TAMPER-EVIDENT CLOSURE AND PACKAGE

Abstract

A tamper-indicating plastic closure, and tamper-evident package are disclosed, wherein the closure includes a pilfer band having a substantially continuous tamper-ring. The tamper-ring extends generally angularly upwardly and inwardly of the closure in a tamper-indicating orientation of the tamper-ring for engagement with a relatively enlarged annular locking ring of the associated container. Notably, the tamper-ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, projections, which preferably comprise relatively thick regions or shoulders, which desirably act to limit lateral movement of the pilfer band with respect to the container by engagement of at least one shoulder with the associated container generally beneath the container locking ring.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to plastic closures molded from polymeric materials, and more particularly to a tamper-evident plastic closure, wherein the closure is configured for enhanced cooperation with an associated container to provide a tamper-evident package having improved performance characteristics, while desirably achieving material weight savings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic closures formed from polymeric materials have met with widespread acceptance in the marketplace. Closures of this type, which have found particular applicability for carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, as well as for other applications, can be configured to provide the desired sealing performance, as well as desired tamper-indicating properties. Closures of this nature can be efficiently formed by injection molding or compression molding formation techniques.

Economical use of these types of closures has been promoted by reducing the polymeric material required for forming each closure, that is, making each closure more lightweight. However, in this regard, certain dimensional and performance characteristics become important. In particular, closures of this nature are typically applied to associated containers by high-speed, automatic capping equipment, including capping heads or chucks which rotatably fit each internally threaded closure to an associated, externally threaded container. Closures configured for tamper-indication typically include a tamper-indicating pilfer band depending from a skirt portion of the closure, which pilfer band is configured for cooperative engagement with the associated container so that the pilfer band is either partially or completely separated from the remainder of the skirt portion during initial removal of the closure from the container.

As will be appreciated, it is important that closure pilfer band remain intact attendant to high-speed application to an associated container, notwithstanding the inevitable interfering engagement of the closure pilfer band with portions of the container, such as its external thread formation, attendant to initial closure application. During typical closure application, closures are applied to bottles or other containers by rotation, until the closure/container thread interactions draw the closure down against the closure sealing feature, which contacts the upper extreme rim of the container finish.

One type of closure tamper-indicating pilfer band includes a substantially continuous ring which extends generally upwardly and inwardly into the interior of the closure. Closures of this nature can exhibit some problems attendant to high-speed application. In particular, if there is too much interference around the entire ring with the so-called “A diameter” of the container, at the relatively enlarged annular container locking ring, the closure will be difficult to apply without folding the pilfer band ring up into the closure. On balance, if there is insufficient interference, there is a chance that the tamper-indicating function of the pilfer band can be impaired by the ring becoming wedged between the band portion of the pilfer band, and the A-diameter of the container during removal of the closure.

The present invention contemplates an improved configuration of a pilfer band for a tamper-indicating closure which enhances engagement with an associating container, but desirably avoids the addition of too much weight to the closure, and further desirably avoids creating too much resistance and hoop stress as the pilfer band moves over the container finish during closure or application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A tamper-indicating plastic closure, and tamper-evident package, in accordance with the present invention includes a closure cap having a tamper-indicating pilfer band depending from a skirt portion of the closure cap. The pilfer band includes an annular band portion depending from, and at least partially detachably connected to, the skirt portion of the closure cap. A substantially continuous tamper-ring extends inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the annular band portion of the pilfer band, in a tamper-indicating orientation of the tamper-ring. In this orientation, the tamper-ring is configured for engagement with a generally downwardly facing surface of an annular locking ring of the associated container.

In accordance with the present invention, the tamper-ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending, projections which project generally radially inwardly when the taper band is in its tamper-indicating orientation. Notably, the projections act to limit lateral movement of the pilfer band with respective container for desirably enhancing engagement of the pilfer band with the container by engagement of at least one of the projections with the container generally beneath the container locking ring.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the present plastic closure includes a closure cap having a top wall portion, and an annular strip portion depending from the top wall portion. The skirt portion includes an internal thread formation configured for threaded engagement with an external thread formation on an associated container.

As noted, the closure cap includes a tamper-indicating pilfer band depending from the skirt portion of the closure cap. A frangible connection, such as in the form of a plurality of frangible ribs or bridges, at least partially detachably connects the pilfer band to the skirt portion of the closure cap. The closure pilfer band includes a substantially continuous tamper-ring, having a generally frusto-conical configuration, extending inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of the annular band portion of the pilfer band. In this tamper-indicating orientation, the tamper-ring is positioned from engagement with a generally downwardly facing surface of a locking ring of the associated container.

As noted, tamper-evidence is enhanced by providing the tamper-ring with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending projections which project generally radially inwardly when the tamper-ring is in its tamper-indicating orientation. Notably, at least one of the projections of the tamper-ring is engageable with the container generally beneath the container locking ring in order to limit lateral movement of the pilfer band with respect to the container. By this cooperation of the projections with the container finish, and the attendant limiting of lateral movement of the pilfer band with respect to the container finish, the portion of the tamper-ring opposite the one or more projections engaging the container finish beneath the locking ring is maintained in the desired cooperative engagement with the generally downwardly facing surface of the locking ring, thus acting to ensure the desired tamper-indicating function.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the tamper-ring of the pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs which extend from a free edge of the tamper-ring for enhancing engagement of the tamper-ring with the container during removal of the closure. In accordance with one illustrated embodiment, the projections on the tamper-ring are provided in the form of relative thick, ramp-like shoulders on the tamper-ring. In this illustrated embodiment, the plurality of spaced apart tabs are respectively aligned with the plurality of circumferentially spaced shoulders. The tabs are positionable generally between the container locking ring and the band portion of the closure pilfer band when the closure is fully applied to the container, thus further desirably enhancing the tamper-indicating cooperation between the closure pilfer band and the container during closure removal. In an alternate embodiment, the tamper-ring projections are provided in the form of radially-oriented, upstanding ribs. In this embodiment, the plurality of the spaced apart tabs of the tamper-ring are respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of radially-oriented ribs.

In the preferred form of the invention, a plurality of spaced apart fragible bridges detachably connect the closure pilfer band to the skirt portion of the closure cap. Notably, it is preferred that the number of frangible bridges be different than, typically greater than, the number of tamper-ring projections, with each of the bridges being non-aligned and spaced from the projections. This desirably acts to avoid application of excessive stress to any of the frangible bridges during closure application, as the tamper-ring projections pass over the A-diameter of the container at the container locking ring.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-evident closure embodying the principles of the present invention, illustrating a pilfer band of the closure generally in its “as molded” orientation, prior to inversion of a tamper-ring of the pilfer band to its tamper-indicating orientation;

FIG. 2 is a relatively enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the closure pilfer band shown in FIG. 1, showing the exterior surface of the pilfer band when the pilfer band is in its “as molded” orientation;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the pilfer band of FIG. 1, showing an interior surface of the pilfer band in its “as molded” orientation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a tamper-evident package embodying the principles of the present invention showing cooperation of the present tamper-evident closure with an associated container for enhancing the tamper-indicating properties of the closure; and

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed herein.

With reference now to the drawings, therein is illustrated a tamper-indicating plastic closure 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. Closure 10 can be efficiently formed by injection or compression molding techniques, as are known in the art, from suitable polymeric materials, such as polyperperlene, polyethelene, and the like.

Closure 10 includes a unitary closure cap 12 having a top wall portion 14, and an annular depending skirt portion 16 having an internal thread formation 18. The thread formation 18 is configured for threaded engagement with an external thread formation 20 provided on the neck portion of an associated container C. The illustrated container C, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, includes a relatively enlarged annular locking ring 22 with which tamper-evident closure 10 cooperates to provide a tamper-evident package embodying the principles of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, closure 10 is shown as a so-called linerless closure, in that the closure does not include a separate sealing linear positioned at the inside surface of the top wall portion 14 of the closure cap 12. Rather, in the illustrated embodiment, closure cap 12 includes an annular plug seal element 24, positionable generally within the mouth of the associated container C, and an annular external seal 26 engageable with a generally outwardly facing surface of the neck portion of the container. It will be understood that the specific configuration of the sealing features of the closure 10 can be varied while keeping with the principles disclosed herein relating to enhancing tamper-indicating performance of the closure and container package.

Tamper-indication for the closure/container package is provided by an annular pilfer band 30 which is at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion 16 of closure cap 12. Detachable connection of the pilfer band 30 to the skirt portion 16 can be achieved by providing a plurality of circumferentially spaced frangible bridges or ribs 31 extending between the pilfer band and skirt portion. A frangible connection can be efficiently formed by molding the closure cap 12 integrally with the pilfer band 30, and thereafter cutting or scoring the closure so that the frangible bridges 31 remain to provide the desired frangible connection between the pilfer band and the skirt portion. The closure 10 has been circumferentially cut or scored, generally at 32, by which the pilfer band 30 is distinguished from the skirt portion 16, with the bridges 31 providing the desired frangible connection between the pilfer band and the skirt portion.

In accordance with the present invention, the pilfer band 30 of closure 10 includes an annular portion 34 generally aligned with skirt portion 16 of the closure cap. The pilfer band 30 further includes a substantially continuous, generally frustal-conical tamper-ring 36 extending from and formed integrally with the annular band portion 34 of the pilfer band 30. In FIG. 1, tamper-ring 34 is generally illustrated in its “as molded” orientation, wherein the tamper-ring 34 extends generally angularly downwardly from the annular band portion 34 of the pilfer band 30. Prior to application of closure 10 to the associated container C, suitable tooling is employed for inverting the tamper-ring 34 to a tamper-indication orientation, wherein the tamper-ring 34 extends generally inwardly upwardly of the lower edge of the annular band portion 34 for cooperative, tamper-indicating engagement with the locking ring 22 of the associated container C. Tamper-ring 34 is diagrammatically illustrated in this tamper-indicating orientation in FIG. 4.

As will be appreciated, tamper-indicating cooperation of the tamper-ring 34 with the container locking ring 22 provides the desired tamper-evident function by partially or completely separating the pilfer band 30 from the skirt portion 16 during initial removal of the closure 10 from the associated container C by breakage of one or more of the frangible bridges 31. In particular, the inner, free edge of the tamper-ring 34 is configured for cooperative engagement with a generally downwardly facing surface of the container locking ring 22 attendant to closure removal, whereby unthreading movement of the closure with respect to the container acts to at least partially detachably connect the pilfer band from the skirt portion by fracture and breakage of the frangible connection provided there between.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is desirable to configure the tamper-ring 34 for predictable and reliable engagement with the generally downwardly facing surface of the container locking ring 22. On balance, it will be appreciated that the tamper-ring 36, positioned in its upwardly, inwardly extending tamper-indicating orientation, must pass over features of the container finish, including thread formation 20 and locking ring 22, during high-speed application of the closure to the container, without premature fracture or failure of the frangible connection between the pilfer band and the closure cap skirt portion 16. When these somewhat conflicting design criteria are considered, together with normal manufacturing tolerances for the closure and container, there can sometimes be sufficient clearance between the closure pilfer band 30 and the finish of the container neck such that the pilfer band 30 can be urged or forced to exhibit limited lateral movement with respect to the closure finish. Such lateral movement can undesirably result in a portion of the tamper-ring 36 being moved to a position generally away from the container so that the free edge of the tamper-ring does not properly engage the closure locking ring 22.

In order to limit such lateral movement, while desirably avoiding substantially thickening or otherwise strengthening the tamper-ring 36 (which can require increased material, and inhibit closure application), the tamper-ring 36 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, relatively thick, shoulder-like projections 38 which extend generally inwardly of the tamper-ring 36 when it is in its tamper-indicating orientation, as shown in FIG. 4. Notably, the projections 38, which can have a ramp-like configuration to blend smoothly into the surface of the tamper-ring 36, extend generally radially inwardly of the tamper-ring when it is in its tamper-indicating orientation. By this arrangement, at least one of the projections 38 is positioned to engage the container C generally beneath the locking ring 22, thereby limiting lateral movement of the pilfer band 30 with respect to the container finish. This action is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein movement of the closure 10 generally in a right-hand direction urges the illustrated projections 38 into engagement with the container C generally beneath locking ring 22, thereby substantially preventing disengagement of the tamper-ring 36 from the locking ring 22 at the portion of the pilfer band opposite the one or more projection which are urged into engagement with the container beneath the locking ring 22.

In a current embodiment of a closure having a 28 mm diameter, tamper-ring 36 has been provided with five (5) equally spaced ones of the projections 38 wherein each projection 38 is on the order of 0.022 inches, that is, the amount that the tamper-ring 36 is thickened at each of the projections 38. The preferred chamfered, smooth configuration of each of the projections 38 avoids any undesired interference of the projections with features of a container finish during closure application. In presently preferred embodiment, the number of frangible bridges 31 is different from, typically greater than, the number of tamper-indicating projections 38, with each of the bridges being non-aligned and spaced from the projections 38. This desirably acts to avoid application of excessive stress to any of the frangible bridges during closure application. The above-described embodiment has five (5) of the projections 38, the closure has been scored at 32 to provide seven (7) of the frangible bridges 31 in non-aligned, spaced relationship with the projections 38.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the tamper-ring 36 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 40 which are positionable generally between annular band portion 34 and the container locking ring 32 when the closure is fully applied to the container (see FIG. 4). Tabs 40 desirably enhance the cooperative engagement of the tamper-ring 36 with the locking ring 22. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the circumferentially spaced apart tabs 40 extend from a free edge of the tamper-ring 36, and are preferably respectively aligned with the plurality of circumferentially spaced shoulders 38.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein the radially extending projections on tamper-ring 36 are provided in the form of circumferentially spaced rib-like projection 138. Projections 138 are configured to function like previously described projections 38 to limit lateral movement of pilfer band 30 with respect to the container locking ring 22. As illustrated, projections 138 can be respectively positioned adjacent to tabs 40.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A plastic closure, comprising: a closure cap have a top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from said top wall portion,said skirt portion of said closure cap having an internal thread formation for threaded engagement with an external thread formation on an associated container,said closure cap further including a tamper-indicating pilfer band depending from said skirt portion, said pilfer band including an annular band portion depending from and at least partially detachably connected to said skirt portion, and a substantially continuous tamper-ring extending inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of annular band portion, in a tamper-indicating orientation, for engagement with the associated container,said tamper-ring including a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending projections which project generally radially inwardly when said tamper-ring is in said tamper-indicating orientation, said projections acting to limit lateral movement of said pilfer band with respect to said container for enhancing engagement of said pilfer band with said container.

2. A plastic closure in accordance with claim 1, wherein said associated container defines a generally continuous locking ring extending radially outwardly of a finish of the container, at least one of said projections of said tamper-ring being engageable with said container generally beneath said locking ring in order to limit lateral movement of said pilfer band with respect to said container.

3. A plastic closure in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tamper-ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs extending from a free edge of said tamper-ring for enhancing engagement of said tamper-ring with said container during removal of said closure.

4. A plastic closure in accordance with claim 4, wherein each of said projections comprises a shoulder, said plurality of spaced apart tabs being respectively aligned with said plurality of circumferentially spaced shoulders

5. A plastic closure in accordance with claim 3, wherein each of said projections comprises a rib, said plurality of spaced apart tabs being respectively positioned adjacent to said plurality of ribs.

6. A plastic closure in accordance with claim 1, including a plurality of circumferentially spaced frangible bridges detachably connecting said pilfer band to said skirt portion, each of said bridges being spaced from said projections.

7. A tamper-evident package, comprising: a container having a neck portion with an external thread formation, and an annular locking positioned beneath said external thread formation; anda plastic closure comprising a closure cap have a top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from said top wall portion, said skirt portion of said closure cap having an internal thread formation for threaded engagement with the external thread formation of said container,said closure cap further including a tamper-indicating pilfer band depending from said skirt portion, said pilfer band including an annular band portion depending from and at least partially detachably connected to said skirt portion, and a substantially continuous tamper-ring extending inwardly and upwardly from a lower edge of annular band portion, in a tamper-indicating orientation, for engagement with a generally downwardly facing surface of the locking ring of said container,said tamper-ring including a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending shoulders which project generally radially inwardly when said tamper-ring is in said tamper-indicating orientation, said shoulders acting to limit lateral movement of said pilfer band with respect to said container for enhancing engagement of said pilfer band with said container by engagement of at least one of said shoulders with said container generally beneath said locking ring.

8. A tamper-evident package in accordance with claim 7, wherein said tamper-ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs extending from a free edge of said tamper-ring for enhancing engagement of said tamper-ring with said container during removal of said closure, said tabs being engageable with a generally outwardly facing surface of said locking ring of said container.

9. A tamper-evident package in accordance with claim 8, wherein said plurality of spaced apart tabs are respectively aligned with said plurality of circumferentially spaced shoulders.

10. A tamper-evident package in accordance with claim 7, including a plurality of circumferentially spaced frangible bridges detachably connecting said pilfer band to said skirt portion, the number of said bridges being greater than the number of said projections, each of said bridges being spaced from said projections.