U.S. patent application number 11/250249 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for tamper evident bottle cap.
This patent application is currently assigned to Portola Packaging, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian M. Adams, Mike Xiaoli Ma.
Application Number | 20060060555 11/250249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32092378 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060060555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ma; Mike Xiaoli ; et
al. |
March 23, 2006 |
Tamper evident bottle cap
Abstract
A closure for sealing the opening of a container. The closure
may include an angled plug. The container includes an external
thread configuration and the closure includes an internal thread
configuration which are adapted to pass over each other with one of
the external and internal thread configurations having at least one
thread lead and the other having at least twice as many thread
leads. The closure includes an inwardly turned retaining rim
extends at least partially upwardly. The retaining rim has an
attachment boss and an upwardly extending line of weakness adjacent
the attachment boss such that when the closure is removed from the
container, the line of weakness tears allowing the
tamper-evidencing band to remain with the closure upon removal from
the container. The closure may include a top having a periphery, an
annular skirt depending downwardly from the periphery and including
a lower edge and a line of weakness extending upwardly from the
lower edge, a tear tab extending downwardly from the skirt below
the lower edge, and a tamper-evidencing locking member including an
inwardly extending locking ring that extends radially inwardly from
the skirt intermediate the top and the bottom edge, the retaining
rim including a free edge that is adapted to engage the radially
extending locking bead of the container when the closure is removed
from the container neck. A method of molding a closure including a
tamper-evidencing band is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Ma; Mike Xiaoli; (San Jose,
CA) ; Adams; Brian M.; (Newark, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David J. Brezner;Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Intellectual Property Department
Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 3400
San Francisco
CA
94111-4187
US
|
Assignee: |
Portola Packaging, Inc.
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
32092378 |
Appl. No.: |
11/250249 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10266091 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
6981602 |
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11250249 |
Oct 11, 2005 |
|
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|
09955844 |
Sep 18, 2001 |
6766916 |
|
|
10266091 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
|
|
|
09900505 |
Jul 5, 2001 |
6484896 |
|
|
09955844 |
Sep 18, 2001 |
|
|
|
09653679 |
Sep 1, 2000 |
|
|
|
09900505 |
Jul 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
09323571 |
Jun 1, 1999 |
6112923 |
|
|
09653679 |
Sep 1, 2000 |
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|
08904878 |
Aug 1, 1997 |
5913437 |
|
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09323571 |
Jun 1, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/252 ;
215/258; 215/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/30 20200501;
B29C 43/42 20130101; B29L 2031/565 20130101; B29C 45/4407 20130101;
B29C 43/50 20130101; B65D 41/3428 20130101; B65D 41/3409
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/252 ;
215/258; 215/307 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00; B65D 49/12 20060101 B65D049/12; B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16 |
Claims
1. A closure for sealing the opening of a container having a
threaded neck, said closure comprising: a top having an underside;
a downwardly depending annular skirt; a thread configuration on an
inner surface of said skirt; and a plug extending downwardly and
outwardly from said underside of said top, said plug including an
upper end joined to said underside and having an upper outer
diameter, said plug further including a lower portion spaced from
said upper portion and having a lower outer diameter larger than
said upper outer diameter.
2. The closure of claim 1, wherein said lower portion includes a
maximum outer diameter of said plug forming a sealing surface
adapted to seal the container opening.
3. The closure of claim 1, wherein said annular skirt comprises a
lower skirt wall portion having a first inner diameter and an upper
skirt wall portion proximal said top, said upper skirt wall portion
having a second inner diameter larger than said first inner
diameter.
4. A combination comprising: a container including a neck forming
an opening; a closure for sealing said opening, said closure
including a downwardly depending skirt; an external thread
configuration on an outer surface of said neck; and an internal
thread configuration on an inner surface of said skirt shaped to
mate with said external thread configuration on said neck; said
external and internal thread configurations being adapted to pass
over each other upon downward movement of said closure skirt
relative to said container neck, wherein one of said external and
internal thread configurations have at least one thread lead and
the other of said external and internal thread configurations have
at least twice as many thread leads as said one thread
configuration.
5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said external thread
configuration includes four thread leads and said internal thread
configuration includes eight thread leads.
6. A tamper-evidencing closure for sealing a container, said
closure comprising: a top, a depending annular skirt and a
tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to said annular skirt;
said tamper-evidencing band including an inwardly turned retaining
rim that extends at least partially upwardly, said retaining rim
having a free edge adapted for engagement with a locking surface of
the container; and said tamper-evidencing band including an
attachment boss and an upwardly extending line of weakness adjacent
said attachment boss such that when said closure is removed from
the container, said line of weakness tears allowing said
tamper-evidencing band to remain connected to said closure upon
removal from said container.
7. The closure of claim 6, wherein said retaining rim includes
terminal ends forming a gap in said retaining rim aligned with said
line of weakness.
8. The closure of claim 6, wherein said tamper-evidencing band
includes a tapered annular band wall having an upper portion and a
lower portion, said upper portion being thinner than said lower
portion.
9. The closure of claim 8, wherein said upper portion forms a sharp
corner for facilitating demolding of said closure during
manufacture thereof.
10. The closure of claim 8, wherein said lower portion forms an
engagement shoulder for facilitating demolding of said closure
during manufacture thereof.
11. A method of molding a closure including a tamper-evidencing
band having an upwardly and inwardly extending retaining rim, said
method comprising: closing a mold assembly having a cavity, a core,
a core sleeve, and a splitter to define the shape of the closure;
withdrawing the cavity away from the core, core sleeve, splitter,
and the closure; staging the core and stripper away from the core
sleeve to advance the closure away from the core sleeve; stopping
the core allowing the stripper and the closure to move away from
the core; retracting the core stripper to draw the closure toward
the core and abut against the core such that the core stops
movement of the closure; and continuing retraction of the core such
that the closure is disengaged from the stripper as the closure
abuts against the core.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the retaining rim of the closure
flexes thereby allowing the retaining rim to disengage from the
core and move past the core as the core is stopped.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the closure includes a plug
having an angled outer surface and the plug flexes thereby allowing
the plug to disengage from the core and move away from the core as
the core is stopped.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein an outer surface of the core
forms a space between the retaining rim and an outer wall of the
tamper-evidencing band.
15-19. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/955,844 filed Sep. 18, 2001, which is a
Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/900,505
filed Jul. 5, 2001, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/653,679 filed Sep. 1, 2000 and now
abandoned, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/323,571, filed Jun. 1, 1999 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,923,
which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/904,878, filed Aug. 1, 1997 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,437. The
entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein
by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to improvements in
tamper-evidencing closures including tamper-evidencing bands such
as those commonly used as bottle caps.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,031 to Barriac discloses a
tamper-indicating closure that includes an inwardly folded
tamper-indicating band with intermittent pleats, around the
inwardly folded portion of the band. The pleats are inwardly
directed and spaced around the circumference of the band. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,400,913 to Kelly discloses a similar tamper-indicating
closure that also has an inwardly folded tamper-indicating band
with continuous pleats around the inwardly folded portion of the
band.
[0006] As discussed in the Kelly '913 patent, the tamper-indicating
band should slip over the locking bead or rim of the container neck
without damaging the frangible connection between the band and the
skirt of the closure. The tamper-indicating band must be
sufficiently elastic in order to avoid too great a resistance when
closing the bottle, which could damage the frangible connection.
However, the tamper-indicating band should be sufficiently stiff in
order to reliably engage the locking bead of the container neck and
thereby hold the band beneath the locking bead when opening the
closure, so that the tamper-indicating band will sever the
frangible connection.
[0007] The Kelly '913 patent improves the flexibility of the
inwardly folded pleated portion of the band in two ways. One, a
frangible connection is provided between each pleat. The frangible
connections between the pleats ensure high elasticity of the
tamper-indicating band during closure. Alternatively, individual
bridges, instead of a frangible connection, are provided between
the pleats. The bridges are relatively easily damaged during
opening of the closure, thus improving the tamper-indicating nature
of the closure.
[0008] It has been determined by the applicant herein that the
inwardly-turned pleated designs of both the Barriac '031 patent and
the Kelly '913 patent have a tendency to improperly grip the
locking bead of the container neck and, thereby allow the
tamper-indicating band to slip back upwardly over the locking bead
upon opening of the closure, which defeats the tamper-indicating
aspect of the designs. The present invention improves upon this
aspect of prior art pleated tamper-indicating bands.
[0009] It is also known for the internal thread pattern of a bottle
cap to include spaced gaps around the spiral thread bead for the
purpose of reducing weight of the bottle cap as well as to simplify
tooling production required to manufacture the bottle caps. The
present invention also provides an improved spiral thread pattern
and design.
[0010] A further problem encountered with tamper-evidence closures
is that the tamper-indicating band and inwardly turned retaining
rim can trap liquid in the closure. Thus, product used to fill the
container can spill on the container neck and when the container is
closed by the closure or cap, the liquid product trapped by the
inwardly turned retaining rim. Similarly, in many instances the
container will be washed after capping, and the wash water can
become trapped in the cap. In either case, and particularly for
products which contain sugar, the trapped liquid can act as a
habitat for the growth of bacteria, mold and the like.
[0011] A further problem encountered with tamper-evidence closures
is that the plug of the tamper-indicating closure may not
sufficiently seal against the closure in the event that the closure
is applied such that it is cross-threaded with respect to the
container. Additionally, the application forces necessary to apply
prior closures often is not constant and may fluctuate increasing
the likelihood that the closure will cross-thread as it is applied
to the container. Additionally, upwardly and inwardly turned
retaining rims of prior tamper-evidencing bands often remain on the
container neck as the closure is removed from the container thus
requiring the removal of the band prior to washing the container
for recycling purposes. Furthermore, prior methods of forming
tamper-evidencing closures having an inwardly and upwardly directed
retaining rims were subject to the possibility of the molded
closure from failing to demold entirely from prior molding
apparatus thus requiring additional steps to remove the closure
from the molding apparatus.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Briefly described, the present invention comprises a
tamper-evidencing closure for a container with a locking surface on
the neck of the container, with the closure including a closure or
cap with a top portion and a depending annular skirt, a
tamper-evidencing band connected to the lower edge of the annular
skirt by means of a frangible connection, the tamper-evidencing
band including an inwardly turned retaining rim that extends at
least partially upwardly relative to the container neck, the
retaining rim including a free edge that is adapted to engage the
locking surface of the container neck. Optionally, the retaining
rim includes ramp elements that provide for one-way screwing of the
closure cap onto a neck having corresponding ramp elements.
[0013] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a
container including a neck and an opening, in combination with a
tamper-evidencing closure including a top, a depending annular
skirt and a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the
annular skirt. The container includes a locking surface on the neck
spaced from the opening. The tamper-evidencing band includes an
inwardly turned retaining rim that extends at least partially
upwardly. The retaining rim has a free edge having a locking
surface engaging structure formed for engagement with the locking
surface as the closure is removed from the neck to ensure breakage
of the frangible connection. The locking surface engaging structure
can include a plurality of outwardly directed pleats spaced
circumferentially thereon and a second securing structure located
on the retaining rim between the pleats.
[0014] In another aspect of the present invention the inwardly
turned retaining rim with the locking surface engaging structure is
further formed with at least one, and preferably a plurality, of
passageways therethrough which allow for the drainage and/or
evaporation of liquid trapped by the closure. The provision of one
passageway between each pair of circumferentially adjacent locking
surface engaging pleats is particularly advantageous.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
closure for sealing the opening of a container having a threaded
neck. The closure includes a top having an underside, a downwardly
depending annular skirt, a thread configuration on an inner surface
of the skirt, and a plug extending downwardly and outwardly from
the underside of the top, the plug including an upper end joined to
the underside and having a first outer diameter, the plug further
including a lower end spaced from the upper portion and having a
second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter.
[0016] Preferably, the lower end includes a maximum outer diameter
forming a sealing surface adapted to seal the container opening.
Preferably, the annular skirt includes a lower skirt wall portion
having a first inner diameter and an upper skirt wall portion
proximal the top having a second inner diameter larger than the
first inner diameter.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
combination including a container having a neck forming an opening
and a closure for sealing the opening. The closure includes a
downwardly depending skirt, an external thread configuration on an
outer surface of the neck. An internal thread configuration on an
inner surface of the skirt is shaped to mate with the external
thread configuration on the neck. The external and internal thread
configurations are adapted to pass over each other upon downward
movement of the closure skirt relative to the container neck,
wherein one of the external and internal thread configurations have
at least one thread lead and the other of the external and internal
thread configurations have at least twice as many thread leads as
the one thread configuration.
[0018] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
tamper-evidencing closure for sealing a container. The closure
includes a top, a depending annular skirt and a tamper-evidencing
band frangibly connected to the annular skirt. The
tamper-evidencing band includes an inwardly turned retaining rim
that extends at least partially upwardly. The retaining rim has a
free edge adapted for engagement with a locking surface of the
container. The tamper-evidencing band also includes an attachment
boss and an upwardly extending line of weakness adjacent the
attachment boss such that when the closure is removed from the
container, the line of weakness tears allowing the
tamper-evidencing band to be removed from the closure such that the
band remains attached to the closure upon removal from the
container by the attachment boss.
[0019] Preferably, the retaining rim includes a gap therein aligned
with the line of weakness. The tamper-evidencing band may include a
tapered annular band wall having an upper portion and a lower
portion, the upper portion being thinner than the lower portion. In
one embodiment, the upper portion forms a sharp corner for
facilitating demolding of the closure during manufacture thereof.
Preferably, the lower portion forms an engagement shoulder for
facilitating demolding of the closure during manufacture
thereof.
[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
method of molding a closure with a tamper-evidencing band having an
upwardly and inwardly extending retaining rim. The method includes
closing a mold assembly having a cavity, a core, a core sleeve, and
a splitter to define a mold cavity forming the shape of the
closure, withdrawing the cavity away from the core, core sleeve and
splitter, staging the core and stripper away from the core sleeve
to advance the closure away from the core sleeve, stopping the core
allowing the stripper and the closure to move away from the core,
retracting the core stripper to draw the closure toward the core
and abut against the core such that the core stops movement of the
closure, and continuing retraction of the core such that the
closure is disengaged from the stripper as the closure abuts
against the core.
[0021] Preferably, the retaining rim of the cap flexes thereby
allowing the retaining rim to disengage from the core and move past
the core as the core is stopped. The closure may include a plug
having an angled outer surface and the plug flexes thereby allowing
the plug to disengage from the core and move away from the core as
the core is stopped. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the
core forms a space between the retaining rim and an outer wall of
the tamper-evidencing band.
[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
closure for sealing the opening of a container having a radially
extending locking bead. The closure includes a top having a
periphery, an annular skirt depending downwardly from the periphery
and including a lower edge and a line of weakness extending
upwardly from the lower edge, a tear tab extending downwardly from
the skirt below the lower edge, and a tamper-evidencing locking
member including an inwardly extending locking ring that extends
radially inwardly from the skirt intermediate the top and the
bottom edge, the retaining rim including a free edge that is
adapted to engage the radially extending locking bead of the
container when the closure is removed from the container neck.
[0023] Preferably, the line of weakness is a scoreline extending
vertically from the lower edge.
[0024] Preferably, the locking ring includes an outwardly directed
pleat.
[0025] Preferably, the locking ring includes a plurality of
outwardly directed pleats.
[0026] In one embodiment, the locking ring extends radially
inwardly and axially upwardly so that the free edge of the locking
ring prevents upward movement of the locking ring with respect to
the container.
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-evidencing closure
in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tamper-evidencing
closure shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the tamper-evidencing
closure of FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
3.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, detail view of the retaining rim of
the tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a sectional view, taken along the line 6-6 of FIG.
3.
[0034] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, detail view of the retaining rim of
the tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 6.
[0035] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the bottle cap of FIG. 1 and a
container neck, with the tamper-evidencing closure and container
neck shown in quarter section.
[0036] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the
tamper-evidencing closure and container neck of FIG. 8.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a quarter-section perspective view of the
tamper-evidencing closure mounted onto the container neck.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, shown in partial
section, of the tamper-evidencing closure mounted onto the
container neck.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
internal thread pattern of the tamper-evidencing closure of FIG.
1.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from underneath of another
embodiment of the improved tamper-evidencing closure of the present
invention, shown with a quarter section cut away.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 13.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an improved container neck
design for screwing the closure of FIG. 13 thereon.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the container neck of
FIG. 15.
[0044] FIG. 17 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, of another
embodiment of the improved tamper-evidencing closure of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the bottle cap of
FIG. 17 and a container neck, with the tamper-evidencing closure
shown in quarter section.
[0046] FIG. 19 is a quarter section perspective view of the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 18 mounted onto the container
neck.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another tamper-evidencing
closure and container neck in accordance with the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the
tamper-evidencing closure and container neck of FIG. 20.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the tamper-evidencing
closure of FIG. 20.
[0050] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of the tamper
evidencing closure of FIG. 20 taken along line 23-23 of FIG.
22.
[0051] FIG. 24 is an enlarged, cross-sectional detailed view of the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 20.
[0052] FIG. 25 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 20 taken along line 25-25 of FIG.
22.
[0053] FIG. 26 is a schematic side view showing the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 20 mounted on the container neck
of FIG. 20.
[0054] FIGS. 27(a)-(f) are schematic elevational views of a molding
apparatus used to form a tamper-evidencing closure in accordance
with the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another tamper-evidencing
closure in accordance with the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 29 is a bottom plain view of the tamper-evidencing
closure of FIG. 28.
[0057] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 28 taken along line 30-30 of FIG.
29.
[0058] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the
tamper-evidencing closure of FIG. 28 taken along line 31-31 of FIG.
29.
[0059] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the tamper-evidencing
closure of FIG. 28 mounted on a container neck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] 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.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, a tamper-evidencing closure in the form
of a bottle cap 10 forms a closure for capping off a spout or
container neck of a bottle (not shown). Bottle cap 10 includes a
round top portion 12 and a depending annular or cylindrical skirt
14. Skirt 14 includes a lower edge 16, to which a tamper-evidencing
band 18 connects by means of a frangible connection in the form of
thin-walled, breakable connections 20. The internal side wall of
skirt 14 includes a conventional spiral thread bead 22. One aspect
of novelty of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.
1 resides in the design of tamper-evidencing band 18 and,
accordingly, the design of top portion 12 and depending annular
skirt 14 by themselves form no part of the present invention.
[0062] Tamper-evidencing band 18 includes an annular outer wall 23
and an inwardly and upwardly turned, annular retaining rim 24
extending from annular outer wall 23. Retaining rim 24 includes an
upper free edge 26. Free edge 26 includes a locking surface
engaging structure which cooperates with a an annular bead or rim,
such as bead 42 in FIGS. 8 and 9, on the bottle neck. The locking
surface engaging structure produces breakage of the frangible
connection of the cap, in a manner described below, and may include
pleats 32, which are pleated radially outwardly, and arcuate
portions 30 therebetween.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, bottle cap 10 includes a series
of frangible connections 20 that are formed by thin wall segments
which have sufficient compressive rigidity to withstand the
compressive forces imposed by tamper-evidencing band 24 as the
bottle cap is mounted onto a container spout, yet also has minimal
tensile strength so that frangible connections 20 break when the
bottle cap is threaded back off of the container spout.
[0064] A series of six pleats 32 are formed in the upwardly and
inwardly turned retaining rim 24. While the present invention is
not meant to be limited to a particular number of pleats, it is
desirable to provide at least two pleats and preferably at least
four. In the embodiment shown, the pleats are formed as pleats, six
in number. However, other pleat designs can be used so long as the
design allows the upper edge of the rim to expand. Provision of six
pleats, of course, creates six arcuate portions 30 along free edge
26. Arcuate portions 30 have a radius of curvature that
approximates the curvature of the container spout so that when the
bottle cap is mounted onto the container neck, upper edge 26 of the
arcuate portions firmly grips a locking surface on the container
neck.
[0065] Pleats 32 are pleated radially outwardly of arcuate portions
30. In other words, pleats 32 fold outwardly of arcuate portions 30
toward outer annular wall 23. Pleats 32 include a vertex 34 that is
spaced a short distance inwardly of skirt 14. Preferably, the depth
of pleats 32 is such that outer extremity 34, i.e. the vertex, of
each pleat remains underneath the locking surface of the container
neck. This is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG.
11.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, inwardly turned retaining rim 24
extends at least partially upwardly so that its upper free edge 26
faces upwardly and is positioned to engage the locking surface of
the container neck. It can also be seen in these figures that
pleats 32 extend radially outwardly from arcuate portions 30. It is
known to provide inwardly projecting pleats, such as those found on
the bottle caps disclosed in the prior mentioned Kelly '913 patent
and the Barriac '031 patent. Inwardly projecting pleats result in
less upper free edge contact with the locking surface of the
container neck, which can result in the retaining rim slipping over
the locking surface without the frangible connections breaking when
the bottle cap is initially unscrewed off of the container
neck.
[0067] The thin wall construction of frangible connections 20
allows for relatively easy breakage of the frangible material when
free edge 26 of retaining rim 24 engages the locking surface of the
container neck. Yet, frangible connections 20 have sufficient
compressive strength to withstand the initial compressive forces of
tamper-evidencing band 18 when the bottle cap is first threaded
onto the container neck.
[0068] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a design for a conventional bottle
neck 40. The design of bottle neck 40 forms no part of the present
invention aside from the fact that bottle neck 40 requires some
type of locking surface 42, such as an annular bead, rim or the
like. The rest of the features of bottle neck 40 are conventional
in design, including thread 44 and annular base flange 46. The
retaining rim of the bottle cap locks underneath locking surface
42.
[0069] Also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is an internal annular groove
50, which mates with upper rim 52 of bottle neck 40. This creates a
leak-proof seal around the opening of bottle neck 40.
[0070] FIGS. 10 and 11 show bottle cap 10 threadably mounted onto
bottle neck 40. Retaining rim 24 is bent and flexed outwardly to
expand its diameter to match the diameter of bottle neck 40. The
upper edge of retaining rim 24, including the upper edge of pleats
32, is in close proximity to locking surface 42. It can be seen in
FIG. 11 that there is a small gap 56 between pleat 32 and the
inside wall of tamper-evidencing band 18.
[0071] When bottle cap 10 is unscrewed off of bottle neck 40,
retaining rim 24 engages locking surface 42. Due to the position of
frangible connections 20 on the outside of locking surface 42, a
slight torque is placed on the retaining rim, which may tend to
cause retaining rim 24 to move outwardly toward annular wall 23. If
this happens, pleats 32 engage band 18 and prevent the upper free
edge of the retaining rim from moving outwardly from underneath the
locking surface, which would allow the tamper-evidencing band to
slip over the locking surface without breaking the frangible
connections.
[0072] Another advantage of the design of the tamper-evidencing
band of the present invention is that it is more difficult to
"tamper" with the band. Theoretically, it is possible to pry the
tamper-evidencing band out beyond the locking surface, with the use
of a flat edge tool such as a standard screw driver. With prior art
designs, only the inwardly directed pleats needed to be pried out
over the locking surface. With the present design, because the
retaining rim includes arcuate portions that engage the locking
surface across at least a majority of the upper free edge surface
of the retaining rim, it is more difficult to pry outwardly enough
of the retaining rim to slip the tamper-evidencing band out over
the locking surface.
[0073] While the improved locking surface engaging structure of the
present invention enhances detection of tampering with the product,
the inwardly turned rim 24 also provides a structure which can trap
liquid between the cap and the bottle. Thus, either product, or
wash water, or both, can collect in the U-shaped annular volume or
space 29 between annular wall 23 and rim 24, as can be seen, for
example, in FIGS. 6 and 7. Passageways 31 formed in rim 24 at the
bottom or inward bend of the rim will permit any liquids in space
29 to drain out of the cap or at least evaporate more readily so
that they do not provide a habitat for mold and bacteria
growth.
[0074] Most preferably, a passageway 31 is provided between each
circumferentially adjacent pair of pleats 32 since pleats 32 tend
to act as circumferential barriers to the migration of liquid past
the pleats.
[0075] FIG. 12 illustrates the design for an alternative embodiment
for the internal thread pattern of bottle cap 110. It can be seen
that the thread pattern is formed by a series of thread segments
160. Each thread segment 160 is shaped like a chord segment with a
straight inner edge 162 that creates a wider depth at its center
164 and progressively becomes shallower out to its ends 166, where
it becomes flush with the inner surface of skirt 114.
[0076] Thread segments 160 are vertically aligned with the segments
above and below in a manner that creates gaps 168. In addition,
thread segments 160 are aligned along a spiral path with the
segments at either side, so as to create an intermittently defined
thread channel for the thread of a container neck. As also will be
seen drainage passageways 31 can be provided between each
circumferentially adjacent pair of pleats 32 around the
circumference of rim 24.
[0077] An advantage of the thread design shown in FIG. 12 is not
only that it creates a much more light weight bottle cap, it is
also much easier to manufacture from a tooling standpoint. Molds
for injection molding bottle caps like those discussed herein can
more easily be fabricated for producing thread segments as
shown.
[0078] FIGS. 13 and 14 show another alternative embodiment for the
tamper-evidencing band of the present invention. Cap 210 is similar
to cap 10 of FIG. 1, except that tamper-evidencing band 218 has
been modified. Cap 210 includes a top 212 and a skirt 214 and
breakable connections 220 still connect skirt 214 to band 218.
Tamper band 218 includes an annular wall 223 and an inwardly and
upwardly turned, annular retaining rim 224 extending from annular
wall 223. In this embodiment, retaining rim 224 includes wedge or
ramp elements 226 that form part of a ratchet mechanism for
securing the tamper band. Ramp elements 226 each include a ramp
surface 227 and a blunt radial side 228. Ramp elements 226 also
include an upper ramp surface 229 that also forms part of a one-way
ratchet mechanism for screwing on cap 210, as discussed herein.
[0079] FIGS. 15 and 16 show neck 240 of a bottle that has similarly
been modified to include a series of annularly spaced ramp elements
242, which also form part of the ratchet mechanism. Neck ramp
elements 242 do not extend all the way around the neck, which is
not believed to be necessary in order to restrain the cap, and in
fact simplifies the manufacturing process for the neck. However,
the ramp elements could extend annularly all around the neck if
required. Each ramp element 242 includes an outwardly facing ramp
surface 244, and a blunt side edge 246, similar to the ramp
elements of the cap. Neck ramp elements 242 also include downwardly
facing ramps 247 that extend radially outwardly, but not beyond the
edge of a neck retaining rim or locking rim 250. Ramp surfaces 244,
247 and side edges 246 work in conjunction with ramp elements 226
of cap 210 to permit threading of cap 210 onto neck 240, as the
respective ramp surfaces engage one another, and the blunt edges
slide past one another.
[0080] Once threaded onto neck 240, upper edges 248 of ramp
elements 226 engage neck locking rim 250 of neck 240, thereby
preventing upward release of the cap. Also, once threaded on, blunt
sides 228 of ramp elements 226 engage blunt sides 246 of ramp
elements 242, which prevents unthreading of tamper-evidencing band
218. Ramp surfaces 244 and 227, and 229, 247 allow for easier
mounting of the cap fully onto the neck.
[0081] In operation, cap 210 is threaded onto neck 240 until ramp
elements 226 pop beneath neck locking rim 250. Then, to unscrew cap
210, skirt portion 214 is counter-rotated against the retention
forces provided by the ratchet engagement of the ramp elements,
which prevent unthreading of the tamper-evidencing band. Once the
counter-rotational forces are great enough, breakable connections
220 fracture, thereby releasing cap 210 to continue unscrewing from
the neck.
[0082] The ratchet design of retaining rim 218 and neck 240
provides a design for easy breaking of connections 220 and in
addition provides sufficient surface area on the tops of ramp
elements 226 to retain band 218 beneath locking rim 250. One should
appreciate that inwardly directed pleats could be provided in
combination with ramp elements in order to prevent outward flexing
of retaining rim 224.
[0083] An advantage of the ratchet mechanism of the present
invention is that it significantly improves the tamper-evident
feature of the bottle cap. With prior art tamper-evident bands, it
is possible to rotate the cap a certain amount before the breakable
connections separated, which can break the seal lock of the cap
without breaking off the connections. Thus, it is possible to
rupture the seal lock without breaking the breakable connections,
which creates the appearance of a proper seal when in fact the seal
may have been broken. The present invention prevents any rotation
of the tamper band. As such, the breakable connections will
separate before the seal is broken, which is the desired result for
providing evidence or an indication of tampering.
[0084] As was the case for the previously described embodiments,
passageways 231 can be provided in annular rim 224 so the liquids
are not trapped in U-shaped annular space 229 of rim 224. In the
illustrated embodiment, two passageways 231 are provided for liquid
drainage. One should appreciate, however, that one or more
passageways can be utilized in accordance with the present
invention.
[0085] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17-19, a cap 310 is similar
to cap 10 of FIG. 1 and to cap 210 of FIG. 13 but having a modified
tamper-evidencing band 318. Cap 310 includes a round top portion
312 and a depending annular or cylindrical skirt 314. Breakable
connections 320 connect a lower edge 316 of skirt 314 to a
tamper-evidencing band 318 in the same manner discussed above.
Tamper band 318 includes an outer annular wall 323 and an inwardly
and upwardly turned, annular retaining rim 324 extending from
annular outer wall 323. In this embodiment, retaining rim 324
includes an upper free edge 325. Free edge 325 includes pleats 332
which are pleated outwardly. Free edge 325 also includes arcuate
portions 330 between pleats 332. The pleats function in the same
manner discussed above.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 17, the locking surface engaging structure
of retaining rim 324, which ensures breakage of connections 320,
also includes wedge or ramp elements 326 that form part of a
ratchet mechanism for securing the tamper band. One should
appreciate that one, two, three or more ramp elements can be
utilized in accordance with the present invention. Cap ramp
elements 326 each include a cap ramp surface 329 and a cap blunt
radial side 328 which form part of a one-way ratchet mechanism for
screwing on cap 310 and/or tamper-evidencing means for cap 310 as
discussed herein. The ratchet mechanism functions in a same manner
as discussed above.
[0087] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a neck 340 of a bottle that has been
similarly modified to includes a series of annularly spaced neck
ramp elements 342 along a neck retaining rim or locking rim 350.
Neck ramp elements 342 do not extend all the way around neck 340.
One should appreciate, however, the ramp elements could extend
annularly all around the neck in accordance with the present
invention. Each ramp element 342 includes an outwardly facing ramp
surface 344, and a blunt side edge 346, similar to the ramp
elements of cap 310. Ramp surfaces 344 and blunt side edges 346
work in conjunction with ramp elements 326 of cap 310 to permit
threading of cap 310 onto neck 340, as the respective ramp surfaces
engage one another, and the respective blunt edges slide past one
another.
[0088] Once threaded onto neck 340, cap blunt side edges 328 of cap
ramp elements 326 engage neck blunt side edges 346 of neck ramp
elements 342 located on neck locking rim 350, thereby preventing
undesired loosening of cap 310 with respect to neck 340 and the
undesired upward release of the cap. In particular, blunt sides 328
of cap ramp elements 326 engage neck blunt sides 346 of ramp
elements 342, thus preventing undesired unthreading of
tamper-evidencing band 318. Ramp surfaces 344 and 329 allow for
easier mounting of the cap fully onto the neck.
[0089] In operation, cap 310 is threaded onto neck 340 until ramp
elements 326 pop beneath neck locking rim 350. Then, to unscrew cap
310, skirt portion 314 is counter-rotated against the retention
forces provided by the ratchet engagement of the ramp elements,
which prevent unthreading of the tamper-evidencing band. Once the
counter-rotational forces are great enough, breakable connections
320 fracture, thereby releasing cap 310 to continue unscrewing from
the neck.
[0090] The ratchet design of retaining rim 318 and neck 340
provides a design which ensures breaking of connections 320 and, in
addition, provides sufficient surface area on the tops of ramp
elements 326 to retain band 318 beneath locking rim 350. Inwardly
directed pleats in combination with ramp elements prevent outward
flexing of retaining rim 324. Most preferably, a plurality of
drainage passageway 331 also are provided in rim 324.
[0091] An advantage a tamper-evidencing band including both pleats
and a ratchet mechanism, in accordance with the present invention,
is that such a configuration significantly facilitates the
application of a tamper-evidencing closure on a neck or spout of a
container. Closures that have tamper-evidencing bands provided with
ratchets may be difficult to apply to a closure neck. In
particular, tamper bands provided with ratchets are generally more
rigid than tamper bands without ratchets and thus may break upon
application of a closure to a neck. In particular, the ratchets may
reduce elasticity of the band which may cause excess resistance
when applying the closure to the neck which may intern damage the
frangible connections. Similarly, because the bands with ratchets
are relatively rigid, such bands may hamper the application of the
closure to a container neck because due to the difficulty
encountered as the band passes over a retaining rim of the closure.
A closure including a tamper-evidencing band having both pleats and
a ratchet mechanism, in accordance with the present invention,
overcomes such disadvantages because the pleats provide the band
with additional "give" or flexibility and/or substantially restores
the "give" or flexibility lost due to the presence of the ratchet
mechanism. Such configuration thus facilitates application of the
closure to a container neck, and in particular, facilitates the
band in passing over the retaining rim of the container.
[0092] FIGS. 20-26 show another alternative embodiment for the
tamper-evidencing band of the present invention. Cap 410 is similar
to caps 10, 110, 210 and 310 described above but includes modified
plug, thread and tamper-evidencing band configurations. Cap 410 is
dimensioned and configured to be applied to a threaded container
neck 440 and generally includes a top 412, a skirt 414 and a
tamper-evidencing band 418 attached to skirt 414 by a plurality of
breakable connections 420.
[0093] FIG. 21 illustrates a threaded container neck 440 which can
be used on a variety of containers in accordance with the present
invention. For example, the illustrated container neck 440 can be
utilized on five-gallon bottles of the type used in combination
with inverted bottled water dispensers. Container neck 440 includes
a locking surface in the form of an annular bead 442 and an annular
base flange 446. The tamper-evidencing band of closure 410 locks
underneath locking surface 442 and between the locking surface 442
and the annular base flange 446. Preferably, annular base flange
446 is dimensioned and configured such that the base flange
prevents one from prying under tamper-evidencing band 418 in an
attempt to remove cap 410 from neck 440 without affecting the
tamper-evidencing band. Furthermore, annular base flange 446
provides a means for handling the container in a well known manner
and also serves to protect the tamper-evidencing band of the
present invention from damage by conventional container handling
equipment.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 21, the internal side wall of cap skirt 414
includes an internal thread configuration having eight internal
spiral thread beads or thread leads 422, six of which are shown.
The external side wall of neck 440 includes an external thread
configuration having four spiral thread beads or thread leads 444.
Internal thread leads 422 are dimensioned and configured to pass
over external thread leads 444 as cap 410 is applied to container
neck 440 upon a downward movement of cap 410 onto container neck
440.
[0095] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 20-26, the internal
thread configuration of the cap has twice as many thread leads as
the external thread configuration of the neck. One should
appreciate that the actual number of thread leads may vary. For
example, either the neck can have one, two, three or more thread
leads while the cap skirt has twice as many thread leads, for
example, two, four, six or more. One should also appreciate that
the cap skirt can have two, three, four or more multiples of thread
leads as the neck. For example, while the neck can have one, two,
three or more thread leads, the cap skirt can have three, six, nine
or more thread leads, or four, eight, twelve or more thread leads,
and so on. One should further appreciate that the cap skirt may
have any multiple of thread leads as the neck, provided that the
threads on the neck have approximately the same helical angle as
the threads on the cap skirt such that the at least one cap skirt
thread cooperatively engages at least one neck thread. For example,
the neck may be provided with fewer but courser threads while the
cap skirt may be provided with more but finer threads than the
neck.
[0096] One should also appreciate that the container neck can have
twice as many thread leads as the cap skirt in accordance with the
present invention. Similarly, the container neck can have two,
three, four or more multiples of thread leads as the cap skirt in
accordance with the present invention. One should also appreciate,
however, that the number of threads provided on the neck may equal
the number of threads provided on the cap skirt.
[0097] Advantageously, the thread configuration of the present
invention, in which one of the container neck and the cap has twice
as many thread leads as the other, minimizes spikes in application
force during application of the cap to a container neck and also
serves to minimize cross-threading.
[0098] As schematically shown in FIG. 26, an internal annular plug
member 450 extends downwardly and outwardly from the underside of
top 412. Plug member 450 mates with an upper internal wall surface
452 of container neck 440 to create a leak-proof seal to seal the
opening of container neck 440, even if cap 410 has been
cross-threaded onto container neck 440 and thus misaligned with the
container neck. In particular, plug 450 extends downwardly and
outwardly from the underside of cap top 412 at an angle such that a
first outer diameter D.sub.1 of the lower end of the plug is larger
than a second outer diameter D.sub.2 of the upper end of plug 450
which is joined to the underside of top 412. Advantageously, the
outwardly-angled configuration of plug 450 ensures that the maximum
outer diameter, that is, D.sub.1 effectively seals against the
inner surface 452 of container neck 440 even if cross-threading has
occurred and closure 410 is misaligned with container neck 440.
[0099] Preferably, the outer wall surface of plug 450 extends from
the underside of cap top 412 at an angle .theta. that is less than
approximately 87.degree., more preferably in the range of
approximately 75.degree. to 85.degree., and most preferably in the
range of approximately 81.degree. to 83.degree.. One should
appreciate that other angle ranges may be used in accordance with
the present invention. For example, the angle of plug may vary
depending upon a number of factors including, but not limited to,
diameter, length or height of the plug, the inner diameter of the
container neck, and the outer diameter of the plug.
[0100] Referring again to FIG. 21, closure 410 includes a series of
frangible connections 420 which connect band 418 to skirt 414 as
with the above embodiments. Frangible connections 420 are formed by
thin wall segments which have sufficient compressive rigidity to
withstand the compressive forces imposed by tamper-evidencing band
418 as the closure is mounted onto a container neck 440, yet also
has minimal tensile strength so that frangible connections 420
break as the closure is threaded back off of container neck 440. In
particular, retaining rim 424 includes an upper free edge 426 which
cooperates with annular locking bead 442 on container neck 440, as
shown in FIG. 26. Free edge 426 abuts against and engages locking
bead 442 as closure 410 is unthreaded from container neck 440. The
cooperating configuration of free edge 426 and locking bead 442
prevents upward motion of tamper-evidencing band 418 thus producing
breakage of the frangible connection of closure 410 when the
closure is removed from the container neck.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 22, a series of nine approximately
equidistantly spaced pleats 432 are formed in the upwardly and
inwardly turned retaining rim 424. Pleats 432 are pleated radially
outwardly of arcuate portions 430 in the same manner as pleats 32
discussed above. Preferably, retaining rim 424 has a pair of
terminal ends 428 which form a gap where a tenth pleat would have
been located, which gap segments retaining rim 424, as discussed in
greater detail below.
[0102] Provision of the nine pleats and the gap creates ten arcuate
portions 430 along free edge 426. Arcuate portions 430 have a
radius of curvature that approximates the curvature of the
container neck so that when closure 410 is mounted onto container
neck 440, the upper edge 426 of each arcuate portion 430 is aligned
to firmly grip locking bead 442, as shown in FIG. 26, upon removal
of closure 410 from container neck 440. While the present invention
is not meant to be limited to a particular number of pleats and/or
gaps, it is desirable to provide at least one pleat and one gap in
order to allow retaining rim 424 to "give" as closure 410 is
applied to neck 440 and retaining rim 424 passes over locking bead
442. Thus, one, two, three or more pleats may be used in
combination with one, two, three or more gaps in accordance with
the present invention.
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 25, a line of weakness 429 is
formed in the outer wall 423 of tamper-evidencing band 418. As
shown in the illustrated embodiment, line of weakness may extend
substantially vertically. It will be observed that the gap formed
by terminal ends 428 is substantially aligned with line of weakness
429 located. As shown in FIG. 21, a foot or retention boss 445 is
provided that secures an end portion 433 of tamper-evidencing band
418 to skirt 414 even as closure 410 is unthreaded from container
neck 440. In particular, once frangible connectors 420 are broken
as closure 410 is unthreaded from container neck 440, retention
boss 445 remains connected to closure skirt 414 and pulls end
portion 433 upward over locking bead 442. In turn,
tamper-evidencing band 418 is separated along line of weakness 429,
mainly because the remaining portion of the tamper-evidencing band
418 is prevented from upward motion due to the cooperation between
free end 426 of band 418 and locking bead 442 of neck 440. Thus,
tamper-evidencing band 418 remains with closure 410 even after the
closure is removed from container neck 440.
[0104] While the improved locking surface engaging structure of the
present invention enhances detection of tampering with the product,
the inwardly turned rim 424 also provides a structure which can
trap liquid between the closure and container neck 440 in a manner
similar to that discussed above. Either product, or wash water, or
both, can collect in the U-shaped annular volume or space 448
between annular wall 423 and rim 424, as can be seen, for example,
in FIGS. 23 and 24. Passageways 431 formed in rim 424 at the bottom
or inward bend of the rim will permit any liquids in space 448 to
drain out of the closure or at least evaporate more readily so that
they do not provide a habitat for mold and bacteria growth.
[0105] Most preferably, a passageway 431 is provided between each
circumferentially adjacent pair of pleats 432 since pleats 432 tend
to act as circumferential barriers to the migration of liquid past
the pleats. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 20-26, ten
passageways 431 are provided for liquid drainage. One should
appreciate, however, that one or more passageways can be utilized
in accordance with the present invention.
[0106] When closure 410 is unscrewed off of container neck 440,
retaining rim 424 engages locking surface 442. Due to the position
of frangible connections 420 on the outside of locking surface 442,
a slight torque is placed on the retaining rim, which may tend to
cause retaining rim 424 to move outwardly toward annular wall 423.
If this happens, pleats 432 engage an inner surface of band 418 and
prevent upper free edge 426 of the retaining rim from moving
outwardly from underneath locking surface 442, thus preventing the
tamper-evidencing band to slip over the locking surface 442 without
breaking the frangible connections 420.
[0107] Turning now to FIGS. 27(a)-(f), an exemplary method of
forming the closure of the present invention in accordance with the
present invention is illustrated. As shown schematically in FIG.
27(a), molding apparatus or mold 460 includes a cavity 462, a core
465, a core sleeve 468, and a stripper 470. Generally, cavity 462
is separable from core 465, as well as from core sleeve 468 and
stripper 470. In the illustrated embodiment, core sleeve 468 is
held stationary and core 465 and stripper 470 are movable with
respect to core sleeve 468. Core 465 and stripper 470 are also
movable with respect to one another. One should appreciate that
other configurations can be used in accordance with the present
invention. For example, one of core 465 or stripper 470 could be
held stationary in which case remaining components would be movable
with respect to the one stationary component.
[0108] FIG. 27(a) shows mold 460 of the present invention closed.
Cavity 462 includes an injection port or runner 481 that is
configured to receive a hot tip for the injection of molten plastic
material into the mold. Although runner 481 is shown as oriented
along a mold axis 484, it will be understood that cavity 462 may be
configured such that it receives the hot tip in other orientations,
for example, at an angle and/or offset from mold axis 484. One
should also appreciate that, while mold 460 is shown having a
generally vertical orientation, mold 460 preferably has a
horizontal orientation, that is, mold axis 481 extends along a
substantially horizontal axis while mold 460 is in use.
[0109] With continued reference to FIG. 27(a), the upper internal
portion of cavity 462 determines the external shape of a closure,
for example, the top and the skirt of closure 410. In particular,
core 465 has an upper external surface which determines the
internal shape of the top and the skirt of closure 410. The shape
of the remainder of the closure is determined by the upper portions
of core sleeve 468 and stripper 470. A lower surface of the
closure's annular retaining rim 424 is formed by an upper surface
core sleeve 468 and an outer surface of the cap's annular wall 423
is formed by an inner surface of stripper 470.
[0110] As can be seen in FIG. 27(a), the molding apparatus is
configured such that in a closed position, a bottom surface of
cavity 462 rests on top of stripper 470 thus forming a first
parting line 473 located between lower edge 416 (see also FIG. 26)
of closure skirt 414 and the upper edge of annular wall 423. In the
closed position, an inner surfaces of stripper 470 rests on an
outer surface of core sleeve 468 thus forming second parting line
476 located on a bottom edge of tamper-evident band 418 adjacent
the corner formed by annular outer wall 423 and retaining rim 424.
Preferably the second parting line 476 is spaced inwardly from the
outer surface of outer wall 423 and is located adjacent to
demolding facilitating structure, for example, groove or shoulder
473, as is discussed in greater detail below. In the closed
position, a bottom surface of core 465 rests on top of core sleeve
468 thus forming a third parting line 478 located adjacent upper
free edge 426 of tamper-evident band 418.
[0111] In operation and use, the mold assembly is closed at the
commencement of a molding cycle and cavity 462, core 465, core
sleeve 468 and stripper 470 are in the position shown in FIG.
27(a). Molten plastic material is injected through runner 481 into
space formed within the closed mold to form closure 410. Next,
cavity 462 is withdrawn along axis 484 away from core 465 and the
remaining mold components thus leaving the external surfaces of cap
410 exposed as shown in FIG. 27(b).
[0112] Next, core 465 stages forward in an upward direction with
respect to core sleeve 468. Core 465 stages forward together with
stripper 470 as shown in FIG. 27(c). In this stage of the molding
cycle, the molded closure 410 moves in unison with core 465 and
stripper 470 away from the stationary core sleeve 468.
[0113] In the next stage of the molding cycle, core 465 stops in
the position shown in FIG. 27(d) while stripper 470 continues to
push closure 410 away from the stationary core sleeve 468 as well
as the now stationary core 465. In this stage, closure 410,
including its closure plug 450, closure threads 422, tamper-evident
bead 418 and retaining rim 424 are disengaged from core 465. The
"give" of the flexible plastic material forming the closure allows
closure 410 to disengage the surface of core 465 without damaging
the structure of closure 410. Furthermore, the tapered internal
wall configuration of stripper 470 allows additional clearance for
retaining rim 424 to momentarily flex downwardly thus allowing the
retaining rim to pass between the outer surface of core 465 and the
inner tapered surface of stripper 470.
[0114] In the next stage of the molding cycle, stripper 470
reverses direction and retracts with respect to core 465. During
this stage, a bottom edge 486 of tamper-evidencing band 418
adjacent the intersection of outer wall 423 and retaining rim 424
abuts against a top surface of core 465 in a manner discussed
below.
[0115] To facilitate demolding, cap 410 may include a recess 488,
shown in FIGS. 24 and 27(d). Recess 488 allows the provision of
extra material on an upper portion of core 465 that forms an
outwardly extending radial core projection 487, as most clearly
shown in FIG. 27(d). Core projection 487 forms extra land in the
form of an increased upper shoulder surface that abuts against
bottom edge 486 of tamper-evidencing band as stripper 470 retracts
with respect to core 465, that is, from the position shown in FIG.
27(d) to the position shown in FIG. 27(e). Advantageously, the
additional shoulder surface of the outwardly extending core
projection 487 provides more interfacial contact between core 465
and tamper-evidencing band 418 which facilitates demolding of
tamper-evidencing band 418 from stripper 470. The configuration of
the outwardly extending core projection is particularly suited to
minimize "sucking-in" of tamper-evidencing band 418 between
stripper 470 and core 465.
[0116] Continued downward motion of stripper 470 causes closure 410
to disengage from stripper 470 as shown in FIG. 27(f). At this
stage, closure 410 has been ejected from the mold and, in the case
that mold axis 484 extends along a horizontal axis or substantially
inclined axis, closure 410 falls under the force of gravity away
from mold 460 and down to a hopper or other suitable collection
device. One should appreciate that, in the event that the mold axis
extends upwardly along a vertical axis, pneumatic or other
mechanical devices may be used to propel the closure away from the
mold.
[0117] Closure 410 includes several design features which further
facilitate the demolding operation in accordance with the present
invention. For example, outer skirt 414 includes a lower increased
diameter ejection shoulder 489 which provides a wider surface or
increased land surface on tamper-evidencing band 418 for stripper
470 to engage as the closure is ejected from core sleeve 468 and
then core 465, as most clearly shown in FIG. 27(f). The
configuration of cavity 462 and stripper 470 placing the first
parting line 473 at the bottom edge of skirt 414 enables removal of
a closure having such an ejection shoulder from the molding
apparatus. Advantageously, the increased land of shoulder 489 also
prohibits telescoping of tamper-evidencing band 418 with respect to
cap skirt 414 when applying the cap to a container.
[0118] With continued reference to FIG. 27(f), the upper portion of
tamper-evidencing band 418 includes a tapered upper wall surface
492 which further facilitates demolding closure 410 from mold 460.
In particular, tapered wall surface 492 facilitates release of the
outer surface of tamper-evidencing band 418 from an inner
band-engaging surface stripper 470 and passing the skirt engaging
radial projection 493 of stripper 470 which is most clearly seen in
FIG. 27(f). Also, tapered wall surface 492 allows the provision of
radial projection 493 extending inwardly from an upper portion of
stripper ring 470. Advantageously, radial projection 493 provides
an increased shoulder to further facilitate demolding of cap 410
from mold 460 which contacts both increased diameter portion 489
and bottom edge 486 during the respective mold stages illustrated
in FIGS. 27(d) and 27(f).
[0119] The configuration of mold 460 allows molding of closure 410
with the retaining rim 424 in its final position, that is,
extending upwardly and inwardly such that upper free edge 426 faces
the underside of top 412 as shown in FIGS. 27(a) and 27(f). Such
configuration simplifies production of closures having such a
retaining rim by eliminating the need for additional steps
necessary to work the closure into a final useable configuration.
For example, prior closures are generally molded with a retaining
rim of the tamper-evidencing band pointing downwardly. With such
prior closures, an additional step is necessary to fold the
retaining rim from its downward "molded" position to a "final"
position in which the retaining rim points upwardly.
[0120] Advantageously, the configuration of molding apparatus 460
in accordance with the present invention does not require the use
of poppet valves or push pins or other mechanical structure for
demolding or removing the closure cap from the molding
apparatus.
[0121] FIGS. 28-32 show another alternative embodiment for a
tamper-evidencing closure in accordance with the present invention.
Closure 510 is similar in some aspects to caps 10, 110, 210, 310
and 410 described above but is configured to be used with a
conventional five-gallon water bottle having a threadless neck
finish, as shown in FIG. 32.
[0122] FIGS. 28-32 illustrate a closure 510 that can be used with a
variety of containers in accordance with the present invention. For
example, the illustrated closure can be used in combination with
five-gallon bottles of the type that are inverted and placed in a
bottled water dispenser. Preferably, closure 510 is used in
combination with a container having a container neck 540 that
includes a locking surface in the form of an annular bead 542
spaced above an intermediate bead 544 and an annular base flange
546.
[0123] Closure 510 is formed of plastic or other suitable materials
in accordance with the present invention including, but not limited
to, low-density polyethylene. The material of closure 510, together
with the generally thin-walled construction of the cap, provide for
a closure which tightly conforms to the crown of container neck
540.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 30, closure 510 is similar in some aspects
to that shown by U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,226 to Verderber and by U.S.
Pat. No. 6,177,041 to Bietzer, the entire contents of which patents
is incorporated herein by this reference. Closure 510 generally
includes a top 512, an annular skirt 514 having a lower edge 516,
and a locking structure 517.
[0125] Annular skirt 514 depends downwardly from a periphery of top
512 and is dimensioned and configured to securely abut against
annular base flange 546 of container neck 540. Preferably, annular
skirt 514 is dimensioned and configured such that a thickened lower
portion 518 securely abuts against annular intermediate bead 544,
as shown in FIG. 32. Such configuration of annular skirt 514 and
lower portion 518 prevents one from prying under locking structure
517 in an attempt to remove cap 510 from neck 540 without tearing
or otherwise damaging skirt 514. Advantageously, the configuration
of skirt 514 and lower portion 518 also prevents dirt and other
contaminants from entering and contaminating a void area 520 formed
between container neck 540 and closure skirt 514, as shown in FIG.
32.
[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, thickened lower portion 518
of skirt 514 includes a plurality of lines of weakness 519 which
extend upwardly through lower portion 518. The lines of weakness
may include vertically extending frangible grooves or other
suitable frangible means in accordance with the present invention.
In either case, scorelines 519 are configured to break if somebody
attempts to pry skirt 514 away from intermediate bead 544 and thus
prevent someone from overcoming the tamper-evidencing features of
closure 510.
[0127] In one embodiment, an internal annular plug member 550
extends downwardly and outwardly from the underside of top 512, as
illustrated in FIG. 30. Plug member 550 mates with an upper
internal wall surface 515 of container neck 540 to create a
leak-proof seal to seal the opening of container neck 540 in a
manner similar to plug member 450 described above.
[0128] Annular top 512 of closure 510 is formed with a central well
559 having a cylindrical side wall 560 which extends downwardly
from an underside of top 512. Preferably, a tamper-evidencing label
563 covers well 559 in a well-known manner. As shown in FIG. 30,
the lower end of well 559 is closed by a removable plug 565. One
should appreciate that the structural configuration of the well and
plug 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 U.S.
Pat. No. 5,232,125 to Adams, the entire content of which is
incorporated herein by this reference.
[0129] Closure 510 is a tamper-evident closure as the configuration
of label 563 prevents undetected access to well 559 and/or
tampering with plug 565. In particular, one cannot gain access
through well 559 to the container upon which closure 510 is applied
until at least a portion of label is torn away from closure 510, in
which case, the torn label provides evidence that there may have
been tampering with the contents of the container.
[0130] Unlike prior closures, locking structure 517 includes an
internal locking ring 521 for securing closure 510 to neck 540
instead of threads or a locking bead. As shown in FIG. 28, locking
ring 521 includes an upper free edge 526 which cooperates with
annular locking bead 542 on container neck 540, as shown in FIG.
32. Namely, upper free edge 526 abuts against and engages locking
bead 542 and prevents upward motion of skirt 514 with respect to
container neck 540.
[0131] As shown in FIG. 29, a series of ten approximately
equidistantly spaced pleats 532 are formed in the upwardly and
inwardly turned locking ring 521. Pleats 532 are pleated radially
outwardly of arcuate portions 530 in the same manner as pleats 32
discussed above. Provision of the ten pleats creates ten arcuate
portions 530 along free edge 526. Arcuate portions 530 have a
radius of curvature that approximates the curvature of the
container neck so that when closure 510 is mounted onto container
neck 540, the upper edge 526 of each arcuate portion 530 is aligned
to abut against locking bead 542, as shown in FIG. 32. While the
present invention is not meant to be limited to a particular number
of pleats and/or gaps, it is desirable to provide at least two
pleats in order to allow locking ring 521 to "give" as closure 510
is applied to neck 540 and as locking ring 521 passes over locking
bead 542. Thus, two, three, four or more pleats may be used
accordance with the present invention.
[0132] While the improved locking structure of the present
invention enhances detection of tampering with the product, the
inwardly turned locking ring 521 also provides a structure which
can trap liquid between the closure and container neck 540 in a
manner similar to retaining rim 24 discussed above. Either product,
or wash water, or both, can collect in the U-shaped annular volume
or space between annular skirt 514 and locking ring 521, as can be
seen, for example, in FIG. 32. Passageways 531 formed in locking
ring 521 at the bottom or inward bend of the ring will permit any
liquids within the space to drain out of the closure or at least
evaporate more readily so that they do not provide a habitat for
mold and bacteria growth.
[0133] Most preferably, a passageway 531 is provided between each
circumferentially adjacent pair of pleats 532 since pleats 532 tend
to act as circumferential barriers to the migration of liquid past
the pleats. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 28-32, ten
passageways 531 are provided for liquid drainage. One should
appreciate, however, that one or more passageways can be utilized
in accordance with the present invention.
[0134] In use, when closure 510 is applied to container neck 540,
it seats on the container neck and cannot be manually removed from
the bottle. When the empty bottle bearing closure 510 is returned
to a bottle facility, closure 510 can be removed from the bottle
with a decapping machine.
[0135] Locking structure 517 is substantially destroyed upon
removal, as is skirt 514, when returned to the bottling facility.
Thus, closure 510 may only be used once. This configuration is
advantageous when used in combination with returnable bottles
because such configuration prevents misuse of the returnable
bottle. For example, since the locking bead is inoperable once a
user tears the skirt through the locking structure, a user cannot
reuse the cap to reseal the container. Advantageously, this
configuration discourages misuse of returnable bottles and, in
particular, discourages the reuse of returnable bottles to store
possibly harmful and dangerous substances.
[0136] For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in
the appended claims, the terms "up" or "upper", "down" or "lower",
"inside" and "outside" are used to describe features of the present
invention with reference to the positions of such features as
displayed in the figures.
[0137] In many respects the modifications of the various figures
resemble those of preceding modifications and the same reference
numerals designate corresponding parts.
[0138] 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.
* * * * *