TAMPER EVIDENT CAP FOR AN AEROSOL CAN

Abstract

Described herein is a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, where each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, where each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a releasable cap for a dispensing container, and more particularly, to a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can.

BACKGROUND

Currently, many dispensing containers are easily tried in the store prior to purchase and the eventual consumer would never know that a portion of the contents of the dispending container was used. For example, consumers will try the aerosol can (e.g., a spray paint) while in the store and spray the contents on shelving/displays. This process damages the store's equipment and uses the contents of the aerosol can without purchasing it. Moreover, mishandling of the aerosol can during improper usage may damage the spray components and another consumer may not realize the aerosol can has been used and was damaged. Thus, there is a need for identifying when an aerosol can has been tampered with.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, provided herein is a tamper evident cap configured to engage with an aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, provided herein is an aerosol can assembly, including an aerosol can and a tamper evident cap configured to removably engage with the aerosol can. The aerosol can includes a body and a spray nozzle, the body defining a collar positioned relative to the spray nozzle. The tamper evident cap includes a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and coupled to a ring mechanism, the ring mechanism positioned relative to the inner cavity and between the pair of opposing pads, wherein the ring mechanism is configured to removably engage with at least the collar of the aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, provided herein is a method of unpackaging an aerosol can assembly. The aerosol can assembly includes an aerosol can and a tamper evident cap configured to removably engage with the aerosol can. The aerosol can includes a body and a spray nozzle. The tamper evident cap includes a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads. Each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad. Each tab of the pair of tabs defines a frangible section positioned relative to a second edge of the tab and positioned between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is at least partially removable from the sidewall. The method includes introducing at least a portion of a finger into the gap between each tab of the pair of tabs and the corresponding pad of the pair of pads. Then, prying each tab in a direction away from the sidewall of the tamper evident cap so as to begin tearing along the frangible section of each tab. Then, removing each tab from the tamper evident cap to expose the corresponding pad of the pair of pads. Finally, pressing the pair of pads to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can.

Any combination or permutation of features, functions, and/or embodiments as disclosed herein is envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions, and applications of the disclosed systems, methods, and assemblies of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are examples of a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can in accordance with the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting.

Various example embodiments may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description and in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol can assembly with an aerosol can and a tamper evident cap in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B shows a bottom perspective view of the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 2A in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows a bottom view of the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 2B in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1, where removable pull tabs of the tamper evident cap are being removed, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1, where removable pull tabs of the tamper evident cap are being removed, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1, where removable pull tabs of the tamper evident cap are being removed, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1, where removable pull tabs of the tamper evident cap are being removed, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1, where removable pull tabs of the tamper evident cap are being removed, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1 being removed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the aerosol can assembly with the tamper evident cap shown in FIG. 1 being removed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of unpackaging an aerosol can assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can, which collectively may be referred to as an aerosol can assembly. The tamper evident cap may be used to notify a consumer that the aerosol can assembly was tampered with. Moreover, the tamper evident cap may function as a deterrent to using the aerosol can before the aerosol can assembly was purchased and/or removed from a store.

While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention of the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4A-5B, an aerosol can assembly 10 includes a tamper evident cap 12 mounted relative to an aerosol can 52. The tamper evident cap 12 is configured to releasably attach to the aerosol can 52, either directly or indirectly.

The tamper evident cap 12 defines a sidewall 14 and a top surface 16. The sidewall 14 and the top surface 16 may be directly or indirectly connected. As depicted, the sidewall 14 of the tamper evident cap 12 may define a cylindrical shape and the top 16 surface may extend perpendicularly relative to the sidewall 14 to define an inner cavity 13 (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). The inner cavity 13 is open at an end opposite the top surface so as to be removably attached to the aerosol can, either directly or indirectly. However, alternate shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit/scope of this disclosure, for example, a quadrilateral, a triangle, a cylindrical, and combinations thereof.

The tamper evident cap 12 defines various features positioned relative to the inner cavity 13, for example, within the inner cavity 13 and/or in close proximity thereto. At least some of the features are configured to interface, either directly or indirectly, with the aerosol can 52. Referring to FIGS. 2A-3B, the tamper evident cap 12 includes two oppositely positioned movable pads 18 which are positioned in proximity to the sidewall 14. Although depicted as two movable pads 18, it should be understood that more or less may be incorporated. For example, the tamper evident cap 12 may include one movable pad 18. However, it should be understood that the discussion of the tamper evident cap 12 including two movable pads 18 may also refer to the tamper evident cap 12 including one movable pad 18 or a plurality of movable pads 18, unless stated otherwise. The movable pads 18 are configured to directly or indirectly engage and/or disengage the tamper evident cap 12 from the aerosol can 52.

For example, the movable pads 18 are directly or indirectly connected to a ring mechanism 27. The ring mechanism 27 is configured to engage with the aerosol can 52, either directly or indirectly. The ring mechanism 27 defines a radiused element 28, a retention element 32, and a stopping guide 36. The ring mechanism is configured to at least partially surround the spray nozzle of the aerosol can.

The radiused element 28 of the ring mechanism 27 is coupled to at least one of the movable pads 18, either directly or indirectly. As depicted, the ring mechanism 27 of the tamper evident cap 12 may include two radiused elements 28, each coupled to one of the movable pads 18, cither directly or indirectly. The ring mechanism 27 of the tamper evident cap 12 may define a similar number of radiused elements 28 as the number of the movable pads 18. The radiused element 28 is coupled to each movable pad by a web 30. The web 30 may be integrated with the tamper evident cap 12 or may be a separate element.

The radiused element 28 is coupled to a retention element 32, either directly or indirectly. The tamper evident cap 12 may include two retention elements 32 and each may be positioned between each of the movable pads 18. The ring mechanism 27 of the tamper evident cap 12 may include two retention elements 32 positioned relative to an inner surface 29 of the ring mechanism 27. For example, the two retention elements 32 may be positioned between each of the radiused elements 28 and coupled thereto. Thus, movement of the radiused elements 28 may correspondingly move the retention elements 32. For example, movement of the radiused elements 28 inwards (e.g., towards the center of the tamper evident cap 12) may correspondingly move the retention elements 32 outwards (e.g., away from the center of the tamper evident cap 12).

The tamper evident cap 12 may further include a ring mechanism stop 36 positioned relative to an inner surface 29 of the ring mechanism 27. The tamper evident cap 12 may further include a sidewall stop 34 positioned relative to an inner surface 15 of the sidewall 14. The sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 are sized to allow the retention elements 32 to interface with a feature/element of the aerosol can 52. The sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may be positioned to engage with a feature/element of the aerosol can 52. Alternatively, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may be positioned such that when the tamper evident cap 12 is mounted relative to the aerosol can 52, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 are positioned a distance from a feature/element of the aerosol can 52. Alternatively, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may be positioned based on a combination of the two preceding configurations. For example, referring to FIG. 5B, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may engage with or be in close proximity to outer collar 54 and spray nozzle collar 56, respectively.

A tab 20 is positioned in proximity to the movable pad 18 such that at least a portion of the movable pad 18 is shielded by the tab 20. The tab 20 may be a removable tab, a partially removable tab, a flexible tab, a deformable tab, a partially deformable tab, and combinations thereof. Referring to the figures, for example FIGS. 2A-3B, the tab 20 is positioned such that the movable pad 18 is not operable with the tab 20 in an unaltered position. The unaltered position may be the position before the tab 20 has been removed, deformed, flexed, torn, and similar alterations. The tab 20 may be spaced a distance from the movable pad 18 which is defined by a gap 22. The gap 22 may be sized to enable a toolless engagement with the tab 20. Alternatively, the gap 22 may be sized to enable a toolless engagement with the tab 20 but tools may be used to supplement or entirely engage with the tab 20.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the tab 20 is removably attached to the tamper evident cap 12 and positioned such that at least a portion of the movable pad 18 is shielded by the tab 20. For example, the tab 20 is positioned relative to the sidewall 14 of the tamper evident cap 12. The tab 20 is attached relative to an inner surface 15 of the sidewall 14 and positioned to restrict access to the movable pad 18 such that the movable pad 18 cannot be pressed. The tab 20 includes a tab retention element 24 which is attached relative to the inner surface 15 of the sidewall 14, either directly or indirectly. The tab 20 is removably attached relative to the tab retention element 24 such that the tab retention element 24 remains attached relative to the sidewall 14 when the tab 20 is removed therefrom. The tab 20 and the tab retention element 24 define a frangible section 26 which divides the tab 20 from the tab retention element 24. The tab 20 and the tab retention element 24 may define a plurality of frangible sections 26. The frangible section 26 may enable the tab 20 to be torn/ripped away from the tab retention element 24. The tamper evident cap 12 may include one or more tab retention elements 24 and frangible sections 26. In some instances, the tamper evident cap 12 may include a plurality of tab retention elements 24 and frangible sections 26 such that each are positioned relative to the tab 20. For example, the tab retention elements 24 and the frangible sections 26 may be positioned relative to three edges of the tab 20. The edge of the tab 20 in proximity to the gap 22 (e.g., the top edge of the tab 20) may not include the tab retention element 24 and the frangible section 26.

In operation, referring to FIGS. 4A-5B, the aerosol can assembly 10 includes the tamper evident cap 12 mounted relative to the aerosol can 52. The tamper evident cap 12 includes a pair of oppositely positioned movable pads 18 which are configured to releasably disengage the tamper evident cap 12 from the aerosol can 52. The tamper evident cap 12 includes a pair of tabs 20, each being positioned relative to each of the movable pads 18. The tabs 20 are releasably attached relative to the tamper evident cap 12 and positioned to obstruct access to the movable pads 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A). In the current configuration, the tabs 20 are positioned relative to the movable pads 18 to prohibit a user from accessing the movable pads 18 to remove the tamper evident cap 12 from the aerosol can 52. Removal of the tabs 20 provide an indication that the tamper evident cap 12 was tampered with. It should be understood that destroying the tamper evident cap 12 to remove it from the aerosol can 52, while the tabs 20 remain attached relative to the tamper evident cap 12, is a form of tampering.

Turning to FIGS. 4A-4C, the aerosol can assembly 10 is depicted in various stages of removing the tabs 20 from the tamper evident cap 12. As noted above, the tabs 20 may be removed by a user without the use of a tool. The gaps 22 are sized to enable the user to insert one or more of their fingers to begin the removal of the taps 20. As the user removes the taps 20, beginning with FIG. 4A, the frangible sections 26 of the tabs 20 and the tab retention elements (not shown) begin to tear such that the tabs 20 separate themselves from the corresponding tab retention elements (not shown). In some instances, a portion of the frangible sections 26 may retain on a portion of the tabs 20, the tab retention elements (not shown), and combinations thereof. Comparing FIG. 4B with FIG. 4A, the tabs 20 are further removed from the tamper evident cap 12 relative to the movable pads 18. Comparing FIG. 4C with FIG. 4B, the tabs 20 are almost entirely removed from the tamper evident cap 12 relative to the movable pads 18. Referring to FIGS. 4D and 4E, the tabs 20 are removed from the tamper evident cap 12 such that the movable pads 18 are engageable by the user. The tabs 20 may be discarded as they cannot be reattached to the tamper evident cap 12. Reattachment of the tabs 20 to the tamper evident cap 12 would circumvent the function of the tabs 20, to notify that the aerosol can assembly 10 has been tampered with. Removal of the tabs 20

Once the tabs 20 are removed, as outlined above, the movable pads 18 are accessible, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The movable pads 18 are engageable such that the two opposing movable pads 18 are pressed inwards of the tamper evident cap 12. Referring to FIG. 5A, arrows 38 indicate the potential movement of the movable pads 18. The movable pads 18 are hingedly attached to the tamper evident cap 12 and may be squeezed together by a single hand of the user. Further referring to FIGS. 2B and 3B, as the movable pads 18 are pressed inwardly towards the inner cavity 13 of the tamper evident cap 12, the retention elements 32 of the ring mechanism 27 move relative to each other. Movement of the movable pads 18 causes the retention elements 32 to move outwardly relative to each other to disengage from the spray nozzle collar 56 of the aerosol can 52. Removal of the tamper evident cap 12 from the aerosol can 52 exposes a spray nozzle 58.

Turning to FIG. 6, a method of unpackaging an aerosol can assembly is illustrated and generally identified by reference numeral 600. In embodiments, the aerosol can assembly includes a tamper evident cap configured to engage with the aerosol can. The aerosol can may include a body and a spray nozzle, and the tamper evident cap may include a sidewall and a top surface. The sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity. A pair of opposing pads is movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. A pair of tabs is positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads. Each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads. Each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad and each tab of the pair of tabs defines a frangible section positioned relative to a second edge of the tab and positioned between each tab and the sidewall. Each tab is at least partially removable from the sidewall.

The method 600 includes introducing 602 at least a portion of a finger into the gap between each tab of the pair of tabs and the corresponding pad of the pair of pads. Each tab is pried 604 in a direction away from the sidewall of the tamper evident cap so as to begin tearing along the frangible section of each tab. Each tab is removed 606 from the tamper evident cap to expose the corresponding pad of the pair of pads, and the pair of pads is pressed 608 to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. As can be appreciated, the above-described method may be performed any number of times and the steps of the above-described method may be performed in any order without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the various embodiments without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the aerosol can and spray nozzle may be utilized for a multitude of different types of dispensers and dispensing approaches, for a variety of medias. Further, the embodiments noted herein may be combined, and further embodiments may be separated. Other shapes, such as an oblong shape, a triangle shape, and the like may be used for the tabs, the movable pads, and the like. Such modifications do not depart from the scope of various aspects of the invention, including aspects set forth in the claims.

This written description uses examples to illustrate the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains”, “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a composition, mixture, process or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process or method.

The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase “consisting of” appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is used to define a composition or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. The term “consisting essentially of” occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of”.

Where a disclosure or a portion thereof is defined with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such a disclosure using the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of.”

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Also, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” preceding an element or component of the disclosure are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e., occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore “a” or “an” should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like and is meant to include variations of +/−15% or less, preferably variations of +/−10% or less, more preferably variations of +/−5% or less, even more preferably variations of +/−1% or less, and still more preferably variations of +/−0.1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the invention described herein. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself specifically disclosed herein.

As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “front”, “back”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like, are used for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s). It is further understood that the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, and “right” are not intended to be limiting and are intended to be interchangeable, where appropriate. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or relative importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms “configure(s)”, “configuring”, and the like, refer to the capability of a component and/or assembly, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other capabilities, features, components, elements, operations, and any combinations thereof.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range lying within the disclosed range.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention or any embodiments unless otherwise claimed.

As used herein, the term “aerosol can” refers to a type of dispensing container using an aerosol spray. The present disclosure is not limited to an aerosol can and can also include non-aerosol spray type of dispensing containers that rely on a tamper evident cap (e.g., food containers, soap containers, perfume containers, toiletry containers).

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the teaching of the invention to particular use, application, manufacturing conditions, use conditions, composition, medium, size, and/or materials without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention as described herein. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described examples, it is intended that all matters in the preceding description and shown in the accompanying figures be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A tamper evident cap configured to engage with an aerosol can, the tamper evident cap comprising: a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity;a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can; anda pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.

2. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein the pair of tabs are removable from the sidewall without the use of a tool.

3. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is sized to fit at least a portion of a user's finger.

4. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs further defines a frangible section positioned between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the sidewall along the frangible section.

5. The tamper evident cap according to claim 4, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad, wherein the frangible section of each tab is positioned relative to a second edge of the tab.

6. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1 further comprising a ring mechanism positioned relative to the inner cavity and between the pair of opposing pads, wherein the ring mechanism is configured to removably engage with the aerosol can, the ring mechanism defines at least one retention element configured to removably engage with the aerosol can, wherein the opposing pads are coupled to the at least one retention element, either directly or indirectly, and configured to release the at least one retention element from the aerosol can.

7. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein each tab defines a quadrilateral shape, wherein three of the four edges defines a frangible section between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the sidewall along the frangible sections.

8. An aerosol can assembly, comprising: an aerosol can comprising a body and a spray nozzle, the body defining a collar positioned relative to the spray nozzle; anda tamper evident cap configured to removably engage with the aerosol can, the tamper evident cap comprising: a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity;a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and coupled to a ring mechanism, the ring mechanism positioned relative to the inner cavity and between the pair of opposing pads, wherein the ring mechanism is configured to removably engage with at least the collar of the aerosol can; anda pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.

9. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein the pair of tabs of the tamper evident cap are removable from the sidewall without the use of a tool.

10. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad of the tamper evident cap define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is sized to fit at least a portion of a user's finger.

11. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs of the tamper evident cap further defines a frangible section positioned between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the tamper evident cap along the frangible section.

12. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 11, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad of the tamper evident cap define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad, wherein the frangible section of each tab is positioned relative to a second edge of the tab.

13. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein the ring mechanism of the tamper evident cap defines at least one retention element configured to removably engage with the collar of the aerosol can, wherein the opposing pads are coupled to the at least one retention element, either directly or indirectly, and configured to release the at least one retention element from the collar of the aerosol can.

14. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tamper evident cap defines a first opening in at least the sidewall and a second opposing opening in at least the sidewall, the first and second openings each provide access to a corresponding pad of the pair of pads, and each tab of the pair of tabs is removably attached relative one of the first and second openings so as to restrict access to the corresponding pad of the pair of pads, and a plurality of frangible sections are positioned between each tab and the sidewall, such that each tab of the pair of tabs is removable from the tamper evident cap along the plurality of frangible sections.

15. A method of unpackaging an aerosol can assembly, wherein the aerosol can assembly comprises an aerosol can and a tamper evident cap configured to removably engage with the aerosol can; the aerosol can comprising a body and a spray nozzle; and the tamper evident cap comprising a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity, a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can, a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs defines a frangible section positioned relative to a second edge of the tab and positioned between each tab and the sidewall, and wherein each tab is at least partially removable from the sidewall; the method comprising: introducing at least a portion of a finger into the gap between each tab of the pair of tabs and the corresponding pad of the pair of pads;prying each tab in a direction away from the sidewall of the tamper evident cap so as to begin tearing along the frangible section of each tab;removing each tab from the tamper evident cap to expose the corresponding pad of the pair of pads; andpressing the pair of pads to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs comprises a plurality of frangible sections positioned between each tab and the sidewall, such that each tab of the pair of tabs is removable from the tamper evident cap along the plurality of frangible sections.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the pair of tabs of the tamper evident cap are removable from the sidewall without the use of a tool.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is not reattachable to the tamper evident cap once removed.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the tamper evident cap is configured to reengage with the aerosol can to cover at least the spray nozzle.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein each tab defines a quadrilateral shape, wherein three of the four edges defines the frangible section between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the sidewall along the frangible sections.