OPENING OR CLOSING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING

Description

Class B67 encompasses apparatus and methods for opening and closing rigid or semi-rigid containers such as bottles, jars, cans, and similar vessels, along with devices for handling and dispensing liquids. It covers mechanisms including capping/uncapping machines, sealing equipment, and cork extraction devices used in industrial and commercial settings. This classification also includes liquid transfer, pumping, pouring, and measuring systems associated with container operations. Adjacent classes address packaging machinery (B65) and general container structures (B65D), distinguishing B67 by its focus on the operational mechanics of container access and liquid control rather than container design or primary packaging processes.

Filing statistics

IPC B67 recorded 104,670 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 5,724 in 2013 to 11,422 in 2023 (+100%), peaking at 13,173 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B67 are KRONES (1,255 applications), KHS (781 applications) and LG ELECTRONICS (687 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings