Membrane penetrating closure with deformable top surface

Abstract

A membrane penetrating closure device for a container on which a sealing membrane (e.g., a metal foil) is installed. The membrane penetrating closure includes a cap that is designed to be engaged on the container. The cap is sealed by a user deformable portion that includes a pressure application surface. A penetrating structure with a cutting edge is connected to the user deformable portion such that it extends towards the membrane when the container and closure are engaged. Retaining structure is provided to retain a severed portion of the membrane within the penetrating structure. In one embodiment, the retaining structure comprises a plurality of capture projections that extend inwardly from the cutting edge. In another embodiment, the retaining structure is a spear projection that extends beyond the cutting edge. Other embodiments are described wherein the severed portion of the membrane remains connected to unsevered portions of the membrane.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A membrane penetrating closure for a container having an opening sealed by a membrane, comprising: 
 a cap structure having a first end adapted to be engaged on the container, a second end of said cap structure being sealed by a user deformable portion that includes a pressure application surface;    a penetrating structure connected to an interior surface of the user deformable portion such that it extends towards the membrane when the container and membrane penetrating closure are engaged, the penetrating structure having a cutting edge adapted to sever at least a portion of the membrane; and    retaining structure positioned within the penetrating structure, the retaining structure being adapted to retain the severed portion of the membrane within the penetrating structure.    
     
     
         2 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting edge includes a plurality of serrations.  
     
     
         3 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining structure comprises a plurality of capture projections provided on the cutting edge and extending inwardly therefrom.  
     
     
         4 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 3 , wherein the capture projections have a vertical position along the cutting edge such that when the user deformable portion is deformed towards the membrane, the capture projections will be forced under the membrane before the membrane is completely severed.  
     
     
         5 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 4 , wherein the positions of ones of the plurality of capture projections correspond to the positions of ones of the plurality of serrations.  
     
     
         6 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure comprises a spear projection extending from the user deformable portion and terminating at a position below the cutting edge of the penetrating structure.  
     
     
         7 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 6 , wherein the spear projection includes an enlarged end portion that defines a membrane-supporting ledge.  
     
     
         8 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 7 , wherein the spear projection extends downwardly such that when the user deformable portion is deformed towards the membrane, the spear projection will be advanced through the membrane before the membrane is completely severed.  
     
     
         9 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , further comprising a raised rim extending upwardly of the user deformable portion.  
     
     
         10 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the cap structure includes threads for engaging corresponding threads provided on the container.  
     
     
         11 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , wherein the closure is made of a plastic material.  
     
     
         12 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 11 , wherein the plastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and polypropylene.  
     
     
         13 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting edge is substantially annular.  
     
     
         14 . The membrane penetrating closure of  claim 1 , wherein the user deformable portion is convexly shaped with respect to the container.  
     
     
         15 . A container comprising a vessel having an opening, a membrane sealing the opening, and a membrane penetrating closure according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         16 . A membrane penetrating closure for a container having an opening sealed by a membrane, comprising: 
 a cap structure having a first end adapted to be engaged on the container, a second end of said cap structure being sealed by a user deformable portion that includes a pressure application surface;    a penetrating structure connected to an interior surface of the user deformable portion such that it extends towards the membrane when the container and membrane penetrating closure are engaged, the penetrating structure having a cutting edge adapted to sever at least a portion of the membrane; and    a plurality of capture projections arranged on an inner portion of the cutting edge and extending inwardly therefrom, the capture projections having a vertical position along the cutting edge such that when the user deformable portion is deformed towards the membrane, the capture projections will be forced under the membrane before the membrane is completely severed.    
     
     
         17 . A membrane penetrating closure for a container having an opening sealed by a membrane, comprising: 
 a cap structure having a first end adapted to be threadedly engaged on the container, a second end of said cap structure being sealed by a user deformable portion that includes a pressure application surface;    a penetrating structure connected to an interior surface of the user deformable portion such that it extends towards the membrane when the container and membrane penetrating closure are engaged, the penetrating structure having a cutting edge adapted to sever at least a portion of the membrane; and    a spear projection attached to an underside of the user deformable portion and extending downwardly therefrom, the spear projection terminating at a vertical position below the cutting edge of the penetrating structure.