JPS62182054A - Sealing member for vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to container closures;
and more particularly a closure comprising means for indicating that the closure has been removed and replaced and/or that the contents inside the container may have been tampered with. It relates to a closure system.

Description of the Prior Art In response to the increasing demand for tamper-evident packaging, a number of tamper-indicating closures for capped containers and containers are now commercially available.

One of the most preferred is a cap having a top wall;
A sealing member system comprising an annular side wall depending below and additionally a band or skirt connected to the lower periphery of the side wall. When the closure system is mounted on a container, the band engages the bead or recess adjacent the opening of the container in a variety of different ways, depending on the particular closure system used.

In such systems, the band is made of a deformable synthetic plastic material and is separable from the sidewall along a predetermined tear line that is approximately annular or circular in shape. By applying heat to deform the band, the band forms a shape-locked engagement with the bead or indentation.
king engagement).

When the sealing member is removed, the band is at least partially separated from the sidewall. Thus, the band helps the cap stay on the container and is also for displaying tampering (tamper-1ndicat).
or).

In another system, the band comprises a number of inwardly extending fins or fingers extending radially from the radial direction, such that the sealing member system is screwed onto the finish of the bottle or initially When in the fitted state, they fold outwards towards the inner wall of the band. The fins or fingers spring back into an extended position into the bead on the finish or into the recess beneath it.

The band is connected to the side wall by means of an annular or circular predetermined tear line. When the closure is removed from the container finish, the fingers on the band resist moving away from the position or recess under the bead, causing the band to separate from the side wall and remain in the neck portion of the container. After being separated, the band slips down to the neck, so that when the closure is moved back onto the finish, a gap appears between the lower periphery of the side wall and the upper periphery of the band, causing the container to indicates that it has already been opened.

On the upper side, it is particularly advantageous if the top wall, side walls and band are made of plastic material. However, particularly in the case of screw cap closures, the cap can be manufactured from any other desired material and the band can be provided bonded with materials that provide the desired performance characteristics.

While the above and similar closure systems work well when used by well-versed consumers,
in the first instance, the heat-deformable band is peeled off from the side wall after the cap has been removed and separated; or in the second instance, after the cap has been removed, force is applied to the band to completely separate it from the neck of the container; The purpose and function of these systems may be obstructed, such as by removal.

If the cap is replaced, any trace of tampering will be gone and no warning will be given to the untrained or careless consumer.

Furthermore, there are closure member systems that are formed by stamping and drawing a cap from a flat sheet of metal. Such caps may further have a tamper display band depending downwardly from the sidewall of the cap, which is deformed to display the tamper when the cap is removed, and otherwise changes the physical appearance. exhibits a change in

Such physical changes may include separating the band from the sidewalls, splitting the band vertically and distorting the band radially outward, or other cosmetic changes that may cause the user to experience a loss of the cap. Warn that something has been removed. However, by removing the band from the neck or sidewall of the cap after the cap has been removed and replaced, the purpose of the band is defeated.

Distortion of the tamper-indicating band to which the present disclosure pertains is due to the aforementioned physical changes in the metal sealing member system, and the band becoming partially or wholly detached from the sidewall;
Or it may include distortion of the synthetic plastic band that occurs if the band is broken.

In addition to the commercially available closure systems mentioned above,
The patent document discloses that evidence of tampering with the bottle is provided in the example of a closure member, which is represented by the container being opened. (See examples in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,201,205 and 2,939,597.) However, these methods are expensive and require assembly of large numbers of parts requiring specialized layering designs. It is based on a sealing member that requires

Other tamper-evident or tamper-indicating seals are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,960, 3.9.
No. 23□198 and No. 3.896.965. These patents disclose a tape sealing member made from a plastic sheet, the plastic sheet being attached to a chisel;
During removal, a color change that occurs at the location in the seal where it has been pulled off or stressed indicates that the bolt has been opened.

The color change mechanism is accomplished with the use of coated coloring agents or plastics that express stress by clouding or opacity. With tape as the primary sealant, these methods are limited to non-resealable containers, and U.S. Pat. Taking advantage of change.

Further disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,424,911 and 4,432,462 include:
The color change of lidmus paper is used to indicate the opening of a container. These methods are expensive and difficult to operate when used with certain products in containers, such as in beverage filling lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an improved method for providing a tamper warning, a closure system using an improved tamper indication feature, and an apparatus for making an improved closure system. Disclose.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure system includes a cap having a top wall and an annular side wall extending below the cap. An annular tamper indicator band is coupled to the lower periphery of the sidewall. In response to removing the cap from the container, the band is deformed, damaged, physically altered, or otherwise distorted in appearance. In this way, it is possible for the user to detect possible tampering.

The tamper indicator band has on its external surface an identification indicia, such as a color, which contrasts with an indicia on the cap side wall or thereon (eg, another color). The shape of the markings on the band surface allows the user to more strongly perceive the features of the solid line extending around the band, dotted or broken lines around the band, or tampering display, making it easier and clearer to identify, and educating consumers about the feature. Any other pattern that simplifies the process may be used.

Additionally, the present invention includes an improved method of providing warning of conditions in which a sealed container may have been opened or tampered with.

Forming a sealing member joined with a fiddling indicator band and an identifying mark
ngindicia), e.g. by using a color on the band, the identifying indicia contrasting with the indicia on the sealing member body, drawing attention to the band and making it more visible on the sealing member. Band and sidewall wide,
Better vision is improved through identification to make tamper detection easier.

The markings on the band are in the first pattern.
: pattern), the first pattern being aligned in a predetermined relationship with the second pattern on the lower portion of the sidewall. When the cap is removed from the container, physical changes in the band will change the relationship between the two predetermined patterns even if the cap is tied onto the container.

This not only improves the opportunity for consumers to observe tampering, but also allows for automatic high-speed checking by inspection equipment when large quantities of containers need to be inspected for anticipated tampering. Will. Clearly, this capability saves retailers, sellers, and manufacturers significant amounts of money during the collection phase.

The use of automatic testing equipment to detect misaligned indicia is not limited to testing the two separate patterns described herein.

Such a device can also detect that the tamper indicator band, which has a solid line of color around the outer surface, has been broken. In addition, such an inspection machine would also be able to detect tampering that may occur in embodiments where the band separates from the cap when the container is opened. The band may slide toward the lower neck, causing the color form or pattern of the band to be in a lower position than normal - and out of alignment with respect to the normal position expected by the test sensor. It is.

Moreover, automated testing is not limited to use at the point of sale. Manufacturers can test to ensure that the tamper marking features are in place at the final stage of the manufacturing process, or other product handlers can test them at the final stage before shipping. , can be used to test the product to ensure that it has not been tampered with while in the vendor's possession. Therefore, it is possible to search for the tampered site.

The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for alerting whether a closed container has been opened or tampered with. A container employing a closure system having a tamper indicator band associated with the cap is passed through the inspection location with the band having a color or indicia that contrasts with the color or indicia of the sidewall of the cap. The bands are inspected for colors or indicia that deviate from a predetermined standard sign alignment. If the code is not matched, an alarm is sounded and/or the container is rejected or set aside for a manual sorting process to verify the accuracy of the test signal.

The present invention further includes an apparatus for manufacturing an improved closure system, the closure system including a means for forming selected closure systems that are joined with a tamper indicator band, and a band. and/or means for imparting or printing an indicia such as a contrasting color to the closure body. Such application means include means for rotating the cap during operation of the printing machine, such as a felt tip ink applicator or a roller wheel blicator coupled to an ink reservoir. Conversely, the applicator or applicators can be movable relative to the band/cap combination, but the cap can be set stationary.

The applicator may be a single or multiple ink stamp device or ink jet print head.

Although the embodiments described above are detailed in connection with a closure system for a beverage container, the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other closure systems.
It should be noted that it is also applicable to combinations of containers, especially containers that are reused or resealed. For example, medicine containers or bottles often have a cylindrical configuration in the direction of their height, without a separate neck portion per se. In such cases, an annular recess may be provided on the cylindrical container adjacent the opening or upper edge of the container. This constitutes the "neck" of the container. The recessed upper edge acts as a head for receiving the retaining portion of the tamper indicator band of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and unique tamper display closure system which increases user awareness of tamper display features and - making it easier and clearer to observe the operation of the feature, both for and for inspection equipment;
It also greatly simplifies consumer education regarding this feature.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in the partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 1, the cylindrical neck or finish of the container has threads formed in its upper portion. , 24 includes a cap or closure 26 and a tamper indicator band 32 . The cap 26 includes a top wall 28 and an annular or cylindrical side wall 30 depending downwardly from the top wall 28.

A closure thread 34 formed inwardly from the side wall cooperates with the neck thread 22 so that the closure system is screwed onto the finish to seal the container. Although not shown in the figures, a liner or sealing means may be interposed between the top wall 28 and the top edge of the container finish.

A tamper indicator band 32 is coupled to the lower periphery of the annular sidewall 30. The predetermined annular tear line 38
and band 32 by cutting an annular recess, forming a series of annular perforations in the material, or by any other suitable method. (The most suitable example is shown in FIG. 2). Similarly, in this embodiment, the vertical tear line 40 is formed in an unweakened area or band adjacent to the web 42, which
A predetermined annular tear line 38 is interrupted and a band 32 is used to remain on the side wall 30.

Tightening is maintained by bead 36 and shape change (shape
-1 locking engagement), a hot air nozzle (or other means of applying heat) is directed into the space 44 between the neck 20.25 and the band 32. Meanwhile, a crimping tool or roller crimps the band toward the neck of the container. After this operation is completed, the band conforms to the profile of the layered area, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the band 32 increases in thickness toward its lower edge from where it joins the sidewalls. This aids in the formation of a predetermined tear line 38 and facilitates the deformation of the band to conform to its shape on the bead 36.

Another method is to use plastic, which is heated and reduced around the bead.
It will be installed.

If the web 42 is not used, when the cap 26 is unscrewed from the finish of the container, the tamper indicator band will tear away along the tear line 38 and remain on the neck of the container. In this case, the band is preferably made of synthetic plastic material, and the cap 2
In response to the uncoupling force applied by the removal of 6,
The synthetic plastic material stretches. The band slides down the neck, leaving a gap between the top edge of the band and the bottom edge of the sidewall 30 when the cap is rotated back to screw onto the base. This gap, and the lack of force required to separate the band along the tear line 38, provides a tamper indicator warning that the container has generally been opened.

Referring to FIG. 3, the results of using the web 42 are shown. Band 32 is severed along annular tear line 38 during initial rotation of cap 26. As the cap 26 continues to rotate further, the web 42 creates a vertical tear line 40.
The application of force to adjacent portions of the band causes the band 32 to break or break along the tear line 40.

Band 32 moves from the neck as cap 26 is further unscrewed and loosened.

Once the cap is placed back on the container, this broken band becomes an additional indicator against tampering.

A second embodiment will be shown with reference to FIG. This partial cross-sectional view can be utilized in practicing the techniques taught by the present invention. The neck portion 50 of the container has a thread 5 formed thereon.
It has 2. The closure system, generally indicated at 54, includes a cap 56 and a tamper indicator band 52. Cap 56 is comprised of a top wall 58 and side walls 60. A sealing member thread 54 formed on the inside of the side wall 60 cooperates with the neck threading 52 to allow the sealing member system to be rotated to screw onto the finish to seal the container. Working.

Band 62 is coupled to the lower periphery of sidewall 60.

An annular tear wadding 68 is formed adjacent the joint between sidewall 60 and band 62. What is different from this embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is that the thickness of the band 62 is
It is not necessary to increase from the junction with 0 towards the lower edge of the band. This is because this band is not deformed onto the bead 66 to engage it. Rather, a plurality of inwardly extending triangular fins or fingers 70
formed on the inner surface of band 62.

The fins 70 are relatively thin and extend inwardly through the outer edge of the bead 66, but preferably do not extend all the way around the neck portion of the container.

The fins preferably diverge from the true radius line in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. This facilitates the initial installation of the closure system on the neck of the bottle. This is because the fins are oriented in a predetermined direction and are easily bent further, easily reducing their resistance to clockwise rotation of the threads of the sealing member system engaging the threads of the neck. . Because the fins are thus spread out in a counterclockwise direction, they resist rotation, such as loosening a screw.

Once the fins 70 clear the bead 66, they spring back 1a from the compressed position during rotation of the closure system during initial installation of the closure system onto a container. The fins are then in the position shown in FIG.
and acts to resist removal of the band 62.

Thus, when cap 56 is removed, a force is applied to the bottom of bead 62 sufficient to separate band 62 from sidewall 60 along tear line 6B.

Because the fins 70 do not extend very far to the neck surface, the band 62 will slip down onto the neck, leaving a tampering display gap on the neck even if the cap 56 is replaced.

Referring to FIG. 5, a third embodiment useful in implementing the teachings of the present invention is shown in cross-section. Container 80 is medicated, cylindrical in shape, and has an upper edge 82 defining an opening 84 .

The closure system, indicated generally at 90, includes a cap 92 and a twirl indicator band 98. The cap includes a top wall 94 and side walls 96. Band 90 has a greatly reduced thickness along its upper periphery, where it is joined to the lower periphery of sidewall 96 of cap 92.

The weakening provided by the thickness of the material provides an annular tear line without providing perforations, notches, etc. The lack of perforations eliminates the possibility of infiltration of impurities through such a given strip of cotton.

An annular recess 86 is set adjacent the upper edge 82 since such bottles are typically not threaded on the neck portion around the opening. The upper edge 88 of the depression or indentation 86 acts as a bead for the band 9B in a manner similar to the bead illustrated in the two embodiments already discussed.

Closure system 90 is secured to container 80 by directing hot air through nozzle 102 opposite band 98 . Immediately after this thermal processing, a pressure roller or tool 104 presses against the band 98 for permanent deformation around the upper edge 88 of the indentation 86. A shovel, press tool, or other mechanical aids may also be used to deform the band 9B inwardly. Other heat media or means can also be used to soften band 98.

The deformation or distortion of the tamper-indicating band in the first and third embodiments and the fins or fingers illustrated in the second embodiment provide a means for resisting or obstructing movement of the band from the neck region. It is understood that it includes The resistance force generated by the interfering means is greater than the strength of the bond along the predetermined tear line; the predetermined tear line is for tampering indications that are more easily detected, either by visual inspection or by automatic inspection machines. , is of important significance because it enables controlled separation of the band.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an apparatus is illustrated that provides the unique sealing member system of the present invention. The sealing member system, generally designated lIO, is cap 1
12 and a tamper indicator band 114 formed in accordance with the teachings previously described herein with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5.

The system 110 is moved into and out of the indicia or color application location on a delivery conveyor 116. The conveyor 116 has ribs 118 formed thereon;
The ribs 118 cooperate with guide rails 120 extending above and along the conveyor to maintain the closure system in a position that imparts the required color.

The addition of indicia is preferably completed as an on-line operation in conjunction with printing language or advertising or other information on the top and/or side walls of the cap. This prevents ambient moisture and other problems inherent in beverage filling and similar operations. However, under appropriate circumstances, indicia may be added to the band either as part of the process of installing the closure system on the container or after the closure has been set in place on the container. Is possible.

In particular, means are shown schematically at 130 for imparting a color that contrasts vividly with the color of the body of the closure member on the sidewall adjacent to the tamper indicator band or on its lower portion. This is a felt tip or brush 134
It includes an imparting means 132 having a . Reservoir 140 supplies ink or other coloring medium to applicator 132 .

The felt or brush 134 is moved into and out of contact with the band 114 by a piston 138;
The piston 138 is moved back and forth in the direction indicated by the arrow by a suitable air or hydraulic cylinder in a known manner.

On the other side of the conveyor 116, a motor 144 is connected to a suitable power source (not shown in the figure) to rotate a drive wheel mounted on a motor shaft 148. The drive wheels 146 are such that each closure system 110 is connected to the conveyor 1.
It comes into contact with the side walls of the cap 112 as it is delivered to the color application station at 16 . Rotation of the drive wheel 146 causes the sealing member system 1 to move as indicated by the arrow in FIG.
Rotate 10.

In FIG. 7, the control circuit is diagrammatically illustrated.

The rail 120, motor 144 and reservoir 140 have been omitted from this top view to allow direct observation of the functional operation of the device.

Sensors 152, which may be photocells, are located on each side of the conveyor 116 and provide an output signal upon arrival of the closure system 110 at the color application station. Is the signal printed? 1'1lH 154 to move the cylinder 136 and piston 138 to advance the applicator 132 until the felt tip or brush 134 is in contact with the band 114, and to move the applicator 138 when the operation is complete. 132. Similarly, signals to rotation controller 156 are transmitted to motor 144 and drive wheel 14.
6 and rotate the cap 112 at least once. In this embodiment, a solid band 160 of continuous color is printed around the exterior surface of band 114. Once the printing and rotation operations are complete, a signal to the conveyor controller causes the conveyor means 116 and other closure system 110 to be delivered to the application station.

If a dashed or dotted line is desired, print controller 15
4 may be set to move the applicator 132 forward and backward many times during the character 11120 revolutions. Optionally, a printing roller wheel may be used, which printing roller wheel has a number of imparting felts spaced around its periphery. Similarly, predetermined patterns can be printed on the band and/or sidewalls by using a single or multiple applicators, including simple felt tips, roller wheels, Or a printer of other design.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, sidewall 170 and band 172
Examples of printing in color or markings on both sides are illustrated. FIG. 8 shows the color printing pattern 1 on the sidewall 170 before the closure is removed from the container.
74 are aligned, indicating that the color printing style 176 and the band 172 are in code alignment. Such a closure system, after removing and replacing the cap, will form patterns 174 and 176 as shown in FIG.
Provides a tampering display warning depending on the state in which the and is not code matched. Consumers must first select band 172.
is still on the container, and secondly, one becomes accustomed to seeing whether the pattern is in alignment or has moved out of alignment by attempting to rotate band 172 with respect to sidewall 170. Probably.

Discussion of the patterns described herein includes solid lines on the band, dotted lines, blocks of color such as those shown in Figures 8 and 9, and other patterns that are aesthetically pleasing and attention-grabbing to the consumer. It can also be in the form of a sign designed to attract you.

Referring now to FIG. 10, yet another application of the techniques taught by the present invention is illustrated. The application is manufacturing technology,
This method is particularly applicable to cases where it is necessary to check the integrity of tampering indications on a large number of containers for the purpose of checking distributors, checking point of sale, or trusting customers.

Rotating display sealing member system 1 detailed herein
A number of containers 180 having 82 are advanced by the main transport means 184 between the guide rails 186, 188 and past the code alignment sensor 190 at the inspection station. To check the sign matching of a particular pattern,
If it is desired to rotate the tampering display closure system, rotation means such as those disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be utilized. Optionally, the rotation may be completed by providing one guide rail with a certain surface friction coefficient, the one guide rail being such that the container moves against the guide rail as the conveyor advances the container. Contact will cause rotation. Other known means may further be used to rotate the container.

When sensor 190 detects or identifies an uncoordinated pattern on the tamper indicator band, a signal is generated to activate alarm 192 and/or reject the suspect container.

The hydraulic cylinder 194 extends the piston shaft 196 to move the suspect container from the main conveyor +84 through the gap in the guide rail +86 to the rejection or reexamination conveyor or reexamination area 200. The signal from sensor 190 actuates control valve 198 to supply fluid to cylinder 194 and extend and retract piston shaft 196 in relation to the arrival of the suspect container at the rejection station.

As already mentioned, unsigned patterns are
This includes patterns both on the sidewalls and on the band, gaps between the sidewalls and removed bands, broken bands with solid lines of a single color, and the like. Individual manual sorting and inspection of the containers on the reject conveyor 200 may be desirable and should be done taking into account the ability to calibrate the sensor 190 and/or the relative value of the product within the container.

It is within the scope of the present invention to manufacture a closure system having a tamper indicator band that is itself formed of a material having a color that contrasts with the color of the cap sidewall. However, previously available techniques using dissimilar materials for the band make the sealing member system substantially more expensive. Therefore,
It may be desirable to manufacture the closure system from a single material and then simultaneously apply color or other indicia as disclosed hereinabove. Both methods are intended to be broadly encompassed in the techniques discussed herein, in which the outer surface of the band is provided with a color or indicia and a line The color or indicia contrasts with the color of the sidewall or body of the cap or closure to complete the function described above.

Although the invention has been illustrated using colors and patterns as indicia, other identifying indicia can be used to satisfy the required functional and operational characteristics. Furthermore,
It is possible to apply the indicia before the closure system is formed into a shape that can be placed on the container. That is,
Using the technique of the invention, it is possible to preprint indicia on a metal flat plate in the case of a metal closure system.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments of articles, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and variations in shape, size, and embodiment of parts or process steps in the method are to be understood. Changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, a rail or belt may be used to rotate the sealing member along the extending inked surface for high speed application of the indicia. Additionally, the closure can be coded after the container has been filled and the closure has been placed in place on the container. The indicia may also include numbers or letters in addition to the code sequences shown. The tamper indicator band may be a different color than the closure body.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

In the drawings, the same numerals are used to designate the same elements in all drawings; FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the closure system in partial cross-section; FIG. 2 shows the container. No. 1171 assembled in place on the neck of
Figure 3 shows the closure system of Figure 2 after removal from the container; Figure 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the closure system; FIG. 5 is a third view of a closure system according to the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an apparatus for carrying out a step in the manufacture of a closure system according to the invention; FIG. 7 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, for clarity. Some parts have been omitted and a diagram illustrating the control features of the device has been added;
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the use of registered patterns to aid in wheel identification; and FIG. 10 illustrates the use of the seal system of the present invention. FIG. 20-finished container, 22-neck thread, 24-4 closure system, 26-cap or seal, 28-top wall, 30-side wall, 32-turn indicator band;
36 bead, 38-predetermined annular tear line, 40-
Vertical tear line, 42-web, 44-space, 52
thread, 54-closure system, 56-cap;
58・-Top wall, 60-Side wall, 62-Turning indicator band, 6 Low bead, 68-Tear line, 7° fin, 80 Container, 84-Opening, 9L-Closing member system, 92 Cap, 94- Top wall, 96 - side wall, 9
8-recess, 102-nozzle, 104-press roller, 110 sealing member system, 112-cap, 1
14 - Rotating display band, 116 - Delivery conveyor, ll8 - Rib, 120 - Guide rail, 130
Color imparting device, 132- imparting device, 134-- felt tip, 136- fluid cylinder, 138- piston, 14
0-11 storage unit, 144-motor, 146-drive wheel, 1
52-Sensor, 154-Printing controller, 156-Rotation controller, l 70-Cap, 172-Twiddling display band, 174.176-1 style, 180-Container, 1
82-Twiddling display sealing member system, l 84-
Conveyor, 186°188-・Guide rail, 19
0-sign check sensor, 192-alarm, 194
- fluid cylinder, 196 - piston shaft, 200
- Rejection conveyor.

Claims (22)

[Claims] (1) A method of providing an alert that a sealed container has been opened, where the container has a neck with an opening in the neck for consuming the contents, comprising: (a) ) providing a sealing member system for the neck portion, the sealing member system including means for a cap having an annular side wall extending from a top wall and a side wall and coupled to a lower portion of the side wall to provide a sealing member system for the neck portion; tamper indicator means which is at least partially physically distorted in response to removal of said cap means; and b) an indicia on an external surface of said tamper indicator means that is clearly discernible from a side wall. and providing an indicia thereby drawing the user's attention to the presence or absence and physical distortion of said tampering indicating means when the cap means is removed and replaced from the neck portion. A method for providing an alert that a sealed container has been opened. (2) said tamper-indicating means includes an annular band and means for coupling said band to an annular lower portion of said sidewall; 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of providing a surface color onto said band. (3) The method according to claim 2, wherein the color of the indicia is provided as a solid line around the outer surface of the band. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the color of the indicia is printed in dotted lines around the outer surface of the band. (5) further comprising the step of printing a dotted line in the color of an indicia on a lower portion of said sidewall in a predetermined sign-aligned relationship with an indicia on said band, thereby providing an indicia responsive to removal and reinstatement of said cap means; 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein tampering can be detected by means of unsigned relationships. (6) further comprising the step of providing a mark to a lower portion of the side wall, the marks on the side wall and the band having a predetermined sign matching relationship between the mark on the side wall and the mark on the band; tamper detection is possible due to the uncoordinated relationship in response to removal of the cap means from the neck portion and reinstatement on the neck portion. The method described in section. (7) A tamper-indicating closure system for a container having a neck with an opening for consumption of contents formed in the neck, comprising: a) a top wall; and an annular shape depending downwardly from the top wall; a) cap means comprising a side wall; b) tamper indicator means coupled to a lower portion of said side wall that is at least partially physically distorted in response to removal of said cap means from a neck portion of the container; c) the external surface of said tamper-indicating means retains an indicia clearly distinguishable from the cap means, thereby indicating the presence or absence of the tamper-indicating means, and the cap means being removed from the neck portion and reattached to the neck portion; To draw the user's attention to the physical distortion when returned to the A tinkering display sealing member system featuring: (8) a) The tampering display means includes a circular band;
and means for coupling said band to an annular lower portion of said side wall, b) said band having means for engaging said neck portion after initial installation of said closure member system on said container. A sealing member system according to claim 7. (9) said band engaging means resists removal of said band from said neck portion with a force in excess of the force applied to said coupling means, thereby causing said band from said side wall to resist removal of said band from said neck portion; 9. A sealing member system as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the sealing member system causes the disconnection. (10) Means defining a predetermined annular tear line is formed in the coupling means, thereby permitting controlled detachment of said band from said sidewall and providing a more easily sensed tampering indication. A sealing member system according to claim 9 enabling. (11) The predetermined annular tear line is interrupted by a web means that leaves the bond between the band and the sidewall after the tear line is severed along the tear line. The closure member system described. (12) A predetermined vertical tear line is formed in the band adjacent to the web means to control breakage of the band for a more easily sensed tampering indication. 12. The sealing member system according to clause 11. 13. The sealing member according to claim 8, wherein the entire sealing member system is made of synthetic plastic material, and the indicia applied on the external surface of the band has a color that contrasts with the color of the side walls. system. (14) The sealing member system according to claim 13, wherein the color of the indicia is provided in a solid line around the outer surface of the band. (15) The sealing member system according to claim 13, wherein the color of the indicia is provided in a dotted line around the outer surface of the band. (16) further comprising a dotted line having the color of the indicia applied on the lower portion of the sidewall in a predetermined sign-aligned relationship with the indicia on the band, thereby facilitating removal and reinstatement of the capping means; 16. A sealing member system according to claim 15, which enables detection of tampering due to unmatched sign relationships of the response indicia. (17) The entire system is made of synthetic plastic material, and indicia are provided on the lower part of the side wall, and the indicia on the band and the side wall have a predetermined sign-matching relationship between the indicia. 9. A closure system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the indicia responsive to removal and reinstatement of the cap means are formed as a pattern to enable detection of tampering due to unsigned relationship. (18) Apparatus for providing an improved closure system having a cap means and a tamper indicator depending from the means, comprising: a) an indicia clearly distinguishing the tamper indicator from the cap means on the closure system; a printing station comprising means for printing on a tamper display means; b) means for advancing sealing member systems into and out of said printing station; c) responsive to the arrival of each sealing member system at said printing station; and means for operating said printing means. (19) further comprising means for providing relative rotation between the sealing member system and the printing means at the imparting station, thereby allowing the entire surface of the sealing member system to be exposed to the printing means; Apparatus according to claim 18. (20) a closure member having a neck portion and a cap means having a tamper indicator means extending from the cap means on the container having an opening formed in the neck portion for consuming the internal product; In an apparatus for automatically testing the tampering display means of a system: a) a testing station comprising means for sensing a predetermined sign-matching relationship of indicia applied to the surface of said tampering display means; b) the testing station; c) means for advancing containers sealed with various closure systems into and out of said inspection station; and c) means for identifying closure systems having indicia that are not code-aligned to a predetermined standard. A device for automatically inspecting a tampering display means of a sealing member system, characterized by: (21) The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the identification means includes a warning means. 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said identification means includes means for rejecting containers having indicia that are not code matched.