U.S. patent application number 10/447459 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for tamper-evident dispensing closure with partial breakaway cover.
Invention is credited to Gross, Richard A., Harrold, John E., Mueller, Bruce M..
Application Number | 20030205549 10/447459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25010256 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030205549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrold, John E. ; et
al. |
November 6, 2003 |
Tamper-evident dispensing closure with partial breakaway cover
Abstract
A closure structure includes a closure body having a deck and
depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck. A
closure cap has a lid part attached by a hinge to the body, and a
cover part frangibly connected to the lid part, on a side of the
lid part opposite the hinge. The lid part is latched to the body at
lateral positions located between the hinge and the cover part. The
cover part covers a lifting lip extending from the lid part.
Removal of the cover part exposes the lifting lip for lifting by
the user to open the lid part from the closure body.
Inventors: |
Harrold, John E.;
(Bloombury, NJ) ; Mueller, Bruce M.; (Brookfield,
WI) ; Gross, Richard A.; (Oconomowoc, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Wood, Phillips, Katz, Clark & Mortimer
Citicorp Center
Suite 3800
500 West Madison Street
Chicago
IL
60661-2511
US
|
Family ID: |
25010256 |
Appl. No.: |
10/447459 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10447459 |
May 29, 2003 |
|
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09748630 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/230 ;
215/237; 215/253; 220/257.1; 220/259.1; 220/266; 220/835;
220/847 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/35 20200501;
B65D 55/024 20130101; B65D 47/0809 20130101; B65D 2251/105
20130101; B65D 2251/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/230 ;
215/237; 215/253; 220/257.1; 220/259.1; 220/835; 220/266;
220/847 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/18; B65D
047/08; B65D 047/10; B65D 043/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A closure structure comprising: a closure body having a deck and
depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck; and
a closure cap having a lid part attached to said body at a hinged
attachment, and a cover part frangibly connected to said lid part
on a side of said lid part opposite said hinged attachment to said
body, said lid part latched to said body at lateral positions
located between said hinged attachment and said cover part, said
cover part covering a lifting lip extending from said lid part,
removal of said cover part exposing said lifting lip.
2. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said lid
part comprises first side latching beads along side edges thereof,
said body comprising second side latching beads along corresponding
side edges thereof, said first and second side latching beads of
said lid part and said body mutually engaging to latch said lid
part to said body.
3. The closure structure according to claim 2, wherein said cover
part comprises a first front latching bead and said body comprises
a second front latching bead, said first and second front latching
beads engageable to latch said cover part to said body.
4. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said cover
part comprises an upright, partially annular portion, and a
horizontal top wall portion.
5. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said body
comprises side guard walls preventing outward side displacement of
said first side latching beads of said lid part.
6. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said lid
part comprises a first top wall, a depending first partially
annular skirt bridged by a substantially planar front wall, and
said cover part comprises a second top wall and second partially
annular skirt, said first and second partially annular skirts
completing a cap annular sidewall and said first and second top
walls completing a cap top wall.
7. The closure structure according to claim 6, wherein said lid
part comprises a latching formation at opposed side positions on an
edge of said first partially annular skirt, and said cover part
comprises a coacting latching formation at a front position on an
edge of said second partially annular skirt.
8. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said cap
comprises a top wall and an annular sidewall, and said lid part and
said cover part of said cap are frangibly connected by a line of
weakness having a top segment extending across the top wall and
side segments extending down said annular sidewall from opposite
ends of said top segment.
9. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said body
comprises side channels, said lid part having side edge portions
engaged into said side channels, said side edge portions and said
side channels having latching elements for latching said side edge
portions into said side channels.
10. The closure structure according to claim 1, wherein said cover
part comprises a lifting tab and a first front latching element,
and said body comprises a second front latching element, said first
front latching element for latching said cover part to said second
front latching element, said first and second latching elements
disengageable by a user-applied lifting force on said tab.
11. A closure structure comprising: a closure body having a deck
with a dispensing orifice through said deck; and a closure cap
mounted on said closure body and having a lid part and a cover part
connected together by a frangible feature, said lid part latched to
said closure body and having a lid portion arranged to cover said
dispensing orifice in a closed position and to open said orifice
when said lid part is moved to an open position, said lid part
including a lifting lip that is covered by said cover part and is
exposed when said cover part is broken along said frangible feature
and removed.
12. The closure structure according to claim 11, wherein said cover
part is latched to said closure body.
13. The closure structure according to claim 11, wherein said lid
part is connected to said closure body at a 0 degree location about
a central axis of said closure body, and is connected by latching
to said closure body at 90 degrees and 270 degrees locations about
a central axis of said closure body, and said cover part is
arranged to be lifted at a 180 degrees location about said central
axis of said closure body, removal of said cover part allowing
prying up of said lifting lip and pivoting of said lid part about
the connection at 0 degrees to disengage the latching at 90 degrees
and 270 degrees.
14. The closure structure according to claim 13, wherein said
connection at 0 degrees comprises a hinge.
15. The closure structure according to claim 13, wherein latching
connections at 90 degrees and 270 degrees comprise releasably
engageable latching beads.
16. The closure structure according to claim 13, wherein said cover
part is releasably latched to said closure body at said connection
at said 180 degrees location.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The invention relates to closure structures. Particularly,
the invention relates to a closure structure that has a closure
body defining a dispensing orifice, and an associated hinged lid.
The invention particularly relates to such closure structures
wherein a tamper-evident feature is associated with the closure
body and the lid, the tamper-evident feature preventing opening of
the lid unless the tamper-evident feature is torn or otherwise
broken.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART
[0005] A variety of container closures have been developed or
proposed wherein an initial opening of a lid or a dispensing spout
structure provides visual evidence of such an occurrence-even after
the lid or spout has been subsequently closed.
[0006] Some types of tamper-evident systems require an overt action
by the user such as removing an added component such as a removable
"neck band" or the like. Other tamper-evident systems require
removing or breaking an integral element such as a "tear away"
feature to permit removal of the closure or to otherwise open the
container. Some examples of such systems are represented by U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,487,324; 5,058,775; 5,201,440; 5,427,260; and
5,875,907.
[0007] Other types of tamper-evident systems are more automatic in
their function. As the user opens the package, such as by removing
the closure from the container, an integral component of the
closure is irreparably broken in such a way that it is evident the
original seal has been breached. Some examples of such systems are
represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,196,818; 4,153,174; and
5,875,906.
[0008] While the above mentioned closures can function well for the
purposes for which they have been designed, the present inventors
have closure which could be readily fabricated to associate with
certain types of lids or flow control elements and which, prior to
initial opening, could enhance the cosmetic appearance of the
closure. The present inventors have recognized that it would be
desirable if such a tamper-evident closure could be easily
installed on a container to its tamper-indicating ready condition
for eventual delivery to the consumer. The present inventors have
recognized that it would be desirable to provide a tamper-evident
closure that was easy and self-explanatory to use by consumers
while still providing an attractive appearance, ease of application
by packagers, and simplicity in molding by the closure
producer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention provides a closure structure having an
appearance that leads the user to attempt to open the container in
the usual manner. In doing so, however, a first tamper-evident
element, a cover part, is automatically removed from the closure
structure. This exposes an indication that the dispensing seal of
the closure structure may have been opened and also provides a
convenient secondary means of opening a lid part for continuing use
of the package.
[0010] Furthermore, if the overall design of the package so
dictates, or if the user so elects, the entire closure structure
may be removed from the container before or after the first
tamper-evident element is removed. In this event, a second
tamper-evident element is automatically separated from the closure
structure, and remains on the container, thereby revealing that the
closure/container interface has been breached.
[0011] The present invention provides a closure structure having a
closure body with a dispensing orifice, and a cap which is
configured to overlie the closure body. The cap includes a lid part
and a cover part connected together by a frangible feature. The lid
part is hinged to the closure body. The lid and cover parts as a
unit can be pivoted from an initially open, as-molded, orientation
to a position wherein the parts lock onto the closure body. The
frangible feature, and the locking of the parts onto the closure
body, constitute a tamper-evident feature which must be discernibly
breached to initially gain access to the dispensing orifice.
[0012] The frangible feature preferably comprises a line of
weakness formed through the material of the cap, such as formed by
a through-cut or groove made discontinuous by small, breakable
bridging webs.
[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the closure body
comprises a flat end wall or deck and a depending annular body
sidewall or body skirt. An annular shoulder is formed above the
sidewall. The lid part includes a first partially circular top wall
and a depending first partially annular lid sidewall or lid skirt.
The lid skirt includes an edge which fits on the annular shoulder
when the lid part is closed onto the closure body. The lid skirt
and the closure body provide first and second latching mechanisms
arranged on opposing sides of the hinge respectively, around a
circumference of the lid part.
[0014] The cover part includes a second partially circular top wall
and a second partially annular skirt which substantially complete,
with the first partially circular top wall and the first partially
annular skirt of the lid part, an overall circular top wall and an
overall annular skirt of the cap. A third latching mechanism is
arranged between the cover part and the closure body at a front
side of the closure structure, opposite to the hinge.
[0015] Guard walls can be arranged on the annular shoulder, which
form partially annular channels for receiving edge portions of the
lid skirt. The guard walls prohibit the de-latching of the lid part
by someone attempting to separate the lid edge from the closure
body using a predominantly radial force.
[0016] To open the closure structure for the first time, the cover
part is pried upwardly, causing the breaking of the line of
weakness, and a separation of the cover part from the lid part.
Removal of the cover part exposes a front wall of the lid part, and
a lifting lip that extends forwardly from the front wall. In order
to open the lid part, the user then exerts an upwardly directed
force on the lifting lip to cause a progressive separation of the
two latching mechanisms and opening of the lid part.
[0017] An important advantage to the manufacturer of the inventive
closure structure is that molding thereof may be accomplished
without any unusual or complicated features in the injection mold
used to form the structure. All surfaces may be formed by standard
"straight opening" molds. No complicated side actions, etc., are
required. The closure structure is cost effectively
manufactured.
[0018] Advantages of the inventive closure structure also accrue to
the packager and retailer. In handling of the parts during
completion of the closure preparation, subsequent bulk handling and
shipment, and application to containers, the absence of appendages
or features that project beyond the outside surfaces of the closure
structure allow the parts to be easily and efficiently handled
throughout the distribution chain. Once on the container, the
closure structure presents a smooth, aesthetically pleasing
appearance to potential purchasers at point of sale.
[0019] The closure structure of the invention is simple and user
friendly. The initial opening movement is familiar to the user, and
the opening sequence is self-explanatory.
[0020] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention, from the claims, and from the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings form part of the specification,
and like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout
the same.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure structure of the
invention mounted on a container neck (container neck shown in
fragmentary fashion);
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the closure structure of FIG.
1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the closure structure of FIG.
1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a front view of the closure structure of FIG.
1;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along line 5-5 of
FIG. 2 of the closure structure as installed on a container
neck;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 of
FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure structure of
FIG. 1, with a tamper-evident feature removed;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the closure structure of FIG.
7;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the closure structure of FIG.
8;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a front view of the closure structure of FIG.
8;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the closure structure of
FIG. 7 in an open condition;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the closure structure of FIG.
11;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the closure structure of
FIG. 11;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a front view of the closure structure of FIG.
11;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken generally along line 15-15
of FIG. 12;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken generally along line 16-16
of FIG. 12;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment
closure structure; and
[0039] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the alternate
embodiment closure structure of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings
disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so
described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in
the appended claims.
[0041] For ease of description, most of the figures illustrating
the invention show a dispensing system in the typical orientation
that it would have at the top of a container when the container is
stored upright on its base, and terms such as upper, lower,
horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will
be understood, however, that the dispensing system of this
invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold
in an orientation other than the position described.
[0042] The dispensing system of this invention is suitable for use
with a variety of conventional or special containers having various
designs, the details of which, although not illustrated or
described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and
an understanding of such containers. The container per se described
herein forms no part of some embodiments and concepts of the
invention and therefore is not intended to limit the present
invention. It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill
that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied in the
described exemplary closure structure alone.
[0043] An exemplary embodiment of a closure structure 30 according
to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-16.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a closure structure 30 adapted to be
installed on a container neck 32. The closure structure 30 is
adapted to be used with a container having a mouth or other opening
to provide access to the container interior and to a product
contained therein. The closure structure 30 could be used to
dispense many types of materials, including, but not limited to,
relatively low or high viscosity liquids, particulates, etc. as
constituting a food product, a personal care product, an industrial
or household cleaning product, or other chemical compositions
(e.g., compositions for use in activities involving manufacturing,
commercial or household maintenance, construction, agriculture,
etc.).
[0045] The container with which the closure structure may be used
would typically be a squeezable container having a flexible wall or
walls which can be grasped by the user and squeezed or compressed
to increase the internal pressure within the container so as to
force the product out of the container and through the closure
structure 30. The container wall typically has sufficient, inherent
resiliency so that when the squeezing forces are removed, the
container wall returns to its normal, unstressed shape. Such a
squeezable wall container is preferred in many applications but may
not be necessarily preferred in other applications. For example, in
some applications it may be desirable to employ a generally rigid
container or even a pressurized container.
[0046] The closure structure 30 includes a closure body 36
substantially covered by a cap 37. The body 36 includes an annular
body sidewall or body skirt 40 having on an exterior thereof
knurling or ribs 42, and a partially circular plain area 44. The
cap 37 includes a substantially flat circular end wall 48 and a
depending annular cap skirt or cap sidewall 52. The cap 37 includes
a lid part 38 and a cover part 39.
[0047] The cap includes a perimeter line of weakness 60 formed by a
through-cut made discontinuous by intermittent webs or bridges 66,
or by a reduced material thickness or notch, or by perforations, or
by another known method. The line of weakness 60 has a top segment
67 that extends across the end wall 48 and side segments 68, 69
that extend down the skirt 52 at opposite ends of the top segment
67. The line of weakness defines the intersection of the lid part
38 and the cover part 39.
[0048] The cover part 39 provides a lifting tab 71 on a front side
thereof, arranged in registry with the plain area 44, the plain
area 44 providing a convenient space into which a user can insert a
finger to underlie the tab 71 for exerting an upward lifting
force.
[0049] FIGS. 2 through 16 illustrate further features of the
closure structure 30. The lid part 38 is attached to the body 36
via a hinge 76 (FIGS. 3, 5, 12, and 13). The hinge 76 is preferably
a snap action hinge. Such a hinge is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.
5,642,824, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference thereto. In an alternate embodiment, the lid part 38 need
not be connected with a snap-action hinge. A floppy hinge may be
used instead.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the lid part 38 includes a partially
annular lid sidewall or lid skirt 78 and a partially circular lid
top wall 79. The lid skirt 78 includes side recessed wall portions
82, 84 (FIGS. 4, 6, and 11) which terminate outwardly proximate the
cover part 39 (FIG. 2). In this regard, the lid part has a major
diameter D1 (FIG. 2) along a line passing from front to back, and a
minor diameter D2 along a line passing laterally through the
recessed wall portions 82, 84. The difference in diameters accounts
for the depths d3 (FIG. 2) of the two recessed wall portions 82,
84.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cover part 39 includes a
partially annular cover sidewall or cover skirt 85 and a partially
circular cover top wall 87. The lid sidewall 78 and the cover
sidewall 85 form the cap sidewall 52 (FIG. 1). The lid top wall 79
and the cover top wall 87 together form the cap top wall 48 (FIG.
1).
[0052] The closure body 36 can include a tamper-evident portion 90
(FIG. 3) on a bottom side thereof for preventing undetected removal
of the closure body from the container neck 32. The tamper-evident
portion includes a folded locking ring or band 92 (shown in FIGS. 5
and 6) and a frangible joint 96.
[0053] This frangible joint 96 includes frangible bridges 97 (FIGS.
3 and 4) integrally connected between the skirt 40 and the
downwardly-projecting locking ring 92. The locking ring 92 is
engaged to the container neck 32 in such a way that upon first
application certain features on the internal surface of the ring
engage with features on the outer circumference of the container
neck, such as a flange 98 (FIGS. 5 and 6) to prevent its removal.
Upon first removal of the closure structure from the container, the
interconnecting frangible bridges 97 break and the locking ring
remains secured to the container neck, separated visibly and
irreplaceably from the closure skirt. Such tamper-evident bands are
described for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,196,818 and 5,875,906,
the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference thereto.
[0054] An additional method to render the closure
structure/container connection resistant to unauthorized opening
can be to incorporate into the closure body and container finish
mating portions a design that prevents the closure body from being
removed from the container. This can be accomplished by the use of
an appropriately designed snap-on style finish or a one-way,
non-removable screw-on finish system. An example of the latter
system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,174.
[0055] It should be noted that although an upwardly projecting
container "neck" is illustrated for being received within the
particular configuration of the closure body 36, the main part of
the container (not shown) may have a same or a different
cross-sectional shape than the container neck 32 and closure body
skirt 40. In this regard, "neck" only refers to that portion of the
container that receives the closure structure, and is not limited
to a portion which is more narrow than adjoining portions of the
container, or the main body of the container. For example, the term
"neck" also encompasses the closure-structure-recei- ving portion
of a tubular container, wherein the neck has the same width as the
remaining portions of the container.
[0056] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the internal features of the
closure structure 30. The closure structure 30 is adapted to engage
the container neck 32. The closure body 36 includes a deck 100
above the sidewall 40. The sidewall 40 is hollow, and generally
cylindrical. An annular shoulder 102 (FIG. 5) is defined on top of
the body sidewall 40. The closure structure also includes a spout
106 extending upwardly from the deck 100. The spout 106 has a
sealing surface 107 that defines a dispensing orifice 108. The
interior of the skirt 40 defines an internal thread formation 110.
The body sidewall 40 is adapted to receive and threadingly engage
the upper end of the container neck 32. The container neck 32
includes an exterior thread formation 120. The skirt thread
formation 110 is adapted to matingly engage the thread formation
120 on the container neck.
[0057] Alternatively, the body sidewall 40 could be provided with
some other container connecting means, such as a snap-fit bead or
groove (not illustrated) in place of the thread formation 110 for
engaging a container groove or bead (not illustrated),
respectively, in the container neck. The closure body 36 could also
be permanently attached to the container by means of induction
melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or the like, depending on
materials used for the closure body 36 and in the container. The
closure body 36 could also be formed as a unitary part, or
extension, of the container.
[0058] The closure body skirt 40 may have any suitable
configuration. The container could have an upwardly projecting neck
or other portion for being received within the particular
configuration of the closure body 36, and the main part of the
container may have a different cross-sectional shape than the
container neck and closure body skirt 40.
[0059] The cap sidewall 52 defines at its extremity an annular
seating surface 156 (FIG. 5). When the cap 37 is closed, the
seating surface 156 engages the annular shoulder 102 defined on the
closure body 36.
[0060] The lid part 38 includes an orifice sealing member or "spud"
160 (FIGS. 5 and 11) which extends from a lid end wall 48 and which
is adapted to sealingly engage the dispensing orifice sealing
surface 107 when the lid part 38 is pivoted from the open position
(illustrated in FIG. 15) to a closed position (illustrated in FIG.
5). As will be recognized, the orifice sealing member 160 is of a
complementary shape relative to the shape of the dispensing orifice
108.
[0061] An annular sealing surface 170 is arranged below the deck
100, facing the container neck 32. The surface 170 seals to a
complimentary sealing surface 174 of the container neck 32. As an
alternative to the annular surface 170, an annular "crab's claw"
seal (not shown) could be used which projects downwardly from the
closure body deck 100 and is adapted to resiliently engage the
sealing surface 174 of the container.
[0062] The closure body 36 includes side guard walls 202, 204
(FIGS. 6 and 11) which are located adjacent to the side recessed
wall portions 82, 84, respectively (FIG. 6). The guard walls 202,
204 are each spaced from a deck side edge 210 of the deck 100 (FIG.
11), so as to define a partially annular channel 212, 214,
respectively (shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 16), for tight receipt of
the respective edge portions 82a, 84a of the recessed wall portions
82, 84.
[0063] Latching mechanisms lock the edge portions 82a, 84a into the
channels 212, 214. Preferably, the latching mechanisms are formed
by radially, inwardly extending beads 82b (FIGS. 11 and 12), 84b
(FIG. 12) of the edge portions 82a, 84a, and radially outwardly
extending beads 210a (FIG. 14), 210b (FIGS. 11 and 14) of the deck
side edge 210, which interlock to lock the edge portions 82a, 84a
into the channels 212, 214.
[0064] The lid part 38 further includes a recessed front wall 220
(FIG. 11), extending axially downwardly from the top wall 79 and
contacting or in close proximity to the deck 100 (FIG. 7). The wall
220 is radially inset from the line of weakness 60, thus forming a
lifting lip 222 as shown in FIG. 7.
[0065] The cover part 39 is further snap engaged to the deck side
edge 210 by a front latching mechanism which preferably includes a
radially inwardly extending bead 226 of the cover part 39 which
engages a radially outwardly extending bead 228 of the deck side
edge 210 (shown in FIGS. 7-10 and 17).
[0066] Although the latching mechanism bead pairs 82b/210a;
84b/210b; and 226/228 are preferably formed by protruding beads
which override and interlock, the scope of the invention also
encompasses a groove that could be provided adjacent one or both
beads to receive a corresponding opposing bead to increase the
integrity of the snap engagement. Furthermore, the invention
encompasses other methods of snap engagement latching mechanisms
such as bead and groove; pin and hole (or socket); ball and hole
(or socket); hook and catch, or other known fastening
arrangements.
[0067] FIGS. 7-12 show the closure after the cover part 39 has been
removed. To remove the cover part 39, a sufficient lifting or
pulling force is exerted on the lifting tab 71 (FIG. 1) to exert a
sufficient shear or tensile stress to break the webs 66 to separate
the cover part 39 from the lid part 38 along the line of weakness
60. Once the cover part 39 is removed, the recessed front wall 220
is exposed, as is the lifting lip 222. The lid part 38 can now be
opened by applying a lifting force on the lip 222 to disengage the
beads 82b, 84b from the deck beads 210a, 210b and pivot the lid
part 38 on the body 36 about the hinge 76.
[0068] When the lid part 38 and the cover part 39 are latched to
the closure body 36, the cap 37 is effectively latched or connected
on four sides. Referring back to FIG. 2, the lid part 38 is (1)
connected to the closure body at 0 degrees at the hinge 76, (2)
latched to the closure body at 90 degrees and 270 degrees via the
latching beads pairs 82b/210a and 84b/210b, and (3) latched to the
closure body at 180 degrees via the front latching beads 226/228,
all recited angles being defined about a central vertical axis A of
the closure 30 as shown in FIG. 2. The only exposed prying surface
to lift the cap 37 from the body 36 is the cover part lifting tab
71.
[0069] The cover part 39 is arranged to be lifted at the 180 degree
position at the lifting tab 71. Lifting or pulling the lifting tab
71 disengages the beads 226/228, breaking the side segments 68, 69
of the frangible line of weakness 60, while pivoting the cover part
39 about the top segment 67 of the frangible line of weakness. The
cover part 39 can be torn or broken from the lid part 38 along the
top segment 67. Removal of the cover part exposes, and allows
prying up of, the lifting lip 222 and pivoting of the lid part 38
about the hinge 76 to disengage the bead connections at 90 degrees
and 270 degrees.
[0070] With the cover part removed, a crescent-shaped portion 230
(FIG. 7) of the deck 100 is exposed. This portion 230 can carry
information, such as in the form of molded indicia 234 indicating
the lid part may have been opened, or other information or
displays.
[0071] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an alternate embodiment closure
structure 300. In this embodiment, an alternate lid part 338
includes a substantially straight (non-recessed) sidewall. The body
336 does not include guard walls. In this embodiment, the lid skirt
is made sufficiently rigid to resist undetected disengagement of
the side beads caused by a radially exerted force. Also, the first
embodiment closure body/container neck tamper-evident element 90
(FIG. 5) is omitted in this embodiment.
[0072] It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed
description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof
that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or
principles of this invention. For example, although the closure
structure of the invention is exemplified by a threaded engagement
with the container, the invention contemplates other fastening
techniques and implements for securing the closure structure to the
container. Other fastening might incorporate a friction fit
facilitated by a closure structure having a skirt with an inside
diameter sized to provide a sliding or telescoping engagement with
a smooth, threadless container finish. In such an embodiment, the
fitment and closure body would be provided with abutment surfaces,
for example, a bayonet type interlock or fastening implement, which
permit installation of the closure structure on the container, but
which may be configured, for example, by relative rotation of the
closure body and container, to restrict upward movement of the
closure body relative to the container.
* * * * *