U.S. patent application number 10/262228 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for closure having taper-evidencing label.
Invention is credited to Heston, Jeffrey C., Pirvul, Lawrence A., Wachter, Mathew.
Application Number | 20040060892 10/262228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32030172 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040060892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heston, Jeffrey C. ; et
al. |
April 1, 2004 |
Closure having taper-evidencing label
Abstract
A closure for a container having a neck and a neck opening
including a cap and a tamper-evidencing label. The cap includes a
top for closing the neck opening of the container and a closure
retainer for securing the top to the neck of the container. The top
includes an aperture for access to the container opening. The
tamper-evidencing label is affixed to the top. The label includes a
first removable portion covering the aperture, a second remainder
portion, a tab extending from the first removable portion, a line
of weakness dividing the first removable portion and second
remainder portion such that the first removable portion can be
separated from the remainder portion along the line of weakness. A
method of using the closure having a tamper-evidencing label is
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Heston, Jeffrey C.; (New
Albany, IN) ; Pirvul, Lawrence A.; (Hayward, CA)
; Wachter, Mathew; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
4 EMBARCADERO CENTER
SUITE 3400
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111
US
|
Family ID: |
32030172 |
Appl. No.: |
10/262228 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/254 ;
215/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 3/0292
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/254 ;
215/232 |
International
Class: |
B65D 041/32 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container comprising: an interior and a top having a
dispensing aperture for access to said interior of said container;
and a tamper-evidencing label affixed to said top, said label
including a first removable portion covering said aperture, a
second remainder portion, a tab extending from said first removable
portion, a line of weakness dividing said first removable portion
and second remainder portion such that said first removable portion
can be separated from said remainder portion along said line of
weakness.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein said label is a plastic
membrane.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein said remainder portion is
attached to said top of said container by heat sealing.
4. The container of claim 2 wherein said removable portion and said
remainder portion are attached to said top by a heat seal band
extending adjacent a perimeter of said label.
5. The container of claim 4 wherein said heat seal band is
segmented forming a gap, said gap being aligned with said line of
weakness.
6. The container of claim 4 wherein said heat seal band includes a
first heat seal pattern attaching said first removable portion to
said top and a second heat seal pattern attaching said second
remainder portion to said top, said second heat seal pattern being
thicker than said first heat seal pattern.
7. The container of claim 6 wherein said first heat seal pattern is
separated from said second heat seal pattern by a gap, said gap
being aligned with said line of weakness.
8 A closure for a container having a neck and a neck opening
comprising: a cap including a top for closing the neck opening of
the container and a closure retainer for securing said top to the
neck of the container, said top including a dispensing aperture for
access to the container opening; and a tamper-evidencing label
affixed to said top, said label including a first removable portion
covering said aperture, a second remainder portion, a tab extending
from said first removable portion, a line of weakness dividing said
first removable portion and second remainder portion such that said
first removable portion can be separated from said remainder
portion along said line of weakness.
9. The closure of claim 8 wherein said line of weakness extends
along a path spaced from said aperture.
10. The closure of claim 8 wherein said line of weakness extends
proximal to said aperture.
11. The closure of claim 8 wherein said line of weakness is a
perforated line.
12. The closure of claim 8 wherein said line of weakness extends
completely across said label.
13. The closure of claim 8 wherein said line of weakness terminates
midway across said label.
14. The closure of claim 8 further comprising a second line of
weakness further dividing said label into said removable portion
and a third remainder portion.
15. The closure of claim 14 wherein said lines of weakness are
parallel.
16. The closure of claim 8 further comprising: a well including a
side wall forming said aperture and an open bottom; and a plug
removably received in said well including a plug top and a plug
wall, said plug wall having an outwardly projecting flange having
an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of said side wall
to limit inward movement of said plug relative to said well.
17. The closure of claim 8 further comprising: a well including a
side wall forming said aperture and an open bottom, said side wall
having an inner bead located adjacent a said open bottom; and a
plug removably received in said well including a plug top and a
plug wall, said plug wall having an outwardly projecting flange
having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of said side
wall to limit inward movement of said plug relative to said well,
and said plug wall having a circumferential groove dimensioned to
engage said inner bead to restrain said plug from unintentional
withdrawal from said well by engaging said inner bead, a portion of
said plug wall being dimensioned to seal against a portion of said
side wall when said plug is seated within said well.
18. A method of using a closure including an aperture and a
tamper-evidencing label having a first removable portion covering
the aperture, a second remaining portion, a tab extending from the
first portion, a line of weakness dividing the first and second
portions, said method comprising: gripping the tab; pulling the tab
away from the closure such that the label tears along the line of
weakness separating the first removable portion from the second
remaining portion; and removing the first removable portion of the
label from the second remainder portion thereby uncovering the
aperture.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the label includes a second line
of weakness further dividing the label into the removable portion
and a third remainder portion, said method comprising pulling the
tab away from the closure such that the label tears along the first
and second lines of weakness separating the first removable portion
from the second and third remaining portions.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein said label includes a first heat
seal pattern attaching said first removable portion to said top and
a second heat seal pattern attaching said second remainder portion
to said top, said second heat seal pattern being thicker than said
first heat seal pattern, said method comprising pulling the tab
away from the closure such that the first removable portion tears
away from said closure along said first heat seal pattern leaving
the remainder portion attached to said closure along said remainder
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates, in general, to a closure having a
tamper-evidencing label and more particularly to a closure having a
dispensing aperture and a tamper-evidencing label covering the
aperture.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,270 to Adams et al. discloses a
non-spill bottle cap designed for use with conventional five-gallon
water bottles and water dispensers. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.
5,687,865 to Adams et al. discloses a spill-reduction cap for a
fluid container which is also designed for use with conventional
five-gallon water bottles and water dispensers. Such caps include a
dispensing aperture in the form of a well located in a top of the
bottle cap configured for accessing the water within the bottle
without removing the bottle cap from the bottle. Such bottle caps
may include a plug removably seated in the well.
[0005] Often, a label is adhered to the top of the bottle cap for
tamper-evidencing purposes. An exemplar of the prior art is U.S.
Pat. No. 5,904,259 to Hidding et al. which shows a protective
tamper-evident label and bottle cap.
[0006] Such prior tamper-evident labels generally cover the well of
the bottle cap. Thus, an end user must remove the label before
inverting and installing the water bottle and bottle cap into a
conventional water dispenser. If the label is missing from the
bottle cap, the end user is provided with evidence, in the form of
the missing label, that the contents of the container may have been
accessed through the well and may have been tampered with.
[0007] Such prior tamper-evidencing labels are configured to be
removed substantially intact by an end user. In particular, such
prior labels generally do not include a self-adhesive backing in
order to prevent someone from reattaching the label to the bottle
cap or to the bottle. Such prior labels are typically heat sealed
to the bottle cap which allows the label to be removed intact.
[0008] Disadvantageously, someone with malicious intent could
remove such a prior label intact, tamper with the contents of the
bottle, and then reaffix the intact label to the bottle cap using
an adhesive, for example, reaffix the label using super glue.
Accordingly, tampering with the contents of a bottle could be
performed and thus concealed from an unsuspecting end user.
[0009] What is needed is a closure having a tamper-evidencing label
which overcomes the above and other disadvantages of known bottle
cap labels.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In summary, one aspect of the present invention is directed
to a container including an interior, a top having a dispensing
aperture for access to the interior, and a tamper-evidencing label
affixed to the top. The label includes a first removable portion
covering the aperture, a second remainder portion, a tab extending
from the first removable portion, a line of weakness dividing the
first removable portion and second remainder portion such that the
first removable portion can be separated from the remainder portion
along the line of weakness.
[0011] In one embodiment, the label is a plastic membrane. The
remainder portion may be attached to the top by heat sealing. The
removable portion and the remainder portion may be attached to the
top by a heat seal band extending adjacent a perimeter of the
label. The heat seal band may be segmented forming a gap, the gap
being aligned with the line of weakness. In one embodiment, the
heat seal band includes a first heat seal pattern attaching the
first removable portion to the top and a second heat seal pattern
attaching the second remainder portion to the top, the second heat
seal pattern being thicker than the first heat seal pattern. In one
embodiment, the first heat seal pattern is separated from the
second heat seal pattern by a gap, the gap being aligned with the
line of weakness.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
closure for a container having a neck and a neck opening. The
closure includes a cap and a tamper-evidencing label. The cap
includes a top for closing the neck opening of the container. The
top includes an aperture for access to the container opening. The
cap also includes a closure retainer for securing the top to the
neck of the container. The tamper-evidencing label is affixed to
the top and includes a first removable portion covering the
aperture, a second remainder portion, a tab extending from the
first removable portion, and a line of weakness dividing the first
removable portion and second remainder portion such that the first
removable portion can be separated from the remainder portion along
the line of weakness.
[0013] In one embodiment, the line of weakness extends along a path
spaced from the aperture. The line of weakness may extend proximal
to the aperture. The closure may include a second line of weakness
further dividing the label into the removable portion and a third
remainder portion. The lines of weakness may be parallel.
[0014] In one embodiment, the closure further includes a well
having a side wall forming the aperture and an open bottom with a
plug removably received in the well. The plug includes a plug top
and a plug wall. The plug wall has an outwardly projecting flange
having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the side
wall to limit inward movement of the plug relative to the well.
[0015] In another embodiment, the closure further includes a well
including a side wall forming the aperture and an open bottom with
a plug removably received in the well. The side wall has an inner
bead located adjacent a the open bottom. The plug includes a plug
top and a plug wall. The plug wall has an outwardly projecting
flange having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of
the side wall to limit inward movement of the plug relative to the
well. The plug wall has a circumferential groove dimensioned to
engage the inner bead to restrain the plug from unintentional
withdrawal from the well by engaging the inner bead. A portion of
the plug wall is dimensioned to seal against a portion of the side
wall when the plug is seated within the well.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
method of using a closure including an aperture and a
tamper-evidencing label having a first removable portion covering
the aperture, a second remaining portion, a tab extending from the
first portion, a line of weakness dividing the first and second
portions. The method includes gripping the tab, pulling the tab
away from the closure such that the label tears along the line of
weakness separating the first removable portion from the second
remaining portion, and removing the first removable portion of the
label from the second remainder portion thereby uncovering the
aperture.
[0017] In one embodiment, the label includes a second line of
weakness further dividing the label into the removable portion and
a third remainder portion, and the method includes pulling the tab
away from the closure such that the label tears along the first and
second lines of weakness separating the first removable portion
from the second and third remaining portions.
[0018] In one embodiment, the label includes a first heat seal
pattern attaching the first removable portion to the top and a
second heat seal pattern attaching the second remainder portion to
the top, the second heat seal pattern being optionally thicker than
the first heat seal pattern, and the method includes pulling the
tab away from the closure such that the first removable portion
tears away from the closure along the first heat seal pattern
leaving the remainder portion attached to the closure.
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a
tamper-evidencing label in accordance with the present invention
which is partially or wholly destroyed when removed thereby for
preventing removal of the label completely intact.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
closure having a tamper-evidencing label that includes a removable
label portion which can be removed and separated from a remaining
label portion.
[0021] The closure having a tamper-evidencing label of the present
invention has other features and advantages which will be apparent
from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings,
which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification,
and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which
together serve to explain the principles of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure having a
tamper-evidencing label in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the closure and label of FIG.
1.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the closure and
label of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 3 showing a
portion of the closure and label of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the label of FIG. 1
illustrating a means of attaching the label to the cap.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1 having
a portion of the tamper-evidencing label removed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the closure and label of FIG. 1
having a portion of the tamper-evidencing label removed as is shown
in FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another closure in
accordance with the present invention similar to that of FIG. 1 and
having a modified tamper-evidencing label in accordance with the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is an enlarged detailed view similar to FIG. 4 of the
closure of FIG. 8.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another closure in
accordance with the present invention similar to that of FIG. 1 and
having a modified tamper-evidencing label in accordance with the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of the label of FIG. 10
illustrating an alternative means of attaching the label to the
cap.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another closure in
accordance with the present invention similar to that of FIG. 1 and
having a modified cap and a modified tamper-evidencing label in
accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the closure and label of FIG.
12.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a schematic top view of the label of FIG. 12
illustrating another means of attaching the label to the cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to those
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0037] The present invention is directed to a closure having a cap
and a tamper-evidencing label covering a dispensing aperture of the
cap. The label includes a removable portion which can be "zipped"
away from a remaining portion of the label which remains affixed to
the cap. The configuration of the tamper-evidencing label defeats
the ability remove the label intact from the cap and reattaching
the intact label to the cap. In particular, destruction of the
label is required in order to gain access to the dispensing
aperture of the cap.
[0038] Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are
designated by like reference numerals throughout the various
figures, attention is directed to FIG. 1 which shows a closure,
indicated generally by reference numeral 30, having a
tamper-evidencing label 31 affixed to a cap 32 in accordance with
the present invention. Closure 30 is intended for use with large
water bottles, for example, five-gallon bottles of the type that
are inverted and placed in a water dispenser. It will be
understood, however, that the invention may be used with closures
of other design. Furthermore, one should appreciate that the
tamper-evidencing label of the present invention may be utilized on
a package or a container having a dispensing aperture in accordance
with the present invention.
[0039] Cap 32 is formed of plastic or other suitable materials. In
one embodiment, low density polyethylene is used in the
construction of the cap in accordance with the present invention,
however, one should appreciate that other suitable materials can be
used. The material of the cap, together with the generally
thin-walled construction of the cap, generally provide for a cap
which tightly conforms to a container neck.
[0040] Cap 32 includes a top 36 and a skirt 37 which depends from a
periphery 38 of top 36. In the illustrated embodiment, periphery 38
is a thickened portion of top 36 that forms a recessed portion of
top 36 within which label 31 is applied to cap 32. The recessed
configuration of top 36 may serve to protect label 31 as the label
is spaced from the top surface of cap 32. The top edge of periphery
38 may serve as a bumper preventing items from abutting and tearing
against label 31. One should appreciate that the periphery need not
be thickened but can also be coplanar with the remainder of the top
in accordance with the present invention.
[0041] Skirt 37 extends downwardly terminating in a bottom edge 41.
An upper portion 42 of skirt 37 is frustoconically shaped having an
inward-upward slant. The thin-walled configuration skirt 37 allows
cap 32 to conform to the crown finish of a container neck as
closure 30 is applied to the neck. One should appreciate that the
upper portion of the skirt need not be slanted but may instead take
other shapes. For example, the upper portion of the skirt can be
cylindrical or in the shapes disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,270
to Adams et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,865 also to Adams et al.,
the entire contents of which patents are incorporated herein by
this reference.
[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an upper locking bead 43
is positioned on an interior of skirt 37. In this embodiment,
locking bead 43 is located approximately at the intersection of
slanted upper portion 42 and a cylindrical lower portion 47 of the
skirt, as shown in FIG. 3. Locking bead 43 fits snugly below an
upper crown portion conventionally formed on the finish of a
five-gallon water bottle neck.
[0043] Optionally, a non-ovality bead 48 may be provided in the
form of an outwardly and/or inwardly extending projection formed
adjacent bottom edge 41 of skirt 37 in order to rigidify lower edge
41 and preserve the round shape of skirt 37. In the illustrated
embodiment, cap 32 also includes an internal top seal bead 49
adjacent the intersection of top 36 and slanted skirt portion 42
which engages the container neck crown to inhibit leakage. As noted
above, the thin-walled configuration of the upper slanted portion
42 allows cap 32 to conform to the crown finish of a bottle neck as
it is applied to the neck. Such a thin-walled configuration
increases the effectiveness of seal bead 49.
[0044] A pair of spaced lines of weakness or tear lines 52, 53
extend upwardly from bottom edge 41. Tear line 52 extends upwardly
from bottom edge 41 and along lower portion 47 of skirt 37. Tear
line 53 extends upwardly from bottom edge 41, along lower portion
47, and continues onto upper portion 42 of skirt 37. One should
appreciate, however, that the configuration of the tear lines may
vary within the scope of the present invention. For example, one or
more tear lines, linear and/or curved, may be utilized in
accordance with the present invention, such as those disclosed in
the Adams '270 and '865 patents.
[0045] A pull tab 54 extends downwardly from bottom edge 41 of
skirt 37 between tear lines 52 and 53. Pulling tab 54 upward causes
skirt 37 to split along tear lines 52 and 53. The upward pulling of
tab 54 and tearing of the skirt, in effect, interrupts the
continuity of locking bead 43 and enables the closure 30 to be
pulled off or removed from the container neck with relative ease.
The function of tab 54 is that when gripped by a consumer and
pulled upward and/or outward it causes skirt 37 to tear along tear
lines 52 and 53 so that the function of locking bead 43 in
retaining the closure on the container neck is overcome. Continued
pulling of tab 54 may remove closure 30 from the container neck. To
facilitate the consumer gripping tab 54, a plurality of ribs 58
spaced upwardly from the bottom end of tab 54 are formed on the
surface of tab 54. One should appreciate one or more ribs may be
provided for this purpose on either one or both of the external and
internal surfaces of tear tab 54.
[0046] In one embodiment, annular top 36 of cap 32 is formed with
dispensing aperture in the form of a central well 59 having a
cylindrical side wall 60 which extends and downwardly from an
underside of top 36. Preferably, the interior of side wall 60 is
"seamless", that is, the interior of side wall 60 is devoid of
molding defects including, but not limited to, vertical parting
lines and/or excessive sinking. An inwardly extending flange or
inner bead 63 is positioned adjacent the bottom of well 59. One
should appreciate that the configuration of the central well may
vary in accordance with the present invention. For example, the
inner bead can be spaced upwardly from the bottom edge of well 59.
Alternatively, the inner bead can be replaced by an outer bead
extending from an outer surface of side wall 60, such as that
disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,259 to Hidding et al.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end of well 59 is closed by a
removable plug 65. Plug 65 has a closed circular end or plug top 69
and a plug wall 70 extending upwardly from plug top 69. Plug wall
70 has an outwardly projecting plug flange 71 that has an outer
diameter larger than an inner diameter of side wall 60 of the well
to limit inward movement of plug 65 relative to well 59.
Preferably, plug wall 70 has a circumferential groove dimensioned
to engage inner bead 63 to restrain plug 65 from unintentional
withdrawal from the well 59. A portion of plug wall 70 is
configured and dimensioned to seal against a portion of side wall
60 when plug 65 is seated within well 59. Preferably, an exterior
surface of the plug wall 70 seals against an internal surface of
side wall 60.
[0048] One should appreciate that the structural configuration of
the closure may vary in accordance with the present invention. For
example, the structural configuration of the closure of the present
invention may be similar to that of the closure disclosed by the
Adams '270 and '865 patents. Similarly, one should appreciate that
the features of the present invention are also suitable for use
with other closures having a dispensing aperture extending through
the top of the closure as well as containers or packages having a
dispensing aperture.
[0049] Closure 30 is a tamper-evident closure as the configuration
of label 31 prevents undetected access to well 59 and/or tampering
with plug 65. In particular, one cannot gain access through well 59
to the container upon which closure 30 is applied until at least a
portion of label is torn away from cap 32, in which case, the
partial or total destruction of label 31 provides evidence that
there may have been tampering with the contents of the
container.
[0050] Tamper-evident label 31 is affixed to an upper surface of
closure top 36 for tamper-evidencing purposes. In addition to
tamper-evidencing purposes, label 31 can be imprinted with various
labeling information such as the name of the bottler and
information as to the contents of the container. Further, the label
covers the well 59 and prevents dirt, liquids or other contaminants
from entering the well.
[0051] Tamper-evidencing label 31 is affixed to top 36 of cap 32.
Preferably, label 31 is a plastic membrane, however, one should
appreciate that other materials can be used. The label may be
formed of plastic, metal, paper, and/or other suitable materials.
For example, the label may be a plastic film, a metal foil, or a
laminate formed of plastic, metal, paper and/or other materials.
Preferably, label 31 is affixed to cap 32 in such a manner that
once a portion of the label is removed from the cap, the removed
portion of the label can not be reaffixed to the cap. For example,
in the event that label 31 is a plastic membrane, label 31 can be
heat sealed to cap 32. Alternatively, the label can be attached to
the cap by other suitable means including, but not limited to,
sonic welding and solvent welding.
[0052] Label 31 includes two lines of weakness 73 and 74 which
divide the label into a removable portion 75 and two remainder
portions 76 and 77 which remain affixed to cap 32 even after
removable portion 75 is "zipped" out from the remainder portions.
Removable portion 75 covers the upper aperture of well 59 in top 36
while the remainder portions 76 and 77 are located on top 36 on
opposing sides of well 59. One should appreciate that the
configuration of the lines of weakness and the label portions can
vary in accordance with the present invention. For example, a
single line of weakness can extend inwardly from a first point
adjacent the periphery of the label, around the well, and outwardly
to a second point adjacent the periphery of the label thus forming
a label having a single line of weakness and a single remainder
portion. Accordingly, one, two, three or more lines of weakness can
be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Similarly,
one, two, three or more remainder portions can be used in
accordance with the present invention.
[0053] A lift tab 80 extends from a periphery of removable portion
75 to facilitate removal of removable portion 75. In particular, a
user can grip and pull lift tab 80 such that label 31 will tear
along perforated lines 73 and 74 and away from remainder portions
76 and 77 which remain affixed to cap 32.
[0054] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, lines of weakness 73
and 74 are perforated lines each having a plurality of perforations
81 and 82, respectively. The perforations form respective paths
along label 31 which facilitate tearing along lines of weakness 73
and 74. Perforations 81 and 82 can be formed in label 31 in a
well-known manner. One should also appreciate that the lines of
weakness can also be formed by suitable means other than
perforations in accordance with the present invention.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 5, removable portion 75 and remainder
portions 76 and 77 are attached to top 36 of cap 32 by a heat seal
pattern, indicated generally by the numeral 85. In the illustrated
embodiment, heat seal pattern 85 is in the form of a segmented band
that extends adjacent a perimeter of label 31. One should
appreciate, however, that the heat seal pattern need not be
segmented and may extend continuously along and adjacent the
perimeter of the label.
[0056] The segments of heat seal band 85 are approximately 1-5 mm
wide, and preferably approximately 2-4 mm wide. One should
appreciate, however, that the actual shape and dimensions of heat
seal pattern can vary widely in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the heat seal pattern can include straight
segments affixing remainder portions 76 and 77 to the top surface
of the cap.
[0057] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5, heat seal pattern 85
includes one or more segments 86, 87 affixing removable portion 75
of label 31 and one or more segments 91, 92 affixing remainder
portions 76, 77, respectively, to the cap. In the illustrated
embodiment, segments 86, 87 are narrower than segments 91, 92 in
order to facilitate removal of removable portion 75 from the cap
top while ensuring that remainder portions 76 and 77 remain affixed
to the cap top. In particular, heat seal band segments 86 and 87
are approximately 1-3 mm wide, and preferably approximately 2 mm,
while heat seal band segments 91, 92 are approximately 3-5 mm wide,
and preferably approximately 4 mm wide.
[0058] Preferably, gaps 95, 96, 97, 98 are formed between the
terminal ends of the segments 86, 87, 91, 92 and aligned with the
lines of weakness 73, 74. Such an aligned configuration of the gaps
can facilitate tearing of label 31 along the lines of weakness for
removal of the removable portion 75 of the label. In particular,
gaps 95, 96, 97, 98 are aligned such that the portion of label 31
immediately adjacent the lines of weakness is not affixed to the
cap top.
[0059] The method of using closure 30 in accordance with the
present invention can now be described. In operation and use,
closure 30 is applied to a five-gallon water bottle in a
conventional manner. Closure 30 is of the non-spill variety which
allows a five-gallon water bottle to be inverted and installed into
a water dispenser with minimal or no spillage of water from the
water bottle. Prior to installing the water bottle onto the water
dispenser, the end user must first provide access to well 59. To do
so, the end user will grip lift tab 80 of label 31 and pull tab 80
away from top 36 of cap 32. Such action causes label 31 to tear
along its lines of weakness 73 and 74 such that removable portion
75 of label 31 can be easily removed.
[0060] In particular, pulling lift tab 80 causes removable portion
to overcome the heat seal pattern, or other attachment means, which
attaches removable portion 75 to cap top 36. Such pulling of lift
tab 80 also causes removable portion to simultaneously tear away
from remainder portions 76 and 77. Continued pulling of tear tab 80
causes removable portion 75 to completely tear from remainder
portions 76 and 77 thus providing access to well 59, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. Accordingly, label 31 is substantially damaged
and/or destroyed in order to access well 59. As label 31 is no
longer intact, the torn label provides evidence that the well has
been accessed.
[0061] Once the removable portion 75 of label 31 is removed, the
end user can than proceed to insert closure 30 along with the
respective water bottle into the water dispenser in a conventional
manner.
[0062] Advantageously, the closure having a tamper-evidencing label
of the present invention provides a means of increased tamper
evidence to an end user. The closure of the present invention is
partially or wholly destroyed upon removal thereby preventing the
removal of the tamper-evidencing label, intact, from a cap of the
closure. The configuration of the label prevents someone from
reaffixing an intact label to the cap. Accordingly, the closure of
the present invention prevents someone with malicious intent to
remove the label intact, tamper with the contents of the container
sealed by the closure, and then reaffix the intact label to the cap
using an adhesive.
[0063] Advantageously, the tamper-evidencing label of the present
invention prevents removal of the label from the cap without
damaging the label thus preventing violation of a product within a
package or container and concealing such violation by reattaching
the an undamaged label to the package or container.
[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9, closure 30a is similar to closure 30 described above
but includes modified lines of weakness 73a and 74a. Like reference
numerals have been used to describe like components of closure 30
and 30a. As most clearly shown in FIG. 9, lines of weakness 73a and
74a are formed by respective upper grooves 102 and respective lower
grooves 103 thereby forming a reduced thickness portion of label 31
for facilitating tearing along lines of weakness 73a and 74b. One
should appreciate that the line of weakness can also be formed with
an upper groove without a lower groove, or with a lower groove
without an upper groove to provide a reduced thickness portion of
the label in accordance with the present invention. Grooves 102 and
103 may be etched into the respective surfaces of label by laser
scribing or provided by other suitable means. One should also
appreciate that the lines of weakness can have other suitable
configurations which provide the tearing of label 31 along a path
in accordance with the present invention.
[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, closure 30b
is similar to closures 30 and 30a described above but includes
shortened perforated lines of weakness 73b and 74b, as shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11. Like reference numerals have been used to describe
like components of closures 30, 30a, and 30b.
[0066] In this embodiment, lines of weakness 73b and 74b are
respectively formed by a plurality of perforations 81b and 82b. As
noted above, the perforations can be formed in label 31b in a
well-known manner.
[0067] Perforated lines 81b and 82b do not extend completely across
label 31b. Instead, perforated lines 81b and 82b terminate
approximately midway across label 31b adjacent well 59b. One should
appreciate that the perforated lines need not terminate precisely
midway across the label but instead may terminate at any point
proximal or beyond the well.
[0068] The configuration of perforated lines 81b and 82b promotes
destruction of the label as the label is torn beyond terminal ends
107 and 108. In particular, as a user continues to tear label 31b
beyond terminal ends 107 and 108, label 31b deforms thus causing
visible rips or tears as removable label portion 75b is torn away
from remainder portions 76b and 77b. Accordingly, label 31b further
prevents someone with malicious intent to remove the label intact,
tamper with the contents of the container sealed by the closure,
and then reaffix the intact label to the cap using an adhesive as
the visible rips or tears would provide visible evidence that
someone may have accessed well 59b.
[0069] In this embodiment, removable portion 75b and remainder
portions 76b and 77b are attached to top 36b of cap 32b by a heat
seal pattern, indicated generally by the numeral 85b. In this
embodiment, heat seal pattern 85b is in the form of a continuous
band that extends adjacent a perimeter of label 31b.
[0070] The width of heat seal band 85b is approximately 1-5 mm
wide, and preferably approximately 2-4 mm wide. One should
appreciate, however, that the actual shape and dimensions of heat
seal pattern can vary widely in accordance with the present
invention.
[0071] In operation and use, closure 30b is used in substantially
the same manner as closures 30 and 30a discussed above.
[0072] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in
FIGS. 12-14, closure 30c is similar to closures 30, 30a and 30b
described above but includes angled and shortened lines of weakness
and a modified dispensing aperture. Like reference numerals have
been used to describe like components of closures 30, 30a, 30b and
30c.
[0073] In this embodiment, cap 32c includes a frangible dispensing
aperture 112 in the form of a C-shaped score line 113 which is
located in the center of top 36c. Dispensing aperture 112 may be
configured for use with a conventional water dispenser such that a
dispenser probe contacts a middle flap 114 and causes aperture 112
to tear open along score line 113 in a manner similar to that
described in the Adams '865 patent.
[0074] One should appreciate that the configuration and location of
the dispensing aperture 112 can vary in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the aperture can be formed by one or more
internal score lines and/or one or more external score lines. The
score lines may have a variety of shapes including, but not limited
to, X-shapes, L-shapes and/or other suitable shapes. Alternatively,
the frangible dispensing aperture may be formed by other suitable
means.
[0075] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, lines of weakness 73c
and 74c may be respectively formed by a plurality of perforations,
one or more grooves, and/or other suitable means in the manner
described above. Lines of weakness 73c and 74c diverge outwardly
from lift tab 80c. In this embodiment, lines of weakness 73c and
74c do not extend completely across label 31c. Instead, lines of
weakness 73c and 74c terminate inwardly from the periphery of label
31c and across the heat seal pattern 85c. Preferably, the lines of
weakness extend approximately one-quarter inch to one-half inch,
preferably, at least three-eighths inch from the periphery of the
label.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, lines of weakness 73c and 74c
terminate at points that are less than midway across label 31c and
are directed such that label 31c will continue to tear in a
direction away from dispensing aperture 112 such that removal of
portion 75c will expose the dispensing aperture. One should
appreciate, however, that the precise shape of the lines of
weakness and the precise location where the lines of weakness
terminate may vary in accordance with the present invention.
[0077] The configuration of lines of weakness 73c and 74c
facilitates destruction of label 31c as removable portion 75c is
torn away from remainder portions 76c and 77c. In particular, as a
user tears the removable portion of label 31c from its remainder
portions, label 31c is partially or wholly destroyed thus causing
visible evidence that access has been gained to dispensing aperture
112. Accordingly, label 31c further prevents someone with malicious
intent to remove the label intact, tamper with the dispensing
aperture to gain access to the contents of the container sealed by
the closure, and then reaffix the intact label to the cap using an
adhesive as the visible rips or tears would provide visible
evidence that someone may have accessed dispensing aperture
112.
[0078] In this embodiment, removable portion 75c and remainder
portions 76c and 77c are attached to top 36c of cap 32c by a heat
seal pattern 85c. As shown in FIG. 14, the heat seal pattern 85c
includes two concentric and continuous bands 118 and 119 that
extend adjacent a perimeter of label 31c.
[0079] In operation and use, closure 30c is used in substantially
the same manner as closures 30, 30a and 30b discussed above.
[0080] For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in
the appended claims, the terms "upper" and "lower", "inner" and
"outer", and other terms of spacial orientation are used to
describe features of the present invention with reference to the
positions of such features as displayed in the figures.
[0081] In many respects the modifications of the various figures
resemble those of preceding modifications and the same reference
numerals followed by subscripts a, b, and c designate corresponding
parts.
[0082] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *