CAP OR CLOSURE ASSEMBLIES, RETENTION FORM, MOULDINGS AND

TOOLING

TECHNICAL FIELD . The present invention relates to moulding with a retention form, assemblies of mouldings using such a retention form and related tooling and uses.

BACKGROUND ART

In our Patent Specifications WO 03/051734 and WO 2004/056670 (the contents of which are here included byway of reference), we disclose sipper capped assemblies of moulded components for liquid containers whereby an axially movable nozzle can allow liquid egress. A suitable axially movable component is one preferably beatable within movement limits by a second component as in our PCT/NZ2003/000291 (published as WO 2004/056670). In WO

2004/056670 we disclose a capping assembly engageable with or engaged with a necked container, said assembly being or having a first component in the form of a unitary moulding adapted to define a detachable overcap and at least a skirt (e.g. separated by frangible means), the skirt being adapted to engage or engaging the exterior of the neck of a suitable said container, a second component located within said first component, and a nozzle component carried through the second component yet moveable relative to the second component such that, in one relative condition, the nozzle component together with the surrounding second component, is adapted to provide closure of the mouth of a suitable said container or provides closure of the container (the "non-dispensing condition"), and in another condition of the nozzle component relative to the second component, is adapted to provide for such a suitable said container, or provides for the container, a liquid egress passageway ("the dispensing condition"), and wherein and second component and the nozzle component, when in the dispensing condition, define together with the first component a fully enclosed space about part of said nozzle component.

Preferably, said skirt of the first component is internally threaded as the adaptation to engage or the means by which it is engaged with the exterior of the neck of a suitable said container.

The present invention recognises an advantage in a moulding capable of being a said second component in such a capping assembly (or any alternative capping assembly) where for high cycle injection moulding is capable using tooling from which the component can be readily removed yet which provides a capability (albeit with an adaptation post moulding of presenting) a nozzle component movement limiting shoulder (or part thereof) to operate in the opposite direction to the mould opening of that mould part or assembly to define that shoulder.

Notwithstanding reference only to sipper cap assemblies by reference to the aforementioned patent specifications, the present invention envisages an arrangement that satisfies that specific need but also has a prospect of moulding production having a more wide spread application whether in respect of drink bottles or otherwise.

We recognise that irrespective of whether or not such a novel or inventive retention form is to be utilised, and irrespective of whether or not the second moulded component of such aEn assembly is, or is not, to carry a nozzle component, the second moulded component can advantageously be associated with a first moulding to be threadedly engaged with a complementary container in such a way as to facilitate at least one form of seal with respect to the container and/or avoid the prospect of a leakage path for gases and/or liquids or a contamination pathway between such moulded components. It is to that prospect which lends itself to aseptic filling as well as self sanitising hot fill filling that the present invention is directed.

Preferably as referred to herein the "tortuous interface" is preferably one to render aseptic the top of the assembly from contamination from below thus making it possible for a moulding such as disclosed in some of the aforementioned patent specifications to provide for a closed environment above threaded skirt and annulus and the second moulded component the capping assembly and below a part of a moulding forming part of the capping assembly capable of being removed. Such an option is within the scope of the invention but not necessarily so. Such a prospect means easier recycling as no foil seal need be used and easier handling in a fill line as only the underneath region of the cap assembly may need treatment to render it aseptic.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The present invention includes a closure assembly of or suitable for a complementary mouthed container, said closure assembly comprising or including

a passageway moulding or an assembly of mouldings including a passageway moulding, and a nozzle component located in the passageway of the passageway moulding and movable between movement limits, wherein, at one limit ("the non dispensing condition"), the nozzle component cannot dispense container content(s) via the nozzle component, and, at the other limit ("the dispensing condition"), the nozzle component allows dispensing of container contends) via the nozzle component, and wherein the limits of movement result from nozzle component abutment, in one case, with a feature or features of the passageway moulding as configured at moulding, and, in the other case, with a feature (or features) of the passageway moulding when folded from its (or their) disposition at moulding.

Preferably said passageway moulding includes adaption for engagement internally and/ or externally of a complementary mouth container. Preferably said adaption is a thread or includes a thread.

Preferably said adaption is for engagement externally of a threaded neck to such a complementary mouthed container.

Preferably said assembly of mouldings including a passageway moulding includes a surround moulding interengaged with said passageway moulding, said surround moulding having an adaption for association externally and/ or internally of a said complementary mouthed container.

Preferably said adaption is a thread or includes a thread.

. Preferably said thread is an internal thread to engage an external thread of a said complementary mouthed container. Preferably said association between said passageway moulding and said surround moulding involves interengagement of one or more annular formation of one with one or more annular formations of the other.

Preferably said feature or features of the passageway moulding to be folded from its or their disposition at moulding is an annular flange. Preferably said annular flange under the action of pressing or punching has been articulated inwardly about a region of thickness less than elsewhere in said flange.

Preferably a sipper cap of a drinking container.

In another aspect the invention is a passageway moulding for use in a closure assembly, the assembly to comprise or include the passageway moulding or an assembly of mouldings including the passageway moulding, and a nozzle component located in the passageway of the passageway moulding and movable between movement limits, wherein, at one limit ("the non dispensing condition"), the nozzle component cannot dispense container content(s) via the nozzle component, and, at the other limit ("the dispensing condition"), the nozzle component allows dispensing of container contends) via the nozzle component, and wherein the limits of movement result from nozzle component abutment, in one case, with a feature or features of the passageway moulding as configured at moulding, and, in the other case, with a feature (or features) of the passageway moulding when folded from its (or their) disposition at moulding, the passageway moulding defining

(i) annular walls of the passageway having openings at each end,

(ii) an abutment feature of the annular walls adjacent one end as a feature to limit movement

(iϋ) an annular flange at the other end of the passageway, the flange being foldable or distortable so as to be folded inwardly of the passageway to define the other limit feature, and

(iv) an annular periphery extending outwardly from the annular walls of the passageway to define formations for association with a surround.

Preferably the moulding is for a closure assembly as previously defined.

The invention is also a passageway moulding as aforesaid and/ or substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

The present invention includes or is an assembly of at least two mouldings which has a capability of allowing a limit feature or at least a retention feature to be defined in the moulding, albeit with the requirement for some adaptation thereof. Preferably the retention feature will operate in a direction opposite to that from which that part or assembly of the mould assembly to define that moulding is withdrawn.

In an alternative or additional object of the present invention there is provided a moulding suitable in such an assembly, tooling for such a moulding, tooling and methods for the

adaptation of such a moulding, and resulting methods of use of the assembly, the tooling, the moulding or the like.

In another aspect the invention consists in an assembly of at least two moulding, a first moulding having (axially or otherwise) a second moulding moveable relative thereto, the second moulding being captive in one permitted movement direction in the first moulding by an interaction between a (continuous or discontinuous) shoulder of the second moulding with a shoulder (continuous or discontinuous) formed by a folding in of part of the first moulding. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a moulding substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 or at least having a flange thereof adapted for movement substantially in the manner herein after described so as to act as a retention feature. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a sipper cap assembly (whether as defined in one or other of the aforementioned patent specifications or not) which preferably includes as part of the mouldings thereof, a moulding in accordance with the present invention or made using a tooling or an adaptation procedure as hereinafter described. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in an adapted moulding, the moulding having been formed from a two piece mould, the adaptation being a folding in of a flange (preferably annular) to define a retention shoulder.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in mould tooling or a mould assembly for producing a moulding in accordance with the present invention.

The invention is also tooling for adapting such a moulding, preferably said tooling being substantially of a form as hereinafter described or any equivalent thereof. Preferably such tooling includes an angled shoulder to provide some initial folding of the moulded flange and to co-act with a plunger or other means subsequently to complete the folding.

Preferably the plunger is biased from its push through condition.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of folding in a retention flange so as to define a retention shoulder.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a sipper closure assembly having a folded in retention flange for a nozzle component thereof adapted to move to one limit of movement to be provided by an interaction of said folded in flange or part thereof on said nozzle component.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in assemblies of any kind but incorporating a retention interaction reliant upon a moulding and adaptation substantially as herein described.

The present invention is a capping assembly of at least two mouldings, a first moulding having both a threaded skirt to engage the thread of a complementary container and an inward annular part to be positioned above the rim of such a complementary container, and a second madding by itself, or in conjunction with at least one other providing an operable outlet, wherein the first and second mouldings have been interengaged by at least a male into female or female into male (and preferably both) annular interengagement (or interengagements) and wherein preferably part of the undersurface of the second moulding is to be above the rim of such a complementary container.

Preferably the second moulding (or a carried annular coating or member) is adapted to seal down onto the rim of a said complementary container.

Preferably the second moulding carries a moveable valve member (e.g. a nozzle component). Alternatively it can carry a valve (e.g. starburst type valve).

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a sipper cap assembly (whether as defined in one or other of the aforementioned patent specifications or not) which has between two moulded components a tortuous continuous or non- continuous annular surface interface to reduce the prospect of a fluid, liquid and/or contaminant flow path therethrough.

Optionally some welding/melding is provided in addition to or instead of preferably one or more annular female/male interengagements (preferably of a click fit kind).

In another aspect the invention consists in a cap assembly where the assembly has between two moulded components a tortuous continuous or non-continuous annular surface interface and that interface maintains force from that component engaging a container or to engage a container threadedly onto a component which directly or indirectly is to provide an annular seal of the container.

In another aspect the invention is, in combination or assembly, a capping assembly or sipper cap assembly as aforesaid, and a said complementary container.

Preferably the sipper closure assembly having a folded in retention flange for a nozzle component thereof adapted to move to one limit of movement to be provided by an interaction of said folded in flange or part thereof on said nozzle component.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in assemblies of any kind but incorporating a retention interaction reliant upon a moulding and adaptation substantially as herein described.

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a capping assembly suitable for a liquid dispensing container, the assembly comprising or including

(i) a one piece overcap moulding defining an overcap region ("the cap"), an internally threaded skirt, and a frangible link between the overcap region and the threaded skirt region, and (ii) an at least partly moulded component located -within said one piece overcap moulding and being sealably engaged, or being sealably engageable to the moulding below said frangible link (i.e. to the threaded skirt region adapted to retain the insert to a compatible complementary container), the component ("the insert") having a dispensing opening adapted to allow liquid to pass fully through the component,

"wherein the moulding and said component can or do define a fully enclosed space, and wherein the dispensing opening of the insert is closed or closeable by the cap both prior to cap removal and post cap replacement, the replacement being reliant on separation dependent on the frangible link and then interengagement of the cap with the threaded skirt region.

Preferably the insert is fully (or partially) e.g. can have an integral seal affixed or in mould attached thereto a moulded member.

Preferably said frangible link is fully around the one piece overcap moulding. Preferably it is a removeable band to dismember the cap, the band having spaced lines of frangibility. Preferably the cap once dismembered is engageable to said internally threaded skirt region to define a fully enclosed space between the one cap and the insert.

Preferably the engagement is by an annular clip fit.

Preferably said internally threaded skirt region of said one piece overcap moulding extends to a tamper evident tamper band.

Preferably the capping assembly is "linerless". It can however have a liner (e.g. foil, wad or other).

Preferably the insert/threaded skirt region are associated by a liquid sealing tortuous inter engagement. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a capping assembly suitable for a liquid dispensing container, the assembly comprising or including (i) a one piece overcap moulding defining an overcap region ("the cap"), an internally threaded skirt, and a frangible link between the cap and the threaded skirt region the frangible link being able to dismember the cap from the threaded skirt, and (ii) a component located within said one piece overcap moulding and being (preferably sealably) engaged, or being (preferably sealably) engageable to the moulding below said frangible link (Le. to the threaded skirt region adapted to retain the insert to a compatible complementary container), the component ("the insert") having a dispensing opening adapted to allow liquid to pass fully through the component, wherein the moulding and said insert can or do define a fully enclosed space (at least save for the dispensing opening), and wherein the dispensing opening of the insert is covered or is coverable by the cap both prior to cap removal and post cap replacement, the replacement being reliant on separation (i.e. dismemberment) dependent on the frangible link and then interengagement of the cap with the threaded skirt region.

Optionally the dispensing opening is not to be closed by the cap but liquid egress is instead controlled by another means prior to reaching the opening (e.g. a slit or starburst valve in membrane or diaphragm).

Preferably any such membrane or diaphragm, or indeed, wood, foil or equivalent, is carried by the capping assembly to seal to a complementary container mouth below part or all of the insert.

Preferably the insert is fully (or partially) e.g. can have an integral seal affixed or in mould attached thereto a moulded member.

Preferably said frangible link is fully around the one piece overcap moulding. Preferably it is a removeable band (with a grab) to dismember the cap, the band having spaced lines of frangibility.

Preferably the cap once dismembered is engageable to said internally threaded skirt region to define a fully enclosed space (at least save for the opening) between the one cap and the insert.

Preferably the engagement is by an annular clip fit.

Preferably said internally threaded skirt region of said one piece overcap moulding extends to a tamper evident tamper band.

Preferably the capping assembly is "linerless". It can however have a liner (e.g. foil, wad or other).

Preferably the insert/threaded skirt region are associated by a liquid sealing tortuous inter engagement.

The present invention in another aspect is a capping assembly of at least two mouldings, a first rrodώng having both a threaded skirt to engage the thread of a complementary container and an inward annular part to be positioned above the rim of such a complementary container, and a second rmMmg by itself, or in conjunction with at least one other providing an operable outlet, wherein the first and second mouldings have been interengaged by at least a male into female or female into male (and preferably both) annular interengagement (or interengagements) and wherein preferably part of the undersurface of the second moulding is to be above the rim of such a complementary container.

Preferably the second moulding (or a carried annular coating or member) is adapted to seal down onto the rim of a said complementary container.

Preferably the second moulding carries a moveable valve member (e.g. a nozzle component). Alternatively it can carry a valve (e.g. a slit or starburst type valve).

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a sipper cap assembly (whether as defined in one or other of the aforementioned patent specifications or not) which has between

two moulded components a tortuous continuous or non-continuous annular surface interface to reduce the prospect of a fluid, liquid and/or contaminant flow path therethrough.

Optionally some welding/melding is provided in addition to or instead of preferably one or more annular female/male interengagements (preferably of a click fit kind). In another aspect the invention consists in a cap assembly where the assembly has between two moulded components a tortuous continuous or non- continuous annular surface interface and that interface maintains force from that component engaging a container or to engage a container threadedly onto a component which directly or indirectly is to provide an annular seal of the container. In another aspect the invention is, in combination or assembly, a capping assembly or sipper cap assembly as aforesaid, and a said complementary container.

Preferably the sipper closure assembly having a folded in retention flange for a nozzle component thereof adapted to move to one limit of movement to be provided by an interaction of said folded in flange or part thereof on said nozzle component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings in which

Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a preferred moulding in accordance with the present invention as it is defined after release from, for example, a two piece mould where the two mould pieces separate relative to the moulding in the arrowed direction, Figure 2 is an isometric view of the moulding of Figure 1, Figure 3 shows the moulding of Figure 1 when adapted for use in the assembly, Figure 4 is an isometric view of the adapted moulding,

Figure 5 shows a sipper cap or closure assembly utilising the adapted moulding of Figure 2 in a manner analogous to that depicted in the aforementioned patent specifications,

Figure 6 shows the adapted moulding of Figure 3 providing a shoulder to act as an upward limit by way of abutment on a shoulder or other projection of the moulded nozzle component when moved upwardly in a manner as described in the aforementioned patent specifications after the tamper evident opening and cap removal, Figures 7 K to 7D shows tooling and steps A through C whereby first an inclined shoulder and then a plunger movement is thereafter able to take the moulded flange as in Figure 1 or 2to a final adapted condition as in Figure 2, 4 or 7D,

Figure 8 is a figure of WO 2004/056670,

Figure 9 is a mould assembly for moulding the component of Figures 1 and 2,

Figure 10 shows a cross section of a preferred capping assembly which is a nozzle component containing sippercup with a closed aseptic space, Figure 11 is a perspective view of an as yet unopened capping assembly having features in common to those embodiments previously disclosed but which has provision whereby the preferably linerless insert moulding is able to have itself in a non dispensing condition both prior to removal of the tamper evident band and subsequent thereto,

Figure 12 shows the configuration of Figure 11 in cross-section but prior to removal of the tamper evident band,

Figure 12A shows the same drawing as Figure 12 but with the removal of the tamper evident band and the capping part of the capping moulding still in place or as it would be refitted after dispensing,

Figure 12B shows Figure 12 assembly with an affixed, insert in mould affixed or morely associated annular seal, and

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the sectioned assembly as in Figure 12.

Figure 8 shows a sipper capping assembly as disclosed in WO 2004/056670. It is a sipper type capping assembly engageable with a necked container so as not to pool condensation on the disc seal. It has a unitary moulding (1) adapted to define a detachable overcap (4) and at least the container engaging skirt (9). An insert (2) and a disc seal member (17) located within moulding (1), and a nozzle component (3) above the seal member is carried through the insert yet movable relative thereto. In a non- dispensing condition, the nozzle component (3) and the insert (2) provide closure. In the dispensing condition of the nozzle component (3) relative to the insert (2) there is defined a liquid egress passageway. The insert and the nozzle component, when in or notionally considered in the non- dispensing condition, define together with the moulding a fully enclosed space about part of the nozzle component. When in or notionally considered in at least the dispensing condition, the moulding and disc seal member fully enclose the nozzle component.

The present invention is to provide a body or component to act as depicted as Figure 3 in an assembly similar to or different from that depicted in Figure 8.

In the preferred form of the present invention the moulding of a suitable food grade plastics material (e.g. as disclosed in WO 2004/056670 and/ or preferably polypropylene or a polypropylene blend) is as shown in Figure 1, capable of being moulded by a two mould

subassemblies where the two mould subassemblies separate in the arrowed direction with that arrowed direction A being that from which tooling to define a peripheral flange 18 is withdrawn. Such a peripheral flange, as can be seen, extends in the opposite direction to a circular opening 19 with edges 20 adapted in assembly preferably to slidably seal on the part 21 of a dispensing nozzle 22 when liquid is not to be egressed from the container (whether prior to or subsequent to the removal of the overcap 23 after removal of the tamper evident band 24 or not).

As shown in Figure 3 the peripheral flange 18 in the assembly of the at least two preferred mouldings is down-turned (e.g. by folding) to provide a retention shoulder 25 to act as a limit against an opposing shoulder 26 of the dispensing nozzle 22. In the terms of the present invention the component 27 (equivalent to 2 in WO 2004/056670) or otherwise is said first component and the nozzle component 22 is said second component.

To assemble the component 22 into the adapted component 27 as in Figure 3 the tooling preferably involves an annular shoulder 29 of an inclined nature (preferably about 45°) capable of being positioned as in Figure 7A and then lowered so as to provide some deflection inwardly under the bore of the plunger 30 of the flange 18. From that position the plunger 30 (as in Figure 7Q can press the flange home thus completing the adaptation to leave the component as in Figure TD which equates to that depicted in Figure 3.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate how a spring 31 as shown can have the effect of withdrawing the plunger 30 after force is removed therefrom to then easily allow the disengagement of the tool depicted in Figures 7A through 7C from the adapted component of Figure TD.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways alternatives to the present invention can be used for other purposes.

Reference herein to skeletal flanges or shoulders refers to or sometimes can refer to intermittent pieces capable of being urged inwardly for the purpose depicted. Preferably it is continuous however so as to ensure the pressed in and adapted moulding as shown in Figures 3 and TD stays in a stable condition after which the component 22 can simply be pressed in passed the deformable opening so as to click lock home between the movement limits provided by the interaction 25/26 and of course any interaction at the other limit between the component surface 32 of 27 and 33 of the dispensing nozzle 22.

As far as sipper cap assemblies are concerned, it matters not whether or not the mode of engagement of still a further component 34 is by screw fit or otherwise and irrespective of

whether or not it is contemplated that there be a tamper evident or even a capping over the assembly depicted.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the simple means of construction using high cycling moulding techniques and a ready adaptation to provide a elegant subassembly useful in a specific cap assembly or indeed in any other assembly.

Figure 8 shows a unitary surround moulding for a passageway moulding in which a nozzle component can move within limits.

It is within the scope of the present invention to substitute the nozzle component 3 and the insert moulding with a nozzle component 22 and a passageway moulding 27 to complement the surround component of Figure 8 which (as an integral overcap moulding) has an integral threaded skirt (to complement the threaded container neck), a tamper band below the thread, a tear band (between the threaded skirt and cap) and the removable/replaceable cap.

Such a combination may modify the annular periphery extending outwardly from the annular walls of the passageway to define formations for association with a complementary surround (e.g. so as to define preferably a tortuous continuous or discontinuous annular surface interfaces such as of one or more annular formation of the annular periphery with one or more annular formation of the surround or integral overcap moulding of Figure 8 in a modified form) and preferably to enable resealing of the removable cap part of such an overcap moulding.

Figure 9 shows tooling for the moulding of the moulding of Figures 1 and 2. In use opening is thus

(a) plates 35 and 36 (with its core insert 37) move apart or away,

(b) sleeve 38 and pin 39 move forward in constant contact with the moulding,

(c) sleeve 38 stops to release undercut put pin 39 continues forward,

(d) pin 39 stops and moulded component pull off pin 39, (e) Component is ejected off core insert 37 by ejector pins.

Figure 10 shows a preferred form of the present invention in section and showing by overlapping the nature of the tightness of fit desired between the individually moulded components.

Preferably the materials are as disclosed in the previously referred to specifications the full contents of which are here included byway of reference.

Shown in Figure 10 is a first moulding 40 having an annular skirt provided with threads 51 to engage a complementary container, the upper rim of which is to seal against an elastomeric or thermoplastic rubber annulus 46 provided as a separate member or as a coating to the second

component 41. Ideally however in order to maximise the aseptic conditions, preferably the surface 46 extends fully across the cavity 47.

In the arrangement as shown, the valving of the second moulding 41 is reliant upon the movement upwardly and downwardly of a nozzle component 43. Also shown as an option is the retention feature 42 of the moulded, component 41 referred to previously.

The tortuous interface 50 provided as a continuous annular surface, or more likely a discontinuous series of annular surface to surface interfaces, is provided by clip fit providing male members 48 and 49 of the first component 40 and second component 41 respectively. Each male member 48 and 49 is clip fit received into a complementary female annular member. With the moulded component 40 (also including 44 and 45) preferably having no perforations right through its higher parts of its unitary structure (Le. through a removable clip engageable over cap 44 and a tear off band 45) an aseptic annular space 52 can be provided between the overcap of the first moulding and the second moulding 41.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate how much the same as an existing screw on flat cap an aseptic assembly (as shown in Figure 10) preferably pre-sterilised immediately prior to application to a sterile filled container, can be screw fit engaged like a flat screw cap. It can also, if desired, include off the skirt 40, a tamper evident lower band.

Alternatives to the construction shown in Figure 10 can include variations on the member 43 and those aspects of moulded component 41 that co-act therewith. Indeed member 41 itself can have its own valving mechanism either as an integral feature (for example if a star burst type liquid push open type valve is provided) or alternatively some fitted arrangement can be provided.

Also within the scope of the present invention are fabrications that may give rise to the aseptic base 52. For example, o-ring or other interconnections are possible between a series of moulded components that act cohesively as if part 40 and 44 of a unitary component (optionally with the interposed function of region 45).

Figures 11 through 13 show how it is that two moulded components can provide a sealed assembly where there is no need for a perforate or other liner between the moulded components.

Such an arrangement as in Figures 11 through 13 can be modified to a three part version with a nozzle component in a passageway moulding with a retention form as defined as an option.

Shown in Figure 12 is an outer moulding 53 providing an internally threaded part 54, a removable tamper evident band 55 (i.e. as the frangible link) and a capping region 56. The band 55 allows dismembering of the cap 56 from the remainder. The separate co-acting moulding is the moulded insert 57 (optionally with an integral annular seal affixed, in mould affixed or otherwise associated therewith) which has a region which interacts with part of the part 54 (the threaded skirt) of the overcap 53 as or substantially as previously described, i.e. there is an interrelationship therewith as a continuous annular surface or, more likely, a discontinuous series of annular surface to surface interfaces so as to provide, by clip fit, an interaction and a sealing relationship between the components 57 and 53 over the generalised region of the interaction shown by the arrow as 58. The same tortuous arrangement as previously described is preferably included.

As can be seen in Figure 12A the capping region or cap 56 can be clip fit retained by its inward bead 59 by the waisted region 60 of the insert 57 thereby to hold in place the removable cap 56 with its annular projection 61 sealingly received by (and closing) the opening and annular flanges 62 of the insert 57.

As can be visualised, removal of die cap 56 has the effect of removing the sealing projection 61 from the dispensing opening of the insert 57 thus allowing dispensing of liquid from a container to which die assembly has been fitted via die opening of die insert. Thereafter die cap 56 can be replaced to a condition as shown in Figure 12A dius sealingly closing off die opening and dius die container to which die assembly has been fitted.

Figure 12B shows a seal of a frustocomical/annular form in mould affixed to die remainder of die moulded insert 65.

The integral seal, provides for die sealing of die inner component/ insert against the inner periphery of the skirt/ overcap. This will create a better seal during the sterilisation process and provide us widi more confidence dian relying on die torturous padi alone.

By way of example die arrangement as depicted in Figures 11 dirough 13 are of plastics not dissimilar to diose previously described for die materials of die odier overcap and insert assemblies.

As will be recognised, prior to fitment of die closure to a container, the region 63 is sealed from the general environment owing to no perforate or odier entry point being available diereto, diat seal preferably being assured by or in part by the interaction of 59 into 60 and assured by lack of perforation of the frangible zones or lines of die tamper evident band 55 as well as die tortuous sealing relationship at 58 about die insert 57. The environment 63 allows

such a capping assembly to be used in hot fill situations so as to avoid collection into 63 of water from the general humidity resulting from the hot fill operation. It also provides a sealed environment free of contamination thus lending the assembly to aseptic capping assembly usage. Indeed the configurations of the inside of the assembly are such that all surfaces presented to the open container are able to be kept aseptic or can be treated by appropriate sterilising fluids to a form useful in such aseptic closure application (optional foil, was, unvalved or valved diaphragm, plug and other means of barrier can be associated with the capping assembly.

The same plastic materials previously disclosed can be employed for any aspect of the invention or the assemblies shown in the accompanying drawings. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.