mm from the end of the closure.

Figure 7A is a photograph of a standard BVS closure without a recessed portion after capping.

Figures 7B-7F are photographs corresponding to the closures shown in Figures 6B-6F after capping.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the variation of read range with spacing between the tag and the recessed portion for different reader types.

Figure 9A is a bottle closure according to an embodiment of the present invention having a step with a depth of 0.35mm on the raised portion of the top wall.

Figure 9B is the bottle closure of Figure 9A including a wireless communication tag having a diameter of up to 22mm and an antenna of up to 15mm.

Figure 10A is a bottle closure of Figure 9A having a boss at the transition between on the step and the raised portion of the top wall. Figure 10B is the bottle closure of Figure 10A including a wireless communication tag having a diameter of 21mm and an antenna of 15mm.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a bottle closure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention . The bottle closure 10 comprises a cap 12 configured for threaded engagement with a bottle 14 , and skirt 18 that extends from the cap (also shown in Figure 3 ) .

In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2 , the closure 10 is made from a single sheet of aluminium and has a diameter of 29. 70mm and a length of 60 . 0mm.

The skirt 18 extends from a side wall of cap 12 to engage a neck of a bottle 14 .

The cap 12 is separated from the skirt 18 by frangible tamper evident ribs 15 which encircle the closure . The ribs fracture to separate the cap 12 from the skirt 18 , for example by twisting the cap 12 relative to the skirt 18 . Once broken, the cap 12 can be removed to open the bottle 14 while the skirt 18 typically remains around the neck of the bottle . The cap 12 can be screwed to re-seal the bottle 14 .

The inner surface of the cap 12 includes female threads for engagement with corresponding male threads on the bottle finish .

The top wall 16 has a circular recessed portion 20 (also known as a debossed portion) located centrally within the bounds of a raised portion 21 . In one embodiment, the circular recessed portion has a diameter of 13 . 50mm. A wireless communication device in the form of an integrated circuit ( IC) tag 22 configured for wireless communication with a reader device, such as a smartphone or a supply chain near field communication (NFC) reader, is located over the recessed portion 20 . The tag 22 is enabled for near-field communication and is disc shaped with top and bottom faces .

As best shown in Figure 3, the top wall 16 transitions from the raised portion 21 to the recessed portion 20 via a chamfer 24 . The chamfer 24 extends around the entire perimeter of the recessed portion 20 . The chamfer 24 is inclined relative to the base of the top wall 16 in the recessed portion 20 such that the diameter of the recessed portion changes with depth from the outermost surface to the base of the top wall . In other words, the inner diameter of the base of the recessed portion 20 is less than the outer diameter at the entrance of the recessed portion 20 defined by the raised portion 21 of the top wall 16. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the base of the recessed portion 20 is 13 . 5mm and the outer diameter at the entrance of the recessed portion 20 is 17 . 0mm. The vertical distance between the base of the top wall in the recessed portion 24 and raised portion 21 is 1 .25mm. The vertical distance would define the separation of a wireless communication tag from the base of the recessed portion 20 if the wireless communication tag rests on the raised portion 21 . This embodiment can accommodate a wireless communication tag having a diameter of 15mm and an antenna having a diameter of 12mm.

The void formed by the recessed portion 20 has a trapezoidal shaped profile when viewed in cross-section (as shown in Figure 3 ) . As will be discussed in the sections that follow, the angle of the chamfer 24 can be adjusted by changing one or more of : the inner diameter of the recessed portion; the outer diameter of the recessed portion; and the depth of the recessed portion .

A spacer 28 is located between the recessed portion and the IC tag 22 to support and distance the tag 22 from the top wall 16. The spacer 28 may include a cavity to receive an IC tag . In another embodiment, the IC tag is embedded in the spacer 28 .

The spacer 28 is made from a polymer ( for example, polyethylene) having a disc shaped upper portion and a f rustoconical shaped lower portion that tapers away from the upper portion and forms a lower surface . The lower portion has a profile that conforms to the shape of the recessed portion 20 . The upper portion has an upper surface that includes a cavity . In some embodiments, at least part of the tag 22 protrudes into the cavity . There are also embodiments in which the entire IC tag 22 is located within the cavity .

In some embodiments, the spacer may be an adhesive that is moulded into the recessed portion .

In an alternative embodiment, the spacer 28 may be excluded . In this embodiment, the tag 22 is located over the cavity to form an enclosed space bound by a trapezoidal shaped profile formed by the top wall and the bottom face of the tag 22 .

In use, the tag 22 is inserted into the cavity of the spacer 28 such that the bottom face of the tag 22 is mounted (adhered or otherwise) to the upper surface of the spacer 28 . The spacer 28 is then inserted into the recessed portion 20 of the top wall 16 such that a bottom face of the tag 22 is spaced apart from the recessed portion of the top wall 16. This arrangement enhances wireless data transmission between the tag 22 and a reader device .

In other embodiments, the tag 22 is coupled onto a surface of the spacer 28 or embedded into the spacer 28 .

Figure 4 shows a wireless IC tag 22 and spacer 28 according to one embodiment . The tag 22 has a thickness of 0 .2mm and a diameter of 14 . 5mm. The upper portion of the spacer 28 has a thickness of 0 . 4mm and a width of 24 . 0mm. The cavity in the spacer 28 is 0 .2mm deep and has a width of 14 . 5mm. The lower portion of the spacer 28 has a thickness of 1 .25mm, a maximum width of 16. 0mm and a minimum width of 12 . 5mm.

Figure 5 shows a wireless IC tag 22 according to another embodiment . The tag 22 has a thickness of 0 .2mm and a diameter of 14 . 5mm. The upper portion of the spacer 28 has a length of 0 . 9mm and a width of 24 . 0mm. The cavity in the spacer 28 is 0 .2mm deep and has a width of 14 . 5mm. The lower portion has a length of 1 .25mm, a maximum width of 16. 0mm and a minimum width of 12 . 5mm.

The bottle closure 10 also comprises a liner 30 made from Saranex® or Sarantin®. In use, the liner 30 is inserted into the cavity defined by the top wall 16 and the skirt 18 of the cap 12 . The liner forms a seal around the lip of the bottle 14 to act as a barrier against oxygen ingress into the bottle 14 .

During the capping process in which a closure 10 is secured to a bottle 14 in an air tight manner, the closure is crimped around the bottle finish . This compresses the liner 30 between the cap 12 and the lip of the bottle 14 . This deforms the liner 30 around the lip to form a seam 32 . Figure 1 shows the bottle closure 10 on a bottle 14 prior to capping with the liner 30 in its undeformed shape, whereas Figure 2 shows the bottle closure 10 on the bottle 14 after capping and with the liner 30 deformed .

As will be discussed in the sections that follow, it is important to avoid excessive deformation of the liner 30 to avoid failure of liner 30 and ingress of oxygen into the bottle 14 .

Method of assembly

In one embodiment, a method of forming the closure involves the following steps :

1 . A sheet of aluminium is fed into a first printing unit to print graphics onto the aluminium.

2 . The aluminium sheet is fed to a stamping unit to cut a disc shaped blank from the aluminium.

3. The disc shaped blank is fed to a drawing unit to deform the blank is deformed in a drawing operation, also known as cold forming, to form a closure comprising a cap and a skirt . 4 . The closure is fed to a second printing unit to print graphics onto the skirt .

5. The closure is fed to an oven unit to cure the ink/varnish used to print the graphics .

6. The closure is fed to a knurling unit to form the frangible ribs .

7 . The closure is fed to a pressing unit to deform the top wall in a pressing operation to form the recessed portion .

8 . The closure is fed to a third printing unit to print graphics onto the top wall .

9. The closure is fed to a first assembly unit to position the wireless IC tag over the recessed portion and coupled to the top wall of the closure .

10 . The closure is fed to a second assembly unit to apply a cover over the IC tag .

11 . The closure is fed to a third assembly unit to couple a liner into the cap . In some embodiments, the liner is coupled to the cap before the recessed portion is formed in step 8 .

It can be appreciated that the order/ sequence of steps of forming the closure may vary depending on the version of the closure being formed .

For example, the liner may be inserted into the closure before the deforming step to form the recessed portion or the wireless IC tag may be positioned over the recessed portion before the liner is inserted into the closure .

In another example, steps 8 to 11 may be performed in a different sequence after step 5 . Performing these steps after step 5 minimises damage to the IC tag by the heating process in step 5 . After the closure is assembled, the closure is fed to a capping unit to position the closure onto the neck of an open bottle and secured to the neck of the bottle by forming the tuck and thread on the closure . This process may include a step of crimping the closure onto the bottle and a step of forming the internal threads by capping heads which roll the cap over the external bottle threads .

During the capping process, the closure is subjected to a vertical load of between 140 and 180 kg ( 140-180 kg force) , suitably, 180 kg ( 180 kg force) .

This top-load pressure compresses and deforms the liner against the lip of the bottle to create a seam that seals the mouth of the bottle .

Whilst under load, a series of rotors spin around the outside of the cap to deform the cap in a series of actions including :

- Crimping the cap around the external threads of the bottle .

- Perforating and/or stretching a section of the closure to form frangible tamper evident ribs between the cap and the skirt .

Prior to reaching the capping unit, the open bottle is transported from a filling unit, where the bottle is filled with wine or other liquid food product .

This forms a sealed bottle that can be delivered to an end-user such as a consumer or supermarket .

Experimental Trials

During the development of the closure, it was found that a spacing from 2 . 0mm to 3 . 0mm between the bottom face of the tag and the base, specifically the top face of the base, of the recessed portion of the top wall reduces electromagnetic shielding sufficiently to provide a commercially acceptable read range . However, having the wireless communication device project 2 . 0mm to 3 . 0mm from the end of the closure was undesirable because it required redesign of capping equipment and for aesthetic reasons .

For the above reasons, the Applicant focused on forming a recessed a portion of the top wall to provide the necessary spacing between the IC tag and the top wall of the closure .

However, one challenge faced by the Applicant was that the liner integrity was significantly impacted by the depth of the recessed portion during the capping process .

The Applicant conducted a number of experimental trials in order to assess the performance of different embodiments of the closure according to the invention . The trials included adjusting the dimensions of the recessed portion such as the inner/outer diameters of the recessed portion, the depth of the recessed portion, and the chamfer angle .

The experimental trials were conducted to assess the performance of the closure on the following criteria :

1 . A pass/fail assessment of the liner integrity following the capping process . During the capping process the bottle closure is subjected to a vertical load of 180 kg (i . e . 180 kg force) is applied to deform the liner around the mouth of the bottle .

2 . Read range using smartphone reader/USB reader . A smartphone reader generally has a lower read range and is typically used by personnel for inventory management . In contrast, a USB reader generally has a higher read range and is typically incorporated into automated production lines .

3. The distance that the tag projects from an end of the cap . This distance was measured from the top wall, in a region adjacent to the recessed portion, to the top surface of the IC tag . The experimental trials assessed five different embodiments (Versions 1 , 2 , 3, 4 and 5 ) of the bottle closure according to the present invention, each embodiment having a different configuration for receiving a wireless IC tag .

The experimental trials also assessed a standard BVS closure with a wireless IC tag fitted thereon (Version 0 ) for control purposes . Unlike a closure according to the present invention, the BVS closure does not have a recessed portion . A disc shaped spacer is used to separate the bottom face of the tag from the top wall of the BVS closure by 2 . 8mm. The top face of the tag is positioned 3 . 0mm from the top wall of the BVS closure . The tag has a thickness of 0 .2mm.

Figure 6A illustrates a standard BVS closure with a wireless communication tag fitted thereon .

Figures 6B-6F illustrate different embodiments of the bottle closure according to the present invention, each embodiment having a different sized recessed portion .

Table 1 below shows the relevant dimensions of each embodiment .

Table 1 : Dimensions of Closure Versions 0-5

Figure 7A is a photograph of a control standard BVS closure without a recessed portion after the capping process (Version 0 ) .

Figures 7B-7F are photographs of the closures of Figures 6B-F after the capping process (Versions 1-5 ) .

Table 2 below summarises the test results of each closure after the capping process .

Table 2 : Test results for Closure Versions 0-5

* A liner integrity test was not performed.

The Version 0 control provides adequate read range, however, Version 0 does not meet aesthetic and functional requirements - it would require redesign of capping equipment . Version 0 serves as a baseline for the development of the present invention .

It was desirable to reduce the distance between the tag and the top wall while maintaining the liner integrity and providing an acceptable read range . Version 1 was designed to provide an equivalent spacing to Version 0 without having the wireless IC tag project a significant distance from the end of the closure . Version 1 provides adequate read range . However, the liner failed during the capping process . Figure 7B shows visible signs of unsatisfactory deformation of the liner due to the lip of the bottle . The liner is punctured ( see item A) at the seam and there is significant pleating ( see item B) around the perimeter of the liner .

In Version 2 , the depth of the recessed portion is the same as Version 1 . However, the inner/outer diameters are adjusted to reduce the chamfer angle over that of Version 1 . Version 2 provides adequate read range . However, the liner also failed during the capping process . Figure 7C shows visible signs of unsatisfactory deformation of the liner due to the lip of the bottle . There is a deep indentation ( see item C) in the seam and pleating ( see item B) around the perimeter of the liner .

In Version 3, the depth of the recessed portion was reduced compared with Versions 1 and 2 . The inner/outer diameters were adjusted to reduce the chamfer angle over that of Versions 1 and 2 . Version 3 provides inadequate read range . The liner also failed during the capping process . Figure 7D shows visible signs of unsatisfactory deformation of the liner due to the lip of the bottle . There is deep indentation ( see item C) in the seam and pleating ( see item B) around the perimeter of the liner .

In Version 4 , the depth of the recessed portion was increased to be equal to that of Versions 1 and 2 . The inner and outer diameters were adjusted to reduce chamfer angle over that of Version 3 . Version 4 provides adequate read range . However, the liner failed during the capping process . Figure 7E shows visible signs of unsatisfactory deformation of the liner around the lip of the bottle .

Most notably, there is significant stretching ( see item D) on the bottom face of the liner .

In Version 5, the depth of the recessed portion was reduced further than Version 3 and the tag was elevated slightly . The inner and outer diameters were adjusted to reduce the chamfer angle over that of Version 4 . Version 5 provides adequate read range and an intact liner following the capping process . Figure 7F shows satisfactory deformation of the liner around the lip of the bottle . There is acceptable line indentation ( see item C) at the seam and pleating ( see item B) around the perimeter of the liner .

Figure 8 shows how read range changes for the bottle closure according to Version 5 when the spacing of the tag relative to the recessed portion is changed . The read range was assessed for both smartphone and USB readers . As can be seen from the graph, the read range linearly increases with an increase in separation between the tag and the recessed portion .

Through extensive experimentation, it was found that parameters including spacing between the tag and the top wall and chamfer angle influence the read range and liner integrity . Particularly, it was found that a chamfer angle of approximately 35 degrees in combination with a recessed portion having a depth of 1 .25mm as well as the tag projecting 0 . 8mm from the end of the bottle provides both good readability and maintains liner integrity during the capping process . However, it was realised that spacing, chamfer angle and one or more other parameters could be further adjusted to provide other commercially acceptable embodiments of the invention .

To improve the readability of bottle closure 10 when it is travelling at high speed in a customer' s bottling/f illing hall where capped bottles can travel at up to 30m/min, and at slower speed ~5m/min (but greater range) at carton packing points within the hall, the Applicant sought to increase the IC tag antenna diameter and the vertical separation between the IC tag and the recessed portion of the top wall of the cap .

In one embodiment, a step 34 was introduced to the raised portion 21 of the closure . The step forms a peripheral ringed section on the edge of the top wall and is the highest part of the cap . The ringed section transitions into the raised portion via a vertically extending riser 36 (Figure 9A) .

Two versions of this bottle closure are illustrated in Figures 9A-B and 10A-B .

The step 34 located on the raised portion 21 allows a larger IC tag to be applied to the closure . Compared to Figures 1 and 2 which can receive an IC tag having a 15mm diameter with an antenna 38 having a diameter of 12mm, the bottle closure of Figure 9B can accommodate an IC tag having a 22mm diameter and an antenna 38 having a diameter of 15mm. The step 34 also allows the vertical separation of the IC tag from the base of the recessed portion of the top wall 16 to be increased from 1 .25mm (as shown in Figures 1 and 2 ) to 1 . 41mm.

In Figure 10B, the step 34 includes a boss 40 that forms an inner ring located at the transition between the step 34 and the raised portion 21 . The boss allows the vertical separation between the IC tag and the recessed portion of the top wall 16 to be further increased to 1 . 76mm when the IC tag antenna sits at the top of the boss 40 .

As can be appreciated, the step 34 and boss 40 provides a means to increase the separation between the IC tag 22 and the top wall 16 of the cap 12 while enabling the IC tag to avoid sitting proud of the top wall . The IC tag can either be flush or recessed to the highest point of the top wall . This arrangement protects the IC tag from physical damage by absorbing a significant amount of force generated during the capping or redraw step of the closure forming step .

A further benefit of the stepped version of the bottle closure is that it assists in locating and positioning the tag on the closure .

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .