US2176057A - Sealing closure for containers - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 17, 1939. I A. F. BURKARDT v SEALING CLOSURE FOR CONTAINERS Filed May 13, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 0 n10 ur rd? Y HI A RNEY Oct. 17, 1939. A. F. BURKARDT I SEALING CLOSURE FOR CONTAINERS Filed May 1-3, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Anton E b JF k O rdf 5 HI TTORNEY Oct. 17, 1939 F BURKARDT 2,176,057

SEALING CLOSURE FOR CONTAINERS Filed May 13, 1958 s Sheets-Sheet s INVEYNTOR B nionEur ran ap. H15 RNEY Patented Oct. 17, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SEALING CLOSURE FOR CONTAINERS Application May 13, 1938, Serial No. 207,662

7 Claims.

My invention relates to improved sealing closures for containers, including. bottles of the nature of milk bottles.

This application is in part a continuation of my allowed application Serial No. 12,671, filed March 23, 1935, entitled Bottle sealing closure.

Containers of the nature of milk bottles and kindred containers are generally formed of material such as glass, plastics and like molded material, or of paper molded or otherwise shaped, and by reason of the procedure of manufacture, variations in contour and/or dimensions, particularly at and about their mouth portions, are practically unavoidable.

My sealing closure embodies inherent structural features which provide for self-accommodation to the stated variations of contour and/or dimensions of the mouth portion upon application and repeated application in closing relationship thereto, as well as other inherent attributes as will appear.

A principal structural feature of my sealing closure resides in the assembly of a cover element and a closure element effective cooperatively to provide a permanent substantially air-tight pneumatic cushion between the stated elements, the component portions of the stated cover and closure elements being arranged to contribute a predetermined'range of flexibility and therewith combined rigidity, resulting in the attainment of optimum performance, during the stages of feeding the closures in a regulation capping machine, lodging of such closures in sealing relation with the mouth formation of a container such as a standard glassTiottlej and removal and replacement of the closure in normal use in dispensing the contents of the container.

Securement of such cover element and such closure element with respect to one another is effectively had by adhesive or equivalent means. In certain preferred forms of my invention, optimum securement is attained by applying the adhesive over the full or substantially the full periphery of the inter-engaging portions of.the cover element and the closure element. In certain other preferred forms of the invention, securement between the cover element and the closure element is attained by mechanical interengagement of portions of the cover element and the closure element. I

The sealing closures pursuant to the method phase of the invention are advantageously rapidly applied, respectively, to the mouths of the containers under the action of pressure applied at and adjacent the center of the top surfaces thereof preferably by means of a. convex die surface. By this manner of application, the sealing rim of the pneumatic cushion converges inwardly providing for passage of air therearound and upon the withdrawal of the sealing die the for- 5 mation of a partial vacuum between the sealing closure and-the contents of the container, effective to enhance tight sealing.

Further features and objects of the invention Will be more fully understood from the following 10 detail description and-the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a detail perspective view of the top portion of a container, having a seat formation covered by a sealing closure embodying one preferred form of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a central sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 3 is a central vertical section of the sealing closure shown in Fig. 2, in its status removed from the top of the container.

Fig. 4 is a central sectional view similar to Fig. 2, showing another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 5 is a central sectional view similar to Fig. 2, showing another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 6 is a detail central sectional view of another embodiment of my invention, during application thereof to a bottle having a smooth mouth and devoid of a seat formation.

Fig. 7 is a central sectional view similar to Fig, 6 and illustrating the position of the sealing closure on the container after the sealing operation has been performed.

Fig. 7a is a central sectional view of the sealing closure illustrating the domed construction of the portion to be placed within the container, and the flat construction of the portion extending over the expanse of the mouth of the container.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view illustrating in per spective the cover element and the closure element.

Fig. 9 is a central sectional view, correspondto Fig. 6, but illustrating a convenient manner of manually inserting or removing my sealing closure relativeto the mouth of the container.

Fig. 10 is a central sectional View of another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective View of the top portion of a container, having a seat formation in its mouth, the mouth being closed by another embodiment of my invention, which is of the sotermed hood type.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation, partly broken away in central vertical section, of Fig. 11. is on a somewhat enlarged scale.

Fig. 13 illustrates a convenient manner of removing my sealing closure by manual manipulation and force applied to a tab portion of the hood element.

Fig. 14 is a central vertical section of the upper portion of a container, closed by another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 15 is a side elevation, partly broken away in central vertical section, illustrating the use of material such as clear regenerated cellulose in sheet form, glassine paper, or like transparent or translucent material, applied about the embodiment of my sealing closure illustrated in Fig. 14 and also about the upper portion of the exterior of the bottle.

Fig. 16 is a side elevation, partly in vertical section, corresponding generally to Fig. 15, but illustrating the outer material applied to an embodiment generally similar to that of Fig. 6, and including a special tab formation for the outer material.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, the type of my invention illustrated in the stated figures comprises a cover element In and a therewith cooperating closure element H, the cover element embodying in essence an irnperforate central portion Illa extending over the expanse of the mouth l2 of the container l3 and an annular lip portion lllb extending at least to the crown of the pouring lip Id of the container, and the closure element ll embodying in essence a sealing rim portion l5 arranged to be positioned within the seat formation It of the mouth of the container, the extension, 1. e., the radially outwardly projecting flange l5a of which projects toward the crown of the pouring lip of the container, and an imperforate generally central body portion II a arranged relative to the stated remaining portions of the closure element, in cooperation with the cover element, to provide a pneumatic cushion therebetween.

This view In the type of construction illustrated in Figs. 2 V

and 3, the closure element II is secured to the cover element It) by attachment of its rim extension l5a to or adjacent the annular lip portion lflb of the cover element, as by an adhesive of suitable character, i. e., resistant against milk or other content of the container, against pasteurizing and sterilizing, against water incident to rain and other aqueous atmospheric condition, against conditions incident to icing and other treatment, and/or other handling condition, the stated location of attachment imparting particular advantages as will appear.

Most preferably, and as is indicated in the em-- bodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the space I! between the cover and closure elements, effective as the pneumatic cushion, is of a predetermined cubical content whereby optimum sealing relationship is had upon placement of my sealing closure in position upon the container, and selfaccommodation of my sealing closure to varied contour and/or dimensions of the container mouth formation is provided, and also facility of removal from the mouth of the container is enhanced while preserving its integrity for subsequent use.

The stated structure affords, coactively with the pneumatic cushioning effect, a range of flexibility and correlated rigidity, which cooperatively accomplishes optimum results. To this end, the rim portion I5 is formed slightly conical, i. e., at a relatively acute angle with the vertical, and the inwardly lying portion of the closure element 1 l is formed conical, see Nb, of greater angular relation with the vertical, whereby upon insertion of the rim portion l5 within the seat formation I6 of the mouth of the container, an optimum range of flexibility with correlated stiffness is attained. The mouth of the container I3 is slightly smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the closure element H. Therefore, the forcing of such closure element ll into the mouth of the container constricts the sealing flange l5. The fact that the flange l5 of the closure element I l is firmly secured to the under face of the top closure 10 results in the doming of the top closure after pressure is applied thereto, and the creation of a spring-like action to help press the side closing flange l5 tightly against the inner rim of the mouth of the container. The portion of the closure element at the junction of the side closing flange l5 and member [ID is thus forced into close engagement with the seat l6 of the mouth of the container.

The above stated advantages are enhanced by, and commensurately within proper limit with, the extent of projection of the annular lip portion Illb through the crown M of the pouring lip of the container, as for example see lflb, Fig. 2, whereby an increased area of engagement is had by such extended lip portion with the downwardly curved sides of the lip portion of the container.

The lip portion of my sealing closure serves also to afford direct manual grasping, or indirectly grasping by the use of a suitable implement, for elevating one side of my sealing closure in the removal of same from the mouth of the container. In this operation the pneumatic cushion, being substantially air-tight, remains intact and functions to afford relative displacement of the sealing rim portion l5 within the range of flexibility of the closure element or portion ll without appreciable deformation, and, upon release of my sealing closure from engagement with the mouth of the container, the pneumatic cushion serves to restore the respective parts of my sealing closure to normal position.

The space I! between the elements of the sealing closure acts as an air insulator against the action of the sun and prevents or delays the souring of the cream which rises to the top of the container.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is indicative of a type of my sealing closure wherein the permanent substantially airtight pneumatic cushion space is increased in effective volume, and the inwardly disposed central, 1. e., body portion Ila" extends substantially normal to the rim portion l5. Fig. 5 shows also the dome formation at the central portion Illa of the cover l0, and other component parts in common with the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, like parts being identified by like reference characters.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is typical of further or supplemental features and wherein the outer lip-sealing flanges I50. are integral with the inner closure member II. The cover portion II] has its peripheral edge terminating at' the crown portion of the pouring lip and serves to in connection with the inner closure member ll-create the air chamber IT. The spring action above described in connection with the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is also inherent in the construction shown in Fig. 5. This embodiment functions similarly as does the extension lob of the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The extension 15a, when grasped manually, directly resistant adhesive to the contacting portions.

thereof.

In Fig. 6 is illustrated another embodiment of my invention particularly adaptable as a sealing closure for a milk bottle or similar container having a mouth formed substantially smooth interiorly, without seat formation.

Such type of container is indicated at 20, its pouring lip being designated 20a, and the flat top of the pouring lip constituting the crown thereof. An outwardly projecting circumferential rib 20b is provided as a grip for the hand and in such a position as to not only prevent slipping of the container from a hand but also to protect the sealing closure from being accidentally knocked or drawn from its position on the container. Also, it advantageously reinforces the mouth proper of the container, and marks the lower boundary of the pouring lip.

The closure embodying my invention and as applied to the present type of container 20 is illustrated per se in Fig. 7 and in disassembled form in Fig. 8. It comprises a cover element 2| having an imperforate top portion 211a configurated to extend over the complete open mouth of the container, inclusive of the pouring lip 20a, and having, further, a circumferential flange 2lb depending at substantially a right angle from the edge of the top portion 2 la and preferably having a length extending to the top of rib 20b when the cap or closure is in position over the mouth of the container. The entire cover element 2| is'advantageously pressed to final form from a single sheet of suitably prepared paper stock.

The sealing closure comprises, further, a closure element 22 of cup formation having an imperforate closure portion proper 22a substantially coextensive with the mouth opening of the container, a circumferential sealing wall or rim 22b, upstanding at approximately a right angle from the peripheral edge of the closure portion 22a, anda circumferential flange 22c projecting outwardly, at approximately a right angle to circumferential rim 221), a distance sufiicient to 'provide its diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of cover element 2|.

Accordingly, in assembling the sealing closure, closure element 22 may be inserted into cover element 2i in such manner that the top area of flange 220 contacts the outer part of the under surface of cover portion Zia, securement of the contacting surfaces being effected by the application of a suitable liquid-resistant adhesive, see 22-4, over substantially the complete peripheral area of the contacting surfaces. Further, the substantial thickness of the rim 22c imparts additional strength to the seal closure and serves to prevent collapse of the side flanges 22b during the operation of removing the closure from a container. The cup formation of closure element 2| thus forms a pneumatic cushion which is substantially air-tight, and which is maintained substantially air-tight throughout repeated applications of the closure to the mouth of the container.

Both the cover element 2| and closure element 22 are preferably pressed to final configuration from sheet-paper stock processed to impart liquid-resistant properties thereto. Plaits resulting from the pressing operation are of such integrated character as to provide a substantially continuous smooth and even surface;

The thus formed sealing closure is suitable for application to the mouth of a container by existing types of automatic capping machines. Such machines are adapted to apply a succession of closures, respectively, to a succession of bottles with considerable rapidity, a single closure being applied ordinarily in a fraction of a second. Because of the special sealing character of embodiments of closures pursuant to this invention, the method of pressing the closures into placement in and over the mouth of the container is of considerable importance for the achievement of satisfactory results.

Pursuant to the sealing method phase of this invention, as shown in Fig. 6, the closure flanges 22b are pressed inwardly or constrictedby the application of pressure on the convex portion of the sealing element 2i primarily at or adjacent the center of the top surface of the closure to effect downward bulging of the cover portion 2 la, and, coincidentally therewith, a certain inward convergence of the sealing rim 22b toward the center of the closure to provide-as at 22-2--a passage to relieve the pressure of air-above the milk.

Utilizing such principle of insertion in connection with automatic speed capping machines, the pressure die thereof, effective in actual pressing of the closure into sealing position in the mouth of the container, see 23, Fig. 6, is formed with a convex die surface. As illustrated in Fig. 6, slightly exaggerated, the resulting downward bulging of cover portion 2| causes the sealing rim 22b to converge inwardly toward the center of the closure element, reducing pressure contact of sealing rim 22b with the interior surface of the mouth of the bottle. Because the frictional resistance tr insertion of the pneumatic cushion into the mouth of the container is thus rendered practically negligible, and because there is thus provided around the pneumatic cushion an air passage 222 for the escape of compressed air from the space, see 24, between closure portion 22a and the top surface of the contents of the container, the sealing closure readily slips into position without damage to itself or to the contents of the container.

The application of pressure to the top surface of the sealing closure, as aforedescribed, during the stage of placement in and over the mouth of a container, by the hammer-like action of the die 23, compresses the air contained within the pneumatic cushion of the closure thereby enhancing its structural strength and rigidity during such stage of placement. In addition, there results a downward bulging of closure portion 22a which effects a displacement, i. e., partial exhaustion, of air from the space 24 such that, when the convex surface of the die 23 is withdrawn, the stated bulging closure portion and sealing rim 2 lb resume their normal position upon release of the placement pressure, a partial vacuum is created in the space 24, pulling the seal tightly into its final sealing position.

While it is desirable, it is not absolutely necessary that there be an air-tight securement of the rim of the inner cap to the cover portion 2|. Under some circumstances there need be no mechanical connection in the sense of an airtight securement between these elements and in this regard reference is had to Figure 10 wherein there is shown the inner cup element secured at its flange 220 in the inverted cup cover portion 2 la. In actual practicethat is during the sealing operation-because of the speed with which the sealing operation is performed, there is practically no leakage of air from the cup through the fastening means. This is further helped because of the fact that the lower peripheral edge of the sealing tool forces the peripheral edge of the cover element into such close engagement with the sealing flange of the cup seal that a practically air-tight union between these elements isefiected during the capping operation.

As illustrated in Fig. 9, the present embodiment of sealing closure may be readily removed from sealing placement in and over the mouth of the container by manually grasping the closure element at substantially diametrically opposite portions of its outer depending flange 2Ib and pressing the inner horizontal glue-rim 22c inwardly as well as pulling upwardly. The paper stock material forming the depending flange 2 lb is suificiently flexible to bend inwardly to grasp the flange 22c and the pressure on the edge of cover portion 2Ia effects an upward bulging of both cover and closure portions 2Ia and 22a, respectively, accompanied by inward convergence of the upper portion of sealing rim 22b, i. e., a similar structural deformation as explained with respect to Fig. 6. Such deformation provides for admittance of atmospheric air past the sealing closure 22b through the thus temporarily formed passage 22-2, to relieve the partially created vacuum in the space 24, originally created as above explained, afl'ording easy, unrestricted removal of the sealing closure from the container.

The construction illustrated in Fig. 10 is generally similar to that of Figs. 6, '7, 8, and 9, like parts being indicated by like numerals, but incorporates the feature of mechanical securement of the closure element 22a to the cover element 2Ia instead of securement by adhesive. As indicated at 25, the upper part of sealing rim 2Ib is spun or crimped tightly around the circumferential terminal edge of flange 220, such spinningor crimping effecting a sufficiently airtight seal between cover element 2Ia and closure element 220. to provide the permanent, substantially air-tight pneumatic cushion for the sealing closure.

The sealing cover is made of material which is relatively thin and is sufficiently pliable to afford distortion under pressure and which permits the ready sealing or unsealing of a container. The sealing cup portion is provided with a flange or rim which extends substantially, when in sealing position, in the plane in which lies the pouring lip of the container and to substantially the outer periphery of the outer cover portion. The results are, therefore, that there is a double thickness of material lying substantially in a single plane and the thickness is such that there will be no danger of collapsing the sealing closure when pressure is. exerted thereon in the plane of the cover and from diametrically opposite points.

' Referring now to Figs. 11, 12, and 13, illustrating an embodiment of the invention in its essentials similar to that of Fig. 4 but providing additionally a protecting hood member, like parts being designated by like numerals, I0c indicates a depending circumferential skirt, provided as an integral extension from lip portion I0b'. Such skirt I0c, together with the cover portions I011, I012, I02), I00 and I0c', form a complete hood for the mouth and neck portions of the container, being advantageously plaited to fit against the neck portion.

A frangible tape 30 is secured, as by gluing, around a lower portion of the skirt, preferably around the bottom edge thereof, and serves to maintain the plaited skirt in gathered status tightly against the container neck.

An integral extension of the skirt We may be provided to form a tab I0c' capable of being grasped by the user, see Fig. 13, and pulled outwardly and upwardly for breaking tape 30 and removing the sealing closure from the mouth of the container.

The tab I00 being formed of plaited or folded thicknesses of the paper material of the outer cover is amply strong for any strain that may be put thereon and such strength is enhanced when an adhesive is employed to hold the plaited form of the tab.

Illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 is another embodiment of sealing closure conforming generally to that of Fig. 7 but applied to a bottle similar to the bottle I3 of Figs. 1 through 5. In the instant embodiment the depending circumferential flange 2 I b of Fig. 7 is eliminated leaving the outer circumferential edge of top portion 2Ia substantially flush with the outer circumferential edge of flange 220, the two extending over the top of the crown of the pouring lip of the container. Advantageously, an independent hood covering 32, Fig. 15, of transparent sheet material such as regenerated cellulose or waxed paper is applied as a protective sanitary covering for the otherwise exposed portion of the pouring lip of the container; being secured in place by the adhesive tape 33. The circumferential edges of the cover and closure elements, projecting as above explained over the crown of the pouring lip, provide for a positive manual grasp of the sealing closure when removing same from sealing placement on the container.

Fig. 16 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of Figs. 14 and 15, but applied to a container similar to the container 20 of Figs. 6 and 9. In addition, the independent hood cover 34 is represented as of opaque liquid-resistant material secured about the neck of the container by an adhesive tape 35, and having a tab extension 3M for simplified removal from the container.

Whereas I have described my invention by reference to specific forms thereof, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. 'A sealing closure for a bottle of the nature of a milk bottle having an angular seat formation and crowned pouring lip, said sealing closure comprising an imperforate cover portion extending over the expanse of the mouth of the bott1e, a closure portion including an imperforate body portion extending wholly over the opening of the neck of the bottle, said closure portion having a sealing rim extending vertically and arranged to be received within the angular seat formation of the bottle, and adhesive means extending over substantially a full periphery permanently securing said closure portion to the under face of said cover portion to effect a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and said cover portion elfective during the stages of placement of the sealing closure on the bottle, removal therefrom and replacement therein, said cover portion and said closure portion extending to the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle, one of said portions extending beyond the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle.

2. A sealing closure for a bottle of the nature of a milk bottle having an angular seat formation and crowned pouring lip, said sealing closure comprising an imperforate cover portion extending over the expanse of the mouth of the bottle, a closure portion including an imperforate body portion extending wholly over the opening of the neck of the bottle, said closure portion having a sealing rim. extending vertically and arranged to be received within the angular seat formation of the bottle, a radially outwardly extending flange integral with said sealing rimengaging over a full periphery thereof with the under face of said cover portion, said cover portion and said radially outwardly extending flange of said closure portion extending in mutual engagement to the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle and adhesive applied to said flange over substantially the whole periphery of its face in engagement with the under face of said closure portion, to thereby form a permanent air-tight seal thereat and a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and cover portion efiective during the stages of placement of the sealing clo- Sure on the bottle, removal therefrom and replacement therein; one of said portions extending beyond the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle.

3. A closure for a'bottle, said closure comprising an imperforate cover portion of paper stock extending overthe expanse of the mouth of the bottle, a closure portion of paper stock including an imperforate body portion extending wholly over the opening of the neck of the bottle, said imperforate body portion being arranged when under the condition of placement of the closure in the bottle to exert stress in directions toward the bottle, said closure portion having a sealing rim extending vertically and arranged to be received within the neck formation of the bottle, and adhesive means extending over substantially a full periphery permanently securing said closure portion of paper stock to the under face of said cover portion of paper stock to effect a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and said cover portion effective during the stages of placement of the sealing closure on the bottle, removal therefrom and replacement therein, said cover portion and said closure portion extending jointly to the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle, one of said portions extending beyond the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle.

4. A closure for a bottle, said closure comprise ing an imperforate cover portion of paper stock extending over the expanse of the mouth of the bottle, a closure portion of paper stock including an imperforate body portion extending wholly over the opening of the neck of the bottle, said imperforate body portion being re-entrantly formed to thereby exert under the condition of placement of the closure in the bottle a stress in directions toward the bottle, said closure portion having a sealing rim extending at an angle to the vertical and arranged to be received within the neck formation of the bottle, such extension at an angle to the vertical of said sealing rim effecting in cooperation with said re-entrant formation of the body portion of said closure portion the doming of the imperforate cover portion under the condition of placement of the closure in the bottle, and adhesive means extending over substantially a full periphery permanently securing said closure portion of paper stock to the under face of said cover portion of paper stock to effect a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and said cover portion effective during the stages of placement of the sealing closure on the bottle, removal therefrom and replacement therein, said cover portion and said closure portion extending to the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle, one of said portions extending beyond the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle.

5. A sealinggclosure for a bottle of the nature of a milk bottle having an angular seat formation and crowned pouring lip, said sealing closure portion extending wholly over the openingof the neck of the bottle, said closure portion having a sealing rim extending vertically and arranged to be received within the angular seat formation of the bottle, and adhesive means extending over substantially a full periphery permanently securing said closure portion to the under face of said cover portion to effect a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and said cover portion effective during the stages of placement of the sealing closure on the bottle, removal therefrom and replacement therein, said cover portion and said closure portion extending to the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle.

6. A sealing closure for a bottle of the nature of a milk bottle having an angular seat formation and crowned pouring lip, said sealing closure comprising an imperforate cover portion extending over the expanse of the mouth of the bottle, a closure portion including an imperforate body portion extending wholly over the opening of the neck of the bottle, said closure portion having a' be received within the angular seat formation of the bottle, a radially outwardly extending flange integral with said sealing rim engaging over a full periphery thereof with the under face of said cover portion, said cover portion and said radially outwardly extending flange of said closure portion extending in mutual engagement to the crown of the pouring lip of the bottle, and adhesive applied to said flange over substantially the whole periphery of its face in engagement with the under face of said closure portion, to thereby form a permanent air-tight seal thereat and a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and cover portion effective during the stages of placement of thesealing closure on the bottle, removal therefrom and replacement therein.

7. A sealing closure for a bottle, said sealing closure comprising an imperforate cover portion extending over the expanse of the mouth of the bottle at the pouring lip thereof, a closure portion including an imperforate body portion extending over the opening of the neck of the bottion, said cover portion and said radially projecting flange of said closure portion extending in mutual engagement to the pouring lip of the bottle, and means securing substantially the full 5 periphery of said flange to the under face of said cover portion, to thereby form a permanent seal thereat and a permanent air-tight compartment between said closure portion and said cover portion when the sealing closure is positioned within the neck of the bottle.

ANTON F. BURKARDT.

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