U.S. patent application number 13/075612 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for visual tamper-evident conical screw cap and neck finish.
This patent application is currently assigned to Omega Cap Solutions, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert E. Crisci, Luca Molinaro.
Application Number | 20110174761 13/075612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44276789 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110174761 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Molinaro; Luca ; et
al. |
July 21, 2011 |
VISUAL TAMPER-EVIDENT CONICAL SCREW CAP AND NECK FINISH
Abstract
A tamper-evident cap is disclosed including a closure member and
an annular wall depending outward therefrom to a bottom rim.
Annular wall has a flange or sealing member extending inwardly
adjacent to the closure member and a plurality of threads spaced
apart and helically positioned to cooperate with respective threads
of a container neck finish having substantially the same outward
shape. A band is circumferentially positioned around and attached
to the bottom rim by ties, and includes a pull tab and teeth. The
pull tab extends from a part of the band and is preferably
positioned within the circumference of the band. The teeth have an
inner face angled acutely relative to the rim and being designed
fit with the neck finish. A cap in combination with a neck finish
having a vertical wall for sealing engagement with the cap annular
flange is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Molinaro; Luca; (New Castle,
PA) ; Crisci; Robert E.; (Naples, FL) |
Assignee: |
Omega Cap Solutions, LLC
New Castle
PA
|
Family ID: |
44276789 |
Appl. No.: |
13/075612 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12122835 |
May 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
13075612 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/3409 20130101;
G10L 15/22 20130101; G10L 15/183 20130101; G10L 15/063 20130101;
G10L 15/1815 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/256 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/34 20060101
B65D041/34 |
Claims
1. A tamper-evident cap comprising: a closure member and an annular
wall depending from the closure member, said wall tapering outward
to a bottom rim to cooperate with a neck finish having
substantially the same angular taper; an annular flange positioned
around an interior surface of the annular wall adjacent to the
closure member; at least one tie proximate said bottom rim; a band
circumferentially positioned around the bottom rim and attached to
said at least one tie, wherein the band includes teeth diverted
inwardly, wherein the teeth are adapted to engage cooperative teeth
on the neck finish, each said tooth having an inner face, said
inner face being positioned at an acute angle relative to the
bottom rim; and a plurality of threads spaced apart and helically
positioned on an interior surface of the annular wall extending
from about the annular flange to proximate said bottom rim.
2. The cap as in claim 1 further including a pull tab extending
upwardly or downwardly from a part of the band.
3. The cap as in claim 2 wherein the pull tab is positioned within
the circumference of the band.
4. The cap as in claim 2 wherein the pull tab is attached to the
band with at least one break-tie.
5. The cap as in claim 1 further including an annular valve
depending from the closure member and spaced apart from an interior
surface of the annular wall.
6. The cap as in claim 1 further including serrations on an
exterior surface of the annular wall.
7. The cap as in claim 6 wherein the serrations taper toward the
bottom rim and have an outer dimension that is substantially
perpendicular to the plane of the closure member.
8. The cap as in claim 1 wherein the flange extends relative to the
closure member at an angle of about 30 degrees to about 60
degrees.
9. The cap as in claim 1 wherein the threads project inwardly at an
angle of about 30 to 90 degrees.
10. The cap as in claim 1 wherein the acute angle of inner face is
about 10 to about 20 degrees.
11. The cap as in claim 1 wherein multiple ties extend horizontally
radially from the bottom rim.
12. The cap as in claim 1 wherein said angular taper provides a
conical shape.
13. The cap as in claim 1 in combination with a neck finish for a
container, wherein the neck finish comprises: an annular wall
having a first and second end, defining a cylindrical opening
therethrough, and having an annular lip extending inwardly toward
said opening from a vertical wall at the first end thereof; at
least one set of ratchet teeth positioned around a portion of an
outer surface of the neck annular wall at the second end; and
multiple threads angularly positioned on an exterior surface of the
neck annular wall between the first end and the ratchet teeth.
14. The cap as in claim 13 wherein the vertical wall is adapted to
associate or engage the annular flange on the cap.
15. The cap as in claim 13 wherein the lip terminates with an inner
end adapted to contact a valve of the cap.
16. The cap as in claim 13 wherein the neck finish further includes
an annular ring flange extending substantially around the annular
wall adjacent to the set of ratchet teeth.
17. The cap as in claim 13 further including a protective rim 70
extending around the exterior surface of the neck annular wall and
projecting outward from the set of ratchet teeth.
18. The cap as in claim 13 wherein the cap further includes a valve
depending from the closure member spaced apart from an internal
surface of the annular depending wall a distance sufficient to
engage an annular lip of the neck finish.
19. A tamper-evident cap comprising a closure member and an annular
wall depending therefrom, said wall tapering outwardly to a bottom
rim to cooperate with a neck finish having substantially the same
angular taper; a sealing member juxtapositioned substantially
coextensively with said closure member; at least one tie proximate
said bottom rim, a band circumferentially positioned mount said
bottom rim having teeth directed inwardly and at least one tooth
being mounted on a boss and adapted to engage teeth on a neck
finish of a bottle, each of said teeth having an inner face
positioned at an acute angle relative to the bottom rim; and a
plurality of spaced apart threads helically positioned on the inner
surface of the annular wall from a point positioned away from said
sealing member to about said bottom rim.
20. The cap as set forth in claim 19 wherein said sealing member
comprises a disk.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S.
Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 12/122,835 filed on May 19,
2008.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to container caps and, more
particularly, to tamper-evident caps for containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various types of caps exist for removably sealing
containers, such as blow-molded or injection molded containers. One
such cap has spiral threads extending along an interior surface
which match spiral threads on the exterior of a compatible
container neck. The threads enable a "screw-on" placement.
[0004] Caps may further provide a tamper-evident means, such as a
tear band, that is intended to show evidence if the cap has been
tampered with or previously removed. Many tear bands fit about the
cap diameter and cooperate with ratchet teeth on the corresponding
container neck finish. Typically, the tear band has a pull tab that
must first be torn and then removed to permit the end user to twist
the cap off from the neck. However, current cap threads and neck
finish engagements are not always effective to prevent the removal
of the cap without first tearing the tear band. In such case, a so
called tamper-evident cap can be removed from and reapplied to a
container without leaving any visual evidence that it has been
tampered with.
[0005] Other tamper-evident bands, such as "drop bands," are
designed to remain on the container. When the cap is twisted the
drop band drops down on the neck revealing that it has been
separated from the cap. However, the band does not always drop down
as it should and instead may falsely appear to be connected with
the bottom of the cap when it is not.
[0006] In addition to failing to provide visual evidence of a
tampering, such configurations are not always effective for
self-centering the cap on the container thereby resulting in a
potential to cross thread during the capping operations. Thus there
is a need to provide a tamper evident cap for containers that
attaches and releases with relative ease while preventing the cap
to be removed without also tearing the tear band and still
providing visual evidence of tearing at point of purchase.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] In general, one aspect of the present invention is directed
to a container cap including a closure member having an annular
wall tapered or conically depending from the periphery of the
closure member. At the other end of the depending annular wall is
positioned a tamper-evident tear-off band. This band is secured to
the annular wall by ties extending about the bottom of the annular
wall. The band includes a pull tab and ratchet teeth adapted to
cooperatively engage teeth on the neck finish of the container to
which it is fit to prevent removal of the cap without first
removing the band. According to aspects, the pull tab is positioned
within the circumference of the band, and, optionally, has a
break-tie securing it to a part of the band. At least one of the
teeth has an inner face at an acute angle relative to the bottom
rim.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a neck finish
formed having a conical wall that defines an opening therethrough.
The wall includes a first end that is typically open to the outside
and adapted to receive a cap, and a second end that terminates at
the container body. At the first end there is a vertical wall with
a lip extending inwardly of the wall and preferably outwardly of
the plane of the opening to provide a secondary seal when
cooperating with a cap of the present invention.
[0009] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention include a
bottle cap adapted to cooperatively engage the neck finish. In
another aspect, the invention provides a tamper-evident cap having
an outwardly conical annular wall in combination with a neck finish
having substantially the same angular taper.
[0010] In another aspect, the bottle cap is made of a molded
plastic that is light in weight.
[0011] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood or apparent from
the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a cap according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows an elevation of a cap and a bottle neck finish
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a partial sectional view of the cap and neck
finish and shown in FIG. 1 taken substantially along line A-A of
FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of a cap according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of a cap according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a enlarged detailed view of an interior portion
of the cap according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of a neck finish according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of a neck finish according to
embodiments of the present invention.
EXAMPLES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention
includes a bottle cap 30 that can be used for sealing a container
(not shown). Cap 30 has a closure member 31 at one end and an
annular wall 32 depending from the perimeter thereof and
terminating with a bottom rim 35 at its other end. Closure member
31 is substantially circular and is designed to cover the mouth or
opening in a neck finish 50 of a container 10, as shown for example
in FIGS. 2 and 3, and includes depending valve 48. An annular
flange 41 extends circumferentially from the closure member 31
along wall 32 at an acute angle relative to the plane of member
31.
[0021] A visual tamper-evident band 34 extends around the bottom
rim 35 of annular depending wall 32. In an embodiment, annular wall
32 tapers outwardly from closure member 31 to band 34 and/or has a
generally conical shape. The degree of tapering or conical
structure depends, in part, on the dimensions of the container,
particularly the neck finish, with which the cap 30 is used. In an
example, annular wall 32 tapers at an angle of about 5.degree. to
about 20.degree.; and, in a specific example, annular wall 32
tapers outwardly to rim 35 at about 8.degree.. In tests involving
an approximately 38 millimeter cap, annular walls having an angle
greater than above 11.degree. were less effective in providing the
advantages of this invention. The angle can be further adjusted for
a 28 or 48 millimeter cap, or other sized cap, as such size is
commonly referred to in the industry. The taper or conical
structure of the cap and neck finish permits the cap to self-center
on the neck during the capping process. The cap can be made from
plastic such as high or low density polyethylene or any other
resilient material that is suitable for securing a cap to a
container.
[0022] The visual tamper-evident band 34 includes a pull tab 36,
extending from a part of the band 34, and ratchet teeth 39 aligned
along an interior surface thereof. Band 34 attaches to bottom rim
35 of the annular wall 32 with ties 37. Ties 37 extend radially
outward from bottom rim 35 of cap 30 and affix directly to band 34.
Ties 37 are positioned generally horizontally to maintain alignment
of band 34. Ties 37 connect with rim 35 sufficient to affix the
band thereto while also permitting the band to be torn from the
wall to allow removal of the cap from the neck finish. In an
example, ties 37 are positioned in between ratchet teeth 39.
Attachment of the ties to the rim 35 cooperates in preventing the
cap from being removed from the container 10 without first removing
the tear band 34.
[0023] Pull tab 36 is positioned within the circumference of the
band 34 and attaches continuous therewith at break-tie 38.
Optionally, in an example, a second break-tie joins a top portion
of band 34 to the bottom rim 35 of the cap opposite break-tie 38.
In an example, the pull tab 36 is upwardly or downwardly extending
and is generally horizontal along a top surface. In another
embodiment the top surface of pull tab 36 is slanted diagonally as
shown for example in FIG. 1. Preferably pull tab 36 slants upwardly
toward the end of band 34 at brake tie 38. The extension of pull
tab 36 in combination with the tapering or conical structure of
annular wall 32 enables tab 36 to remain generally within the same
circumference of the band 34 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and
5. This placement on band 34 leaves an open space between the wall
32 and the tab 36 in which the user can grab hold of the extending
portion of the tab 36 and pull the tab 36 disengaging the break-tie
38 from the band 34. The conical shape allows the tab 36 of band 34
to be tucked inward toward annular wall 32. Additionally, unlike
many prior tamper-evident caps which have pull tabs that protrude
beyond the band's outer circumference, the present cap is not
hindered by such protrusion enabling it to move freely in an
orientation roll sorter for positioning and appropriately orienting
them for application to a container. Further, such circumferential
positioning prevents the cap tabs from interlocking or entangling
with tabs of other caps in the chute or sorter. Working in the 360
degree band circumference gives the cap an opportunity to roll
without interference between the cap and orientation process.
[0024] In an example, a user removes cap 30 by sliding a finger
down along annular wall 32 pushing tab 36 outward, and pulling tab
36 away from wall 32 and severing break-tie 38 from a portion of
band 34. Further pulling on tab 36 breaks the connection of ties 37
with the bottom rim 35 and enables band 34 to be partially or
completely removed from cap 30. Absence of break-tie 38 and one or
more ties 37 provides the user with visual evidence that the cap
has been tampered with or removed.
[0025] Ratchet teeth 39 are adapted to engage teeth 58 on the neck
finish 50 of a container 10, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. As
shown for example in FIG. 4, the tips or corners of ratchet teeth
39 extend diagonally inward of band 34 toward rim 35 but do not
connect to the rim 35. Each ratchet tooth 39 has an inner face 40.
Inner face 40 is positioned at an acute angle a from the plane of
cap 10. In an example, angle .alpha. is about 10.degree. to about
20.degree. and, in another example, angle .alpha. is more
preferably about 15.degree. from the plane of the cap going
inwardly. However, angle .alpha. could vary beyond these ranges if
a cap having a longer profile is needed, for example, if a longer
annular wall is used. That angle determination can be made within
the scope of this invention by persons of ordinary skill in the art
without undue experimentation. Angle .alpha. is important in the
self-centering of the cap on the neck finish. The inner face 40 is
designed, in part, to permit cap 30 to expand over an outer edge of
the neck finish when being applied to container 10. This helps to
self center the cap on the container from a slight angle inputted
by a capping machine to thus provide proper thread engagement.
[0026] Cap 30 includes an annular flange 41 positioned on the
annular wall 32 proximate to closure member 31. Annular flange 41
extends at an angle .beta. relative to the closure member 31. In an
example angle .beta. is in the range of about 30.degree. to about
60.degree.. In another example, angle .beta. is about 45.degree..
According to aspects of the invention, inner face 40 and annular
ring flange 41 are located and dimensioned to engage and
cooperatively secure cap 30 onto the neck finish of a container.
For example as illustrated in FIG. 3, cap inner face 40 and flange
41 cooperate with an annular flange 59 and an annular lip 57 of the
neck finish 50 of a container 10, respectively, when the cap is
screwed onto the neck finish. In an example, the inner face 40 sits
between the bottom end of the neck finish 56 and a protective rim
70 on the container 10.
[0027] Several sets of helically spaced threads 43 are positioned
on the inner surface of annular wall 32 generally extending from
the closure member 31 proximate to the annular flange 41 to the
bottom rim 35. Each thread 43 has a respective lead opening 44 and
tail 45. The threads 43 are tapered toward lead openings 44 and
tails 45. The conical or taper design of annular wall 32 and
threads 43 helps allow the cap 30 to self center on the neck finish
of a container. Further, the tapered or conical design minimizes
the chance that threads would over strip or cross thread. In an
example, there are at least five threads 33 each one having a
thread lead 44 beginning at about 172 degrees around the inner
surface of annular wall 32. In a preferred example, threads 43 are
interrupted. In an example, threads 43 extend more than 90 degrees
and less than 360 degrees around the inner surface of annular
depending wall 32. In an example, threads 43 extend around the
inner surface about 180 degrees. According to an aspect of the
invention, threads 43 project inwardly from annular wall 32 at an
angle .gamma.. Angle .gamma. is in the range of about 30 degrees to
about 90 degrees, and, preferably, angle .gamma. is about 60
degrees, plus or minus five degrees.
[0028] The cap includes a sealing means is positioned in
juxtaposition with the closure member. An example of the sealing
means is annular valve 48 depending from closure member 31. Annular
valve 48 is positioned at a distance from annular wall 32 that will
permit insertion of the top portion of a container neck finish to
fit therebetween. In an example, the valve 48 is spaced from an
internal surface of the annular depending wall at a distance that
is sufficient to engage an annular lip on the neck finish. In an
example, this joinder creates a corner area 47 for accepting the
"updraft" from the top rim of the neck of a container. Typically,
the corner area 47 provides a right angle into which the top rim
fits sufficiently to create a sealing engagement. In an example,
this rim and the top portion of the container neck fit comfortably
between the annular flange 41 and annular valve 48. The valve 48
extends to a point near to the start of threads 43. In an example,
valve 48 includes a taper 49 which facilitates initial engagement
of the valve to the inner periphery of the neck finish of a
container opening.
[0029] In another example of cap 30, annular valve 48 may be
eliminated. In this example it will be preferable to also eliminate
annular ring valve 41. With removal of annular valve 48, and
preferably ring flange 41, a circular sealing member or liner, not
shown, would be positioned substantially with closure member 31 to
provide a seal between said closure member and opening 53. The
sealing member is preferably a disk made of foils, foam, paper or
the like. This example entails an additional step of the sealing
member placement prior to the bottle capping operation.
[0030] In an example, cap 30 has outer ribs or serrations 46
extending along the exterior of annular wall 32. Generally
serrations 46 extend from the perimeter of closure member 31 to the
bottom rim 35. According to embodiments, serrations 46 taper toward
the bottom rim 35 and have an outer spine that is substantially
perpendicular to the plane of the closure member 31. In an example,
sets of serrations 46 are positioned equidistant about the
circumference of annular wall 32. In an example, each set contains
two to four serrations. In an example there are eight sets of
serrations, the majority of which sets contain about two, and
preferably three, serrations 46. In another example, there are no
sets of serrations. Instead, serrations 46 are evenly positioned so
that each serration 46 is equidistant from each neighboring
serration 46. In an example, 16 to 30 serrations 46 vertically line
annular wall 32. In a preferred example, there are 24 serrations
46. Serration 46 in combination with threads 43 help to prevent the
cap from nesting when stacked with other caps.
[0031] According to aspects of an embodiment, the present invention
includes a conical neck finish 50 of a container 10, as illustrated
for example in FIG. 2. Neck finish 50 preferably has substantially
the same tapered or conical angle of revolution as cap 30. Neck
finish 50 includes an annular wall 52 defining therethrough a
cylindrical opening 53 having a first end 54 and a second end 56.
First end 54 provides access to opening 53. Near opening 53, a
vertical wall 55 and an annular lip 57 are provided at the first
end of the annular wall 52. Vertical wall 55 is positioned
substantially perpendicular to the plane of a fitting closure
member 31. Slight variance in the perpendicular is acceptable;
however, a significant divergence may prohibit engagement of the
cap to the neck finish. In an example, the vertical wall varies at
less than about an 8 or 10 degree angle, and, preferably it is
perpendicular. Annular lip 57 extends inward from the vertical wall
55 and terminates at the inner diameter 51 of the container. The
inner diameter 51 is also situated at the end of the updraft.
Preferably the annular lip 57 extends inwardly at a slight outward
angle from the plane of the first end as shown in FIGS. 2 and
3.
[0032] In an example, when cap 30 is applied to the neck finish 50,
annular valve 48 is spaced apart from annular wall 32 a distance
which is represented by the difference in the radial distance from
the outer edge of annular wall 32 at its closure end and the center
of a container neck opening and the inner edge of the lip 57. The
outer diameter of valve 48 together with annular flange 41 on the
cap enhance sealability of cap closure member 31 by creating
pressure on the container neck. In an embodiment, as the valve 48
penetrates the inner diameter 51 pushes inward to opening 53,
updraft of 57 deflects inward and vertical wall 55 is pushed
outward on the neck. Annular flange 41 actuates on the top portion
of vertical wall 55 pushing it back thereby creating a secondary
seal.
[0033] Positioned adjacent to the second end 56 is at least one set
of annular ratchet teeth 58 to provide a tamper evident grip for
the cap. Ratchet teeth 58 may be positioned around the entire
circumference of the second end 56 of the neck or only a portion
thereof. In an embodiment, there are two sets of teeth 58
positioned about end 56 with a flat wall 69 separating them at each
end of both. Each set consists of eight to twelve teeth 58,
although they need not have an equal number. In an example, each
set has ten teeth. In an embodiment, the teeth 58 of two different
sets of teeth 58 are positioned in opposing directions to prevent
"backing off" the cap from the bottle neck. Ratchet teeth 58 are
adapted to cooperatively engage corresponding teeth 39 on the
tamper-evident band 34 positioned on the mating cap 30.
[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, an annular ring flange 59
is positioned substantially adjacent to the plane in which the
annular ratchet teeth 58 are provided. This flange 59 in
cooperation with annular lip 57 provides a means for securing the
cap to the bottle. In an example, the cap snaps over and locks onto
the neck finish.
[0035] Helically extending between the annular lip 57 and the
annular ring flange 59, are at least three threads 64 leading at
points 66 and terminating at points 67, adjacent first end 54 and
annular ring flange 59, respectively. Threads 64 are helically
spaced in contiguous relationship as shown in FIG. 2. In an
example, there are five threads 64. In embodiments, each thread 64
extends around the circumference of annular wall 52 at a degree
corresponding to that of cap threads 43.
[0036] In an example, when cap 30 is applied to the neck finish 50
of a container, the threads of the cap contact the top of the
threads of the container neck finish before the valve 48 or flange
41 contact the inside dimension of the container. In an example,
cap threads 43 engage the bottle threads 64 before the ratchet
teeth 58 engage. The cap threads engage with the rotating of the
cap engaging the threads of neck finish and engaging the cap 30.
Valve 48 cooperates with flange 41 to seal contents when lip 57
pushes against the valve during engagement of the threads.
[0037] The protective rim 70 extends downwardly and outwardly from
the ratchet teeth 58. The protective rim 70 protects the
tamper-evident band 34 from intrusion, for example, by an object
that could be used to dislodge the tamper-evident band 34 without
tearing it and enable the cap to release from the container. The
neck finish can be made of plastic such as high or low density
polyethylene of any other material suitable for use with the
contents of the container. The material may be the same as that of
the container.
[0038] Cap 30 when used in combination with neck finish 50 of the
present invention provides a seal that is particularly well suited
to standard beverage containers, such as blow molded milk
containers. When properly sealed, air will not penetrate through
the container opening. Use of the tamper-evident band 34 with break
tie 38 makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to tamper
with the contents of the bottle without indicating evidence thereof
on the cap. Use of optional second break-tie provides a further
security seal.
[0039] The embodiments of the invention shown and described in the
above figures are exemplary of numerous embodiments that may be
made within the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that
the detailed embodiments, figures and examples are presented for
elucidation and not limitation. The invention may be otherwise
varied, modified or embodied within the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *