Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02832428 2013-11-06
,
CLOSURE
Background
[0001] It is well known to provide mechanisms for indicating if a closure
associated
with a container has been opened at least once. These mechanisms may come in
various forms, including, for example, tamper evident bands and tabs. However,
there are situations in which what is of more concern is ensuring that the
closure has
not been completely removed so that an associated container can be filled, for
example, with an inferior product.
Summary
[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a
closure
including a base that may be attached to a container. The base may include a
top deck
from which depends an outer and an inner skirt, the inner skirt being
engageable with
a container neck. The top deck may include a region of weakness between the
inner
and outer skirts that is deformed and/or broken if removal of the closure from
a
container is attempted. By providing a region of weakness in the top deck, if
removal
of the closure is attempted an irreversible change in the structure of the top
deck may
result so that the closure cannot be properly reapplied and resealed to a
container.
[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided
a
closure for a container, the closure having a base with an outer skirt and an
inner skirt.
The inner skirt may be engagable with a container neck and may include one or
more
regions of weakness arranged to break and/or deform if an attempt is made to
remove
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the closure from the container neck following first application, in order to
prevent
reapplication.
100041 One or more aspects of the present disclosure may be present in the
same
closure. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is
provided a
closure as described herein in combination with a container.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0005] Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in
the
concluding portion of the specification. The foregoing and other features of
the
present invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in
accordance
with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its
scope, the
disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through
use of the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0006] Fig. 1 is a partial view of a bottle fitted with a closure formed
according to
various embodiments;
[0007] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an underside of a closure, in
accordance
with various embodiments;
[0008] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional partial view of the closure of Fig. 2, in
accordance
with various embodiments;
[0009] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional partial view of the closure of Figs. 2-3
being
lowered onto a container neck, in accordance with various embodiments;
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[0010] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional partial view of the closure of Figs. 2-4 as
it may be
engaged with a container neck, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0011] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional partial view of the closure of Figs. 2-5
being
removed from the container neck, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0012] Fig. 7 is a top view of another closure, in accordance with various
embodiments;
[0013] Fig. 8 is another top view of the closure of Fig. 7, in accordance with
various
embodiments;
[0014] Fig. 9 is a top view of the closure of Figs. 7 and 8, in accordance
with various
embodiments;
[0015] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure shown in Figs 7-
9, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0016] Fig. 11 is a partial view of the underside of the closure shown in
Figs. 7-10, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0017] Fig. 12 is a view of an insert that is usable with the closure of Figs.
7-11, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0018] Fig. 13 is a partial view of the underside of the closure shown in
Figs. 7-11,
with the insert shown in 12 removed, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0019] Fig. 14 is a partial view of another example closure in accordance with
various
embodiments;
[0020] Fig. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of another example of a closure
in
accordance with various embodiments; and
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[0021] Fig. 16 depicts another cross-sectional view of the example closure of
Fig. 15,
in accordance with various embodiments;
[0022] Fig. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of another example of a closure
in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0023] Fig. 18 depicts the example disclosure of Fig. 17, without a portion of
a bottle
inserted, in accordance with various embodiment.
[0024] Fig. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of another example of a closure
in
accordance with various embodiments; and
[0025] Figs. 20 and 21 depict close up views of portions of the closure of
Fig. 19, in
accordance with various embodiments.
Detailed Description
[0026] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer
to
like parts throughout. For ease of description, the components of embodiments
of the
present disclosure are described in the normal (upright) operating position,
and terms
such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this
position. It will
be understood, however, that the components of embodiments of the present
disclosure may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an
orientation
other than the position described.
[0027] Figures illustrating the components of embodiments of the present
disclosure
show some conventional mechanical elements that may be known and that may be
recognized by one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions of such
elements that
are not necessary to an understanding of the disclosure, and accordingly are
herein
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presented only to the degree necessary to facilitate an understanding of the
novel
features of the present disclosure.
[0028] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "comprising" is
inclusive
or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited elements,
compositional
components, or method steps. Accordingly, the term "comprising" encompasses
the
more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of' and "consisting of."
[0029] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended
claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the
content clearly
dictates otherwise. Similarly, the use of substantially any plural terms
herein may be
translated by those having skill in the art from the plural to the singular as
is
appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0030] In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and
C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one
having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "an apparatus having
at least
one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to apparatuses that have
A
alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or
A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the
art that
virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more
alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
contemplate
the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms. For
example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities
of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
CA 02832428 2013-11-06
,
[0031] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all
purposes, such
as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein
also
encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges
thereof.
Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and
enabling the
same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters,
fifths,
tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be
readily
broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will
also be
understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to," "at
least," "greater
than," "less than," and the like include the number recited and refer to
ranges which
can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as
will
be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual
member.
Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 elements refers to groups having 1, 2,
or 3
elements. Similarly, a group having 1-5 elements refers to groups having 1, 2,
3, 4, or
elements, and so forth.
[0032] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have
the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which embodiments of the present invention pertain. Although a number of
methods
and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in
the
practice of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are
described
herein.
[0033] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a closure generally indicated at
10. The
closure 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body with a base 15 and a lid 20.
The
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base 15 and lid 20 are connected to each other by a hinge 25. The closure 10
is affixed
to a container 27, which may in some embodiments be a bottle.
[0034] Referring to Figs. 2-6, the base 15 may include a generally circular-
disc shape
top deck 60 that may be gently convexly curved in some embodiments. An annular
spout 90 may project from the center of the top deck 60 and may define a
central
dispensing orifice 91 (See Fig. 3). A generally cylindrical outer skirt 65
depends from
the periphery of the deck 60. A cylindrical inner skirt 70 depends from the
deck 60
radially inwardly of the outer skirt 65. A sealing spigot 85 depends from the
deck
radially inwardly of the inner skirt 70.
[0035] The inner skirt 70 may be engageable with a container neck 28 (see
Figs. 3-6).
At the open end of the inner skirt 70, one or more snap members 74 are
positioned.
Each snap member 74 may include a ramped surface 76 at its bottom to allow a
flange
29 of the container neck 28 to snap into the inner skirt 70 above the snap
members 74.
The surface of the snap members 74 opposite the ramp may be a flat abutment
surface
77, which may abut the flange 29 to prevent the container neck 28 from being
removed from inner skirt 70.
[0036] The inner skirt 70 may include a region of weakness adapted to break
and/or
deform upon an attempt to remove the closure 10 from the container neck 28,
wherein
after the break and/or deformation, the closure 10 is no longer engageable
with the
container neck 28. Regions of weakness having various configurations may be
used.
[0037] For example, in Figs. 2-6, the inner skirt 70 includes a plurality of
apertures 78
separating a plurality of frangible portions 79. The plurality of frangible
portions 79
may be adjacent the snap members 74 so that once a container neck 28 is
inserted past
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the snap members 74, the flange 29 is flush with the plurality of apertures 78
and
frangible portions 79, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.
[0038] As shown in Fig. 6, if an attempt is made to forcefully remove the
closure 10
from the container neck 28, the flange 29 pulls on the snap members 74,
thereby
causing the plurality of frangible portions 79 to break. In various
embodiments, when
all or most of the frangible portions 79 are broken, closure 10 may no longer
be
engageable with container neck 28. For example, in various embodiments, the
snap
members 74 may only be positioned on the inner skirt 70 adjacent the plurality
of
apertures 78 and frangible portions 79. In such cases, once the frangible
portions 79
are broken, the snap members 74 may be only loosely connected to closure 10
and
therefore may be unable to snap onto container neck 28.
[0039] Referring next to Figs. 7 to 13, there is shown another embodiment of a
closure generally indicated 110. The closure 110 comprises a generally
cylindrical
body with a base 115 and a lid 120. The base 115 and lid 120 are connected to
each
other by a hinge 125.
[0040] The lid 120 may include a circular, disc-shape top plate 130 and a
generally
cylindrical side wall 135 which depends from the periphery of the top plate
130. An
annular spigot 140 depends from the centre of the plate and an annular sealing
projection 145 also depends from the top plate 130 radially outwardly of the
spigot
140. Opposite the hinge 125, the lid side wall 135 includes an arcuate recess
150. At
the centre of the recess 150, a hook 155 projects from the open end of the
side wall
135.
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[0041] The base 115 includes a generally circular-disc shape top deck 160 that
may,
in some embodiments, be gently convexly curved. A generally cylindrical outer
skirt
165 depends from the periphery of the deck 160. A cylindrical inner skirt 170
depends
from the deck 160 radially inwardly of the outer skirt 165 (Figs. 10-12). At
the open
end of the skirt 170 a discontinuous annular snap bead 175 is positioned
(Figs. 10 and
11). A sealing spigot 185 depends from the deck 160 radially inwardly of the
skirt 170
(Figs. 10 and 11).
[0042] At the centre of the deck 160 an annular spout 190 projects and defines
a
central dispensing orifice 191. Within the spout 190 a self-closing valve 192
is carried
(Fig. 11).
[0043] Opposite the hinge 125 an arcuate tamper-evident band 180 is connected
to the
deck 160 by a plurality of frangible bridges 181 (Fig. 8). At one end of the
band 180
is a pull tab 182 that is not directly connected to the top deck 160. At the
centre of the
band a notch 183 is provided.
[0044] In Figs. 7 to 13 the closure 110 is shown in an as-molded condition.
Following
molding the lid 120 is folded over onto the base. In doing so, the projection
145 fits
around the spout 190 and the hook 155 passes behind the band 180 and snaps
into the
notch 183.
[0045] In use the lid 120 cannot be lifted away from the base 115 until the
band 180
has been removed. To remove the band 180 the tab 182 may be grasped and pulled
across the front of the closure, breaking the bridges 181 and allowing
removal.
Thereafter the lid 120 may be hinged away from the base 115 to expose the
spout 190
so that product can be dispensed through the dispensing orifice 191 via the
valve 192.
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[0046] In Figs. 11 and 13 the underside of the base 115 is shown. In Fig. 11,
the inner
skirt 170 carries within it an engagement insert 250 that is shown in more
detail in
Fig. 12. The engagement insert 250 has been removed in Fig. 13. In some
embodiments, the inner skirt 170 may include one or more axial notches 171
(Fig. 11)
which define lines of weakness that break if removal of the closure 110 from a
neck is
attempted.
[0047] Referring now to Fig. 12 the engagement insert 250 is shown in more
detail.
The engagement insert 250 may include a generally annular, collar-like body on
the
inside of which is provided a screwthread formation 255 for engaging a
corresponding
screwthread formation (not shown) on an associated container neck. The
engagement
insert 250 may include a top, engagement portion 260. A plurality of wedge-
like teeth
265 may be provided around the periphery of the portion 260, each comprising
an
inclined face 266 and a flat abutment face 267. In some embodiments, there may
be
three teeth 265 distributed evenly (e.g., every 120 degrees) or unevenly
around the
periphery. In other embodiments, there may be other numbers of teeth 256
distributed
evenly or unevenly about the periphery. In some embodiments, one or more teeth
265
may be omitted from what would otherwise be a plurality of evenly distributed
teeth
265, e.g., to improve capping performance. A flange 270 may project radially
outwardly from the portion 260. On the other side of the flange 270 a second
portion
275 may extend and carry a plurality of notches 280.
[0048] In use, an engagement insert 250 of the type described in relation to
Fig. 12
may be inserted into a closure 10, 110 of the type described in relation to
Figs. 1-11
and 13-16. The engagement insert 250 may be received with the first portion
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CA 02832428 2013-11-06
orientated towards the top deck 60, 160 and may be push fitted so that the
flange 270
engages under the snap members 74 or snap bead 175 so that the insert is
firmly
retained. With the engagement insert 250 in place the closure can be screwed
onto a
container neck. When the closure is applied to a container neck and rotated
the base
15, 115 will rotate relative to the insert until the base lugs 172 contact
respective
abutment faces 267 of the insert teeth 265. At this point, continued rotation
of the
base may cause the insert, and hence the closure, to be screwed onto the
container
neck. Thereafter, if unscrewing of the closure is attempted, the base 15, 115
may
rotate relative to the engagement insert 250 and the lugs 172 will pass over,
but not
engage the inclined faces 266 of the teeth. In other words relative rotation
between the
base and the insert may be permitted in the direction of unscrewing of the
insert so
that unscrewing cannot occur.
[0049] Fig. 14 depicts another embodiment of a closure 310, similar to those
described above. As before, closure 310 includes a base 315 and a lid 320
hingedly
attached by a hinge 325. Closure 310 also includes a top deck (not visible),
an outer
skirt 365 that depends from the top deck, and an inner skirt 370 that also
depends
from the top deck. Like the closure 10 shown in Figs. 2-6, closure 310
includes snap
members 374.
[0050] Inner skirt 370 may include one or more regions of weakness adapted to
break
and/or deform upon an attempt to remove the closure 310 from the container
neck,
wherein after the break and/or deformation, the inner skirt 370 is no longer
engageable with the container neck. In various embodiments, the regions of
weakness
may extend generally longitudinally along the inner skirt 370. In various
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embodiments, each region of weakness may be an axial notch 371 configured to
tear
upon the attempt to remove the closure 310 from the container neck.
[0051] Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, a base 415 formed according to an
alternative embodiment is shown. The base 415 is very similar to the bases 15
and
315 shown in Figs. 1 to 14 except there is no region of weakness on the inner
skirt
470. Instead, the top deck 460 may include, between the inner skirt 470 and
outer skirt
465, a region of weakness in the form of an annular notch 461 that provides a
material
thinning. In some embodiments, annular notch 461 may be concentric with one or
both of inner skirt 470 and outer skirt 465. Annular notch 461 may be present
to cause
deformation and/or breakage of the top deck 460 if an attempt is made to
remove the
closure following application to a container neck. In some embodiments, such
as the
one depicted in Figs. 15 and 16, annular notch 461 is offset slightly from
inner skirt
470.
[0052] If an attempt is made to pull or lever the closure off a container neck
because
it cannot be unscrewed, one or more of the regions of weakness described in
relation
to Figs. 2-21 may be used to deliberately damage the closure so that it cannot
be
reapplied.
[0053] Referring now to Figs. 17 and 18, a base 515 formed according to an
alternative embodiment is shown. The base 515 may be similar to the bases 15,
315
and 415 shown in previous figures except that it includes, on an inner surface
of its
outer skirt 565, a plurality of ribs 597. The ribs 597 may reinforce the outer
skirt 565
so that it is less pliable.
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[0054] Referring now to Fig. 19, an alternative embodiment of a closure 600
may
include a base 615 that may be similar to the bases 15, 315, 415 and 515 shown
in
previous figures in many respects. However, a top deck 660 may include a
region of
weakness in the form of an annular notch 661 that provides a material
thinning.
Similar to annular notch 461 of Figs. 15 and 16, annular notch 661 may be
concentric
with one or both of inner skirt 670 and outer skirt 665, and may be present to
cause
deformation and/or breakage of the top deck 660 if an attempt is made to
remove the
closure following application to a container neck. Unlike the embodiments
shown in
Figs. 15 and 16, however, and as best shown in Figs. 20 and 21, annular notch
661
may be formed at or near a junction between inner skirt 670 and top deck 660.
[0055] In various embodiments, such as those shown in Figs. 19-21, one or more
gussets 662 may be provided in between inner skirt 670 and outer skirt 665.
Gussets
662 may reduce or eliminate "ovalization" of closure 600 that sometimes may
occur
during removal of closure 600 from a bottle or other container (not shown),
e.g., by
functioning as a structure to separate outer skirt 665 from inner skirt 670.
While only
a single gusset 662 is visible in Fig. 19, in various embodiments, closure 600
may
include various numbers of gussets 662, such as eight, distributed evenly or
unevenly
about a circumference of base 615.
[0056] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other
aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
various
aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and
are not
intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
appended
claims.
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