FIELD
The present disclosure relates to plastic containers, and more particularly closures for plastic containers.
BACKGROUND
Plastic containers are an alternative to glass or metal containers. The plastic containers are generally formed of a plastic polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Containers made of PET are generally transparent, thin walled, and can maintain their shape in response to force exerted on the walls by the contents of the container.
SUMMARY
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container including: a bottle including a base, a sidewall, a neck, and a finish defining an opening; and a closure including an end wall, a skirt extending away from the end wall, a rim, threads protruding from the skirt and configured to engage with the finish, and a tamper evidence feature connecting the skirt to the rim; wherein a rigid bond affixes the rim to the bottle.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container including: a bottle including a base, a sidewall, a neck, and a finish, the finish including a multi-functional ledge protruding in a radial direction, and the finish defining an opening; and a closure including an end wall, a skirt extending away from the end wall, a rim affixed to the multi-functional ledge by a rigid bond, and threads protruding from the skirt and configured to engage with the finish; wherein the bottle and the closure are both primarily formed from a same material.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container including: a bottle including a base, a sidewall, a neck, and a finish defining an opening; and a closure including an end wall, a skirt extending away from the end wall, a rim rigidly attached to the finish, threads protruding from the skirt and configured to engage with the finish, and a tamper evidence feature connecting the skirt to the rim; wherein the bottle and the closure are both primarily formed from a same material.
Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of a container according to an embodiment of the disclosure, including a bottle and a closure.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a finish of the bottle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view of the closure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the finish of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a closure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 6 is partial cross sectional view of the closure of FIG. 1 coupled to the finish of the bottle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional view of a closure coupled to a finish of a bottle according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view of a closure coupled to a finish of a bottle according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a closure coupled to a finish of a bottle according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a closure including a continuous tab coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closure including three tabs coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closure including two tabs coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a closure including two tabs coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 14 is a detailed partial cross sectional view of the closure of FIG. 9.
FIG. 15 is a partial cross sectional view of a closure coupled to a finish of a bottle according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 16 is perspective view of a closure including a continuous tab coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a closure including three tabs coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of a closure including two tabs coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of a closure including two tabs coupled to a finish of the bottle.
FIG. 20 is a detailed partial cross sectional view of the closure of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is directed to a container 10 including a closure 100 coupled to a bottle 104. The closure 100 improves the sustainability of the container 10. The closure 100 can be recycled and broken down to raw material that is used to re-form a new closure and/or bottle. The closure 100 is formed from a strong material, but still allows a user to break the closure 100 from the bottle 104. For example, the closure 100 and the bottle 104 can each be formed from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. In other embodiments, the closure 100 and the bottle 104 can be formed from other suitable plastics or polymers. The closure 100 can be used with any size or any volume bottle, container, or vessel that benefits from the improved closure design. For example, the bottle 104 can be 250 milliliters (mL), 1.0 Liter (L), 2.0 L, 8 ounces (oz.), 12 oz., 16.9 oz., 20 oz., 24 oz., or any other suitable or desired size or volume.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the bottle 104 (also referred to as the plastic bottle 104) for storing liquid contents, such as a beverage (e.g., water, juice, carbonated beverage, a noncarbonated beverage, tea, coffee, sports drink, etc.). The bottle 104 includes an opening 108 (or bottle opening 108) for receiving and dispensing liquid contents. The bottle 104 includes a base 112, a sidewall 116, a shoulder 120, a bell 124, a neck 132, and a finish 128 that defines the opening 108.
With reference to FIG. 1, the base 112 is at a bottom of the bottle 104 such that the base 112 supports the bottle 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 112 includes a plurality of feet 136 defined by a plurality of radial recesses oriented in a petaloid geometry. In other embodiments, the plurality of feet 136 can include different geometries such as indentations or protrusions. Still, in other embodiments, the base 112 can include a substantially flat base 112 devoid of feet. It should be appreciated that the base 112 can include other suitable configurations or geometries.
As shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall 116 extends upward from the base 112. The sidewall 116 includes a label panel portion 140. A label (not shown) is attached to the label panel portion 140 via an adhesive. The label can illustrate a logo, name, or beverage type. The sidewall 116 can further include a plurality of ribs 144. The ribs 144 can extend circumferentially around the sidewall 116 (or partially around the circumference of the sidewall 116), which improves the stiffness, rigidity, and/or provide hoop strength to the sidewall 116. In other embodiments, the sidewall 116 can include a smooth surface that is devoid of ribs. Still, in other embodiments, the sidewall 116 can further include a lower grip portion 148 configured to be gripped by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower grip portion 148 includes the ribs 144. In other embodiments, the lower grip portion 148 can include a smooth surface devoid of ribs 144.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, the sidewall 116 transitions into the bell 124 via a shoulder 120. The shoulder 120 provides a smooth transition between the sidewall 116 and the bell 124. The bell 124 includes a cross-sectional diameter that generally increases from the neck 132 to the shoulder 120. Stated another way, the bell 124 includes a cross sectional diameter that generally decreases from the shoulder 120 to the neck 132.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the neck 132 (or a neck portion 132) is coupled to the bell 124. The finish 128 (or finish portion 128) is coupled to the neck 132 and includes a threaded portion 152 having threads 156 (or finish threads 156 or external threads 156). The finish 128 also includes at least one multi-functional ledge 160 (or an annular bead 160, or a finish support ledge 160, or a neck ring 160, or a neck support ledge 160). The neck 132 connects to the bell 124 thereby connecting the finish 128 to the bell 124. The finish 128 is configured to receive the closure 100 as discussed in more detail below. It should be appreciated that the bottle 104 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment of a bottle 104, and is provided to illustrate associated components of the bottle 104. The illustrated bottle 104 and associated geometry is not intended to be limiting, but instead is provided to illustrate various components of the bottle 104.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the closure 100 (or cap 100) that removably couples to the finish 128. The closure 100 includes an end wall 162 and an annular sidewall or skirt 164 extending away from the end wall 162 at a periphery of the end wall 162. The skirt 164 includes closure threads 168 (or internal threads 168) that engage the finish threads 156 of the finish 128 when the closure 100 is coupled to the finish 128. The closure 100 is configured to selectively seal the opening 108 of the bottle 104 to keep the liquid contents contained within the bottle 104. To access the liquid contents in the bottle 104, the closure 100 is rotated (or twisted or removed) from the finish 128 to reveal the opening 108 for dispensing the liquid contents. The closure 100 is formed from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. For example, the closure 100 can be formed from the same material as the bottle 104.
As shown in FIG. 3, the closure 100 further includes a seal 172 (or plug seal 172) extending away from the end wall 162 adjacent the skirt 164. When the closure 100 is coupled to the finish 128, the seal 172 is in contact with an interior surface 176 of the finish 128 to seal the opening 108. The seal 172 prevents the liquid contents from leaking or exiting the bottle 104 when the closure 100 is coupled to the finish 128.
With continued reference to FIG. 3, the closure 100 further includes a rim 180 (or flared rim 180, or radial rim 180) that extends radially outward from a distal end of the skirt 164. Stated another way, the rim 180 can be a flared wall that projects radially outward from the skirt 164. In other embodiments, the rim 180 can be a straight wall (i.e., not radially flared) that extends continuously from the skirt 164 in an axial direction of the closure 100. The rim 180 is positioned beyond the closure threads 168.
In some embodiments, the rim 180 can extend continuously (i.e., uninterrupted) around an entire circumference of the skirt 164. For example, the rim 180 can be formed as a ring (or continuous ring) around the circumference of the skirt 164. In other embodiments, the rim 180 can be discontinuous. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the rim 180 can be formed as a discontinuous ring (i.e., having discrete ring portions, pieces, tabs, and/or flaps). The rim 180 can be formed as separate portions or pieces around the circumference of the closure 100. Stated another way, the rim 180 may be interrupted by gaps at intervals such that the rim 180 is not continuous around the circumference of the closure 100. In some embodiments, the rim 180 can be formed together with the skirt 164 during a single molding process. In other embodiments, the rim 180 can be formed separately from the skirt 164 and subsequently welded to the skirt 164.
The bottle 104 can be formed with a blow-molded process or any suitable molding process. The closure 100 can also be formed with a molding process. In particular, the rim 180 can be molded with the closure 100. For example, the rim 180 can be molded with the closure 100 in a flared or radial configuration. In another example, the rim 180 can be molded with the closure 100 in a straight wall configuration. In other embodiments, the rim 180 can initially be molded in a straight wall configuration and then be flared radially outward in a secondary step or process. Still, in other embodiments, the rim 180 can be molded separately from the closure 100 and then coupled to the closure 100 via a welding method or suitable other methods.
As shown in FIG. 6, a bond 182 can rigidly or fixedly secure the rim 180 to the multi-functional ledge 160. The bond 182 can be positioned between the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160. In some embodiments, the bond 182 can extend continuously around a circumference of the closure 100 between the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160 (e.g., an uninterrupted bond 182 between the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160). In other embodiments, one or more discrete bonds 182 can extend about less than the full circumference of the closure 100 between the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160. In embodiments having multiple discrete bonds 182, the bonds can be spaced apart from one another at equal or unequal intervals about the circumference of the closure 100.
The one or more bonds 182 securing the closure 100 to the multi-functional ledge 160 can be formed, for example, by a welding process (e.g., ultrasonic welding, laser welding, spin welding, heat welding, or any other suitable technique). The bond 182 can be a continuous and uniform material connection between the closure 100 and the bottle 104 (or, more specifically, between the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160). Because the closure 100 and the bottle 104 are both formed from the same material in many embodiments (i.e., PET), the one or more bonds 182 can be bridges of PET material formed by the welding process and extending between and rigidly connecting the closure 100 and the bottle 104 (or, the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160). In other embodiments (not shown), rather than elongated bridges, the one or more bonds 182 may instead be localized fixed connections formed by the welding process and rigidly securing two adjacent (or, contacting) surfaces of the rim 180 and the bottle 104, respectively. For example, the one or more bonds 182 may be fixed connections formed between contacting surfaces of the rim 180 and the multi-functional ledge 160.
With reference to FIG. 6, the container 10 further includes a tamper evidence feature 184. The tamper evidence feature 184 includes one or more discrete breakable mechanical connections formed between separable portions of the closure 100. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the tamper evidence feature 184 includes a narrow bridge 188 connecting the rim 180 to the skirt 164. The bridge 188 can be formed anywhere between the closure threads 168 and the bond 182 that secures the rim 180 to the bottle 104. In one example, the bridge 188 can be formed adjacent the closure threads 168. In another example, the bridge 188 can be formed adjacent the bond 182.
In the same or other embodiments, the tamper evidence feature 184 includes a plurality of bridges 188. Each bridge 188 has a first end affixed directly to the rim 180 of the closure 100, and a second end affixed directly to the skirt 164. The tamper evidence feature 184 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten bridges 188. In other embodiments, the tamper evidence feature 184 includes three or less bridges 188, two or less bridges 188, or one bridge 188. The bridges 188 may be spaced apart from one another at regular intervals around a circumference of the closure 100. That is, two adjacent bridges 188 are angularly separated by a space or gap.
The bridges 188 can be formed sufficiently small in cross-sectional area so as to be breakable when a user applies a twisting force to the closure 100, so that a removable portion 189 of the closure 100, including the skirt 164, the end wall 162, and the seal 172, can be readily separated from the rim 180. In other words, when the removable portion 189 of the closure 100 is twisted and removed from the finish 128 of the bottle 104, the bridges 188 irreparably break, providing a visual indication that the removable portion 189 of the closure 100 has been removed. Thus, the tamper evidence feature 184 provides evidence that the removable portion 189 of the closure 100 has been disconnected from the bottle 104.
Each bridge 188 may be formed, for example, by a molding process. Each bridge 188 can be molded with the closure 100. In other words, each bridge 188 can be molded with the closure 100 in between the rim 180 and the closure threads 168. For example, each bridge 188 can be molded adjacent the closure threads 168. In another example, each bridge 188 can be molded adjacent the rim 180. For further example, each bridge 188 can be molded in between the rim 180 and the closure threads 168, where two adjacent bridge 188 are angularly separated by a space or gap.
The tamper evidence feature 184 of the PET closure 100 disclosed herein includes fewer bridges 188 than traditional tamper evidence features typically include. In addition, traditional tamper evidence features do not typically include discrete mechanical connections formed directly between the closure and the bottle. Both of these differences arise, at least in part, from the closure 100 and the bottle 104 each being formed from PET. In contrast, while prior art bottles are commonly formed from PET, such bottles do not commonly receive PET closures. Instead, most prior art closures are typically formed from a relatively weaker material than PET, such as, e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and the like. This material difference between prior art closures and prior art bottles presents challenges that commonly preclude the closure from being fixedly connected (or, bonded) directly to the bottle finish. Instead, prior art closures typically include a tamper evidence band (not shown) that is captured to the finish of the bottle (e.g., against a tamper evidence bead formed on the finish), and breakable bridges formed between the tamper evidence band and the skirt of the prior art closure. As such, tamper evidence bands of the prior art typically are not directly fixed to the bottle, but instead are capable of rotational movement about the bottle finish and are further capable of at least some sliding movement in an axial direction of the bottle. Because the material forming traditional closures is typically weaker than PET, traditional closures commonly include many bridges (e.g., commonly eight bridges or more) to ensure that the closure is sufficiently tightly secured to the bottle so as to prevent unintended or inadvertent removal of the closure. In contrast, because the bridges 188 of the tamper evidence feature 184 described herein are formed from the same PET material comprising both the closure 100 and the bottle 104, the bridges 188 are stronger than traditional prior art bridges and therefore fewer bridges 188 are required. That is, the tamper evidence feature 184 disclosed herein may include just three bridges 188 to sufficiently secure the closure 100 to the bottle 104 and prevent inadvertent removals. In other embodiments, the tamper evidence feature 184 may include five or fewer bridges 188. In further embodiments, the tamper evidence feature 184 includes fewer than eight bridges 188.
The closure 100 formed from a PET material and including the tamper evidence feature 184 provides further advantages over conventional closures formed from other, weaker materials (e.g., HDPE, PP, etc.). The closure 100 facilitates easier opening by utilizing fewer tamper evidence bridges 188. The closure 100 further eliminates the need for a tamper evidence band on the closure 100 and a corresponding tamper evidence bead on the finish 128. Stated another way, the closure 100 is devoid of a tamper evidence band and the finish 128 is devoid of a tamper evidence bead. Removing the tamper evidence band and bead from the closure 100 and the finish 128 provides advantages such as, for example, a reduced height of the finish 128, a reduced height of the closure 100, and a thin-walled skirt 164. Further, removing the tamper evidence band from the closure 100 reduces the weight of the closure 100, and removing the tamper evidence bead from the finish 128 of the bottle 104 reduces the weight of the bottle 104. The multi-functional ledge 160 also provides advantages such as, for example, a durable location for bottle transport, anti-rotation of the finish 128 during coupling of the closure 100, a weld location for the closure 100 to the multi-functional ledge 160, and increased structural stiffness of the finish 128.
FIG. 7 illustrates a closure 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The closure 200 is similar to the closure 100 described above but includes the following differences explained below. The closure 200 includes an end wall 204 and an annular sidewall or skirt 208 extending away from the end wall 204 at a periphery of the end wall 204. The skirt 208 includes closure threads 212 that engage the finish threads 156 of the finish 128. The closure includes a seal 216 extending away from the end wall 204 adjacent the skirt 208. The closure 200 includes a rim 220 that extends continuously from the skirt 208 in an axial direction of the closure 200. The rim 220 can be a straight wall (i.e., not radially flared). The rim 220 is positioned beyond the closure threads 212.
As shown in FIG. 7, a bond 222 can rigidly or fixedly secure the rim 220 to the multi-functional ledge 160. The bond 222 can be positioned between an end surface of the rim 220 and the multi-functional ledge 160. In some embodiments, the bond 222 can extend continuously around a circumference of the closure 200 between the rim 220 and the multi-functional ledge 160 (e.g., an uninterrupted bond 222 between the rim 220 and the multi-functional ledge 160). In other embodiments, one or more discrete bonds 222 can extend about less than the full circumference of the closure 200 between the rim 220 and the multi-functional ledge 160. In embodiments having multiple discrete bonds 222, the bonds can be spaced apart from one another at equal or unequal intervals about the circumference of the closure 200. The bond 222 may be formed by a welding process as described above for bond 182.
FIG. 7 further illustrates a tamper evidence feature 224 for use with the closure 200 and the bottle 104. The tamper evidence feature 224 includes one or more discrete breakable mechanical connections formed between separable portions of the closure 200. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the tamper evidence feature 224 includes a narrow bridge 228 connecting the rim 220 and the skirt 208. The narrow bridge 228 can be similar to the bridge 188 described above. The bridge 228 shown in FIG. 7 has a first end affixed directly to the rim 220 of the closure 200, and a second end affixed directly to the skirt 164. The tamper evidence feature 224 can include a plurality of bridges 228 spaced apart from one another. Like the bridges 188 described above, the bridges 228 can be formed sufficiently small in cross-sectional area so as to be breakable when a user applies a twisting force to the closure 200, so that a removable portion 289 of the closure 200 can be readily separated from the rim 220. The advantages described above in reference to the closure 100, the tamper evidence feature 184, and the bridges 188 also result from the closure 200, the tamper evidence feature 224, and the bridges 228.
In another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the closure 200 includes a bond 322 positioned between the closure 200 and the bottle 104. The bond 322 can be similar to the bonds 182, 222 described above but have the following differences explained below. The bond 322 is positioned in a different location compared to the bond 222 described above. As shown in FIG. 8, the bond 322 is positioned between and rigidly connects the rim 220 and a vertical wall of the finish 128. The bond 322 can be formed with a welding process as described above for the bond 182 or the bond 222.
FIGS. 9-14 illustrate a closure 400 and a finish 404 according to another embodiment of the invention. The closure 400 and the finish 404 can be similar to the closure 100 and finish 128 described above but include the following differences explained below. The closure 400 and finish 404 can be used with the bottle 104 described above. The finish 404 includes a threaded portion 408 having finish threads 412 and a multi-functional ledge 416. The multi-functional ledge 416 of the finish 404 can extend a greater distance or include a larger diameter relative to a vertical wall of the finish 412 compared to the multi-functional ledge 160 described above.
With continued reference to FIG. 9, the closure 400 includes an end wall 420 and an annular sidewall or skirt 424 extending away from the end wall 420 at a periphery of the end wall 420. The skirt 424 includes closure threads 428 that engage the finish threads 412 of the finish 404. The closure 400 includes a seal 432 extending away from the end wall 420 adjacent the skirt 424. The closure 400 includes a rim 436 that extends radially outward from a distal end of the skirt 424. In other words, the rim 436 can be a flared wall that projects radially outward from the distal end of the skirt 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the rim 436 can include a first rim portion 440 concentric with the skirt 424, and a second rim portion 444 that extends radially outward from the first rim portion 440. The rim 436 can also be referred to as a tab.
As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the rim 436 can extend continuously (i.e., uninterrupted) around an entire circumference of the skirt 424. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, in other embodiments, the rim 436 can be formed as a plurality of tabs 448. The tabs 448 can also be referred to as tab portions, pieces, and/or flaps. The tabs 448 can be spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the closure 400. In other words, the rim 436 may be interrupted by gaps at intervals such that the rim 436 is not continuous around the circumference of the closure 400. In some embodiments, the rim 436 can be formed as three tabs 448 (FIG. 11). In another embodiment, the rim 436 can be formed as two tabs 448 (FIGS. 12 and 13).
With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the tabs 448 can extend a percentage of the circumference of the closure 400. In other words, the tabs 448 can extend an angular distance around the closure 400. In some embodiments, each tab 448 can extend the same angular distance around the closure 400. In other embodiments, each tab 448 can extend different angular distances around the closure 400. For example, the tabs 448 can extend less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, or 15% of the circumference of the closure 400. In other examples, the tabs 448 can extend 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45% of the circumference of the closure 400. Adjacent tabs 448 are angularly separated by a space or gap.
In one example, as shown in FIG. 12, adjacent tabs 448 are angularly separated by a first gap 452. In another example, as shown in FIG. 13, adjacent tabs 448 are angular separated by a second gap 456. The first gap 452 is larger (i.e., more space) than the second gap 456. The first gap 452 between adjacent tabs 448 in FIG. 12 is larger than the second gap 456 between adjacent tabs 448 in FIG. 13. Other angular distances between adjacent tabs 448 and the number of tabs 448 (e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.) are also possible and considered herein.
With reference to FIGS. 9-11, the closure 400 includes a tamper evidence feature 460 for use with the closure 400. The tamper evidence feature 460 includes one or more discrete breakable mechanical connections formed between separable portions of the closure 400. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the tamper evidence feature 460 includes a narrow bridge 464 connecting the rim 436 and the skirt 424. The bridge 464 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has a first end affixed directly to the rim 436 of the closure 400, and a second end affixed directly to the skirt 424. The tamper evidence feature 460 can include a plurality of bridges 464 spaced apart from one another. Like the bridges 188 described above, the bridges 464 can be formed sufficiently small in cross-sectional area so as to be breakable when a user applies a twisting force to the closure 400, so that a removable portion 470 of the closure 400 can be readily separated from the rim 436. The advantages described above in reference to the closure 100, the tamper evidence feature 184, and the bridges 188 also result from the closure 400, the tamper evidence feature 460, and the bridges 464.
With reference to FIG. 14, a bond 478 can rigidly or fixedly secure the rim 436 to the multi-functional ledge 416. The bond 478 can be positioned between a distal end of the rim 436 and the multi-functional ledge 416. In some embodiments, the bond 478 can extend continuously around a circumference of the closure 400 between the rim 436 and the multi-functional ledge 416 (e.g., an uninterrupted bond 478 between the rim 436 and the multi-functional ledge 416). In other embodiments, one or more discrete bonds 478 can extend about less than the full circumference of the closure 400 between the rim 436 and the multi-functional ledge 416. In embodiments having multiple discrete bonds 478, the bonds 478 can be spaced apart from one another at equal or unequal intervals about the circumference of the closure 400. The bond 478 may be formed by a welding process as described above for bond 182. The location of the bond 478 (i.e., adjacent the end of the multi-functional ledge 416) assists in the weld placement between the rim 436 and the multi-functional ledge 416, and the direction the weld material used in the welding process is cured.
FIGS. 15-20 illustrate a closure 500 and a finish 504 according to another embodiment of the invention. The closure 500 and the finish 504 can be similar to the closure 100 and finish 128 described above but include the following differences explained below. The closure 500 and finish 504 can be used with the bottle 104 described above. The finish 504 includes a threaded portion 508 having finish threads 512 and a multi-functional ledge 516.
With continued reference to FIG. 15, the closure 500 includes an end wall 520 and an annular sidewall or skirt 524 extending away from the end wall 520 at a periphery of the end wall 520. The skirt 524 includes closure threads 528 that engage the finish threads 512 of the finish 504. The closure 500 includes a seal 532 extending away from the end wall 520 adjacent the skirt 524. The closure 500 includes a rim 536 formed as a straight wall (i.e., not radially flared) that extends in an axial direction of the closure 500. In other words, the rim 536 can be formed as a wall that is concentric with the skirt 524. The rim 536 can also be referred to as a tab.
As shown in FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the rim 536 can extend continuously (i.e., uninterrupted) around an entire circumference of the skirt 524. As shown in FIGS. 17-19, in other embodiments, the rim 536 can be formed as a plurality of tabs 548. The tabs 548 can also be referred to as tab portions, pieces, and/or flaps. The tabs 548 can be spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the closure 500. In other words, the rim 536 may be interrupted by gaps at intervals such that the rim 536 is not continuous around the circumference of the closure 500. In some embodiments, the rim 536 can be formed as three tabs 548 (FIG. 17). In another embodiment, the rim 536 can be formed as two tabs 548 (FIGS. 18 and 19).
With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the tabs 548 can extend a percentage of the circumference of the closure 500. In other words, the tabs 548 can extend an angular distance around the closure 500. In some embodiments, each tab 548 can extend the same angular distance around the closure 500. In other embodiments, each tab 548 can extend different angular distances around the closure 500. For example, the tabs 548 can extend less than 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, or 15% of the circumference of the closure 500. In other examples, the tabs 548 can extend 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45% of the circumference of the closure 500. Adjacent tabs 548 are angularly separated by a space or gap.
In one example, as shown in FIG. 18, adjacent tabs 548 are angularly separated by a first gap 552. In another example, as shown in FIG. 19, adjacent tabs 548 are angular separated by a second gap 556. The first gap 552 is larger (i.e., more space) than the second gap 556. The first gap 552 between adjacent tabs 548 in FIG. 18 is larger than the second gap 556 between adjacent tabs 548 in FIG. 19. Other angular distances between adjacent tabs 548 and the number of tabs 548 (e.g., three, four, etc.) are also possible and considered herein.
With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the closure 500 includes a tamper evidence feature 560 for use with the closure 500. The tamper evidence feature 560 includes one or more discrete breakable mechanical connections formed between separable portions of the closure 500. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the tamper evidence feature 560 includes a narrow bridge 564 connecting the rim 536 and the skirt 524. The bridge 564 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 has a first end affixed directly to the rim 536 of the closure 500, and a second end affixed directly to the skirt 524. The tamper evidence feature 560 can include a plurality of bridges 564 spaced apart from one another. Like the bridges 188 described above, the bridges 564 can be formed sufficiently small in cross-sectional area so as to be breakable when a user applies a twisting force to the closure 500, so that a removable portion 568 of the closure 500 can be readily separated from the rim 536. The advantages described above in reference to the closure 100, the tamper evidence feature 184, and the bridges 188 also result from the closure 500, the tamper evidence feature 560, and the bridges 564.
With reference to FIG. 20, a bond 576 can rigidly or fixedly secure the rim 536 to the multi-functional ledge 516. The rim 536 can be rigidly or fixedly secured at an end of the multi-functional ledge 516. The bond 576 can be positioned between an end surface of the rim 536 and the multi-functional ledge 516. In some embodiments, the bond 576 can extend continuously around a circumference of the closure 500 between the rim 536 and the multi-functional ledge 516 (e.g., an uninterrupted bond 576 between the rim 536 and the multi-functional ledge 516). In other embodiments, one or more discrete bonds 576 can extend about less than the full circumference of the closure 500 between the rim 536 and the multi-functional ledge 516. In embodiments having multiple discrete bonds 576, the bonds 576 can be spaced apart from one another at equal or unequal intervals about the circumference of the closure 500. The bond 576 may be formed by a welding process as described above for bond 182. The location of the bond 576 (i.e., at the end of the multi-functional ledge 516) assists in the weld placement between the rim 536 and the multi-functional ledge 516, and the direction of the weld material used in the welding process is cured.
Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and sprit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described.
Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
Patent Application
20250002228
