AU2007100801A4 - Tamper evidence closure - Google Patents

Description

P/00/009A Section 29

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT

SPECIFICATION

Invention Title: Applicant: TAMPER EVIDENCE

CLOSURE

Tagsys SAS The invention is described in the following statement: 1 7019 2 TAMPER EVIDENCE CLOSURE Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a tamper evidence closure. The invention is suited for use as a closure for bottles and small containers, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to this oo particular application. It should be appreciated however that the invention is envisaged to have wider application and could be used as a tamper evidence closure for containers of various shapes and sizes.

(Ni Background of the Invention Tamper evidence devices are traditionally used on closures of containers to provide an indication of whether the seal between the closure and container has been compromised in some manner. A large variety of tamper evidence devices are available for this purpose, each device generally providing a physical or visual indication that the closure has been tampered with in some manner. For example, one common tamper evidence device comprises a detachable ring attached to the base of a closure which is secured around the neck of a container. The ring is designed to detach from the closure when the closure is removed from the container, thereby providing a physical indication that the seal between the closure and container has been compromised.

Such tamper evidence devices are generally suitable when it is practical to visually examine a small number of sealed containers. However, detection of compromised containers can be difficult when dealing with a large number of containers, for example a box or pallet of medical vials or bottles. The detection of any compromised vial or bottle using the available physical or visual tamper evidence devices would require visually inspecting each and every bottle in the pallet or box.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a tamper evidence device which can be detected amongst a plurality of objects or containers.

Sunnovan SoeCieslRN 80M511 amber evdene clos-re doc Summary of the Invention tbAccording to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tamper ;evidence closure which can be releasably secured over the opening of a container, the tamper evidence closure including:

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an electronic label which can be detected by an interrogator; and a movable housing which is movable between a first position in which the 00oO electronic label is in a first condition corresponding to the closure being sealed and a second position in which the electronic label is in a second condition 10 being a tamper evidence condition, one or both of the first and second Sconditions being detectable by the interrogator, wherein the movable housing is moved from the first position to the second position when the closure is first operated for removal from the container.

The tamper evidence closure according to the present invention therefore allows detection of a tamper evidence condition using an interrogator. This allows a user to quickly scan a number of containers without visual scrutiny to make a determination whether or not the seals between the closure and container(s) have been compromised. If a closure has been opened or otherwise tampered with, the electronic label in that closure will be in the second tamper evidence condition which would be accordingly detected by the interrogator.

Any number of types of electronic labels could be used with this device.

However, it is preferable that the electronic label is of the type which information passes between the label and the interrogator. In this embodiment, the interrogator creates an electromagnetic interrogation field, and the electronic label, which is typically electronically coded, is able to respond by issuing a reply signal which is detected by the interrogator. The electronic label responds only when the electronic label is within, or has recently, passed through the interrogation field.

Wxnoatlo, SpmesIRN 809511 -I 13oe, eedence dosre doc Many different forms of devices can be used to move the electronic label from the first condition to the second or tamper evidence condition. In one x embodiment, the electronic label does not function in the first condition but is ;made to function when in the second tamper evidence condition. Therefore, when the interrogator is passed over this closure it will issue a reply signal

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which is detected by the interrogator indicating that this particular closure has been compromised. In another embodiment, the electronic label functions 0O normally in the first condition, issuing a reply signal which detected by the interrogator, but has its function impaired when moved into the second condition. In some embodiments, the function of the electronic label can be 0impaired using a device or element which physically breaks or damages the electronic label such as a spike, blade or saw. In other embodiments, the function of the electronic label can be impaired using a passive device which affects the ability of the electronic label to interact with the interrogation field, respond to the interrogation field or a combination thereof.

In one preferred embodiment, the closure further comprises a detuning device which affects the operation of the electronic label. Preferably, the detuning device substantially interferes with the operation of the electronic label preventing the interrogator from detecting the electronic label. In order to provide a change between the first and second positions in the closure, when the movable housing is in the first position, the electronic label is positioned out of the operational range of the detuning device and when the movable housing is in the second position, the electronic label is positioned within the operational range of the detuning device. In some cases, the detuning device need only be brought proximate to the electronic label to affect the function of the electronic label. However, in a preferred arrangement the detuning device and electronic label are brought into contact in the second position, preferable abutting contact. In some embodiments, the detuning device includes a recess or enclosure in which the electronic label device can be seated when in the second position.

A number of types of devices can be used for the detuning device. In some forms the detuning device could comprise an electronic device which produces W Unnmvon Speces IRN 80M511. rnprer ec enco closure dc an interference signal. In other embodiments, the detuning device comprises a C)body of material which affects the reception operation of the electronic label.

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tbOne preferred embodiment, the detuning device comprises a metallic body.

;Suitable metals for the metallic body include copper, iron, steel, aluminium, nickel, brass, gold, silver, platinum, combinations thereof or the like. Preferably, a ferrous based metal is used. Preferably, the metallic body is sized to substantially cover the electronic label when in the second position. In those oo embodiments in which the detuning device and electronic label are brought into contact in the second position, it is preferable that the electronic label is in contact with a section of the detuning device which is at least the same size as that section of the electronic label.

The location of the electronic label in the closure is in a position where its condition can be affected by the movement of the movable housing. The electronic label can either be located in or on the movable housing or in a position in which the movable housing can affect the function of the electronic label in the second position. Preferably, the movable housing includes a recess in which the electronic label is seated.

When a detuning device is included, one of the detuning device and electronic label is located in or on the movable housing and the other of the detuning device and electronic label is located in a position in which the movable housing is moved to in the second position which allows the detuning device to affect the functioning of the electronic label, and more preferably a position which allows the detuning device to contact the electronic label.

The movable housing can be moved by various means between the first position and the second position. In one embodiment, the movable housing is moved vertically between the first condition and the second condition. In another embodiment, the movable housing is rotatably moved between the first condition and the second condition. In yet another embodiment, the movable housing is vertically and rotatably moved between the first condition and the second condition.

W UnnovaMor Soecnes\lRN 809511 tamPr evlence closure Uoc Of course, it is preferable that the movable housing remains in the second C)position after the closure is first operated for removal in order to provide a Ssubstantially permanent tamper evidence indication. It is therefore preferable ;that the closure further comprises a locking system which locks the movable housing in the second position when the movable housing is moved into the

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second position. The locking device can comprise any suitable fixture, locking or interengaging system which locks the movable housing in the second oo position. In some embodiments, the locking system comprises a rib or projection which is lockably received within a notch or groove.

SThe closure can be constructed in any number of different configurations. In one embodiment, the closure comprises one integral fixture which can be secured over the opening of a container. In this embodiment, the movable housing forms a part of this fixture, and the fixture includes flexible or movable elements which facilitate movement of the movable housing from the first position to the second position. In another more preferred embodiment, the closure is formed from two interlocking sections, one section being an inner fixture which is releasably securable to the container and the other section being the movable housing which is securable to the inner fixture. In this embodiment, the first position corresponds with the movable housing being located in a first position relative to the inner fixture and the second position corresponds with the movable housing being located in a second position relative to the inner fixture, the movable housing being movable relative to the inner fixture between the first and second positions.

Again, one of the detuning device and the electronic label can be located in the movable housing and the other of the detuning device and the electronic label can be located in the inner fixture. However, in a preferred arrangement, the inner fixture includes the detuning device and the movable housing includes the electronic label.

In one embodiment, the movable housing can be vertically moved relative to the inner fixture to move between the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the movable housing is securable to the inner fixture using two W Vnnovafon SpecesM RN 809511 I1I 1er evidence cksr e aoc 7 generally vertically spaced apart circumferential connectors, the inner fixture Sbeing secured to the movable housing in the first position using a lower x circumferential connector and in the second position using an upper ;circumferential connector. The electronic label is moved from the first condition to the second condition by moving the connection between the movable housing and the inner fixture from the lower circumferential connector to the upper circumferential connector. Preferably, the upper and lower circumferential 00oO connectors are rib and groove type connectors.

10 In one form, the movable housing can freely rotate relative to the inner fixture Swhen arranged in the first position. Accordingly, a user cannot open the closure by twisting the movable housing off the closure, particularly in the case of a threadably sealed closure, because the movable housing is not in direct lateral engagement with the inner housing. In order to allow the closure to be removed, the closure can further comprise a lateral interconnection device comprising a first section in the movable housing and a second section in the inner fixture. In the first position, the first section is remote from the second section. In the second position, the first section engages with the second section thereby laterally interconnecting the movable housing and the inner fixture. This interconnection between the movable housing and the inner fixture allows rotational movement of the moveable housing to drive movement of the inner fixture. In one preferred form, one of the first and second section comprises at least one projection and the other of the first and second section comprises at least one rib or recess, the at least one projection laterally cooperating with the at least one rib or groove when the movable housing is in the second position.

In another embodiment, the movable housing can be rotatably moved relative to the inner fixture to move between the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the movable housing is securable to the inner fixture using at least one generally circumferential connector, the circumferential connector allowing the rotation of the movable housing relative to the inner fixture. The electronic label is moved from the first condition to the second condition by rotating the movable housing relative to the inner fixture.

W\Innvation SpeciesIRN 809511 tamper ev,(ence closure LdOc QIn such a rotating embodiment, it is preferable that the closure further comprises

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ta lateral interlocking device which interlocks the movable housing to the inner ;fixture when the movable housing is rotated to the second position. One preferred interlocking device comprises at least one lug which is receivable within one circumferential groove, the groove including a notch or protrusion designed to capture the lug, thereby interlocking the movable housing to the oO inner fixture when the movable housing is rotated to a particular position relative to the inner fixture. Preferably, the electronic label is moved from the first condition to the second condition once the lug is captured by the notch or C)protrusion in the groove.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container including a tamper evidence closure which can be releasably secured over the opening of a container, the tamper evidence closure including: an electronic label which can be detected by an interrogator; and a movable housing which is movable between a first position in which the electronic label is in a first condition corresponding to the closure being sealed and a second position in which the electronic label is in a second condition, being a tamper evidence condition, one or both of the first and second conditions being detectable by the interrogator, wherein the movable housing is moved from the first position to the second position when the closure is first operated for removal from the container.

Suitable containers on which a closure in accordance to the present invention can be secured include beakers, bins, bottles, bowls, boxes, buckets, cans, canisters, casks, flasks, jars, jugs, pails, pots, tanks, tubes, vessels, vials or the like.

W Xinmvmon Seoes\lRN 80511 ramer evIence Closure oc Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein: Fig. 1 shows an upper perspective view and a lower perspective view of oo a first preferred configuration of an inner fixture according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

SFig. 2 shows an upper perspective view and a lower perspective view of a first preferred configuration of an outer housing which is fitted to the inner fixture shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the inner fixture shown in Fig. 1 fitted with a detuning disk and secured over the outlet of a bottle.

Fig. 4 show a lower perspective of the outer housing shown in Fig. 2 with the tamper evidence tag fitted.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the cap arrangement with the outer housing shown in Fig. 4 fitted onto the inner fixture shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 shows the relative positions of the tamper evidence tag and the detuning disk in the cap arrangement shown in Fig. 5 when the bottle is sealed.

Fig. 7 shows the relative positions of the tamper evidence tag and the detuning disk in the cap arrangement shown in Fig. 5 when the cap has been unsealed, thereby activating the tamper evidence system.

Fig. 8 shows an upper perspective view and a lower perspective view of a second preferred configuration of an inner fixture according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

W Unv)aNcn SpeaesvIRN 809511 roI, evienco CloSLre dcC Fig. 9 shows an upper perspective view and a lower perspective view of Sa second preferred configuration of an inner housing which is fitted to the inner fixture shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the inner fixture shown in Fig. 8 fitted with a

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detuning disk and secured over the outlet of a bottle.

oO Fig. 11 show a lower perspective of the inner housing shown in Fig. 9 with the tamper evidence tag fitted.

SFig. 12 shows a perspective view of the cap arrangement with the inner housing shown in Fig. 11 fitted onto the inner fixture shown in Fig. Fig. 13 shows the relative positions of the tamper evidence tag and the detuning disk in the cap arrangement shown in Fig. 12 when the bottle is sealed.

Fig. 14 shows the relative positions of the tamper evidence tag and the detuning disk in the cap arrangement shown in Fig. 12 when the cap has been unsealed, thereby activating the tamper evidence system.

Detailed Description This invention is described herein with reference to a container and closure in a normal upright use orientation when the illustrated container is placed in an upright orientation such as for example is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 12. Terms such as "upper" and "lower" should therefore be construed in the light of that orientation. However, it is to be appreciated that other orientations may be equally possible and that consequential changes in terms such as those above may be required in the light of those other orientations for a proper and complete understanding of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the tamper evidence closure 20 according to the present invention. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, the closure 20 is a bottle cap which is configured to fit a WMInnatwn Spece, RN 8O951 1 larlper evfdece Closjrre 01: threaded neck 23 (Fig 6) of a bottle 22. The illustrated closure 20 is formed Sfrom two interconnecting sections, being an inner fixture 24 which is threadably securable to the neck 23 of the bottle 22 and an outer housing 26 which fits over and fully encloses the inner fixture 24.

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a top perspective view (Fig. and a bottom perspective view (Fig. of the inner fixture 24. The inner fixture 24 oo comprises cylindrical shaped body which is open at a lower end 28 and closed Sat a top end 30. The interior of the cylinder 32 includes a thread (not illustrated) which is configured to cooperate with a thread (not illustrated) in the outer Ssurface of the neck 23 of the bottle 22. The top end 30 of the inner fixture 24 is closed by a planar disk 34 which is integral with the cylindrical walls of the inner fixture 24. The inner fixture 24 therefore forms a seal around and over the opening 35 in the neck 23 of the bottle 22 when secured on the neck 23.

The upper surface of the inner fixture 24 includes two sets of circumferential projections 38 and 48. The first outer set of projections consists of sixteen elongate clip members 38 which extend upwardly from the outer sides 39 of the inner fixture 24. Each of the clip members 38 is spaced apart around the circumference of the inner fixture 24, being interspaced from an adjacent clip member 38 by a gap 40. Each clip member 38 includes a lateral lug 42 at the upper distal end thereof. Each lug 42 has a tapered outer surface 44 and a downwardly directed lateral ledge 46. The second inner set of projections consists of ten upwardly extending fingers 48 which are concentrically arranged within the circumference defined by the clip members 38. A circular recess is concentrically positioned within the fingers 48 at the centre of the planar disk 34. The recess 50 is designed to seat a metallic detuning disk 52, as shown in Fig. 3.

Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown a top perspective view (Fig. and a bottom perspective view (Fig. of the outer housing 26. The outer housing 26 comprises another cylindrical cap which is open at a lower end 52 and closed at a top end 54. The exterior of the outer housing 26 has the appearance of a typical twist top bottle cap, and in the illustrated embodiment W VilivaI-' SoecreSXIRN 809511 lanr eveene closure doc 12 includes a series of vertical grooves 55 around the outer wall. The outer Shousing 26 is sized to fit over and enclose the inner fixture 24. Accordingly, the inner diameter D of the outer housing 26 is at least the same dimensions as the outer diameter d of the inner fixture 24. At the upper inner section of the outer housing 26 there are located a lower circumferential groove 56 and an upper circumferential groove 57. As best shown in Fig. 6 and 7, circumferential ribs 58 and 59 are provided at the base of each groove 56, 57 respectively, each of oo which have an upwardly directed taper 60 providing a ramp like structure. Each Sof the grooves 56 and 57 and circumferential ribs 58 and 59 are designed to 10 cooperate with the lugs 42 on the clip members 38 to secure the outer housing 26 in one of two positions relative to the inner fixture 24. In this respect, circumferential ribs 58 and 59 include upper lateral ledges 58A and 59A respectively (as best seen in Figs. 6 and 7) which are designed to engage the lateral ledge 46 of each lug 42 so as to capture the lugs 42 in the grooves 56 and 57 and thereby substantially resist separation of the outer housing 26 from the inner fixture 24.

The closed top side 60 of the outer housing 26 includes a centrally located cylindrical disk 62 which inturn includes an inner circular recess 64 concentrically located at its centre. The inner recess 64 is designed to seat a circular electronic label disk 66, as shown in Fig. 4. A series of ten radial ribs radially extend from the outer circumference of the cylindrical disk 62. Each rib 65 is positioned to cooperate with the ten upwardly extending fingers 48 of the inner fixture 24 when the outer housing 26 is secured to the inner fixture in a tamper evidence configuration, as shown in Fig. 7. This will be described in more detail later in the specification.

As noted in the preceding paragraphs, an electronic label 66 is seated in the recess 64 in the outer housing 26. The illustrated electronic label 66 is a radio frequency device which is able to be attached to an object, such as a closure so that information relating to this object, stored on the electronic label, may be obtained using a wireless device such as an interrogator (not illustrated). Many suitable electronic labels 66 are available on the market such as for example the 'nano-sized tag' available from TAGSYS RFIDTM. It is well understood in W UNovaw~n SpecesMIRN 8095 11 tpro.r evidene closure doc the art that an interrogator is a device which creates an electromagnetic 0 interrogation field which provides a certain coded signal. The electronic label

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tb3 66 is electronically coded so that it can issue a particular reply signal when in or ;a short time after it is exposed to the electromagnetic interrogation field. The reply is detected by the interrogator and the interrogator provides an appropriate response or information to the user. Many suitable interrogators __are available on the market, such as those available from TAGSYS RFIDTM 00 The illustrated the electronic label 66 (Figs. 4, 6 and 7) is a disk shaped electronic label of the passive type, that is, the electronic label does not have an 0internal energy source and obtains energy for its reply from the interrogation field. However, it should be appreciated that an active type of electronic label could also be used, that is an electronic label that contains an internal energy source, such as for example a battery.

The detuning disk 52 (Figs. 3, 6 and 7) is a metallic disk made of copper, iron, gold, silver, platinum, nickel or a similar metal or conducting material. The detuning disk 52 is designed to interfere with the reception of the electronic label 66 when it is passed through an interrogation field. Effectively, when the detuning disk 52 is placed in close proximity to the electronic label 66, preferably adjacent or in contact with the electronic label 66, the disk detunes the electronic label 66 sufficiently to prevent the electronic label 66 from receiving the correct signals from the interrogator. The electronic label 66 is therefore not actuated to respond to the interrogation field produced by the interrogator.

In use, the bottle 22 is filled with a desired content such as a liquid, powder, pills or the like. The inner fixture 24 is threadably secured over the opening 35 of the bottle 22 around the threaded neck 23. As shown in Fig. 3, the detuning disk 52 is then seated in the upper recess 50 of the inner fixture 24, though of course this could equally be achieved before the inner fixture 24 is secured to the neck 23 of the bottle 22. As shown in Fig. 4, the electronic label 66 is secured by means of adhesive, interference fitting or the like in the inner recess W Vnnovnan Speces\rRN 8W9511 tamoe, e.,dence Oosure doc 64 of the outer housing 26. The outer housing is then fitted over and secured to 0 the inner fixture 24. This results in the arrangement shown in Fig. 6.

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;Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the closure in a first sealed condition after the container 22 and closure 20 have been sealed after assembly. As can be observed, the outer housing 26 is interlocked to the inner fixture 24 through engagement of the lugs 42 of each clip member o00 38 within lower circumferential groove 56 of the outer housing 26. The planar ledge 46 of each lug 42 engages the upper lateral ledge 58A of circumferential 10 rib 58. This engagement substantially prevents the separation of the outer Shousing 26 from the inner fixture 24.

In this configuration, fingers 48 of the inner fixture 24 are remote from radial ribs of the outer housing 26. Accordingly, the outer housing of the cap 20 can be freely rotated relative to the inner fixture 24 around the connection between the lugs 42 and circumferential rib 58. The rotational freedom between the inner fixture 24 and outer housing 26 prevents a user rotating the inner fixture 24 about the threaded connection on the neck 23 of the bottle 22 to open the closure Furthermore, the space S between the detuning disk 52 and electronic label 66 is sufficient for the function of the electronic label 66 to be substantially unaffected by the detuning disk 52. Accordingly, the electronic label 66 can issue a reply signal when in or a short time after it is exposed to an electromagnetic interrogation field provided by an interrogator (not illustrated).

In order for a user to remove the closure 20 from the bottle 22, the user must exert a downward pressure (as shown by the arrow in Fig 5) on the top of the closure 20 to place the cap into the second or tamper evidence condition shown in cross-section in Fig. 7. As can be observed, the outer housing 26 is now interlocked to the inner fixture 24 through the engagement of the lugs 42 of each clip member 38 within upper circumferential groove 57 of the outer housing 26. Again, the planar ledge 46 of each lug 42 of the clip members 38 W nnovailon SpelesXIRN 809511 twe edence closue doc engage with upper lateral ledge 59A of circumferential rib 59. This engagement Slocks the closure 20 into this tamper evidence configuration.

;The vertical movement of the outer housing 26 relative to the inner housing 24 has two effects. Firstly, the movement engages the fingers 48 of the inner fixture 24 with the radial ribs 65 of the outer housing 26 and thereby laterally interconnects the outer housing 26 with the inner fixture 24. A user can now oO rotate the interconnected outer housing 26 and inner fixture 24 to remove the closure 20 from the bottle 22. Secondly, the movement closes the space S between the detuning disk 52 and electronic label 66, bringing the detuning disk S52 and electronic label 66 substantially into contact. The consequent close proximity of the detuning disk 52 to the electronic label 66 interferes with reception by the electronic label 66 of the electromagnetic interrogation field provided by an interrogator (not illustrated), preventing normal functioning of the electronic label 66. The electronic label 66 cannot issue a reply signal in response to the electromagnetic interrogation field provided by an interrogator.

Accordingly, when a bottle 22, a box of bottles 22 or other plurality of containers fitted with the closure 20 is inspected using an interrogator, a user can get an indication whether the seal between the closure 20 and bottle 22 of one or more of the bottles 22 has been tampered with by the number of replies provided in response to an interrogation field applied by the interrogator. In this respect, if the number of replies from the subject electronic labels 66 is less than the number of bottles 22 scanned, this would provide an indication that the seal between the closure 20 and bottle 22 of one or more of the scanned bottles 22 has been compromised.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 14, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the tamper evidence closure 120 according to the present invention. As best illustrated in Fig. 12, the closure 120 is a bottle cap which fitted to the threaded neck (not illustrated) of a bottle 122. Much like the previously described embodiment, the illustrated closure 120 is formed from two interconnecting sections, an inner fixture 124 which is threadably secured to the neck (not W unnova1on SPeCCCSMIRN 8O9511 tamuer ev,-ence closure doc 16 illustrated) of the bottle 122 and an outer housing 126 which fits over and fully 0 encloses the inner fixture 124.

;Referring now to Fig. 8, there is shown a top perspective view (Fig. and a bottom perspective view (Fig.8 of the inner fixture 124. The inner fixture 124 comprises cylindrical shaped body which is open at a lower end 128 and _closed at a top end 130. The interior of the cylinder 132 includes a thread (not oO illustrated) which is configured to cooperate with the thread (not illustrated) in the outer surface of the neck of the bottle 122.

SThe upper surface of the inner fixture 124 includes fourteen elongate clip (Ni members 138 which extend upwardly from the outer sides 139 and are spaced apart around the circumference of the inner fixture 124. Each clip member 138 includes a lateral lug 142 at the upper distal end thereof. Each lateral lug 142 has a tapered outer surface 144 and a downwardly directed lateral ledge 146.

Concentrically positioned within the clip members 138 is a cylindrical extension portion 147. The extension portion 147 includes an upper surface 147A having an arcuate raised section 151 and a generally crescent shaped depressed section 150. As shown in Fig. 10, the depressed section 150 is designed to seat a metallic detuning disk 152.

A radial cog 148 is projected from one side of the inner fixture 124 near the general vertical centre of the sidewall 139. As best seen in Fig. the radial cog 148 includes a downwardly projecting base lug 149.

Referring now to Fig. 9, there is shown a top perspective view (Fig. and a bottom perspective view (Fig. of the outer housing 126. The outer housing 26 comprises another cylindrical cap which is open at a lower end 152 and closed at a top end 154. Again, the outer housing 126 is sized to fit over and enclose the inner fixture 124. Two grooves 156, 157 are located in the inner walls of the outer housing 26, being a lower key groove 156 and an upper circumferential groove 157. Circumferential groove 157 is designed to cooperate with the lugs 142 on the clip member 138 of the inner fixture 124 to secure the outer housing 126 to the inner fixture 124. The lower key groove W unl valon SOeciesRN 809511 tamper vr-dence closure doc 17 156 is designed to cooperate with the radial cog 148 of the inner fixture 124 to Sprovide a track that radial cog 148 can move along when the outer housing 126 is initially rotated with respect to the inner fixture 124. The radial cog 148 can ;access the key groove 156 during assembly via a vertical channel 157A. The 5 vertical channel 157A also includes a lug 158 which is designed to capture (Ni radial cog 148 within the key groove 156 once it passed over the lug 158.

Similarly, a lug 159 is provided at the end of key groove 156 for capturing the 00oO radial cog 148 within that section of the key groove 156 after the outer housing 126 is rotated a past a certain angle with respect to the inner fixture 124.

SThe closed top side 160 of the outer housing 126 includes an inner recess 164 designed to seat a circular electronic label disk 166, as shown in Fig. 11.

Again, the illustrated electronic label 166 (Figs. 11, 13 and 14) is a disk shaped electronic label of the passive type. Once again, the detuning disk 152 (Figs.

10, 13 and 14) is a metallic disk designed to interfere with the reception of the electronic label 166 when it is passed through an interrogation field. However, in this embodiment the detuning disk 152 has a generally crescent shape matching the shape of the depressed section 150.

In use, the bottle 122 is filled with the desired contents and the inner fixture 124 is threadably secured on the bottle 122. As shown in Fig. 10, the detuning disk 152 is then seated in the depressed section 150 of the inner fixture 124, and as shown in Fig. 11 the electronic label 166 is secured through adhesive, interference fit or the like in the inner recess 164 of the outer housing 126. The outer housing 126 is fitted over and secured to the inner fixture 124. This results in the arrangement shown in cross-section in Fig. 13.

Referring now to Fig. 13, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the closure 120 in a first sealed condition after manufacture. As can be observed, the outer housing 126 is secured to the inner fixture 124 through engagement of the lugs 142 of each clip member 138 in upper circumferential groove 157. The outer housing 126 of the cap 120 can be rotated around the inner fixture 124 about the connection between the lugs 142 and circumferential groove 157. This rotation can be reversed as long as the radial cog 148 is not pushed past lug W nnovao SpmeS\IRN 809511 tarnD e dence oose doc 159 in the key groove 156. If it is pushed past this lug 159, the radial cog 148 Swill be captured in this position through engagement of the downwardly projecting base lug 149 with the lug 159 the key groove 156 and the closure ;120 will be locked into a second or tamper evidence condition.

The position shown in Fig. 13 also has the detuning disk 152 and electronic label 166 separated, such that the detuning disk 152 and electronic label 166 do o00 not laterally overlap, but rather the detuning disk 152 contacts the raised section 151. In this configuration, the function of the electronic label 166 is not t 10 substantially affected by the detuning disk 152 and can issue a reply signal Swhen activated by an electromagnetic interrogation field provided by an interrogator (not illustrated).

In order for a user to remove the closure 120 from the bottle 122, the user must rotate the outer housing 126 relative to the inner fixture 124 (as shown by the arrow in Fig. 13) to place the closure 120 into the second or tamper evidence condition shown in Fig. 14.

Referring now to Fig. 14, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the closure 120 in the second tamper evidence condition. As can be observed, rotation of the outer housing 126 relative to the inner fixture 124 has firstly moved the radial cog 148 past lug 159 in the key track 156 capturing the lug 159 in this position laterally interconnecting the outer housing 126 with the inner fixture 124 thereby locking the closure 120 into this tamper evidence configuration.

Secondly, the rotation of the outer housing 126 relative to the inner fixture 124 has circumferentially moved the electronic label 166 to a position where it overlaps the detuning disk 152, as shown by the hatched section 170 in Fig 14.

A user can now rotate the interconnected outer housing 26 and inner fixture to remove the closure 120 from the bottle 122. In addition, the overlap of the detuning disk 152 to the electronic label 166 interferes with the reception of the electronic label 166 to electromagnetic interrogation field provided by an interrogator (not illustrated), preventing the normal functioning of the electronic label 166.

W \Inrovmn Seoes\IRN 809511 tanper evle ccurp.Coc t It should be appreciated that in each of the described embodiments the tamper evidence function of the closure 20, 120 would function in a similar manner if t3jQ the locations of the detuning disk and electronic label were interchanged, i.e.

Sthe detuning disk 52, 152 was located in the inner recess 64,164 of the outer housing 26, 126 and the electronic label 66, 166 was located in the upper recess 50 or the depressed section 150 of the inner fixture 24, 124.

oO Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Throughout the description and claims of the specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

W \Innovmaton SPeoeslIRN 808951 lamper evdence closue dOc

Claims (4)

1. 2. A tamper evidence closure according to claim 1, wherein the electronic label is of a type that interacts with an electromagnetic interrogation field applied by the interrogator by issuing a reply signal.
2. 3. A tamper evidence closure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detuning device which substantially interferes with operation of the electronic label, wherein in the first position the electronic label is positioned out of operational range of the detuning device and in the second position the electronic label is positioned within operational range of the detuning device.
3. 4. A tamper evidence closure according to claim 3, wherein in the second position the detuning device substantially prevents the electronic label from interacting with an electromagnetic interrogation field applied by the interrogator.
4. 5. A container including a tamper evidence closure which can be releasably secured over the opening of a container, the tamper evidence closure including: an electronic label which can be detected by an interrogator; and a movable housing which is movable between a first position in which the electronic label is in a first condition corresponding to the closure being sealed W Jnmy o, SoeesiRN 8851 tanre evrdenC, closure doc and a second position in which the electronic label is in a second condition 0 Sbeing a tamper evidence condition, one or both of the first and second Sconditions being detectable by the interrogator, wherein the movable housing is moved from the first position to the second position when the closure is first operated for removal from the container. oO 1^q W Jnnovaton SpecesUIRN 809511 tamper evoence closure doc