U.S. patent application number 10/567195 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for closure with frangible tamper-evident band.
This patent application is currently assigned to ABACUS (C.I.) LIMITED. Invention is credited to Christopher Lyndon Higgins.
Application Number | 20070131641 10/567195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34120249 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070131641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higgins; Christopher
Lyndon |
June 14, 2007 |
Closure with frangible tamper-evident band
Abstract
This invention relates to closures for containers, and more
particularly to tamper-evident closures for containers. One aspect
of the invention provides a container and a closure for connection
to said container, said closure including: an upper wall (102), a
skirt (104) formed integrally with and extending downwardly from
said upper wall, said skirt adapted to engage with a neck portion
of the container to secure the closure to the container; a
tamper-evident band (110) frangibly connected to said skirt; the
neck (10) of the container including a plurality of discretely
spaced projections (18) extending outwardly from said neck and
adapted to engage with tabs (122) on said tamper-evident band to
facilitate breaking of the band (110) from the skirt of the
closure.
Inventors: |
Higgins; Christopher Lyndon;
(Arcadia, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Assignee: |
ABACUS (C.I.) LIMITED
Channel Island
GB
JE1 1BJ
|
Family ID: |
34120249 |
Appl. No.: |
10/567195 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
August 4, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/01035 |
371 Date: |
October 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/252 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/0428 20130101;
B65D 41/3428 20130101; B65D 51/2828 20130101; B65D 41/3409
20130101; B65D 41/0421 20130101; B65D 47/0857 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/252 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 4, 2003 |
AU |
2003904044 |
Aug 8, 2003 |
AU |
2003904196 |
Aug 15, 2003 |
AU |
2003904359 |
Aug 22, 2003 |
AU |
2003904527 |
Jan 14, 2004 |
AU |
2004900141 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
AU |
2004900245 |
Feb 3, 2004 |
AU |
2004900450 |
Feb 12, 2004 |
AU |
2004900657 |
Feb 16, 2004 |
AU |
2004900744 |
Feb 17, 2004 |
AU |
2004200617 |
Feb 18, 2004 |
AU |
2004900814 |
Feb 23, 2004 |
AU |
2004900879 |
May 21, 2004 |
AU |
2004902722 |
May 21, 2004 |
AU |
2004902721 |
May 26, 2004 |
AU |
2004902794 |
May 27, 2004 |
AU |
2004902799 |
Jun 1, 2004 |
AU |
2004902928 |
Jun 2, 2004 |
AU |
2004902931 |
Jun 7, 2004 |
AU |
2004903041 |
Jun 10, 2004 |
AU |
2004903153 |
Jun 22, 2004 |
AU |
2004903406 |
Jun 24, 2004 |
AU |
2004903434 |
Jun 24, 2004 |
AU |
2004903477 |
Jun 29, 2004 |
AU |
2004903507 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
AU |
2004903775 |
Claims
1. A container and a closure for connection to said container, said
closure including: an upper wall; a skirt formed integrally with
and extending downwardly from said upper wall, said skirt including
a helically threaded section on an internal face; a tamper-evident
band frangibly connected to said skirt, said tamper-evident band
including an annular wall from which extends a series of discretely
spaced tabs adapted such that when said closure is fully applied to
said container said tabs face inwardly and upwardly; said container
including: a neck with a helically threaded section formed on an
external surface and adapted to engage with said helically threaded
section on the internal face of the skirt of the closure so as to
secure the closure to the container; a tamper-evident band
engagement formation located on said neck beneath said helically
threaded section, said engagement formation including a downwardly
and outwardly extending upper face to facilitate passage of said
tabs over the engagement formation and reduce force on the
tamper-evident band during application of the closure to the
container, and three or more discretely located engagement surfaces
in at least one quadrant of said neck for engagement with said tabs
on said tamper-evident band; such that upon rotation of said
closure to remove, said closure from said container said tabs
engage with said engagement surfaces to resist rotation of said
tamper evident band and facilitate breaking of the band from the
skirt of the closure.
2. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said engagement surfaces are adapted
upon removal rotation of the closure to simultaneously engage with
said tabs.
3. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said tabs cooperate with projections on
said container neck such that when said closure is fully applied
said tabs are located between the neck projections and lie against
the neck of the container.
4. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said helically threaded sections on the
neck and/or closure are segmented.
5. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said closure further includes an
annular sealing member depending from said upper wall, said sealing
member adapted to seal against the neck of the container.
6. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 5, wherein said annular sealing member seals
against an inner wall of the neck of the container.
7. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 6, wherein said annular sealing member includes a
circumferentially extending apex adapted to seat against said inner
wall of the neck portion of the container.
8. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the said closure includes a sealing
member adapted to seal against an outer surface of the neck.
9. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident band is connected
to a lower surface of said skirt by a frangible section formed by a
series of circumferentially spaced ribs separated by slots.
10. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 9, wherein said ribs are of a cross-section which
provides sufficient strength to withstand typical forces which may
be imparted during handling and/or application of the closure to
the container neck.
11. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said tabs are connected to the lower
surface of the annular wall by means of a hinged section.
12. A container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 11, wherein said tamper-evident band includes a
thickened section at the hinge point such that when the closure is
fully applied to the container the angle between the tab and the
neck of the container is approximately five degrees or less.
13. A container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said closure further includes a
dispensing means for dispensing one or more additives into the
container.
14. A container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 13, wherein said dispensing means depends from
said upper wall of said closure.
15. A container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 14, wherein dispensing means includes a sealed
housing within which said one or more additives are contained.
16. A container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 15, wherein dispensing means includes a plunger
located within said housing for ejection of said one or more
additives from said sealed housing into the container.
17. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said neck of the container further
includes an annular bead located below said threaded section and
extending radially outwardly from said external surface of the
neck.
18. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 17, wherein said ramped projections extend
downwardly from said bead.
19. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said projections on the neck of the
container form at least part of a tamper bead.
20. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said closure is moulded such that the
angle between the tabs and the tamper evident band is in the range
of 0 to 50 degrees.
21. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 20, wherein said closure is moulded such that the
angle between the tabs and the tamper evident band is in the range
of 0 to 45 degrees.
22. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 22, wherein said closure is moulded such that the
angle between the tabs and the tamper evident band is approximately
30 degrees.
23. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said closure includes a receptacle
depending from said upper wall, said receptacle including an open
end.
24. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 23, wherein said receptacle is cylindrical in
shape.
25. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 23, wherein said receptacle is integrally formed
in the closure.
26. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 23, wherein walls of the receptacle are tapered
such that the walls are thicker at the point where the receptacle
joins the upper wall of the closure and are thinner at the open end
of the receptacle.
27. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said closure includes a retention means
depending from an inner surface of said upper wall for engaging and
retaining an article on said inner surface of said upper wall.
28. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 27, wherein said retention means takes the form of
one or more clips or projections.
29. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 27, wherein said retention means takes the form of
an annular flange depending from said inner surface of said upper
wall.
30. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 27, wherein said retention means takes the form of
an one or more recesses formed in said inner surface of said upper
wall.
31. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 27, wherein said retention means is integrally
formed in said inner surface of said upper wall.
32. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 27, wherein said article takes the form of a
receptacle, cup, or disc.
33. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper wall of said closure
includes a dispensing orifice.
34. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 33, wherein said dispensing orifice is sealed with
a sealing cover.
35. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 34, wherein said sealing cover is removable and
replaceable on said closure.
36. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 34, wherein said sealing cover includes an annular
sealing formation which engages and seals said dispensing
orifice.
37. The container and closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 36, wherein said annular sealing formation depends
from an inner surface of an upper wall of said sealing cover.
38. A container and a closure for connection to said container as
claimed in claim 1, said closure including a sealing member for
sealing against the neck of the container, wherein the closure is
designed according to the following formula: G.gtoreq.H+I+J+K+L
where: (i) G is the distance over which the sealing member is
effectively in contact with the neck of the container, expressed in
degrees of rotational movement of the closure during removal; (ii)
H is the distance between the an engagement surface of a container
neck and an engagement surface of the tabs when the closure is
fully applied to the container, expressed in degrees of rotational
movement; (iii) I is the amount of compression that occurs in the
tamper-evident band during the process of removal of the closure,
expressed in degrees of rotational movement; (iv) J is the amount
of stretch that occurs under stress during closure removal in the
skirt and the frangible ribs connecting the tamper-evident band to
the closure skirt, expressed in degrees of rotational movement; (v)
K is the distance equal to the tolerance allowed in the measurement
specifications of the container neck and the closure, expressed in
degrees of rotational movement; and (vi) L is the distance required
for a margin of safety for the closure and neck combination so as
to promote the operation of the tamper-evident means prior to loss
of the seal between closure and container neck, expressed in
degrees of rotational movement.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to closures for containers,
and more particularly to tamper-evident closures for
containers.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification
should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior at
is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the
field.
[0003] There exists extensive prior art in relation to the design
and manufacture of tamper-evident closures for containers, such as
for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,657 (Papavasilopolous), U.S. Pat.
No. 4,807,771 (Roy), U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,288 (Nyman), U.S. Pat. No.
6,551,093 (Taha) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,988 (Taha) the disclosures
of which are hereby Incorporated into this specification by way of
cross-reference.
[0004] One problem that exists with prior art tamper-evident
closures is the lose of between the closure and container opening
prior to the tamper-evidence features operating.
[0005] A further problem is the poor visibility of the status of
the tamper-evident features, with the consequence that a consumer
may not discern that the seal of the container has been broken.
[0006] Tamper-evident band design on most closures includes an
interface between the container neck and the tamper band. Often
upon opening and removal of the closure the tamper-evident band
does not drop away from the closure body but remains by means of
interference between the tamper-evidence band and the container
neck held on the neck in a similar position to the tamper band on
an un-opened package or in the case of malicious tampering a
container may be opened and contaminants introduced and the closure
replaced and the tamper-evidence band pushed back into close
proximity to the closure to give the appearance of an un-opened
package.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or
ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or
to provide a useful alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the present invention deals especially with
the need for a proper relationship between sealing means and
tamper-evidence means such that the tamper-evidence means operates
prior to the seal being breached. This avoids the possibility
apparent with many so-called tamper-evident closures whereby by
malicious tampering or inappropriate application torque and/or
relaxation of the closure causing the seal between closure and
container neck to be breached without the tamper-evidence means
operating and allowing the contents to be degraded by action of
atmosphere or the malicious introduction of contaminants.
[0009] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
tamper-evident closure for a container with tamper-evident means
and means of dispensing one or more additives into the container
and a tamper-proof cover to protect additive dispensing means.
[0010] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
tamper-evident closure for a container with tamper-evident means
and a dispensing means for dispensing the contents of the container
in a controlled or limited manner, and a re-usable tamper proof
cover for said dispensing means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts the dispensing end of a container, with the
neck of the container adapted to include tamper-evident features
according to one aspect of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts the dispensing end of the container
illustrated in FIG. 1, with an alternative embodiment of the
tamper-evident features on the neck of the container;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of a tamper-evident
closure according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation of a tamper-evident
closure located on the neck of a container;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a projection located on the
neck of the container illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the neck of the
container illustrated in FIG. 1, taken in the plane W-W;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a preferred embodiment of a
tamper-evident band according to an aspect of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 7a is a view of the mould assembly apparatus for
forming the tamper-evident closure illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of the mould assembly apparatus
shown in FIG. 7a illustrating the formation of the lower section of
the skirt and tamper-evident band of the closure;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation of a tamper-evident
closure located on the neck of a container according to a further
aspect of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation of a tamper-evident
closure according to a further aspect of the present invention and
including a dispensing arrangement for dispensing an additive to
the contents of the container;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a further embodiment of the tamper-evident
closure depicted in FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of the tamper-evident
closure depicted in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation of a tamper-evident
dispensing closure according to a further aspect of the present
invention, illustrated in position on the neck of a container;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation of a further
embodiment of the tamper-evident dispensing closure illustrated in
FIG. 12 further including a tamper-evident cover;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the tamper-evident dispensing
closure shown in FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation of a further
embodiment of a dispensing portion of a dispensing closure and
cover;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a view of the mould assembly apparatus for
forming the closure illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional elevation of a further
embodiment of tamper-evident closure and cover;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional elevation of an orifice device
and associated cover for fitting to the dispensing orifice of a
container closure.
[0032] FIGS. 19 to 24 illustrate a prior art tamper-evident
closure;
[0033] FIG. 25 illustrates a further embodiment of tamper-evident
closure according to a further aspect of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 26 illustrates a prior art tamper-evident closure;
[0035] FIGS. 27 to 33 illustrate a further embodiment of
tamper-evident closure, and apparatus for making same, according to
a further aspect of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 34 to 36 illustrate a further embodiment of a
container closure incorporating various aspects of the present
invention; and
[0037] FIGS. 37, 38 and 38a illustrate a father embodiment of the
tamper-evident closure, incorporating a receptacle or cup to enable
items to be contained within the closure receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a neck portion 10 of a container.
Typically the container is an injection blow-moulded container
formed from a suitable material such as polyethylene terephthalate
(PET). However, it should be noted that the invention applies to
various forms of containers made from various materials. The neck
10 includes a helically threaded section 12 formed on the external
surface 14 of the neck 10. Typically, the threaded section 12 is
integrally formed on the neck 10. The threaded section 12 is a are
adapted to engage with a complementary helically threaded section
on the internal face of the skirt of a tamper-evident closure.
[0039] The neck 10 includes an annular tamper-evident bead 16
located below the threaded section and extending radially outward
from the external surface of the neck 10. The tamper-evident bead
16 is preferably moulded on the external surface of the neck 10.
Extending downwardly from the bead 16 are one or more discretely
spaced projections 18 located around the circumference of the neck
10. In one example, the container neck 10 is provided with four
substantially equally spaced projections 18. The projections 18 are
adapted to engage with tabs on a tamper-evident band of a closure
and facilitate the breaking the band from the skirt of the
closure.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a tamper-evident closure 100
adapted to fit to the container neck portion 10 illustrated in FIG.
1, The closure 100 is depicted prior to its application to a
container 10. Typically, the closure is a one-piece moulded
construction. The closure 100 includes a top wall 102 and
downwardly extending skirt 104. The closure includes a helcally
threaded section 106 located on the internal face 108 of the skirt
which is adapted to engage with the corresponding helically
threaded section 12 on the external surface of the neck 10 of the
container. The closure further includes a tamper-evident band 110
which extends downwardly from the skirt of the closure. The
tamper-evident band is connected to a lower surface 112 of the
skirt 104 by a frangible section 114 formed by a series of
circumferentially spaced ribs 116 separated by slots 118. The ribs
116 are of a cross-section which provides sufficient strength to
withstand typical forces which may be imparted during handling
and/or the application of the closure to the container neck. The
tamper-evident band includes an annular wall 120 from which extends
a series of discretely spaced tabs 122. The tabs 122 are connected
to the lower surface of the annular wall 120 by means of a hinged
section 124. Initially, the tabs 122 extend radially inwardly at an
obtuse angle with respect to the annular wall 120 to facilitate
removal from the mould. Subsequent to the moulding of the closure,
the tabs 122 are moved to a perpendicular or acute angle with
respect to the annular wall 120. Each tab 122 includes an
engagement face 124 adapted to engage with a projection 18 on the
neck 10 of the container during removal of the closure from the
container.
[0041] Extending downwardly from the inner surface of the top wall
102 of the closure is an annular sealing member 130. The sealing
member 130 includes a circumferentially extending apex 132 adapted
to seat against the inner wall of the neck portion of the container
and provide sealing of the container. Extending inwardly from the
wall 108 and downwardly from the top 102 is secondary sealing
member 134 which engages outer surface 14 and/or the upper surface
15 of neck 10.
[0042] The design of the projections 18 will now be described in
Her detail. FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken in the plane Y-Y of
FIG. 1 between Z-Z', illustrating the profile of a projection 18,
whilst FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the neck portion taken in the
plane W-W of FIG. 1 illustrating a preferred location of the
projections 18 around the outer periphery of the neck. To remove
the closure from the neck of the container the closure is rotated
in an anti-clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow X in FIG.
6.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the projections 18 are moulded
on the external surface of the neck below the tamper-evident bead
16. Each projection comprises a series of faces, 18a, 18b and 18c.
Face 18a is of a dimension J which is equal to or less than the
distance that the tamper bead 16 projects beyond the external
surface of the container neck. Face 18a is designed to interact
with tabs 122 on closure 100 such that upon rotation of the
closure, the engagement face 124 of tab 122 engages with the angled
engagement face 18a. Upon further rotation of the closure, the tab
120 is driven downwardly along the angled face 18a, thereby placing
stress on the frangible ribs 116 and facilitating the severance of
the frangible ribs 116, thus promoting early tamper-evidence
operation by opening a discernable gap between the lower edge of
the skirt 104 and the tamper evident band 110.
[0044] FIG. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment wherein the face
18a includes a portion 18a' of varying angle with respect to the
plane of the lower surface of the tamper-evident bead 16. In one
embodiment the face has an initial curved section which provides a
gently increasing angle with respect to the lower surface of the
bead. This acts to gradually and progressively stretch and weaken
the frangible ribs 116 so that when the engagement face 124 of a
tab 122 on the tamper-evident band 110 reach the more steeply
angled section of the face 18a, the frangible ribs 116 are already
sufficiently weakened and further rotation of the closure urges
engagement face 124 below face 18m, thereby promoting breakage of
the frangible ribs. In an alternative embodiment (not depicted),
the face 18a may comprise two or more discrete planar surfaces of
progressively increasing angle with respect to the tamper-evident
bead 16. In this embodiment, the face 18a has an initial surface
angled with respect to the plane of the lower surface of the
tamper-evident bead 16, followed by one or more further surfaces of
increasing angle with respect to the plane of the lower surface of
the tamper-evident bead 16.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows sealing means in sealing engagement with the
external wall of container neck 10.
[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, the distance
between the underside face of container tamper-evident bead 16 and
the projection face 18m and the extent and location of the
progressively ramped portion 18a' of projection face 18a are
designed to take into account: [0047] (i) the distance representing
clearance between tamper-evident band 110 engagement surfaces 124
and the underside of tamper bead 16 when the closure is fully
applied to the container . That is to take account of the relative
position of engagement surfaces 124 and progressively ramped
portion 18a' of projection face 18a so that said engagement
surfaces 124 make contact with said progressively ramped portion
18a' before contacting the more steeply angled section of
projection face 18a; and [0048] (ii) the distance over which the
frangible ribs 116 deform in an axial direction before
breaking.
[0049] It should also be noted that for a particular container it
is possible to determine in advance the relative location of any
portion of the closure tamper-evident band 110 to projections 18
when the closure is fully applied to the container.
[0050] It is possible to reduce the force necessary to initially
stretch and break the first frangible ribs by selectively designing
one or more of the frangible ribs 116 be weakened. It is possible
to predetermine which ribs will be first to advance to projections
18 upon removal of the closure and therefore the weakened frangible
ribs can be located as to be first to be stretched by the downwards
urging along projection face 18a.
[0051] Face 18b is of a dimension K which at least exceeds the
width of the space 122c between the engagement portions 122 of the
tamper-evident band 110 so that the free ends 126 of the tabs 122
will be retained below the edge 18m of the projection 18, thereby
making a more visible gap between the severed tamper-evident band
110 and the closure skirt 104.
[0052] Face 18c has a ramped surface so as to minimise interference
and enable the tabs 122 to pass easily over the projections upon
the initial application of the closure to the neck of the
container. It should be noted that the closure can be designed to
be applied by axial movement (for example by using a multiple
thread) rather than by rotation.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a
preferred embodiment of the tamper-evident band 110 prior to
application to a container. The tamper-evident band 110 depends
from the lower face of the skirt of the closure (not depicted) by
means of a series of ribs 116 which form a frangible section. The
band includes an annular wall 120 and a plurality of
circumferentially spaced tabs 122 connected to an inner surface of
the annular wall. The tabs 122 extend from the lower surface of the
annular wall 118 by means of a hinged section 124. The tabs 122
terminate at a free end which includes an engagement face 124.
Initially the tabs 122 extend radially inwardly at an obtuse angle
with respect to the annular wall 120 and then are subsequently bent
inwardly along the hinge line 124.
[0054] In one embodiment (not shown), the engagement surfaces 124
of the tabs 122 have an angle corresponding to the angled faces 18a
of the projections 18 so that engagement surfaces 124 tend to make
contact with faces 18a over a greater portion of the engagement
surface 124. This tends to avoid the curling or folding of the
junction of surface 124 and 124a thereby assisting in directing
engagement surface 124a downwards along angled faces 18a.
[0055] Preferably, one or more perforations 128 are provided along
the hinge line 124 to allow for drainage of product spilled during
the filling process.
[0056] Recesses 122a of width R and depth S are provided between
each tab 122. The depth `S` is preferably such that during
application of the closure to the container the hoop strength
existing in the continuous annular portion of the band along line
extending from the bases 122e of recess 122a is sufficiently
reduced to enable flexing along the line of the bases 122e of the
recess 122a to facilitate a more easy application of the closure to
the container.
[0057] The depth `S` of the recess 122a is preferably greater than
the distance between dotted lines W and X of FIG. 1 thereby
allowing the free end 124 of tabs 122, at least when adjacent to
angled engagement faces 18a, to remain in close proximity to the
container neck and allow the free end of closure engagement
surfaces 124a to engage angled engagement faces 18a. As removal
rotation continues the free end of engagement surfaces 124a are
driven downwards along angled engagement faces 18a thereby inducing
axial stress in the frangible ribs 116 resulting in breakage of one
or more of the ribs and promoting early separation of the
tamper-evident band 110 from closure 100. The continuous annular
portion of the engagement portions 122 of the tamper-evident band
110 along the line extending from the bases 122e of recess 122a
enhances the effectiveness of contact between said engagement
surfaces 124a and said angled engagement faces 18a by assisting to
maintain the location of engagement surface 124a
[0058] When applying the closure to a container the ramped upper
shoulder of the tamper-evident bead 16 urges the tamper-evident
bead engagement portion 122 of the tamper-evident band 110 against
the inside wall of the tamper-evident band so that the
tamper-evident band 110 may pass over the tamper-evident bead 16
and the ramped surfaces 18c of projections 18 urge the free edges
of the upper regions of engagement portions 122 against the inside
wall of said tamper-evident band 110 so that the said engagement
portions of the tamper-evident band 110 may pass over the
projections 18.
[0059] In another example of closure tamper-evident band at least
four of the recesses 122a referred to as location recesses may have
dimension `R` increased in size and located so that upon full
application to the container neck the center point of each said
location recess is approximately adjacent the center of each of the
similar number (being four in this example) of projections 18 such
that the engagement surfaces 124 have clearance from either side of
at least faces 18b of projections 18. In the same example at least
four other recesses 122a are smaller in `R` dimension than the said
location recesses and ideally smaller in `R` dimension than the
length of that portion of lower face 18m which adjoins face 18b of
projections 18. Upon removal rotation engagement surfaces 124
contact the said projections 18 and are urged downwards along faces
18a thereby placing axial stress sequentially on and substantially
or completely severing at least the majority of frangible ribs 116
and moving the tamper-evident band 110 below the lower surface 18m
of projections 18. Recesses 122a other than the location recesses
being of less in dimension `R` will pass under those portions of
lower face 18m which adjoins face 18b of projections 18 thus
continuing the sequential axial stressing and substantial severing
of frangible ribs 116 and separation of the tamper-evident band 110
from closure 100 thus promoting early and more visible
contemporaneous evidence of opening.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 28, a partial cross-section of the neck
portion of a container and closure is depicted. The neck portion of
the container includes a tamper bead 16 which has a lower surface
which lies in one plane. In accordance with a further aspect of the
invention, the closure is designed according to the following
formula (formula A): A.gtoreq.B+C+D+E+F wherein: [0061] (i) A is
the distance over which the sealing member can seal against the
inner wall or outer wall (example not shown) of the neck portion of
the container; [0062] (ii) B is the distance between the engagement
surface 61 of the tamper-evident bead 16 and the engagement surface
124 of the tabs 122 when the closure is fully applied to the
container; [0063] (iii) C is the amount of compression that occurs
in the said tamper-evident band tabs 122 during the process of
removal of the closure; [0064] (iv) D is the amount of stretch that
occurs under stress during closure removal in the skirt and the
frangible ribs 116 connecting the tamper-evident band 110 to the
closure skirt 104; [0065] (v) E is the distance equal to the
tolerance allowed in the measurement specifications of the
container neck 10 and the closure 100; and
[0066] (vi) F is the distance required for a margin of safety for a
particular closure and neck-combination so as to promote the
operation of the tamper-evidence means prior to loss of the seal
between closure and container neck.
[0067] In a variant of the above formula (formula A) the
dimensional units are measured in degrees of removal rotation of
the closure. This alternative formula is useful in tamper-evident
closure systems which use projections 18 of the type illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0068] The various aspects of the closure invention described above
maybe designed to be manufactured using the mould equipment and
method as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,551,093 and 6,640,988
(Taha) the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in this
specification. In one modification, illustrated in FIG. 7, the
engagement portion of the tamper-evident band 110 may be moulded in
a position such that the angle `A` between line A1 extending from
and parallel to the inside wall of the tamper band 110 and line A2
extending from and parallel to the outside wall of the annular
engagement portion 122 of the tamper-evident band is greater than
0.degree. and less than 45.degree., and preferably approximately
30.degree..
[0069] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the container neck 10 showing
the preferred location of ramped projections 18 below tamper bead
16 (represented by the annular broken line). A method of
manufacture and mould assembly to form the container neck is as
follows.
[0070] The line V-V is the parting line of two mould portions. As
shown by the line V1-V1 in FIG. 1, the mould part line may
advantageously follow the path dictated by the boundary between
faces 18a and 18b, or 18b and 18c, so that at least the ramped
faces 18a in the projections 18-2 and 18-4 may be formed in the
mould portions Q.sub.3, Q.sub.1 respectively.
[0071] The angle between the leading edge of the-projections and
the wall of the neck, shown as "F" in FIG. 6, is preferably
90.degree. or less.
[0072] In a two-piece mould and taking a section through the part
of the container mould forming the neck and projections 18 with the
parting line being the straight line from 90.degree. to 270.degree.
(3 o'clock to 9 o'clock) 0.degree. being at 12 o'clock then the
section is nominally divided into four equal quadrants, with
quadrants Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2 both being in the mould first half
and quadrants Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 being in the mould second half,
wherein Q.sub.1 lies between 270.degree. and 360.degree., Q.sub.2
lies between 0.degree. to 90.degree., Q.sub.3 lies between
90.degree. to 180.degree., and Q.sub.4 lies between 180.degree. to
270.degree..
[0073] Only in quadrants Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.3, or at the juncture
between them and quadrants Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.4, may faces 18a be
formed with an angle `F` of 90.degree. or less.
[0074] Projections 18 moulded with face 18a formed in quadrant
Q.sub.1 from 270 to about 359.degree. (the difference between 359
and 360.degree. representing an allowance for "draw" to enable the
mould to open without interference with at least hew faces 118a)
may have faces with angle `F` decreasing from 90.degree. by
1.degree. for every degree less than 359.degree., and similarly in
quadrant Q.sub.3 from 179.degree..
[0075] Having angle `F` less than 90.degree. is advantageous in
that the free edges 124, 124a of engagement portions 122 upon
removal rotation of the closure and contact with faces 18a will
tend to be urged inwards across faces 18a towards the neck wall 14
and thereby to remain in close proximity to faces 18a and the
container neck wall 14 tending to ensure continued movement
downwards along face 18a.
[0076] However if projections 18 are moulded with at least the
surface of faces 18a formed by the mould in quadrants Q.sub.2 and
Q.sub.4 (other than at the juncture with quadrants 1 and 3) faces
18a will have angles `F` greater than 90.degree. which will upon
removal rotation of the closure have the undesirable effect of
tending to direct the free edges 124, 124a of engagement portions
122 away from container wall 14 and past projection 18.
[0077] It should be noted that the mould parting line may deviate
(from a centreline where one mould half is a mirror of the other)
to accommodate the forming of one or two of projections 18 thus one
half of the mould may project across the "mirror image parting
line" into the space normally occupied by the second mould half and
the said second mould half will have a corresponding shape to
accommodate the projecting first half.
[0078] In removal operation of most commonly used single thread
closures from a container approximately at least the first
90.degree. of removal rotation does not lift the closure in the
direction of removal because there is firstly an amount of
dimensional tolerance difference between the cooperating threads on
container and closure.
[0079] One example of the present invention container neck
preferably has four of projections 18 located equidistant, or
substantially equidistant, so that within approximately the first
90 to 120.degree. of closure removal rotation most of the free ends
124 and 124a of engagement portions contact the said projections
and are urged downwards along faces 118a thereby placing axial
stress on and substantially or completely severing the majority
frangible bridges and moving the tamper band 110 below the lower
surface 18m of projection 18 providing an early and more visible
tamper-evidence.
[0080] Another example of the present invention container neck
preferably has two or more of projections 18 located in quadrants
Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.3 such that all projections 18 have an angle `F`
less than 90.degree. or substantially equidistant so that within
approximately the first 90.degree. of closure removal rotation most
of the free ends 124 and 124a of engagement portions contact the
said projections and are urged downwards along faces 18a thereby
severing the majority frangible bridges and moving the tamper band
110 below the lower surface 18m of projection 18 providing an early
and more visible tamper-evidence.
[0081] The parting line V1-V1 in FIG. 1 may vary from that shown
and still achieve the forming of the said ramped projections.
[0082] The container mould may also be of the expanding cavity type
with more than two segments which will allow moulding of at least
one of projections 18 in each segment of an expanding cavity
mould.
[0083] The moulding of the closure 100 depicted in FIG. 4 will now
be described with reference to FIG. 7a. The sequence of moulding
steps is as follows. Depending upon the profile of the bore seal
130, core 4 moves in the direction of the arrow in order to release
the inside bore seal 130. However, it should be noted that
depending upon the profile of the bore seal 130 such movement of
core 4 may not be necessary. The outer core sleeve moves also in
the same direction in order to release the outside of the
tamper-evident band 110.
[0084] Stripper ring 22, ejector sleeve 5 and inner core 6 move in
the opposite direction. At the end of this motion, closure 100 has
been stripped of the threaded core 3, bore seal 130 has also been
totally freed from the threaded core 3. The inner barrel 42 is also
clear of front face of core 4. At this point, inner core 6 and
stripper 21 are arrested. The ejector sleeve 5 is then pushed
further forward resulting in inner barrel 42 being pushed off inner
core 6 and outside of the tamper-evident ring 110 being pushed
outside of stripper ring 22. The undercut 44 is free to pass over
inner core 6 as core 4 is completely disengaged from inner barrel
42.
[0085] FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate a further aspect of the present
invention. This aspect provides a container closure, preferably
having tamper-evidence means, with a dispensing means to dispense
into a container connected to the closure one or more additives
contained within the dispensing means. The advantages of such a
dispensing device include the ability to keep additives separate
from both of the atmosphere and contents of the container until the
time of use by the consumer.
[0086] FIG. 8 depicts a closure 100 having a top wall 20 with a
circular opening 22 of diameter "P" formed therein. One or more
annular ribs 24 are provided on the peripheral surface of the
opening 22.
[0087] The closure 100 includes a depending skit 30 having helical
t 32 adapted to cooperate with corresponding helical threads 66 on
the external surface of the container neck 60 to apply and remove
the closure to and from container neck.
[0088] FIG. 9 illustrates the closure 100 of FIG. 8 with a plunger
housing 200 fitted in the opening 22 of the top wall 20. It is to
be noted that whilst in the embodiment depicted the plunger housing
200 is illustrated as a separate component, it maybe integrally
formed as part of the closure 100. In the embodiment depicted the
plunger housing 200 includes a pair of radially extending flanges
210, 212 which act to locate and retain the housing 200 within the
opening in the top wall 20 of the closure. The housing 200 is
pressed into position, in the top wall 20, with the lower flange
210 including an angled face 214 to facilitate insertion of the
plunger housing into the opening 22. The upper flange 212 may be of
greater diameter than the lower flange 210.
[0089] Located between the radial flanges 210, 212 the plunger
housing 200 has an outer wall 20 of diameter "R" which is in
sealing engagement with the annular ribs 24 located in the opening
of the top wall 20.
[0090] The plunger housing 200 has an inner wall 230 which defines
a bore 232 for receiving plunger 240. The bore 232 includes a pair
of annular ribs 234, 236 which are in sealing engagement with outer
wall 242 of plunger 240. The annular ribs 234, 236 serve to retain
the plunger 240 in a non-actuated position (as shown In FIG. 9)
until the application of a force acting indirection `Q` sufficient
to cause the annular rib and the annular rib 225 closest to plunger
end wall 221 to deflect and allow the said plunger end wall to
travel downwards.
[0091] The plunger housing 200 has an annular end wall to which is
affixed sealing member 250 which covers and scale the open end of
the plunger housing 200. The sealing member may, for example, be
formed from aluminium foil, plastic or other suitable material.
[0092] In an alternative embodiment (not depicted) the sealing
member 250 may be integrally formed as part of the plunger housing
200 and be manufactured with lines of weakness to facilitate
breaking of sealing member 250 when plunger 240 is moved
sufficiently in the direction `Q`.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 10, an additive 260 is shown by dotted
lines. The additive may take away from, for example one or more
capsules or tablets, a powder, or a liquid. The additive may
comprise, for example, vitamins, diet supplement(s), a herbal
product, an alcoholic beverage or spirit, a condiment, a sweetener
or a flavouring. The additive may be separately sealed within a
packaging material such as aluminium foil. Preferably, the additive
occupies a substantial portion of the space bounded by the plunger
housing, the inner wall 230, sealing member 250 and the plunger
actuator end wall 221.
[0094] The additive 260 is kept separate from the contents of the
container (not shown) and separate from the atmosphere by plunger
housing, inner wall 230, outer wall 208, annular sealing engagement
features 201 and 201a, sealing member 250, plunger actuator,
plunger and wall 221, and annular sealing engagement features
225.
[0095] Where the additive is contained within separate packaging
then one and wall of the separate packaging preferably extends to
the annular edge of the outer wall 208 and the separate packaging
is affixed and sealed to the end wall 207 similar to as shown by
the position of sealing element 250 or sealed to the end wall 207
and the immediately adjacent outer wall 208 so that the material
outer edges of the separate packaging are retained on the end wells
207 so that the additive element may be pushed into the contents of
the container through the end of the said separate packaging by the
movement of the end wall or disc 221 when the plunger 240 is moved
to its full extent in direction `Q`.
[0096] The relative location of the end wall 221 the plunger 240 is
designed so that the distance travelled in direction `Q` by the and
wall or end wall 221 is sufficient to completely eject the additive
260 from plunger housing 200 when the lower wall 227 of actuator
224 comes in contact with upper wall 231 of plunger housing
200.
[0097] After injection of the additive into the container the
closure 100 may be removed from the container by unscrewing in the
normal manner, thereby providing access to the contents of the
container.
[0098] Referring to a further embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the
body of the plunger 240 maybe designed such that it has an open
end. An actuator disc 224 is formed separately as a cover cap or
closure. The cover cap or closure may be attached to the body of
the plunger by known means such as thread or clip means 241 to
cooperating thread or clip means 228 formed on at least one of the
outer or inner wall of the plunger. A stop means 229 located on the
outer wall of plunger 240 acts to restrain the extent of movement
of the plunger in direction `Q` upon stop means 229 abutting upper
wall 231 of plunger housing 200.
[0099] In another embodiment (not shown) the cover cap 240 and the
plunger actuator cylinder 226 may be formed as a two piece assembly
operating similarly to prior art resealable dispensing closures
extensively referred to in the close manufacturing and beverage
marketing industries as a "push-pull cap" or a "sports cap".
[0100] After injection of the additive to the container the cover
cap 224 maybe removed and the contents of the container will
thereby be in fluid communication the open end of plunger actor
cylinder 226 and easily accessible by the user.
[0101] FIGS. 12 to 15 illustrate a further aspect of the present
invention. FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional view of a closure and
container neck. The closure 100 has a top wall 102 with a depending
annular skirt 104 with threads 106 adapted to cooperate with
corresponding threads 12 on the container neck. The closure
optionally includes an annular tamper-evident band 110. A
dispensing means core 208 is manufactured as part of closure 100
extending above top surface 11 of top wall 20 and having a
plurality of dispensing cap lifting ramps 209, dispensing cap
lowering ramps 201, annular wall 207, retention feature 202, on a
spigot post 205 having wall 206 and spigot post support 203.
[0102] FIG. 13 shows a cross section through the centre of a
closure 100 with a conical dispensing cap 300 and a tamper-evident
cover 400. The conical dispensing cap 300 is provided with a
sealing feature 301. A plurality of recesses 304 on the outer
surface of the cap 300 provides a knurled finish to provide
gripping means when turning the dispensing cap between closed and
open positions. A sealing feature 302 is in sealing contact with a
complementary annular wall 207 during the opening and closing
movement of the dispensing cap so as to provide a seal to prevent
leakage of container contents from orifice 204 along wall 207. The
sealing feature 302 is restrained by retention feature 202.
[0103] A lifting ramp engagement feature (not shown) engages with
the lifting ramp 209 and upon rotation of the dispensing cap in an
opening direction lifts the dispensing cap 300 to an open position
and annular closing ramp engagement feature 303 which in
cooperation with closing ramp 201 upon closing rotation causes the
dispensing cap to be moved in the closing direction 'C.
[0104] The annular orifice 305 is of a diameter `K` which is
smaller than the outside diameter of spigot post 205 such that upon
rotation in the direction of closing sealing feature 301 sealingly
engages wall 206 thereby providing a positive closure of the
container contents from the atmosphere.
[0105] Annular base 306 may have on its outer wall 307 shaped areas
(not shown) which cooperatively engage with corresponding features
(not shown) on inner wall 405 of cover 400 such that the rotation
of the said cover will came the said annular base to rotate.
[0106] The tamper-evident cover 400 has a circular top wall 403.
Depending therefrom is annular skirt 404 which has an engagement
feature 401 which may be an annular ring or consist of more than 1
individual feature. The feature or features engage the upper
surface of annular base 306 of dispensing cap 300 thereby locating
the cover on the annular base.
[0107] Inner wall 405 may have shaped areas (not shown) which
cooperate with corresponding features (not shown) on outer wall 307
of dispensing cap 300 to provide locking engagement of cover 400
with dispensing cap 300, In an alterative arrangement shown in FIG.
15 cover 400 may also be located or in locked engagement with
dispensing cap 300 by means of one or more of one or both
cooperating projections and cooperating recesses on annular base
306 and lower wall 408. The projections and recesses are numbered
308 and 309 on annular base 306, and 409 and 410 on lower wall
408.
[0108] More than one frangible bridge 402 which have depending from
them an annular or other tamper-evidence band or means (not shown)
which engage with corresponding features such as the types shown at
13 and 14 on top wall 20.
[0109] As an alternative to shaping inner wall 405 the cover 400
may also be designed to lockingly engage with the dispensing cap
300 after operation of the tamper-evidence feature there may be
depending from top wall 403 more than one locating engagement fin
407 (dotted line and shaded) which engage with recesses 304. Said
engagement locating fins may be formed on the inner wall of a
cylindrical shape 406 (dotted line) depending from the top wall
403.
[0110] FIG. 14 illustrated a plan view of closure 100, including
top wall surface 11 lowering ramp 201, spigot post support 203,
orifice 204, spigot post 205, and lifting ramp 209.
[0111] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross sectional view of cover 400
engagement means 409, 410 engaging with dispensing cap 300
engagement means 308, 309 after tamper-evident means (including
known means not shown) has been separated from lower extremity of
wall 404 for example at frangible bridges 402. The engagement or
locking engagement means are intended to allow the dispensing cap
300 to be turned from the closed to the open position and open to
closed position by gripping and turning the cover and at the first
said turning to open to cause by axial movement of the cover 400
whilst temper-evident means is restrained in engagement with
projection or recesses such as 13 and 14 (FIG. 13) on the upper
wall 102 (in FIG. 12) of and or lifting movement as the dispensing
cap engages lifting ramps (209 in FIG. 12) to thereby sever the
frangible bridges 402.
[0112] FIG. 15 also shows an additional or alternate means of
engagement 412 to engage or locate or look cover 400 and dispensing
cap 300 the concept of having the diameter of top wall 403 extend
beyond depending wall 404 such that the diameter of top wall 403
may be increased to provide a more secure base on which to stand
the package when it is desired to orient the package to drain the
container contents by gravity towards the dispensing orifice.
[0113] FIG. 16 shows a partial cross section of an alternative
dispensing closure which is simplified in that it has less parts
and is thereby less costly to manufacture.
[0114] Closure 100 incorporates a dispensing means 20 having
annular dispensing orifice 22. The annular dispensing orifice 22 is
scaled by cooperation with annular sealing device 42 on
tamper-evident sealing cover 40.
[0115] The tamper-evident sealing cover 40 may be in any shape such
as a shape closely following the shape of dispensing portion 20 and
or may attach to the closure at points other than that shown by the
location of the tamper-evident band 110. For example the
tamper-evident band 110 maybe located on the dispensing portion
20.
[0116] The frangible section 114 which attaches the tamper-evident
band 110 to the wall of the tamper-evident sealing cover id severed
upon removal rotation of the tamper-evident sealing cover. The
tamper-evident band 110 has engagement means to restrict removal
rotation and promote fracture of the frangible bridges.
[0117] Tamper-evident sealing cover 40 may be re-attached to the
closure body after initial opening by means of annular projection
47 which in cooperation with annular engagement ridge 123 locates
and holds the tamper-evident sealing cover 40.
[0118] Closure 100 may be produced by a mould assembly of the typo
disclosed in FIG. 16 by modifying the shape of that portion of the
closure above top wall annular disc 102 to form the shape the
hollow dispensing portion 120.
[0119] It is desirable to be able to have a dispensing orifice 22
of smaller or larger diameter according to the viscosity and
contained particle size of the contents to be dispensed. FIG. 18
illustrates an orifice deice 630 which lockingly engages with
dispensing portion 20. The orifice device may have an annular
orifice of any desired diameter as illustrated by reference
numerals 31, 32 and 33. The orifice device cooperates with annular
sealing device 542 to seal the container. Advantageously, use of
the orifice device 630 permits the production of only one size
closure to satisfy various dispensing requirements. This confers
benefits such enabling making one larger cavitation closure mould
to accommodate all orifice sizes with corresponding cost
efficiencies.
[0120] Advantageously, if the orifice device 630 is attached after
filling then stock holding of closures for customers requiring
dispensing closures with various size dispensing orifices is
thereby reduced because the customer holds only one closure size
but various sizes of the much smaller orifice variation
devices.
[0121] In an alternative embodiment, depicted in FIG. 17 the
closure does not open and close by means of rotation. In this
embodiment, the closure is opened and closed by removal and/or
replacement of the tamper-evident sealing cover 540. The sealing
cover 540 has an annular sealing device 542 which engages the
annular orifice 22 in the dispensing portion 20 of the closure 100.
A tamper-evident ring 543 is connected by frangible bridges 545 to
the cover wall 546.
[0122] The manufacture of the closure illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15
will now be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 shows a
cross-section of the mould apparatus used to make dispensing
closure 100. The mould apparatus features an annular stripper ring
1C which is affixed to plate 1 and which forms the lower surface of
wall 30, frangible ribs 116 and part of tamper band 110. The
apparatus also features an outer core 2C which is affixed to plate
2 and which forms part of the external wall and the lower surfaces
of tamper band 110, the outer wall of tamper band engagement means
122. The apparatus further includes an annular threaded core 3C
which is affixed to plate 3 (not shown) annular core 4C which is
affixed to plate 4 (not shown) annular core or stripper sleeve 5C
which is affixed to plate 5 (not shown).
[0123] Annular core 6C is affixed to plate 6 (not shown). The
annular core 6 has within it an annular void 8 and hollow tube 7
which is used to conduct cooling water to the uppermost region of
the annular core 6 and at least above upper wall 102 of closure
100. The portion of annular core 6 above upper wall 11 of closure
100 forming the inner was and features including the inner walls
being shaped to follow the outer walls and features forming
dispensing core means 208 for example the inner wall surface of
lifting ramps 209 may be parallel to the upper or outer surface
which engages with corresponding lifting ramp engagement means 310
formed on the inside of dispensing cup 300.
[0124] The mould apparatus operates as follows.
[0125] Molten plastic is injected under pressure through orifice
502 which is in fluid communication with void V2 which is formed in
the mould closed position as shown by cooperation between mould
portions cavity insert 9C and annular cores 1C, 2C, 3C, 4C, SC and
6C. The void V2 is thus formed in the desired shape to produce
dispensing closure 100.
[0126] After plastic is injected into the void V2 and
solidification of the plastic has occurred by heat transfer through
cavity insert 9C to cooling water circulating channel 9W and
through annular core 6C to cooling water circulation channel 8W
which may be extended further towards annular retention feature 202
by using a smaller diameter hollow tube 7 and a reduced diameter
portion of water circulation channel 8W and if necessary by adding
additional cooling means in the form of one or more cooling water
circulation channels through annular outer core 2C (not shown).
[0127] By relative movement between plate 6 and plates 1, 2, 3, 4,
5 and 9 such that plate 6 moves in direction "C" to withdraw
annular core 6 sufficiently to create a void inside dispensing core
means 208 at least adjacent to annular retention feature 202
thereby providing a void into which said annular retention feature
202 can deflect upon opening of the mould.
[0128] The mould then opens at part line 9A as plate 9 is moved in
direction "O".
[0129] Plates 1, 3, 5 and 6 then move in unison in direction "O"
and plates 2 and 4 do not move or at least do not move relative to
plates 1, 3, 5 and 6 and the relative movement between the annular
cores connected to the plates rates void spaces into which seal 40
and portion of tamper-evident band 110 and tamper-evident
engagement means 122 can deflect. The relative movement in
direction "C" of annular core 4C closes void V1 and opens a similar
void adjacent to seal 40 and annular outer core 2C moving a similar
distance relative to core 1C opens a similar void adjacent to
tamper band 110 and tamper band engagement means 122.
[0130] Plate 3 then ceases to move and at least plates 1 and 5
continue moving in direction "O" causing relative movement between
plate 3 and plates 1 and 5 thus causing threaded core 3C to
disengage from the closure 100. The closure 100 is now free of
cores 2C, 3C, 4C and 6C and is held by stripper ring 1C and annular
core or stripper sleeve 5C rains in contact with the lower surface
21 of top wall circular disc 20.
[0131] Plate 1 then ceases to move and plate 5 continues movement
in direction "O" causing core 5 to eject the moulded closure from
stripper ring 1C.
[0132] Plate 5 then ceases to move and the closure is ejected from
the mould.
[0133] The mould then closes ready for the next injection
cycle.
[0134] Further improvements in mould design will now be
discussed.
[0135] The distance "I" is the total space available to contain the
annular cores 3C, 4C, 5C, 6C. It is highly desirable in large
multi-cavity moulds operating on fast cycle time to have distance
"I" as large as possible at least for the following reasons.
[0136] It is desirable to have core 6C as large as possible in
diameter so that hollow tube 7 and water channel void 8W can be of
sufficient diameter to accommodate the flow of a large volume of
cooling water thus enabling the moulded part to solidify and be
ejected earlier thus enabling the mould to produce more parts in a
given time.
[0137] It is also desirable to have the wall thickness of annular
cores 3C, 4C and 5C and distance "H" and any interspacing bushes
(not shown) of dimension as large as can be accommodated to ensure
that the construction of the mould is robust and can last for many
millions of cycles.
[0138] Preferably, distance "F" (the length of tamper band
engagement means 122) and distance "G" the distance from the end of
tamper band engagement means 122 to the point at which the outer
wall of annular core 3C becomes parallel to the axis of annular
cores and by reducing distances "F" and "G" the point at which the
outer wall of annular core 3C becomes parallel to the axis of
annular cores occurs such that distance "I" is thereby
increased.
[0139] Angle "E" is also fundamental in determining distance "I".
By restricting angle "E" to less than 50.degree. and preferably
45.degree. or less than the point at which the outer wall of
annular core 3C becomes parallel to the axis of annular cores is
further from the said axis thereby increasing the distance "I".
[0140] With reference to FIGS. 19 to 23, a further aspect of the
present invention will now be described. The drawings are taken
from U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,347 and illustrate a closure 32 with a
tamper band 35. The band is moulded in an extended position as
shown in FIG. 21 and thereafter to facilitate application of the
closure to the container, the engagement portion 40 is folded into
the position shown in FIG. 19.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 20, the engagement portion 40 has segments
43 separated by slots S which serve to reduce the hoop strength of
the free edge of the engagement portion 40, thereby enabling it to
pass more easily over the tamper band on the neck of the container.
However, it is necessary to retain sufficient hoop strength to keep
the engagement portion 40 in an engagement position and of
necessity there is interference between engagement portion 40 and
the container tamper bead 37.
[0142] With reference to FIG. 23, upon rotation to remove the
closure, the free end of the tamper band 40 comes into contact with
the underside of the container tamper bead 37 and the axial force
applied is transmitted through the engagement portion 40 to the
body of the tamper band 35. The force may be expressed as operating
initially on a vector approximately through the line F. However,
part of the force will be directed by the geometry and relative
positions of the respective features 41, 42, 43, in the direction K
which will cause the band 35 to deform outwardly and thereby move
hinge point 41 outwards. This serves to increase the angle of the
engagement portion 40 and cause an increase in the force acting in
the direction K and the decrease acting in the direction L.
[0143] Ultimately, engagement portion 40 may be deformed so as to
invert without severing the tamper band from the closure, thereby
defeating the intended tamper-evidence feature of the closure
40.
[0144] The abovementioned problem may be minimised by making the
band 35 of sufficient thickness to resist deformation. However,
such thickening will make it more difficult to stretch the band
over the container tamper bead thereby making the closure harder to
apply to the container.
[0145] FIG. 24 is taken from U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,988, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated into this specification by way of
cross-reference. With reference to FIG. 24, there is disclosed a
closure with a tamper band where the engagement portion 40 consists
of a number of separate elements hinged from a lower end or hinge
point 41. This arrangement affords many advantages over the prior
art such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,347 in that there is no hoop
strength in the engagement portion of the tamper band to be
overcome in the application of the closure.
[0146] However, there is still the problem of the force vectors
operating through engagement portions 40 to move hinge point 41
outwardly and cause the engagement portions 42 invert before
breaking the frangible bridges 38, thereby defeating the
achievement of tamper-evidence.
[0147] The following aspect of the present invention may be
manufactured using the mould equipment and method as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,093, which is hereby incorporated into the
specification by way of cross reference. This aspect of the
invention provides a closure with a tamper band having more than
one engagement portion 40 with a removal force vector angle closer
to direction L so as to reduce the propensity of the tamper band 35
to deform outwardly when removal force is applied to the engagement
portions 40. This is achieved by locating the hinge point 41
closure to the axis of the closure. Such relocation is brought
about by thickening the tamper band 35 at the hinge point 41. In
doing so, the force vector angle is reduced, causing more of the
removal force to operate in the direction L and less to operate in
direction K. Furthermore, thickening the band facilitates
resistance to outward deformation which assists in maintaining the
position of hinge point 41, thus maintaining maximum force vector
in direction L. The thinner portion of the band above hinge point
41 leaves an area into which the free of engagement portion 40 can
flex during application as the engagement portion 40 passes over
the container tamper bead 37.
[0148] Referring to the comparative drawings FIGS. 25 and 26 (prior
art), the force vector operating upon removal at hinge point 41 to
stretch the band 35 is reduced by about 60% (reduced from about 15
degrees to about 5 degrees); and the increase in hoop strength by
thickening the lower portion of the band 35 will further contribute
to resisting stretching of the band upon removal. Both of these
changes act together to ensure that the hinge point 41 is more
resistant to outward movement under the stress of removal, thus
ensuring that the engagement portions 40 are held in place to
effect separation of the tamper band from the closure.
[0149] A further aspect of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33 and relates to a
tamper-evident closure and corresponding container neck, and to a
closure mould assembly.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 31, the neck 100 has an outer wall 105, an
inner wall 130 and a top wall 135 joining the outer and inner
walls. The outer wall 105 is provided with one or more external
threads 110 adapted to cooperate with a corresponding internal
thread or threads on the closure. In the case of multi-start
threads the thread profile may be of narrower profile on both neck
and closure to allow for the axial or push-on application of the
closure to the container. The threads may be continuous or
segmented as required. In the case of containers for carbonated
beverages, threads 110 cooperate with the closure threads to retain
the closure on the neck whilst the pressurised gas vents. To
accomplish this the threads of one or more of the closure or the
container neck may be slotted or segmented to facilitate release of
the gas.
[0151] The neck includes a tamper bead 115 with a face 116 to
cooperatively engage with a tamper-evident ring or tamper-evidence
engagement means on the closure. The tamper bead may be
advantageously segmented with equal spaced gaps `Y` to reduce the
quantity of material required.
[0152] One or more ramped angled projections 120 are located below
the tamper bead and shaped such that ramped surfaces 124 allow
corresponding ramped surfaces on the closure to pass over during
application of the closure to the container neck. However, upon
rotation to remove the closure, engagement surfaces 122 engage with
corresponding engagement surfaces on the closure thereby promoting
early breakage of the frangible bridges and separation of the
tamper ring from the skirt of the closure as described below.
[0153] Referring to FIG. 29a, the closure 10 consists of a disc 20
with an upper wall and a lower wall 13. One or more scaling means
such as annular sealing means 40, 41 depend from the inner wall 13.
The sealing means 40, 41 act to sealingly engage in such manner as
to create a seal between closure and container that will have at
least one sealing means operating until the tamper-evident ring is
substantially separated from the closure skirt thus giving clear
evidence of the seal being breached.
[0154] One or more retention means 42 may be provided to retain,
for example, a cup or receptacle or disc or device (not shown)
either within or depending from the closure. The retention means 42
may take the form of one or more clips, projections, recesses,
rings, annular flange, interrupted or segmented annular flange
annular groove or recess interrupted or segmented annular groove or
recess depending from the lower wall of the closure. An object,
such as a cup, may be engaged with the retaining means so as to be
held in position whilst the closure is sealingly engaged to a
container but may be removed to access the contents (such as food
or beverage additives) contained in the cup.
[0155] The skirt 30 of the closure has an inner wall with a raised
thread which cooperates with the external thread on the neck of the
container.
[0156] A tamper-evidence ring 55 depends from a lower wall of the
skirt by means of frangible bridges 50.
[0157] The neck of the container includes an engagement means with
the tamper bead on the neck of the container such engagement means
58 consisting of but not limited to any one or more of and in any
combination thereof which combination may omit one or more of
[0158] a ramped projection which is shaped to more easily pass over
the tamper bead on the neck of the container on application of the
closure but also shaped that upon removal of the closure from the
container the projections engage with corresponding surface on the
container neck promoting early breakage of the frangible bridges
and separation of the tamper ring from thee skirt of the
closure.
[0159] The flap 58, which may be folded after moulding, may be
thicker at one end than the other and may have stiffening ridges
thereon. The flap may be shaped to facilitate folding and may be
advantageously moulded in a position where end 59 is closer to the
axis or centre of the closure to ensure that when folded into the
closure the flap will tend to be in a position to engage with both
the wall 105 and the engagement faces 116 and 118.
[0160] With reference to FIG. 29, a flap may be moulded in a
position to allow one or more projections 73 to be created on the
wall of tho flap 58 such that when folded into position inside the
closure (shown with dotted line)
[0161] the ramped surface 72 shaped to more easily pass over the
tamper bead on the neck of the container upon application of the
closure (not shown) and
[0162] the ramped projection surface 72 shaped to easily pass over
corresponding (in FIG. 31) ramped surfaces 124 on projections 120
on the neck of the container below the tamper bead 115 upon
application of the closure (not shown) and
[0163] whereupon the closure is rotated in the direction to remove
the closure from the neck of the container then the faces 70 and 59
of the said projections 73 respectively engages with corresponding
engagement surfaces 122 and 116 on the neck of the container
thereby restraining movement of the tamper ring and promoting early
breakage of the frangible bridges and separation of the tamper ring
from the skirt of the closure and the projection shape 74 in
partial view 2 of FIG. 29 having a dimension `X` being a dimension
larger than the gaps dimension `Y` shown in FIG. 32 in a segmented
tamper bead 115 of a corresponding container neck
[0164] a projection (not shown) which may be shaped so as to engage
with the tamper bead on the container neck but also shaped to
assist removal from the mould and
[0165] any combination of the foregoing.
[0166] The mould assembly comprising first and second mould
portions which cooperate to define when in a closed position, a
closure cavity;
[0167] the first mould portion containing the means of injection of
polyolefin material and defining or partially defining
[0168] the external features of the top disc and skirt of the
closure and
[0169] one or more raised features on the exterior of closure which
may cooperate with closure application means or closure ejection
means.
[0170] The second mould portion having one or more of and or means
of cooperation between and in any combination thereof
[0171] a threaded core shaped to define any one or more of and in
any combination thereof which combination may omit one or more
of
[0172] threads on the inner wall of the closure skirt such threads
cooperating with the threads on the neck of the container
[0173] annular sealing means depending from the lower wall of the
closure disc and/or the inner wall of the closure skirt or any
combination thereof and such sealing means to sealingly engage with
any one or more of or in any combination of
[0174] the inside wall of the container neck
[0175] the top wall of the container neck
[0176] the outer wall of the container neck
[0177] annular or interrupted annular retention means depending
from the lower wall of the closure disc such that an object (such
as a cup or receptacle or disc or device) may be engaged with the
retaining means such that the object is held in position whilst the
closure is in use or alternatively the object but may be removed to
access the contents (such as food or beverage additives) of the
receptacle. The retention means may, for example, take the form of
one or more of clips, projections, recesses, annular flange,
interrupted annular flange annular groove or recess interrupted
annular groove or recess
[0178] an annular support ring shaped and positioned to form one or
more of or portion of and in any combination thereof which
combination may omit one or more of
[0179] part of the outside wall of the skirt
[0180] a projection on the outside wall of he skirt
[0181] a shoulder defining the lower extremity of the skirt
[0182] at least a portion of the tamper-evident ring
[0183] one or more frangible bridges connecting the skirt to the
tamper-evident ring
[0184] an outer core which cooperates with the threaded core and
the support ring to define at least portion of an annular
tamper-evident ring and by cooperative movement relative to the
support ring and the threaded core creates a space into which the
tamper-evident ring may deflect to assist ejection of the
closure.
[0185] one or more inner cores which may be shaped to define at
least portion of the one or more of and annular sealing moans and
or annular or interrupted annular retention means and which by
collective cooperation and relative movement between the said inner
cores and the threaded core assists ejection of the closure from
the mould. the inner cores and the threaded core cooperating and by
relative forward or opening movement in relation to the support
ring cause the closure whilst still remaining on the said inner
cores and threaded core to move away from the support ring.
[0186] the inner cores and the threaded core cooperating and by
relative forward or opening movement of one or more of the inner
cores relative to the threaded core eject the closure off the
threaded core.
[0187] Alternatively the support ring may move forward relative to
the threaded core thereby withdrawing the threaded core from the
closure and further forward movement by the inner core or cores
removes the closure from contact with the support ring and ejects
the closure from the mould
[0188] if the closure is still retained on the inner cores by
portion of the closure such as the said retention means then by
cooperative forward or opening movement of the innermost core
relative to the other inner core the closure may be ejected off the
inner core.
[0189] The present invention includes a cup or receptacle (not
shown) shaped with features which cooperate with the said retention
means within the closure such means of cooperation being for
example but not limited to one or more of clips, projections,
recesses, annular flange, interrupted annular flange annular groove
or recess interrupted annular groove or recess.
[0190] In a further non-limiting aspect of the invention suitable
for use with or without cup retention means we show in FIG. 28:
[0191] a tamper-evident closure 10 (shown partially) with a top
wall 20 and
[0192] an annular sealing device 40 sealingly gaging the inside
wall 65 of the container neck 60 and
[0193] another annular sealing device 41 which may also but not
necessarily be used to sealingly engage with either or both the
upper wall 63 and the outer wall 64 of the container neck 60 (shown
not fully sealingly engaged).
[0194] The design of the closure being such that when the closure
is fully applied the distance `A` being the distance over which an
interference fit and seal continues to occur between the annular
sealing device 40 and the inner wall 65 of the container neck 60
during removal of the closure on the fully applied position (not
shown) on the container neck and
[0195] further described as being the distance between
[0196] line A1 being the line touching the top wall 63 of the
container neck and the
[0197] line A2 being the line touching point of sealing engagement
between annular sealing device 40 and the inner wall 65 of the
container neck 60 measured at the point when the closure is fully
applied (not shown) to the container neck
[0198] shall be always sufficiently larger than the distance `B`
being the distance between the engagement surface 61 of the tamper
bead 62 and the engagement surface 59 of the tamper ring engagement
means 58 when the closure is fully applied to the container)
plus
[0199] a distance `C` (not shown) equalling the amount of
compression that occurs in the tamper ring engagement means during
the process of removal plus
[0200] a distance `D` (not shown) equalling the amount of stretch
that occurs under stress during closure removal in the frangible
bridges 50 connecting the tamper-evidence annular ring 55 to the
closure skirt 30 plus.
[0201] a distance `E` (not shown) being the distance equal to the
tolerance allowed in the measurement specifications of the
container neck 60 and the closure 10 plus as may be required a
distance for margin of safety for a particular closure and neck
combination.
[0202] By observing this formula in designing a closure then the
closure will be in sealing engagement with the container neck until
after tamper-evidence is displayed thereby ensuring that no
contamination of contents can occur without tamper-evidence.
[0203] The foregoing inventions may be adapted according to the
following procedure for closures using sealing methods other than
that described in the foregoing example of closures with a bore
seal on the inside neck surface of the container.
[0204] Where closures seal by other than a bore-seal the distance
`G` over which the seal is effectively in contact with the neck of
the container expressed as the number of removal rotations or
portion of a rotation of the closure during removal is
substantially less than distance `A` referred to in the bore-seal
example in FIG. 28.
[0205] To compensate for this the tamper-evidence feature must be
caused to operate promptly upon removal rotation of the
closure.
[0206] Referring to FIG. 29, the present invention is designed to
restrain the movement of the tamper-evident ring 55 on the closure
by including cooperating engagement means 58 on the tamper-evident
ring and engagement means 115 on the container neck (shown in FIG.
31) such that upon removal rotation the said cooperating engagement
means engage and further removal rotation fractures the frangible
bridges 50 separating the tamper-evidence ring 55 from the closure
skirt 30. The present invention including container necks is
described in the following non-limiting examples.
[0207] Referring to FIG. 29, Partial View 1, shows the lower edge
59 of tamper-evident engagement means 58 with protrusions 73 having
engagement faces 70 and ramped surfaces 72. The protrusions are
spaced around the whole of the lower portion (as moulded) of the
tamper-evident engagement means 58 with the protrusions 73
protruding in the direction `B` such that when the tamper-evident
engagement means 58 is folded into the closure (shown with dotted
line then the protrusions are oriented to upon rotation of the
closure in the direction of removal engage with (shown in FIG. 4.)
the corresponding neck engagement means 115 and 120 on the
container neck. The neck engagement means 115 have engagement faces
116 to restrain axial movement and engagement faces 122 to restrain
rotational movement of the tamper-evidence ring 55 and upon further
removal rotation of the closure sever the frangible bridges 50
and
[0208] Partial View 2 shows an alterative configuration of
protrusions 73 and 74 which are designed to cooperate with as shown
in FIG. 5 and FIG. 4 or a combination of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 such
that the distance `X` on protrusion 74 is greater than the distance
`Y` shown in FIG. 5 thus preventing protrusion 74 from passing
through the gap `Y` in the tamper bead 115 and retaining the tamper
band 55 on the neck of the Partial View 3 shows a corresponding
view of Partial View 1 as seen from location `B`.
[0209] Referring to FIG. 30a, Partial View 4 is a view from
location `B` showing protrusions 76 extending from the lower edge
59 of tamper-evidence engagement means 58 to form a series of tooth
like engagement devices 76 having engagement faces 70 and ramped
surfaces 72 and first engagement points 75 which are designed upon
removal rotation to progressively engage (shown in FIG. 32) with
corresponding engagement faces 116 and 118.
[0210] Partial View 5 is a perspective view from the direction `C`
showing the tamper-evident engagement means 58 folded inside the
closure. As can bee seen the engagement faces 70 will be able to
engage both of the corresponding neck engagement means 116 and 118
(shown in FIG. 32) and the face of the tamper-evidence engagement
means 58 which passes over the tamper bead 115 upon application has
no projections thereon and will by deflecting outwardly towards the
outside of the closure. In the event that the surfaces 72 abut the
corresponding opposite surface of engagement face 116 on the
container tamper bead 115 during the passing of the tamper-evidence
engagement means 58 over the tamper bead 115 then the ramped shapes
of surface 72 will assist.
[0211] The corresponding formula for non bore-seal or shallow
bore-seal closures is
[0212] The distance `G` which is the distance represented by that
fraction of a turn in the direction of removal which must always be
less than the distance) `H` (not shown) being the corresponding
rotational measurement to distance `B` (in the bore-seal formula)
this dimension as may be required also takes into account during
the closure design stage of the compression of the sealing means
against the upper surface 135 of the container neck plus the
distance `I` (not shown) which is the fraction of a rotation
necessary to present engagement faces 70 and engagement points 75
on the tamper ring against corresponding engagement faces 116 and
118 on the container neck plus the distance `J` (not shown) being
the corresponding rotational measurement to distance `C` (in the
bore-seal formula). This number can be minimised through the
addition of stiffening ribs or ridges and/or use of more rigid
plastics
[0213] plus
[0214] the distance `K` (not shown) being the corresponding
rotational measurement to distance `D` (in the bore-seal formula)
plus
[0215] the distance `L` (not shown) being the corresponding
rotational measurement to distance `B` (in the bore-seal
formula).
[0216] Now referring to FIG. 30a we disclose
[0217] that the retention device 42 may usefully be located further
away from the skirt of the closure especially in closures of larger
diameter.
[0218] the retention device 42 is also not limited to the shape
shown but may be shaped to correspond with the cup or container or
device being retained (not shown) which may also be shaped such
that one or more of or combination of cooperating clips,
projections, recesses, annular flange, segmented or interrupted
annular flange, annular groove or recess, interrupted annular
recess and said cup and retention means 42 may be advantageously
designed for example with a chamfered flange on the cup so that the
cup is easily fitted into the retaining means 42 and this assembly
may usefully be combined in a closure with the sealing means 41 or
its mirror image 43 shown with dotted line.
[0219] Referring to FIG. 30a we hereby disclose a design for
sealing means 41 and or 43 which may advantageously be constructed
with the cross sectional dimension decreasing progressively from
the point of joining with the lower wall 13 of the closure disc 20
and the said point of joining having a radius (not shown) such that
the over all design of sealing means 41 and or 43 facilitates easy
removal from a mould assembly (not shown)
[0220] the features 41 42 and 43 may also be shaped advantageously
according to known means.
[0221] Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, which illustrate a plan view
of two embodiments of container necks which correspond with the
closures disclosed herein. The necks can be divided into quadrants
Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4 as shown.
[0222] In FIG. 32 all four quadrants are similar, whilst in FIG. 33
Q.sub.2 is the mirror of Q.sub.1 and the half Q.sub.3 and Q.sub.4
is the mirror image of the other half Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2. The
interruptions or gaps `Y` in the tamper bead 115 maybe shaped
differently according to the means of manufacture or desire to
minimise the amount of material used. The relationship of gaps `Y`
to segments `Z` may usefully be varied to save material for example
by making the dimension ratio 3Y to 2Z resulting in a material
saving is in the order of 60% of the material used in a solid
tamper bead and such container necks and tamper beads can be
designed so as to operate with other closures.
[0223] The various aspects of the present invention can be applied
to dispensing closures for particular dry goods, such as spices.
For example, closure of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,341,720 are 5,799,838 may be adapted as illustrated in
accompanying FIGS. 33 to 35. With reference to FIGS. 34 to 36, the
closure 10 has an annular retention features 123 which, in
cooperation with annular projection 47 on over cap 40 serves to
retain the over cap when replaced onto the closure after the
initial fracturing of the frangible bridges of the tamper-evidnt
ring 43. An opening 70 is provided for spoon or bulk dispensing,
whilst an adjacent opening 71 comprising a plurality of apertures
is provided for a shaker-type dispenser.
[0224] The tamper evident over cap 47 has discrete sealing means 85
and 86 respectively sealing the closure openings 70 and 71. Tho
sealing means operate by means of interference fit between outer
walls 84 and inner walls 49 of the openings 70 and 71. One or more
hinge lines 80 which may be spaced apart, allow one or more over
cap portions (for example over cap portion 88) to be lifted upwards
to allow dispensing of contents of the container through the
orifices. Preferably, one of the hinge lines is located such that
more than 50% of the circumference of the over cap remains affixed
to the closure by cooperation between the annular retention feature
123 and annular projection 47.
[0225] Referring to FIG. 37, a partial section of the
tamper-evident closure and receptacle or cup is depicted. The
closure 10 has sealing means 40 to sealingly engage the inside wall
65 of a container neck and sealing mean 44 to sealingly engage the
outside wall 64 of the container neck 60. A tamper band 55 is
attached to skirt 30 by means of frangible bridges 50 and more than
one tamper band engagement portion 58 is separate from each other,
thus facilitating less resistance when passing over the container
tamper bead 61 upon application to the container.
[0226] The cylindrical receptacle 150 maybe integrally formed in
the closure, or manufactured as a separate component and secured to
the inside of the upper wall of the closure. The receptacle may be
of any desired length but advantageously its length extends from
the top wall 20 of the closure to between the lines marked "C" and
"H", such that the and of the receptacle does not project from the
closure whilst the tamper band 55 is on the closure thus
facilitating ease of sorting and orienting and applying the closure
to the container. When the closure is removed from the container,
the end of the receptacle will project from the closure thus
facilitating removal of any sealing means applied to the open end
of the receptacle. The receptacle sealing means is necessary in
order to separate the contents of the receptacle from the contents
of the container. The receptacle has an inside wall 151 and an
outside wall 152, the walls being thicker at the point at which the
walls join the top wall 20 of the closure. The receptacle walls
thinner at the open end of the receptacle. Preferably, the tapering
in the walls of the receptacle is sufficient to allow easy removal
of the mould by the relative movement between one or more mould
components and/or relative movement between the mould components
and the closure.
[0227] With reference to FIGS. 38 and 38a, the mould assembly
disclosed by Taha in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,093, which is hereby
incorporated into the specification by way of cross-reference, has
been modified to create the receptacle walls 150 and 151. The
annular receptacle may be of a smaller diameter and located closer
to the mould portion 220. On larger diameter closures the width of
the mould portion 210 can be increased, thus facilitating con of
receptacle walls of greater length than that shown
[0228] Advantageously, the various embodiments of the
tamper-evident closure according to the present invention may be
adapted or combined with one or more of the openings to dispense
the contents of a container, or the threads and tamper-evident bead
on the outside skit so that a plug seal type over cap can be
affixed to the basic closure in order to seal the container
initially and provide clearly visible evidence that the over cap
has been opened. Additionally this provides means to reseal the
container. This is useful, especially in instances where the
container has a wide dimensional tolerance, since the basic closure
can be mapped into a sealing position and not able to be removed
without first removing the tamper-evident band The over cap can be
designed to seal more effectively in multiple removal/resealing
operations.
[0229] The present invention includes any one or more of the
aspects disclosed herein incorporated with the mould assembly and
closures disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,598,833, 6,551,093,
6,626,310 and 6,640,988 and Australian Patent No. 550878 and
Australian Patent Application No. 79927/98 the disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated into this specification by way of
cross-reference.
[0230] The various aspects of the present invention described above
may be combined with any one or more of the following: [0231] (i)
Various child resistant features, one of which may be of the type
whereby it is necessary to exert downward force either on the top
of the closure or on the top of an over-cap which fits over the top
of the clots, such that the downward force overcomes resistance
thereby allowing engagement means between the over-cap and the
closure to enable removal rotation of the closure to operate the
tamper-evident feature and remove the closure from the neck of the
container. [0232] (ii) child-resistant tamper-evident closures,
including a "squeeze dropper" type dispensing closure. [0233] (iii)
Dispensing closures for liquids, such as oils. [0234] (iv)
Dispensing closures for particulate matters, such as granular
powders and the like. [0235] (v) The moulding of the closure from
more than one type of material. For example, it would assist
recycling if the closure tamper-evident band was moulded in the
same material as the container. In another example a different
colour or type of material may be used to mould the tamper band
promoting visual difference between closure body and tamper band or
physical performance of the tamper band. [0236] (vi) Various
dispensing means such as but not limited to, a perforated or
partially perforated closure with flip top cover, a flexible
membrane with cruciform or other pattern slits or openings to
thereby permit the dispensing of container contents or a pump
action dispenser or a push/pull valve closing/opening feature.
[0237] (vii) A closure applied by axial rather tan rotational
motion and closures with more than one thread means. [0238] (viii)
A closure with a cooperating ratchet or engagement means between
the tamper-evident band and features on the neck of the container
such that cooperation between the said engagement means or any of
them upon removal rotation of the threaded closure tends to promote
severing of the frangible ribs connecting the tamper-evident band
to the skirt of the closure. Said engagement means having ramped
surfaces which cooperate during application of said closure to said
container neck to reduce rotational force on the tamper-evident
band during application reducing the possibility of severing the
frangible ribs connecting the tamper-evident band to the skirt of
the closure. [0239] (ix) Various means of employing an additional
foil seal to on freshness of the contents of a container and which
may include a means to pierce the foil. [0240] (x) Closures made of
metal or plastic materials, or a combination of metal and plastic
materials as may be useful in hot fill vacuum seal packages. [0241]
(xi) Container made of plastic, metal and glass materials.
[0242] Although the various aspect of this invention have been
described with reference to specific examples it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be
embodied in many other forms.
* * * * *