Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TAMPER-EVIDENCING CONTAINER AND CLOSURE
STRUCTURES
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[01] This application claims priority to United States utility patent
application Serial No. 11/326,845 filed January 6, 2006.
Technical Field
[02] This invention relates, in general, to tamper-evidencing container and
closure structures and methods for their use.
Sackground Art
[03] Consumer packaging widely incorporates tamper-evidencing
mechanisms to protect contents from tampering prior to purchase and use. One
widely used technique is to incorporate visible structure into the packaging
which must be altered or destroyed during initial opening of the package. The
alteration supplies visible evidence that the package has been previously
opened.
[04] When a package includes a container and closure, a common approach
is to include a tamper indicating band as part of the closure. The tamper
indicating band may depend from a lower edge of a closure's cylindrical
annular skirt through a frangible of weakened line. Most often, a form of
retaining structure is positioned on an interior portion of the depending
band.
This retaining structure is intended to engage cooperative structure
positioned
on the exterior of the container as the closure is initially applied to the
container. The engagement of the cooperative band and container retaining
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structures restricts upward axial movement of the band during initial closure
removal. Thus, the band is separated from the upper portion of the closure
along the weakened joining line to allow (or as a result of) initial closure
removal.
[05] Often the cooperating tamper-evidencing structure on the container
includes an outwardly directed flange or projection on the exterior of the
container neck. A radially inwardly projecting structure on the interior
region
of the closure tamper- evidencing band slides over the container flange with
the axially downward movement associated with initial closure application.
The inwardly directed band structure comes to rest below the container flange
to restrict subsequent upward closure movement and initial removal without
separating the band from the upper portion of the closure along the line of
weakness.
[06] Quintessential examples of tamper-evident packaging incorporating
radially interfering closure band structure cooperating with container
structure
are taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,166,552 to Faulstich, and U.S. Patent No.
6,484,896 to Ma, both of which are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference. Faulstich teaches a snap-on/pull-off closure incorporating a
tear-away tamper band. As initially applied a simple inwardly directed bead
on the Faulstich closure rests below a projecting bead on the container neck.
The band must be torn away to release this bead interference prior to pulling
the closure off the container. As is known in the art, tear away bands are
normally associated with a choice of low-density polyethylene for the closure.
This material also allows for facile snap-on/pull-off operation of closures.
Ma
discloses a closure whose tamper indicating band has the form of the letter
"J"
and thus this type band is often referred to as a "J-band". After initial
application of the Ma closure, the upward-inward portion of the "J" structure
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is directed toward the underside of a projecting container bead in radially
interfering position. As the closure moves axially upward during initial
removal, the radial interference between the upward-inward band portion and
the container bead retains the band to cause the band to break away from the
closure along the line of weakness. The "J-band" mechanism has achieved
widespread application for closures formed of relatively rigid materials, such
as polypropylene, often chosen for screw caps.
[07] Unfortunately, as will be explained below, the relatively simple concept
of interfering tamper band cooperating with a container flange is often
compromised by required material characteristics, processing variations and
achievable tolerances of the structural details. Indeed, in some cases an
unscrupulous individual, given sufficient time, privacy and resources may be
able to manipulate the closure in a way to achieve its removal without
activating the visible destruction of the joining between the closure annular
skirt and tamper band. Therefore, there is a need for improved designs to
further increased reliability of band retention in such tamper-evident
systems,
for improved closure and container structural elements to improve reliability
of tamper indicating packaging, and for impeding initial removal of a closure
from a container absent the visible tamper indicating signal intended during
such removal.
Disclosure of Invention
[08] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a tamper-evidencing
closure including a top, an annular skirt depending from the top, a tamper-
evidencing band frangibly connected to the bottom of the annular skirt, an
inwardly-turned retaining rim that extends at least partially upwardly from
the
tamper-evidencing band, the retaining rim having a free edge adapted for
engagement with a locking surface of a container, and an anti-collapsing
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extension extending from the free edge of the retaining rim. Preferably, the
anti-collapsing extension is dimensioned and configured to oppose collapse
and distortion of the retaining rim when an upward force is applied to the
closure while the free edge is engaging the locking surface.
[09] In one embodiment, the anti-collapsing extension may have a
rectangular shape. The anti-collapsing extension may have a substantially
square-shaped cross-section. The tamper-evidencing closure may further
include a plurality of anti-collapsing extensions extending from the free edge
of the retaining rim. The anti-collapsing extensions may be circumferentially
spaced around the retaining rim. The tamper-evidencing closure may further
include a plurality of flutes located between adjacent arcuate segments of the
retaining rim. At least one anti-collapsing extension maybe located between
adjacent ones of said flutes. The tamper-evidencing closure may fi.ulher
include vertically-extending lines of weakness circumferentially spaced about
the annular skirt. The lines of weakness may be located on an inner surface of
the annular skirt.
[010] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the
above-mentioned tamper-evidencing closure in combination with a tamper-
evidencing container. The container may include a container neck finish
having closure-engaging structure dimensioned and configured for engaging
the closure upon reclosure, and a locking surface on the container neck finish
below the closure-engaging structure. The locking surface may be
dimensioned and configured to engage the free edge of the retaining rim of the
closure. The anti-collapsing extension of the closure may extend between the
locking surface of the container and the annular skirt of the closure when the
closure is fully applied to the container. The combination may further include
an inward taper on an exterior surface of the container neck finish below said
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locking surface. The inward taper may be dimensioned and configured to
increase hoop strength of the exterior surface. The inward taper may be
formed by an inwardly-concave stretch. The combination may further include
another inwardly concave stretch formed in another exterior surface of the
container neck finish, the another inwardly-concave stretch being dimensioned
and configured to increase hoop strength of the another exterior surface.
[012] The tamper-evidencing container and closure structures of the present
invention has other features and advantages which will be apparent from or
are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are
incorporated in and form a part of this specification, . and the following
detailed description of the invention, which together serve to explain the
principles of the present invention.
Brief Description of Drawings
[012] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view in section of a prior art closure and
complimentary container finish just prior to initial application of the
closure to
the container.
[013] FIG. 2 is a sectional, side elevational assembly view of the closure and
container fmish of FIG. 1 following initial application of the closure to the
container.
[014] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the closure of FIG. 1 showing the
structure for proper initial closure removal and the resulting tamper-
indicating
result.
[015] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the closure of the FIG. 1 assembly
reacting to an improper attempt to remove the closure.
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[016] FIG. 5 illustrates another approach which has been employed to effect
unauthorized removal of the prior art closure of FIG. 1.
[017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view in section of the prior art
closure of FIG. 1 applied to an another prior art container fmish.
[018] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view in section of yet another prior art
closure, with the sectional view taken substantially from the perspective of
lines 7--7 of FIG. 9.
[019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the closure of FIG. 7, said
portion encircled and identified 8--8 in FIG. 7.
[020] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the closure of FIG. 7.
[021] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a container
neck finish complimentary to the closure of FIG. 7.
[022] FIG. I1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the closure of
FIG. 7 initially applied to the finish of FIG. 10.
[023] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view in section showing the closure of
FIG. 1 as initially applied to an improved container neck fnush according to
the present invention.
[024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the closure and neck fuv.sh of FIG.
12 taken substantially along line 13--13 of FIG. 12.
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[025] FIG. =14 is a cross-sectional view of another improved closure and
complimentary container finish according to the present invention.
[026] FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of yet another improved
closure according to the present invention.
[0271 FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the closure
of FIG. 15, said portion encircled and identified 16--16 in FIG. 15.
[028] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of an improved container finish
according to the present invention useful in conjunction with the closure
shown in FIG. 1.
[029] FIG. 18 illustrates the response to unauthorized removal of the closure
of FIG. 17 when used with the improved container finish of FIG. 17.
[030] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another closure and
complimentary container finish according to the present invention.
[031] FIG. 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another closure design
according to the present invention.
[032] FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the details of the
structure circumscribed in FIG. 20.
[033] FIG. 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the closure of FIGS. 20
and 21 just prior to application to a complimentary container neck finish.
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[034] FIG. 23 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the closure of FIGS. 20
and 21 initially applied to the complimentary container neck finish of FIG.
22.
[035] FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view, partially in section, of yet
another
closure according to the present invention.
[036] FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view showing a
portion of the closure of FIG. 24, said portion circumscribed and identified
25--25 in FIG. 24.
[037] FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the closure
of FIG. 24 initially applied to a complimentary container neck finish.
Modes for carrying Out the Invention
[038] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of
the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings: While the invention will be described in conjunction with the
preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to
limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is
intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[039] Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated
by like reference numerals throughout the various figures, attention is
directed
to FIGS. 1-5, in which there is shown a well known complimentary closure
and container arrangement. In FIG. 1, closure 10 includes a top 11 having
bottom side 12. Top 11 often is a simple circular disk, but can take other
appropriate forms as is known in the art. Depending from the bottom side 12
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is annular closure skirt 14. In the embodiment shown, skirt 14 has cylindrical
form with substantially smooth outside surface 16 and internal wall 17.
Positioned on the internal wall 17 of skirt 14 are container retention
structures
18 and 20. Both structures 18 and 20 include bead-like formations projecting
radially inwardly from the internal wall 17. As is known in the art,
structures
18 and 20 can extend essentially continuously around the circumference of
skirt 14 or be interrupted in the form of multiple individual segments. Skirt
14
also includes a line of weakness, often referred to as a score line,
identified as
22 in the drawings. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, score line 22 extends
horizontally around the entire circumference of skirt 14, defining an upper
skirt portion 24 and lower skirt portion 26. As best seen in FIG. 4, an
additional branch score line 28 extends in an arcuate path from horizontal
line
22. to the lower edge 30 of skirt 14. Also seen in FIG. 4 is pull tab 32
extending downward from the lower edge 30 of skirt 14 and positioned
adjacent branch score line 28.
[040] Closure 10 also includes a seal plug 34 depending from the bottom side
12 of top I 1 and is positioned radially inwardly of skirt 14. In the
illustrated
embodiment, and as is well known in the art, seal plug 34 is in the form of a
hollow cylinder. Closure 10 also includes a thin, flexible flange structure 36
extending radially outwardly of the exterior surface 16 of skirt 14. Flange 36
promotes facile manual manipulation of the closure when properly used and
extends the top surface area available for label placement.
[041] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, there is also shown a container neck
finish 37 whose design is functionally complimentary to closure 10. Finish 37
generally.includes a circular structure 3 8 surrounding an orifice leading to
the
internal portion of the container. Finish 37 has an outside surface 40 having
a
functionally designed contour as best seen in FIG. 1. Surface 40 extends
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essentially vertically downward from the top 42 of finish 37 for a distance,
then extends radially inwardly before continuing to extend downwardly for an
additional distance. It then continues to extend in a downwardly-outwardly
directed slope to an apex 44. Below apex 44, the wall surface projects
radially
inwardly to vertical segment 46. At the base of vertical segment 46 the
surface
assumes another downward-outward slope to reach a predefined diameter
before merging with the remainder of the container body at a point generally
indicated by numeral 48. As is seen in FIG. 1, this contour structure results
in
two outward projections 50 and 52 having a horizontal component associated
with their bottom surfaces 54 and 56 respectively.
[042] Finish 37 also includes an inwardly directed flange 58 at its top
portion.
As is known in the art, the inner edge 60 of flange 58 can serve as a primary
seal surface in cooperation with closure plug 34.
[043] FIG. 2 shows the result of applying closure 10 to finish 37. This
application is most often accomplished by a direct axial force applied to
closure 10 to "push" closure 10 onto the container fniish 37. As this axial
application is achieved, the container retention structures 18 and 20 of
closure
slide over projections 50 and 52 of the container finish 37. Following
complete application, retention structure 18 of closure 10 rests under finish
projection 50 and retention structure 20 of closure 10 rests under finish
projection 52. This combination of interferences is designed to produce a very
secure retention of the closure to the container. For example, as is shown in
FIG. 4, if one attempts to remove the closure by simply pulling it off, the
flexibility of the flange 36 prevents asserting sufficient leverage to
overcome
the dual retention interferences 18/50 and 20/52. Thus during proper use, the
lower portion 26 of cap skirt 14 must be removed prior to initial closure
removal. This is done as indicated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the lower portion 26
of
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cap skirt 14 is seen to be easily removable by the initial consumer by simply
grasping the pull tab 32 and tearing the score line first along branch 28 and
then continuing to tear off the lower portion 26 along circumferential score
line 22. With the lower interference between structures 20 and 52 thus
removed, the closure can now be simply pried off. The remaining interference
supplied by interengaging structures 18 and 50 is sufficient to allow the
remaining upper portion of the closure to function adequately as a reclosure
cap. Further details of the design and operational aspects of the
container/closure system embodied in FIGS. 1-4 are taught in U.S. Patent No.
4,166,552 to Faulstich, which patent is incorporated herein in its entirety by
this reference.
[044] By design, the closure/container combination embodied in FIGS. 1-4
functions very well, supplying a secure, reliable and tamper-evidencing
closure
system. Nevertheless, the system suffers from some deficiencies due primarily
to the materials employed and the manufacturing methods required. First, the
requirement for the closure material to easily tear along score lines 22/28
normally restricts the material choice to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or
linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). These materials can be generally
characterized as relatively pliable or flexible. Second, the containers
associated
with the combination embodied in FIGS. 1-4 are often fabricated from
high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE, while generally more rigid than
LDPE or LLDPE, nevertheless is pliable and flexible compared to other typical
container materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass. In
addition, the processing used to manufacture the containers such as embodied
in FIGS. 1 and 2 often emphasizes minimizing material weight, promoting
flexibility and pliability of the resulting thin neck fmish. This is
particularly the
case as resin prices continue their unabated upward trend. Finally, the actual
process most often used to manufacture the container embodied in FIG. 1,
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extrusion blow molding, is limited in its ability to consistently achieve
tight
dimensional tolerances. These factors all additively contribute to the
deterioration of the performance expectations of the system.
[045] A particular problem arising from the material choices and process
characteristics associated with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 is the
possibility
of a sacrifice in tamper evidency. It has been observed that in certain
circumstances, an unscrupulous patron could insert a prying instrument, such
as a long fmgemail or a screwdriver, between the lower edge 30 of skirt 14
and the exterior surface of the container neck at a point generally indicated
by
arrow 62 in FIG. 2. Using this leverage to pry up on the lower edge 30, the
resulting upward force and distortion of the pliable closure skirt and
container
neck may be sufficient to release the interference associated with the
retention
structure and thereby remove the closure without substantial evidence of
opening. This is illustrated in FIG. 5. Tool 64 shown in FIG. 5 has sharp end
66 which can be maneuvered under the lower edge 30 of closure 10.
Subsequent application of upward force as shown can release the engagement
of structures 20 and 52, thereby allowing closure removal without the visual
removal of the tear away structure 26.
[046] Efforts have been made to thwart the unauthorized closure removal as
described above. Examples of these efforts are illustrated in FIG. 6. In FIG.
6
and future embodiments of this specification, like st.ructural features will
be
designated by the same numeral along with a letter designating the particular
embodiment Comparing FIG. 6 with FIG. 2, the downwardly-outwardly
sloping container neck surface shown adjacent to the lower edge of the 30 of
skirt 14 in FIG. 2 has widely been replaced with a shelf like surface such as
that indicated by numeral 67 in FIG. 6. Surface 67 has a slightly upward-
outward slope in the embodiment of FIG. 6, thereby making it more difficult
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to insert a prying tool without visible damage. This upward slope is indicated
by angle "A" in FIG. 6. The angle "A" is typically 5-20 degrees upward from
horizontal. In addition, the vertical dimensions for the closure and finish
are
chosen such that the base of the closure skirt 30a closely abuts surface 67,
thereby ftirther shielding lower edge 30a. A third design feature embodied in
FIG. 6 is a very snug fitting between the interior closure surface 17a and
exterior finish surface 40a at the lower portion of the closure skirt,
generally
indicated by the bracket 68 in FIG. 6. While the embodiment of FIG. 6 shows
clearance in this region for clarity of presentation, in actual practice
surfaces
17a and 40a are in contact. Indeed, there often exists a small amount of
diametrical interference between the closure skirt and container finish in
this
region. This snugness fiirther impedes the effectiveness of the pry tool
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[047] Another well known proposal to improve tamper evidencing of
closure/container systems is taught in U.S. Patent No. 6,523,710 to Hidding et
al. In that patent there is taught a circumferentially extending raised ridge
positioned around the periphery of a substantially horizontal shelf like
surface.
The lower edge of the closure skirt is positioned radially inwardly of the
ridge
and extends into a concave region formed by the raised ridge and the upward
extending exterior surface of the finish. Thus, access to the lower edge of
the
closure skirt by a prying tool is impeded.
[048] FIGS. 7-11 embody another well known closure and container
combination. FIG. 7 is a side elevational view in section of the closure,
generally assigned the identification numeral 70. Closure 70 has top 72
generally having the form of a flat disk. Depending from the periphery of top
72 is cylindrical closure skirt 74. Helical engagement structure in the form
of
threads 75 are positioned on the interior surface of closure skirt 74.
Depending
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from the lower edge 76 of skirt 74 is tamper band 78. Tamper band 78 is
attached to skirt 74 by small, frangible bridges 80. Thus bridges 80 and the
void sections between bridges 80 form a frangible line of weakness joining the
tamper band 78 and skirt 74. Band 78 includes an exterior portion 81 and
retaining rim portion 82. In its simplest form, such a retaining rim can
include
of a single, annular upwardly-inwardly directed structure extending around the
interior of tamper band 78. However, in the embodiment shown, retaining rim
portion 82 includes multiple upwardly-inwardly extending arcuate segments
84 joined by radially outwardly directed flutes 86. In the embodiment shown,
closure 70 has six flutes as best seen in FIG. 9. Retaining portion 82 is
joined
to exterior portion 81 along a hinge or pivot line 87.
[049] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, partially in section showing
container finish 88 which is complimentary to closure 70. Container finish 88
includes a generally cylindrical wall 90. Threads 92 are positioned on the
exterior wall 90. Threads 92 are designed to be complimentary and mate with
closure threads 75. In addition, a prominent, outwardly directed bead 94 is
positioned below threads 75. The exterior diameter defined by projecting bead
94 is often referred to in the art as the "A" diameter. Bead 94 has downward
facing lower locking surface 95.
[050] In the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11 , closure application is accomplished
by rotating the closure with respect to the container flnish to engage the
complimentary threads. The axial component of this threading engagement
pulls the closure downward to eventually fully seat the closure in sealing
position on the container finish. During initial application of the closure,
as the
thread engagement pulls the closure downward, the retaining portion 82 of
tamper band 78 slides over the projecting bead 94. Passage of retaining
portion 82 over bead 94 is greatly facilitated by circumferential expansion of
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the retaining portion due to the ability of the outwardly directed flutes 86
to
flex open. Upon full application, the band retaining portion 82 settles
beneath
the container finish retention bead 94. Upon initial removal, the upward
closure movement is resisted by engagement of the upper free edge 85 of
retaining rim portion 82 with the lower bottom locking surface 95 of bead 94.
This abutment of retaining rim free edge 85 with locking surface 95 prevents
the initial removal of the sealing upper portion of the closure without
rupturing the bridges 80 and separating the band 78 from the upper sealing
portion of the closure.
[051] The closure/container design embodied in FIGS. 7-11 has proven to be
an extremely reliable tamper-evidencing system. It has been very successful
when the closure is fabricated using relatively rigid materials such as
polypropylene. Such materials permit adequate pliability at the hinge line 87
while offering adequate rigidity to prevent unacceptable bending, distortion
or
collapse of the retaining portion 82 during initial removal. Such bending or
distortion could thwart the designed interference intended to produce rupture
at the frangible line of weakness.
[052] Further details of the design and operational aspects of the
container/closure system embodied in FIGS. 7-11 are taught in U.S. Patent
No. 6,484,896 to Ma, the contents of which patent is incorporated herein in
its
entirety by this reference.
[053] Turning now to FIG. 12 there is shown a container neck finish 37b
according to one aspect of the current invention. Neck finish 37b may be used
in conjunction with a closure similar to closures similar to that depicted in
FIGS. 1-4. The upper portion of novel neck finish 37b is similar to finish 37a
depicted in FIG. 6, including projections 18b and 52b. However, the upward
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sloping surface 67 of the FIG. 6 finish embodiment has been altered in the
inventive FIG. 12 embodiment to add multiple, discrete upward projecting
structures 98 positioned circumferentially around the annular surface 67b.
This positioning is best seen in the sectional view of FIG. 13. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, structures 98 are presented in the form of
hollow, partial spheres. However, any number of multiple, disconnected
structural designs can be considered such as truncated cones, truncated
spheres, etc. Such multiple, disconnected structures are likely easier to
fabricate than the continuous raised ridge as taught in the above-mentioned
'710 patent.
[054] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the partial spherical structures
98 could typically have a diameter of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, while their
height would typically be about 0.5 to about 2 mm. The edge-to-edge spacing,
indicated as dimension "S" in FIG. 13, is kept small to restrict the width of
an
invasive prying tool. Typically, dimension "S" would be less than
approximately 5 mm, preferably about 0.5 to 2.5 mm, and most preferably
about 1 nun. As shown in FIG. 12, the lower edge of closure skirt 30b fits
snugly between the exterior surface 40b of container neck finish 37b and
structures 98 to restrict access by a prying tool.
[055] FIG. 14 shows another inventive embodiment designed to improve
tamper evidencing of container/closure systems. In the FIG. 14 embodiment,
both the neck finish 37c and the closure skirt 14c have been altered in a
complimentary way in the region designated in FIG. 14 by the bracket 100. As
shown in FIG. 14, the inventive embodiment includes a radially inwardly
tapered inner skirt 17c in the region 100. The exterior surface 40c of neck
finish 37c includes a complimentary inward taper in this region. This tapering
of closure and finish surfaces accomplishes two objectives. First, the added
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sectional mass at the base of the closure skirt increases hoop strength
precisely
in the region required to resist deformation by a prying tool. Second, should
a
prying tool be inserted beneath the lower edge 30c of closure skirt 14c, the
upward force exerted will be counteracted by the horizontal component
associated with the mating tapered surfaces.
[056] FIGS. 15 and 16 show yet another inventive embodiment designed to
improve tamper evidencing of container/closure systems. In the closure
embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the lower skirt portion 26d includes multiple
thin vertical lines of weakness 102 extending upward from the lower edge 30d
of lower skirt portion. 26d. These thinned out vertical lines 102 typically
have
a sectional thickness (in the radial direction) less than 1 mm, and preferably
approximately 0.25 to 0.75 mm. Those skilled in the art will understand that
an effort to distort the lower skirt 26d in a way such as suggested in FIG. 5
will rapture one or more of the vertical lines 102 and thereby give a clear
ind.ication of tampering.
[057] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view in section embodying yet another
container finish modification to improve the tamper evidencing of
container/closure combinations. The closure 10d of the FIG. 17 combination
embodiment is similar or identical to closures 10a and lOb of FIGS. 6 and 12
respectively. In the combination embodiment of FIG. 17, the neck finish 37d
has been altered in the region designated by the bracket 104. Rather than the
vertical neck finish stretch in this region as was present in the finish
embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 12, neck finish 37d includes an inwardly
concave surface resulting in concavity 106. In the FIG. 17 embodiment, the
concavity 106 is shown as generally circular, but the concave geometry can
take other forms such as rectangular, etc. or combination of multiple
contours.
This will be understood in light of the teachings to follow. An additional
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feature of the inventive neck fulish 37d embodied in FIG. 17 is the short
vertical stretch 108 extending downward from the lower end of the concavity
106. This stretch 108 has exterior diameter dimension closely matching that of
the interior diameter of internal closure wall 17d vicinal the lower edge 30d
of
closure skirt 14d.
[058] FIG. 18 shows the response of the closure to unauthorized upward
prying with tool 64d. Initially the snug fit between internal closure skirt
wall
17d and finish stretch 108 impedes insertion of the tool 64d beneath the lower
edge 30d of closure skirt 14d as taught in previous embodiments. However, if
one succeeds in the insertion of the tool underneath the closure skirt 14d and
proceeds to pry upwards, the closure skirt will collapse into the concavity
106
as shown. A portion of the deformed skirt will be pressed against the upper
region 110 of the concavity, thereby encountering the horizontal component of
this surface region of the concavity. Further upward movement of the closure
and any resulting disengagement of the mating retention structures 18d/50d
and 20d/52d without substantial indication is prevented. In the combination
embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, one takes advantage of the pliability of the
material used to make the closure lOd. In contrast, the fmish embodiment of
FIG. 6 supplies backing support to the lower portion of the closure skirt in
the
region identified by bracket 68 of the FIG. 6. While the tight dimensional
fitting shown between closure skirt and finish can add frictional resistance
to
upward closure movement under the forces of a prying tool, the backing
support of the fmish effectively augments the rigidity of the closure skirt.
As
one skilled in the art will understand, certain dimensional variations between
closure aild finish can actually result in such a close fitting arrangement
becoming a detriment.
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[059] FIG. 19 embodies an extension of the teachings of FIGS. 17 and 18 to
another closure system. In the FIG. 19 embodiment, the combination closure
112 includes a fltment 114 along with an additional reclosure cap 116. Bottle
fitments of the type shown in FIG. 19 are taught in U.S. Patent Application
No. 10/854,925 having U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/092750,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. The
container finish 37e embodied in FIG. 19 is capable of accommodating both
the closures such as closure 10a of FIG. 6 as well as the fitment style
closures
taught in the above-mentioned '925 application. As such, neck fmish 37e of
FIG. 19 includes multiple concave stretches, in the FIG. 19 embodiment two
in number and identified as 118 and 120, positioned vicinal the lower edge of
multiple corresponding closure designs.
[060] Referring now to FIGS. 20-23, there is illustrated and embodied a novel
inventive closure having improved tamper-evidencing performance. Closure 1
Of combines the facile application and proven performance of the
push-on/pull-off closure presented in FIGS. 1-4 with the improved tamper
features of the closures presented in FIGS. 7-11. In the FIG. 20 closure, the
retention structure 20 shown in the closure of FIGS. 1-4 is replaced with the
improved retaining structure 82 embodied in the closure of FIGS. 7-11.
However, as has been previously noted, the retaining structure of FIGS. 7-11
normally employs materials, such as polypropylene, which are more rigid than
those (low-density polyethylenes) required for the push-on and tear away
features of the closure of FIGS. 1-4. These low-density polyethylenes do not
possess sufficient rigidity to prevent collapse and inversion of the band
during
prying with a tool such as suggested in FIG. 5. This is especially a problem
in
that the tear line 22 associated with such closures is much better at
retaining
its integrity under such strain conditions than the frangible bridges
associated
with the closures of FIGS. 7-11.
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[061] This problem of retainer ring collapse has been addressed in the
inventive closure of FIG. 20 by adding small upward extending spike-like
extensions 122 emanating from the top free edge surface of the retaining rim.
As most clearly shown in the assembly drawing of FIG. 23, these extensions
122 come to rest between the outward container projection 52f and the inner
wall 17f of the closure skirt when the closure is initially applied. While
FIG.
23 shows clearance among the container and closure structures in this region,
this clearance is only present in the drawing for clarity of presentation. In
actual fact, diametrical dimensions are chosen such that the extension 122 is
actually squeezed between container projection 52f and inner closure wall 17f.
In this way the arcuate segments of the retainer rim 84f are held rigidly
upward and prevented from collapsing when the closure is subjected to
unauthorized force in the upward direction.
[062] FIGS. 24-26 present an alternate embodiment according to the same
principles explained in conjunction with FIGS. 20-23. In the FIGS. 24-26
embodiment, upward extensions 128 emanate from the pleats joining the
arcuate segments 84 g. As best seen in FIG. 26, these pleat extensions 128
become squeezed between container projection 52g and internal skirt wall 17g
upon initial application of the closure. The squeezing of the pleat extension
prevents collapse of the retaining ring thereby ensuring very secure retention
of the closure until tear band 26g has been removed. One will appreciate that
other geometric shapes may be utilized for the upward extensions.
[063] For convenience in explanation and accurate defmition in the appended
claims, the terms "up" or "upper", "down" or "lower", "inside" and "outside"
are used to describe features of the present invention with reference to the
positions of such features as displayed in the figures.
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[064] In many respects the modifications of the various figures resemble
those of preceding modifications and the same reference numerals followed by
subscripts "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f', and "g" designate corresponding
parts.
[065] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
They are not intended to be exhaustive or to- limit the invention to the
precise
forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible
in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention
be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
Industrial Applicability
[066] The subject inventions herein advantageously provide for improved
tamper-evidencing container and closure structures which prevent or for
signaling - unauthorized access to packaging that add to the security and
reliability of packaged contents. Such structures, for example, may provide
increased hoop strength precisely in the region required to resist deformation
by a prying tool or provide visual indication of tamper evidency.
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