Seal for elevated temperature applications and method of forming same

Abstract

A seal and method of forming a seal for a reclosable container includes a removable cap that is selectively received over a pour opening formed in a can body. The method includes applying a plastisol to an interior surface of the cap, curing the plastisol at an elevated temperature in the cap, and cold-forming the cap containing the cured plastisol therein. In another arrangement, an EVA seal material is extruded into the cap and the seal is subsequently cold-formed in the cap.

1 . A method of forming a seal for a reclosable container having a removable cap that is selectively received over a pour opening formed in a can body, the method including:
 applying a seal to an interior surface of the cap;   curing the seal material in the cap; and   cold forming the seal in the cap.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising supplying a metal cap having a generally cup-shaped conformation. 
     
     
         3 . A method of  claim 2  wherein the metal cap supplying step includes providing a steel cap. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the metal cap supplying step includes providing an aluminum cap. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising pre-coating at least a portion of the cap interior surface prior to the plastisol applying step. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the pre-coating is a material that enhances the bond between the aluminum and the plastisol seal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the pre-coating step includes spraying the pre-coating on an interior surface of the cap. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the pre-coating step includes spraying the pre-coating on only a portion of an interior surface of the cap. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the curing step includes exposing the cap with the applied plastisol to a temperature of approximately 400° F. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the curing step includes exposing the cap with the applied plastisol to a temperature of approximately 400° F. for a pre-selected period of time. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the pre-selected period of time is approximately 2 minutes. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising extruding the seal into the cap. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the extruded seal is an EVA material and the cold forming of the seal occurs in the cap. 
     
     
         14 . A reclosable container comprising
 a body having a pour opening formed therein;   a removable cap selectively received over the pour opening of the can body; and   a plastisol seal provided along at least a portion of an interior surface of the cap.   
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 14  wherein the seal has a generally annular configuration dimensioned for engagement with the body around the pour opening. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 14  the removable cap is a metal cap. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 16  wherein the removable metal cap is steel. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 16  wherein the removable metal cap is aluminum. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 18  wherein the aluminum cap has a pre-coating applied over the at least a portion of the cap interior surface to enhance the bonding between the seal and the aluminum.