(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`13 December 2001 (13.12.2001)
`
`peT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 01/94240 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`
`B65D 85/58
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCTlUS01118543
`
`12020 (US). ABRAMS, William [USIUS]; 21 Marion
`Avenue, Albany, NY 12203 (US). SUPRANOWITZ,
`Ronald [USIUS]; 42 Hawthorne Street, Lennox, MA
`01240 (US).
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`7 June 2001 (07.06.2001)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(74) Agent: SCHINDLER, Barry, J.; Dreier & Baritz LLP,
`499 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AU, BR, CA, CN, JP, KR,
`MX,US.
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/210,113
`
`7 June 2000 (07.06.2000) US
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): European patent (AT, BE,
`CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC,
`NL, PT, SE, TR).
`
`(71) Applicant (jar all designated States except US): CAPI-
`TOL SPECIALTY PLASTICS, INC. [USIUS]; 2039
`McMillan Street, Auburn, AL 36832 (US).
`
`Published:
`with international search report
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (jar US only): BUCHOLTZ,
`Michael [USIUS]; 37 Garrett Lane, Balston Spa, NY
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid(cid:173)
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin(cid:173)
`ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`----iiiiiiii
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`- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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`iiiiiiii
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`(54) Title: FLIP TOP GOLF BALL CONTAINER ASSEMBLY PROVIDED WITH MOISTURE BARRIER PROPERTIES
`
`iiiiiiii
`
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`iiiiiiii ----
`
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`Q
`~
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`
`27
`
`(57) Abstract: A golf ball and package
`assembly, comprising at least one golf
`ball and a package defining a cavity
`within which the golf ball is removably
`positioned. The package includes a
`moisture proof,
`resealable container
`(20) and an integral cap (30), that is
`hingedly attached to the container. The
`cap has a base (31) and a skirt (33)
`extending around the periphery of the
`base, and the cap is provided with a
`thumb tab (36) to facilitate opening
`and closing of the container. The cap
`and container are non-circular in shape,
`having curved sides (50) and flat sides
`(52) joined by rounded corners (54).
`The cap may include a gap (81) defined
`therein between surfaces of the cap rim
`and an interior ridge (74), whereby a
`container rim (63) is fitted into the gap
`to form a moisture proof seal when the
`cap is in the closed position. Within the
`package is provided a desiccant insert.
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 1
`
`

`

`WO 01194240
`
`PCT/US01l18543
`
`FLIP TOP GOLF BALL CONTAINER ASSEMBLY
`PROVIDED WITH MOISTURE BARRIER PROPERTIES
`
`5
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to an improved container assembly for golf balls, and more
`
`particularly, relates to a golfball packaging that preserves the mechanical and physical
`
`characteristics of the ball during storage and transport.
`Description of the Related Art
`
`10
`
`Golfballs generally come in two different varieties, solid golf balls and mUlti-piece golf
`
`balls. A solid golf ball consists of a polymeric sphere having a plurality of molded dimples
`
`which aid the flight characteristics of the golf ball. Solid golf balls are usually used for
`
`practicing, where high performance is not a priority, such as in driving ranges. Multi-piece
`
`15
`
`golf balls exhibit better playing characteristics than solid golf balls and are consequently used
`
`on golf courses during play. A mUltipiece golfball consists of either a wound or solid rubber
`
`core that is covered with a separate and distinct cover. The cover often comprises a single
`
`thermoplastic layer. Recently, new types of multi-piece golfballs have been introduced having
`
`a multilayered compound including a plastic mantle surrounding a solid polybutadiene rubber
`
`20
`
`core and an external thermoplastic envelope. The solid cOJ.:e or the center of a wound core is
`
`generally made of an elastomer, such as a CIS content polybutadiene rubber which is
`
`combined with a zinc or other metal salt of unsaturated fatty acid. Often, small amounts of
`
`zinc oxide are also added to the core in order to achieve a higher performance in restitution, as
`
`described below.
`
`25
`
`The cover of a multi-piece golf ball is typically made from a material that contributes to
`
`the durability of the ball and also provides the particular "feel" characteristics of the ball when
`
`struck with a club. By way of example, a two-piece golf ball construction of a rubber core and
`
`an ionomer cover generally provides a very durable ball and also provides maximum
`
`traveling distance to the ball when struck with a club.
`
`30
`
`Golfball manufacturers have recently introduced a new type of two-piece golfball for
`
`use by tour players. The new golf balls provide a softer feeling to the ball when struck with a
`
`club. Manufacturers have achieved this characteristic by lowering the core compression and
`
`softening the cover of the golf ball. Golfball manufacturers have also recently develop~d a
`
`three-layer golfball having an intermediate mantle between the core and the cover. The
`
`1
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 2
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`

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`three-layer golfball provides a softer feel to the golf ball while also providing maximum
`
`distance and durability.
`
`Unfortunately, multi-piece golf balls typically absorb moisture when they are subjected
`
`to prolonged storage under ambient conditions of temperature and humidity. A short period of
`
`moisture absorption can cause significant changes in the performance characteristics of the
`
`10
`
`ball. Such moisture absorption may affect the weight of the ball, as well as the physical and
`
`mechanical characteristics of the various materials that make up the different pieces of the golf
`
`ball structure, including the cover, the core and the mantle.
`
`One other characteristic that is affected by moisture absorption is the initial velocity of
`
`the golfball. United States Golf Association (USGA) rules govern the allowable ranges of
`
`15
`
`initial velocity values for golf balls. According to the USGA rules, the initial velocity must not
`
`exceed a value of250 feet per second, with a maximum tolerance of2%. Consequently, golf
`
`ball manufacturers have sought to manufacture golf balls that have an initial velocity as close
`
`as possible to the 255 feet per second limit, without exceeding this value.
`
`As described in U.S. Patent no. 5,875,891, moisture has been shown to adversely affect
`
`20
`
`the initial velocity of a ball over a very short period of time. According to this reference, "the
`
`initial velocity loss is approximately 2.5 ftlsec. over twelve months for golf balls having a soft
`
`cover, between 50 to 60 shore D, in an environment of 72° F and 50% of relative humidity
`
`(RH). Such a initial velocity loss of 2.5 ftlsec. corresponds to a loss of distance of
`
`approximately 6 to 10 yards when the ball is struck with a driver. For a golf ball having a hard
`
`25
`
`cover, between 68-72 shore D in the same conditions, the initial velocity loss over 12 months
`
`is approximately 0.5 ftlsec."
`
`The problem of moisture absorption is particularly acute for soft cover balls because the
`
`soft cover is more permeable to moisture than a hard cover, so the moisture reaches the core
`
`more easily. Because it is made of a highly hygroscopic material, the core absorbs this
`
`30
`
`moisture, ,which degrades the desired properties of the core. The degradation in performance
`
`characteristics is generally accelerated when the ambient storage temperature becomes higher.
`
`For a soft cover ball at a temperature around 110°F and 50% RH, a velocity loss of 2.5 ftlsec
`
`may occur in only a few weeks, as opposed to twelve months for a soft cover ball in an
`
`environment of 72°F and 50% RH. During transportation of the golfball from the
`
`35
`
`manufacturing facility to a retail store, actual storage conditions are closer to these conditions.
`
`Consequently, soft cover balls may experience a large reduction in performance characteristics
`
`2
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 3
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`

`

`WO 01194240
`
`PCT/US01l18543
`
`5
`
`when being transported from the manufacturing facilities to the retail store.
`u.s. Patent no. 5,875,891 discloses a packaging for golf balls that acts as a barrier
`inhibiting moisture absorption by a golfball during storage. In one embodiment, the
`
`packaging includes a sealing member that defines an internal closed volume that is configured
`
`to receive golfbal1(s). The sealing member preferably has a laminate structure that includes a
`
`10
`
`moisture barrier layer, a sealing layer and a structural layer. According to the reference,
`
`"There is therefore a need for a packaging that may be used to store golf balls prior to first use
`
`and prevent the damage associated with difficult storage and shipping conditions, such as
`
`temperature and moisture. Such a packaging should sufficiently protect the golfball to ensure
`
`the freshness of the golfball and preserve the optimum properties ofthe golfball prior to first
`
`15
`
`use, while also preserving and protecting the structure of the ball. The packaging should be
`
`both capable of protecting single or mUltiple golf balls and retaining the physical and
`
`mechanical properties of the ball, such as the initial velocity value, until the packaging is
`
`opened." The reference purports to satisfY these needs. U.S. Patent no. 5,875,981 at col. 3
`
`lines 49-65.
`
`20
`
`U.S. Patent nos. 4,783,056 and 4,812,116, the latter being a divisional of the fonner,
`
`disclose a mold and a process for making an aseptic vial and cap. The teachings of these
`
`references are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`Co-pending U.S. application no. 09/386,702 filed on August 31, 1999, and assigned to
`
`the same assignee as the present application, discloses a leakproof, resealable container and
`
`25
`
`cap assembly which comprises a cap and container attached by a hinge. The container has an
`
`upper portion and an outer surface, and at the upper portion, the container has a rim. The cap
`
`has a circular base portion with an outer periphery and a cylindrical tubular skirt extending
`
`perpendicularly and outwardly around said outer periphery of the base; the skirt has an inner
`
`wall which includes at least one recess. In another embodiment, the cap has opposing ends;
`
`30
`
`the cap has a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container and the hinge
`
`attached to the container. The thumb tab and hinge are positioned on opposing ends of the cap
`
`and extend perpendicularly and outwardly from the skirt of the cap. In a further embodiment,
`
`the skirt of the cap overlies the container and the rim of the container is situated within the
`
`recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap during a closed position. The container may also
`
`35
`
`be provided with a flange projecting radially outwardly from the outer surface of the
`
`container. The hinge may be attached to the container flange and the skirt ofthe cap is
`
`3
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 4
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`

`

`WO 01194240
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`PCT/US01l18543
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`
`designed to overlie the rim of the container and be in unifonn close proximity to the container
`
`flange during the closed position. The cap and container assembly, when in the closed
`
`position, fonn a leakproof, air tight seal. The cap and container may be integrally molded of
`
`plastic, fonning a hinge therebetween.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`The present invention relates to a resealable container and cap assembly for storing and
`
`packaging golf balls. The container substantially prohibits the ingress of moisture into the
`
`container through the lid when the container is sealed. In other words, it is substantially
`
`moisture-proof. In another aspect of the invention, the container assembly is provided with a
`
`desiccant or similar material which reduces the moisture present within the container when it
`
`15
`
`is sealed. That is, after the container has been sealed, the desiccant absorbs moisture present
`
`in the cavity. Likewise, after the container has been opened and then resealed, the desiccant
`
`absorbs moisture that entered the cavity when the container was opened.
`
`In one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises a cap and container
`
`that may be attached by a hinge. The container has an upper portion and an outer surface, and
`
`20
`
`at the upper portion, the container has a rim. The cap has a base portion with an outer
`
`periphery and a skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around said outer periphery of
`
`the base; the skirt has an inner wall. The cap sealingly engages with the upper portion of the
`
`container which provides a seal between the interior of the container and the outside
`
`environment.
`
`25
`
`The container and cap may be non-circular in shape. For instance, the container and cap
`
`may be provided with comers, either squared or rounded. The container and cap may be any
`
`non-circular shape, such as a triangle or an ellipse, without regard to whether the shape is
`
`symmetrical or not. Although the container and cap may take a circular shape, non-circular
`
`shapes may be preferable since it pennits the user to insert a finger or object into the container
`
`30
`
`and remove a ball, rendering the inversion of the container to remove a ball unnecessary.
`
`In another embodiment, the cap has a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing
`
`of the container, and a hinge is attached to the container. The thumb tab and hinge are
`
`positioned on opposing ends of the cap and extend perpendicularly from the skirt of the cap.
`
`In a further embodiment, the skirt of the cap overlies the rim of the container and the rim of
`
`35
`
`the container is situated within a recess of the inner.wall of the skirt of the cap during the
`
`closed position.
`
`4
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 5
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`

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`PCT/US01l18543
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`
`The container may also be provided with a flange proj ecting radially outwardly from the
`
`outer surface of the container. The hinge may be attached to the container flange and the skirt
`
`of the cap is designed to overlie the rim of the container and be in uniform close proximity to
`
`the container flange during the closed position. The cap and container assembly, when in the
`
`closed position, form a leakproof, moisture proof seal. The cap and container may be
`
`10
`
`integrally molded of plastic, with the hinge formed therebetween.
`
`In a further embodiment, the hinge of the assembly has a recess positioned between two
`
`elements, the first element being attached to the skirt of the cap and the second element being
`
`attached to the container. The recess may be a piece of thermoplastic integral with the two
`
`elements, the recess being relatively thinner than the two elements. In still a further
`
`15
`
`embodiment, the recess functions as a bending point during the opening and closing of the
`
`container.
`
`In a further embodiment a ridge is provided on the base of the cap and extends
`
`perpendicularly in the direction of the skirt. The ridge is positioned a distance away from the
`
`skirt which approximately corresponds to the thickness of the rim and/or upper portion ofthe
`
`20
`
`container. This arrangement creates a gap between the ridge and the skirt. When the cap is
`
`closed onto the container, the rim of the container resides within the g,ap. Together, the ridge,
`
`skirt, and rim forming a substantially moisture proof seal.
`
`While the present invention is described in terms of providing a moisture proof
`
`container for the packaging and storing of golf balls, is it evident that this container can be
`
`25
`
`used to store any of a number of other items that would benefit from being packaged and
`
`stored in a dry environment.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention;
`
`Figure 2 is an top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1;
`
`30
`
`Figure 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the container and cap assembly
`
`of the present invention in a closed position;
`
`Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the assembly in a closed
`
`position;
`
`Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hinge which connects the cap
`
`35
`
`and container;
`
`Figure 6 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the container and cap assembly
`
`5
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 6
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`

`

`WO 01194240
`
`PCT/US01l18543
`
`5
`
`of the present invention sized to hold three goit balls;
`
`Figure 7 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`Figure 8 is a plot of moisture ingress through the seal over a 50 day period (measured in
`
`hours);
`
`Figure 9 is a plot of shelf life of golf balls stored in container with desiccant.
`
`10
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a moisture proof, resealable container and lid assembly.
`
`The term "resealable" means that the closure can be closed at least once after the container is
`
`opened for the first time. Preferably, the closure can be opened and closed additional times
`
`after the initial opening.
`
`15
`
`In another embodiment, the cap and container assembly, in a closed position, forms a
`
`moisture proof seal. The tenn "moisture proof' refers to a rate of ingress of moisture into a
`
`sealed container of about 500 ~g/day or less detennined by the test method of the example.
`
`Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, where one embodiment of the resealable cap and
`
`container assembly 10 of the present invention is illustrated, the assembly 10 includes a
`
`20
`
`container 20 having a base 28, an internal cavity 27, an outer surface 25, an upper portion 21
`
`and lower portion 26. The container 20 has a rim 22 at the upper portion 21. The assembly 10
`
`also has a cap 30 which has a base 31 and a skirt 33 extending perpendicularly around the
`
`outer periphery of the base 31. The cap 30 is provided with a thumb tab 36 for facilitating the
`
`opening and closing of the container, and is attached to the container 20 by hinge 40. The tab
`
`25
`
`36 and hinge 40 are preferably positioned on opposing ends of the cap and extend
`
`perpendicularly from the skirt 33 of the cap 30. A desiccant puck 3 can be seen sitting at the
`
`bottom of the container in Figure 2.
`
`The container may also have a flange 24 projecting radially outwardly from the outer
`
`surface 25 ofthe container 20. The hinge 40 may also be attached to the container flange 24.
`
`30
`
`The hinge 40 also has a recess 42 that functions as a bending point during the opening and
`
`closing of the container. The hinge 40 has two elements, 40A and 40B, respectively, fonned
`
`on either side of the recess. One element 40A is attached to the flange 24 of the container 20
`
`and the second element 40B is attached to the cap 30.
`
`As illustrated in Figure 2, the cap and container are non-circular in shape. The cap and
`
`35
`
`container each have curved sides 50 and flat sides 52, joined by rounded comers 54. A non(cid:173)
`
`circular shape can facilitate the removal of a golf ball without the need to invert the container,
`
`6
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 7
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`

`WO 01194240
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`
`as discussed above. Any kind of non-circular shape can be used in this invention, without
`
`regard to whether the shape is symmetrical or asymmetrical. Suitable shapes include the
`
`square, triangle, ellipse, rectangle, trapezoid, and numerous others. If the assembly is
`
`provided with corners, as is the case with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, they may be
`
`squared or rounded. Furthermore, the skilled artisan would understand that the assembly
`
`10
`
`could be circular in its shape.
`The container is sized to hold at least one golfball. It can be sized to hold one ball, or a
`
`plurality of balls (i.e.- two, three, four, five, or any other possible number). In an exemplary
`
`depiction shown in Figure 6, the container is sized to hold three golfballs.
`
`Suitable material for assembly 10 includes plastic (Sh&. thermoplastics such as
`
`15
`
`polypropylene and polyethylene). In one embodiment, the cap 30 and container 20 may be
`
`integrally molded of the plastic to form a hinge 40 therebetween. In one embodiment, the cap
`
`30 and container 20 may be produced in a molding process and, in another embodiment, may
`
`be molded in accordance with the mold similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,783,056
`
`and 4,812,116, respectively or, in another embodiment, may be produced in accordance 'with
`
`20
`
`U.S. Patent No. 5,723,085. The disclosure of these patents are incorporated by reference
`
`herein.
`
`Turning to Figure 5, which shows the hinge 40 of one embodiment of the present
`
`invention, the recess 42 is characterized by a relatively thinner section of plastic material
`
`which bridges thicker sections 40A, 40B of the hinge 40. The recess 42 is a location which
`
`25
`
`bends relatively easily and acts as the location where the hinge folds when the lid is closed,
`
`and as the location where the hinge opens when the lid is opened.
`
`In another embodiment, the thumb tab 36 has a length from about 0.125 inches to about
`
`0.325 inches, preferably 0.235 inches, measured from the outside perimeter of the cap to the
`
`end of the tab. In still another embodiment, the assembly 10 can be sealed and/or resealed by
`
`30
`
`applying, in a singular motion, downward pressure upon the thumb tab or base of the cap 31 to
`
`obtain a leakproof seal. As an example, a user places his or her thumb parallel or on top of the
`
`thumb tab (i.e. the frontal portion of the container) and applies a downward pressure until an
`
`audible snap is heard and then verified by visual inspection of uniform cap position around the
`
`flange. The same effect can be obtained if the user presses down upon the base of the cap 31.
`
`35
`
`Figure 3 depicts a side elevational view of the present invention in a closed position.
`
`The cap and container assembly 10 comprises the cap 30 and the container 20 connected by
`
`7
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 8
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`

`WO 01194240
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`
`the hinge 40. The container 20 has a flange 24 "extending from the outer surface 25 and a base
`
`28. The cap 30 has a skirt 33 and the thumb tab 36 extending perpendicular from the skirt 33.
`
`In a closed position, the skirt 33 ofthe cap 30 overlies the container 20 and lies upon the
`
`flange 24 of the container 20.
`
`Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly lOin a closed position. The
`
`10
`
`skirt 33 of the cap 30 overlies the container 20 and lies upon the flange 24 of the container 30
`
`while the rim 22 of the container 20 is situated within the recess 32 of the inner wall 35 of the
`
`skirt 33 of the cap 30. The container 20 can be sealed and/or resealed by applying, in a
`
`singular motion, downward pressure upon the thumb tab 36 or the base of the cap 31 to obtain
`
`a moisture proof seal.
`
`IS
`
`Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Container 12 is
`
`provided with wall 13, which defines an internal cavity 15. The upper region of the container
`
`walll3 is provided with a rim 63 extending around the periphery of the container 12. Rim 63
`
`and the smooth transition surface at upper edge 62 of the container 12 form an annular region
`
`for interlocking with the cap 14. In one embodiment, the outer diameter at the rim 63 is
`
`20
`
`greater than the outer wall diameter of wall 13. In one embodiment, it is about 0.025" greater.
`
`The outer diameter of the rim 63 is constant for about 0.033" at a first rim surface 65.
`
`Adjacent the first rim surface 65, a second rim surface 67 tapers down to the outer wall 13 of
`
`the container 12 over a distance of about 0.030" at an oblique angle, suitably about 210.
`
`The container 12 may be integrally connected to the cap 14 by means of a tab or flange
`
`25
`
`16. Cap 14 has a base 85, and a skirt 87 extending therefrom. Extending perpendicular to the
`
`skirt 87 is a thumb tab 88 for facilitating the opening and closing of the container. Ridge 74 is
`
`positioned on the interior 70 of the base 85, and extends perpendicularly therefrom. The outer
`
`wall 77 of the ridge 74 and the wall surfaces 87 of the cap rim define a gap 81 into which rim
`
`63 is fitted to form a moisterproof seal when the cap is in the closed position. An end surface
`
`30
`
`79 of the ridge 74 interconnects the inner edge 75 with the outer edge 77.
`
`The ridge 74, the gap 81 and the cylindrical skirt 87 combine to form an annular region
`
`for interlocking with the rim 63 on the container 12. The rim 63 is adapted to sealingly fit
`
`within the gap 81 formed between the seal 74 and the outer cap rim. The top surface 76 forms
`
`a smooth transition surface to further guide the seal 74 around the container wall.
`
`35
`
`In one embodiment, to insure that the moisture which may is enter the container
`
`assembly is absorbed so it does not adversely affect golfball performance, a desiccant, in the
`
`8
`
`CLARIANTX 1017 Page 9
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`shape of a disc (e.g. puck), sleeve, or other shapes, either conforms to a part of the container or
`
`is placed within the container. U.S. Patent No. 5,911,937 discloses a process and resulting
`
`structure for producing a desiccant insert. The method of making the desiccant insert is
`
`incorporated by reference herein as an embodiment of one method of making the desiccant
`
`insert. In addition, U.S. Patent No. 5,911,937 discloses various structures and positions in the
`
`10
`
`container for the desiccant insert including a plug and a liner in the container. These
`
`structures and positions are also incorporated by reference herein as embodiments of various
`
`structures and positions of the desiccant insert.
`
`In another embodiment, a suitable puck is constructed as follows: (a) 35%
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`Polypropylene (Aristech manufacturer); (b) 5% Polyethylene Glycol (Dow manufacturer
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`15
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`"E4500"); and ( c) 60% Molecular Sieve (Elf AtoChem manufacturer "MS4A").
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`The above percentages are on a weight/weight basis. The components are blended and
`
`extruded into pellets. The pellets are injection molded into the desiccant puck. All sample
`
`components are in the solid phase. The total weight of the molded puck can be approximately
`
`4.5 grams. In another embodiment, a desiccant may be blended with a thermoplastic material
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`20
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`to form a suitable shape.
`
`EXAMPLE
`
`The moisture ingress through the flip-top seal of the container described in Figures 1-4
`
`was determined over a fifty (50) day period. A total of six (6) vials were used for the study.
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`Two vials, referred to as CONTROL A and CONTROL B, do not contain desiccant. Four
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`25
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`other vials, referred to as Samples C, D, E, F, have 2.0 grams of loose molecular sieve (MS)
`
`powder placed inside, plus or minus 0.25 grams. The dimensions of the containers are
`
`approximately 1.8" in diameter x. 5.3" tall. The test method can be described as follows: (a)
`
`placing two grams plus or minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve ("MS") into four (4)
`
`containers 1.8" in diameter x 5.3" tall and recording the weight; (b) recording the weight of
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`30
`
`two of the same containers which do not contain any MS material, which containers are
`
`maintained as controls; (c) closing the containers by applying, in a singular motion, a
`
`downward pressure upon the container lids or thumb tabs until the rim portions, adjacent to
`
`the thumb tabs, contact the inside flat part of the caps also adjacent to the thumb tabs; (d)
`
`weighing the six (6) containers and recording their respective weights; (e) placing the closed
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`35
`
`containers in an environmental chamber maintained at conditions of 80% relative humidity
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`and 72DF; (f) weighing the containers on a daily basis for fifty (50) days, recording the
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`weights of the respective containers, and returning them to the chamber; (g) subtracting the
`
`weights recorded in steps (a) and (b) from the current day weight of the respective containers
`
`to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water; and (h)
`
`determining the moisture ingress through the seal by discounting the moisture ingress through
`
`the vial, according to the following methodology, calculated on a daily basis:
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`10
`
`n - Sample Type (A - F)
`
`Sn- Sample Weight Gain = (Current Vial Weight -
`
`Initial Vial Weight at Start
`
`of Study)
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`15
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`Ctrl
`
`TS
`
`MI
`
`- Average Weight Gain of Control Samples = (SA +SB)12
`- Average Weight Gain of Test Samples = (SC+SD+SE+SF)/4
`- Moisture Ingress through Seal = (TS - Ctrl).
`
`A relative humidity transducer is mounted in the environmental chamber. The
`
`transducer measures the relative humidity inside the chamber. The transducer is a capacitive
`
`type, composed of a thin polymer film, with a 0-100% relative humidity operating range,
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`20
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`accuracy +-3%RH from 10-90% at (-20-400C), resolution: >0.04% between (25-60% RH).
`
`Results
`
`The data collected shows that the average moisture ingress through the flip-top seal is
`
`318 Ilg per day over the test period. The rate of moisture ingress is relatively constant over
`
`the test period, as shown by the plot in Figure 8. The data is presented in Table 1. The MS
`
`25
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`absorbed approximately 5% of its total capacity.
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`Figure 9 shows the relationship between shelflife and moisture ingress rate of a 4.5
`
`gram desiccant puck containing 60% (w/w) desiccant material.
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`What is claimed:
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`PCT/US01l18543
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`1.
`
`A golf ball and package assembly, comprising:
`
`at least one golf ball;
`
`a package separable from said golf ball defining a cavity within which said golf ball is
`
`10
`
`positioned, said package comprising: (a) a moisture proof, resealable container and an
`
`integrally attached cap, wherein the package has a base, an internal cavity, an outer
`
`surface, an upper portion and lower portion, a rim at the upper portion, the cap has a base
`
`and a skirt extending perpendicularly around the outer periphery of the base, the cap is
`
`provided with a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container, and is
`
`15
`
`attached to the package by a hinge; (b) the cap and container are non-circular in shape
`
`having curved sides and flat sides; (c) an outer wall of the ridge and wall surfaces of the
`
`cap rim define a gap into which the rim is fitted to form a moisture proof seal when the cap
`
`is in the closed position; and (d) a desiccant insert located at or near the bottom of the
`
`package.
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`20
`
`2.
`
`The assembly of claim 1, wherein the moisture proof container has an ingress of
`
`moisture into a sealed container ofless than about 500 /lg/day.
`
`3.
`
`The assembly of claim 1 wherein the hinge has a recess that functions as a
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`25
`
`bending point during the opening and closing of the container and the hinge has two
`
`elements, formed on either side of the recess, one element is attached to the flange of the
`
`container and the second element is attached to the cap.
`
`4.
`
`The assembly of claim 3 wherein the container is sized to hold three golf balls.
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`30
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`The assembly of claim 3 wherein the package is composed of a thermoplastic.
`
`The assembly of claim 5 wherein the hinge has a recess that is characterized by a
`
`relatively thinner section of plastic material which bridges thicker sections of the hinge
`
`35
`
`and wherein the recess is in a location which bends relatively easily and acts as the
`
`location where the hinge folds when the lid is closed, and as the location where the hinge
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`WO 01194240
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`opens when the lid is opened.
`
`7.
`
`The assembly of claim 5 wherein the thumb tab has a length from about 0.125
`
`inches to about 0.325 inches, measured from the outside perimeter of the cap to the end of
`
`the tab.
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`10
`
`8.
`
`The assembly of claim 5 wherein the package is designed so that the package can
`
`be resealed by applying, in a singular motion, downward pressure upon the thumb tab or
`
`base of the cap to obtain a leakproof seal.
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`15
`
`9.
`
`The assembly of claim 5 wherein a skirt of the cap overlies the container and lies
`
`upon the flange of the container while the rim of the container is situated within a recess of
`
`the inner