Composite closure with outer gripping layer

Abstract

A composite closure for an associated container is configured to facilitate gripping and manipulation by consumers, as well as handling of closures by automated equipment. The closure includes an inner closure cap, and an outer gripping layer which is applied to at least the periphery of a skirt portion of the closure cap. Notably, the closure cap includes at least one outwardly projecting element which projects to at least the surface of the outer gripping layer. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of projecting elements are provided in the form of annular elements which project beyond the surface of the outer gripping layer along respective margins thereof, thus facilitating handling by automated equipment. In another aspect of the invention, the projecting portion comprises graphical elements which extend through the outer gripping layer for enhanced gripping and visual appeal.

1 . A composite closure, comprising:
 a closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular, internally threaded depending skirt portion; and   an outer gripping layer applied to at least an outer periphery of said skirt portion,   said closure cap including at least one projecting portion of said cap that extends to at least the surface of said outer gripping layer.   
   
   
       2 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein:
 said projecting portion projects radially outwardly from said skirt portion.   
   
   
       3 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein:
 said projecting portion is annular, and extends beyond the surface of said outer gripping layer.   
   
   
       4 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein:
 said projecting portion projects outwardly from a free edge of said skirt portion.   
   
   
       5 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein:
 said projecting portion projects upwardly from said top wall portion beyond the surface of said outer gripping layer.   
   
   
       6 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein:
 said projecting portion is annular.   
   
   
       7 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein:
 said closure cap includes another one of said projecting portions that is annular and projects upwardly from said top wall portion beyond the surface of said outer gripping layer.   
   
   
       8 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein:
 said projecting portion projects through said outer gripping layer.   
   
   
       9 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein:
 said projecting portion comprises one or more graphical elements each having an open configuration so that said outer gripping layer contacts all side surfaces of each graphical element.   
   
   
       10 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein:
 said projecting portion comprises one or more graphical elements each having side surfaces that extend perpendicularly to a mold parting line defined by said closure.   
   
   
       11 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein:
 said closure cap includes a plurality of said projecting portions in diametrically opposed relationship, and each comprising one or more graphical elements, wherein the graphical elements of each projecting portion are positioned within a respective quadrant of said closure, with each one of said quadrants positioned at a right angle with respect to a mold parting line defined by said closure.   
   
   
       12 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein:
 an inner free edge of said skirt portion defines a radius which is sufficient to avoid damage to the outer gripping layer of other like ones of said composite closure during handling.   
   
   
       13 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein:
 said radius is from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches.   
   
   
       14 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein:
 said radius is about 0.070 inches.   
   
   
       15 . A composite closure, comprising:
 a closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular, internally threaded depending skirt portion; and   an outer gripping layer applied to at least an outer periphery of said skirt portion,   said closure cap including a plurality of projecting portions that extend at least to the surface of said outer gripping layer, including an annular projecting portion projecting radially outwardly from a free edge of said skirt portion, and another annular projecting portion extending upwardly from said top wall portion, said projecting portions being positioned along respective margins of said gripping layer and facilitating handling of the composite closure.   
   
   
       16 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein:
 said closure cap includes a plurality of graphical elements that project radially outwardly of said skirt portion through said outer gripping layer.   
   
   
       17 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein:
 said graphical elements each have an open configuration so that said outer gripping layer contacts all side surfaces of each of said graphical elements.   
   
   
       18 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein:
 said graphical elements are arranged in first and second groups, wherein each group is positioned within a respective quadrant of said closure, with each one of said quadrants being positioned at a right angle to a mold parting line defined by said closure.   
   
   
       19 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein:
 side surfaces of said graphical elements extend perpendicularly to said mold parting line.   
   
   
       20 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein:
 an inner free edge of said skirt portion defines a radius from about 0.050 inches to about 0.090 inches to avoid damage to the outer gripping layer of other like ones of said composite closure during handling.   
   
   
       21 . A composite closure in accordance with  claim 20 , wherein:
 said radius is about 0.070 inches.