KR20230075407A - Packages and Closures with Tamper-Evident Bands - Google Patents

Abstract

The closure includes first and second closure parts. The first closure portion includes a top wall portion and an annular skirt portion including an internally threaded formation. The second closure portion includes a tamper-evident band at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion by a flexible connection. The tamper-evident band includes first and second portions connected through a bending region. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region toward the top region and is located inwardly from the first portion of the band. The second portion of the band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located farther from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extended portion extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure.

Description

Packages and Closures with Tamper-Evident Bands

This application claims priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 17/034,456, filed September 28, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to polymeric closures for packages. More specifically, it relates to a polymeric closure having a tamper-evident band and a package using the same.

Polymeric closures have been used in many applications over the years with containers. Polymeric closures are suitable for fitting in and out of containers. Many polymeric closures also include tamper-evident features such as tamper-evident bands. A tamper-evident band, when properly designed and positioned, indicates to the user that the container has been opened. This indication may be achieved after opening, for example, by leaving a second portion of the closure around the container while a first portion of the closure is removed from the container. The placement of the polymeric closure on the container is important for removal of the closure and the effectiveness of the tamper-evident band.

One of the problems with placing a polymeric closure in a container arises when a portion of the tamper-evident band is not properly positioned relative to the container's A-collar or A-diameter during the opening process. If the tamper-evident band is not properly positioned, the user could potentially open the container with the closure not separating into two pieces, indicating tamper-evidency. Or, alternatively, if the tamper-evident band rotates or unfolds inward to the outer wall of the container, the user may have difficulty breaking the frangible connection.

Closures It would be desirable to provide closures for packages that address and avoid the above-mentioned situations while still performing other desirable properties.

According to one embodiment, the closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymeric top wall portion and a polymeric annular skirt portion depending on the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the annular skirt includes an inner thread formation for mating engagement with an outer thread formation of the container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band depending on and at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt by a frangible connection. The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first part and a second part connected through a bending area. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region towards the polymeric top wall and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band. The second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located farther from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extended portion extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure.

In another embodiment, the closure includes a first closure portion and a second closure portion. The first closure portion includes a polymerization top wall portion and a polymerization annular skirt portion depending on the polymerization top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an inner thread formation for engagement with an outer thread formation of the container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band depending on and at least partially releasably connected to the polymeric annular skirt by a flexible connection. The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first part and a second part connected through a bending region toward the polymeric top wall. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band. The second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located farther from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extension portion extends around the entire inner circumference of the closure in a substantially continuous manner.

In another embodiment, a package includes a container and a closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The container has an external thread formation on the neck and an A-collar. The closure is configured to fit into the neck of the container to close the opening. The closure includes a first closure part and a second closure part. The first closure portion includes a polymerization top wall portion and a polymerization annular skirt portion depending on the polymerization top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an inner thread formation for engagement with an outer thread formation of the container. The second closure portion includes a polymeric tamper-evident band depending on and at least partially releasably connected to the polymeric annular skirt by a flexible connection. The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first portion and a second portion connected through a bending region. The second portion extends generally upward from the bend region towards the polymeric top wall and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band. The second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion. The extension portion is located farther from the bend region than the tab portion. The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The extended portion extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure. The extended portion abuts the outer surface of the A-collar of the container.

The above solutions are not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and reference to the drawings.
1A is a perspective side view of a closure according to one embodiment.
Fig. 1b is a top perspective view of the closure of Fig. 1a;
2A is a cross-sectional view of the closure (no hatching) taken generally along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1B.
FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the generally circular region 2B in FIG. 2A.
3A is a perspective side view of a package comprising a container and the closure of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
Figure 3b is a top perspective view of the package of Figure 3a.
4A is a front cross-sectional view of the package taken generally along line 4A-4A in FIG. 3B.
FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the generally circular region 4B in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of the generally circular region 4B in FIG. 4A further illustrating the original location of the second portion of the tamper-evident band with dotted lines.
Although the present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit this invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. .

1A and 1B illustrate a polymeric closure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Closures are configured to be placed in a container or bottle containing a product. The product is usually a liquid product, but may also be a solid product or a combination of liquid and solid. The polymeric closure 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is generally cylindrical in shape. The polymeric closure 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is a one-piece closure assembly. It is contemplated that the closure may be a two-piece closure. It is contemplated that the closure may be of other shapes and dimensions.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A, the polymeric closure 10 includes a polymeric top wall portion 12, a polymeric annular skirt portion 14, and a polymeric continuous plug seal 16 (FIG. 2A). ), an outer seal 18 (FIG. 2A), a top seal 20 (FIG. 2A), and a polymeric tamper-evident band 30. A polymeric annular skirt (14) depends on the polymeric top wall (12).

Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the outer surface 14b of the polymeric annular skirt 14 may also include a plurality of ridges 14c thereon. The plurality of ridges 14c have a contoured shape, which helps the user to grip the closure 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2A, a polymeric continuous plug seal 16 rests on the polymeric top wall 12 and provides a seal mechanism. An outer seal 18 rests on the polymeric top wall 12 and also provides a sealing mechanism. A top stop 20 helps position the closure against the finish of the container. The top stop 20 can also help provide some sealing aspects to the closure. The continuous plug seal 16, outer seal 18, and top stop 20 are spaced apart from the inner surface 14a of the polymeric annular skirt 14 as shown in FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the outer seal may extend from the inner surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion instead of the top wall portion.

In other embodiments, the closure may include other sealing mechanisms. For example, the closure may include a polymeric lining material that provides a seal to the closure. This will be a two-piece closure. Non-limiting examples of closures that include a polymeric liner and a polymeric disk can be found in US Patent Publication No. 2018/0099795, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this embodiment, the closure will be formed from separate components, but will function as the one-piece closure discussed except for a different sealing mechanism. In other embodiments, the closure may include either a polymeric outer seal or a continuous plug seal. It is contemplated that the closure may include other sealing mechanisms.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the polymeric tamper-evident band 30 is suspended from the polymeric annular skirt 14 by flexible connections 50 and At least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt (14). When the closure is moved from its initially closed position (eg see FIG. 2A ) to its open position, the polymeric tamper-evident band 30 is preferably completely separated from the polymeric annular skirt 14 . The tamper-evident band 30 functions in conjunction with the container to indicate to the user that the contents of the container may have been accessed. More specifically, the tamper-evident band 30 is at least partially separated from the annular skirt 14 when a user opens the package by unthreading the closure and removing the closure to gain access to the container. designed In one embodiment, the flexible connection 50 includes bridges, scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks, etc. , or other lines with weaknesses.

A polymeric tamper-evident band (30) includes a first portion (32) and a second portion (34) connected through a bend region (36). The first portion 32, the second portion 34, and the bending region 36 are generally integrally connected. The second portion 34 is folded inwards and upwards in the direction of the polymeric top wall portion 12 (arrow A in FIGS. 2A and 2B) as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The second portion 34 extends generally upward from the bend region 36 and is positioned inwardly from the first portion 32 of the polymeric tamper-evident band 30 .

When making the closure, the second portion 34 initially extends generally downward in the direction opposite arrow A (arrow B in FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Specifically, before the second portion 34 of the tamper-evident band 30 is folded inwardly at the position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B through the bending region 36 in the manufacturing process, the first portion 32 ) is located substantially axially with respect to

The second portion 34 of the tamper-evident band 30 includes a tab portion 38 and an extension portion 40 . The extension portion 40 assists in initially positioning and maintaining the position of the tab portion 38 during the opening process. The extension portion 40 is located farther from the bend region 36 than the tab portion 38, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the tab portion 38 and the extension portion 40 are generally vertical. This is shown in the direction of arrow A, for example in FIGS. 2A and 2B . In other embodiments, the tab portion and extension portion may be substantially vertical or vertical.

Tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 are preferably vertical or substantially vertical to prevent or inhibit inward rotation or unfolding of tab portion 38 toward the outer wall of the container or bottle finish. . The tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 are preferably substantially perpendicular to prevent or inhibit being positioned too sharply relative to the inner surface 14b of the polymeric annular skirt portion 14 .

Preventing the tab portion 38 from rotating or unfolding inwardly helps to prevent or contain problems in the opening process by the user. Specifically, when the user applies vertical and axial forces in opening the closure, instead of transferring energy to moving (i.e., rotating or unfolding) the tab portion 38, it is used to break the flexible connection. It is preferred that these forces are applied substantially. When the tab portion remains largely in place, vertical and axial forces from the user are imparted only or substantially to the opening of the flexible connections (eg breaking bridges).

In one embodiment, to help prevent or inhibit the tap portion 38 and extending portion 40 from being perpendicular, the first portion 32 includes an inwardly extending bead 46. can do. The beads 46 prevent or inhibit folding of the tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 too sharply against the inner surface 14a of the polymeric annular skirt portion 14 .

If it is desired to make the tab portion 38 and extension portion 40 more vertical, the inward-extending bead may be made smaller than the inward-extending bead 46 of FIG. 2B or eliminated entirely.

If the tab portion moves inward toward the outer wall of the bottle finish or the tab portion unfolds, this can lead to undesirable results. For example, if a percentage of bridges in the flexible connection are not destroyed due to energy being transferred to moving the tab portion, the user may have difficulty opening the container and accessing the contents of the container. Specifically, if some of the bridges remain intact, this can lead to a tether-like or hinged-band scenario. Because of this, the closure may be hooked or in a hooked position. If the bridges remain unbroken, the closure will loosen with more ability or freedom to move around, potentially resulting in undesirable movement. For example, side-to-side movement of the closure could cause the user to accidentally pull the closure to one side, causing the closure to become off-center.

If not all of the bridges are destroyed, several scenarios may occur. In one scenario, the entire tamper-evident band may move below the A-collar or A-diameter of the finish, making the closure difficult to open. In other scenarios, some sections of the tamper-evident band may be lifted over or partially over the A-collar of the finish, leading to a hiked band that makes the closure difficult to open. In another scenario, positioning the tab portion could lead to the tamper-evident band riding completely over the finish's A-collar and coming off along with the rest of the closure when the container is opened. This is undesirable for several reasons, including making opening of the container more difficult and defeating the tamper-evident aspects of the package, since the tamper-evident band must remain in the container after the closure is released.

The tab portion 38 is preferably positioned so as to remain adjacent to the bottom surface of the finished A-collar of the container. The tab portion 38 as described above is preferably spaced from the outer wall of the container finish. The tab portion 38 includes a ledge 38a. The ledge 38a preferably seals under the A-collar of the finish.

Referring to FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, the extension portion 40 extends continuously around the entire inner circumference. The outer circumference of the closure 10 is formed by a polymeric annular skirt 14 . The inner circumference of the closure is formed by the second portion 34 of the tamper-evident band 30 .

In another embodiment, the extension portion extends around the entire inner circumference of the closure in a substantially continuous manner. This embodiment also aids in positioning and positioning the extension adjacent to and abutting the outer surface of the A-collar. In one embodiment, the extension portion extends from about 75% to about 99% around the inner circumference of the closure. In another embodiment, the extension portion extends from about 80% to about 99% around the inner circumference of the closure. In another embodiment, the extension portion extends about 90% to about 99% around the inner circumference of the closure. In another embodiment, the extension portion extends about 95% to about 99% around the inner circumference of the closure. Where the extension does not extend around the entire inner circumference of the closure in at least a substantially continuous manner, it is desirable and consistently helpful to prevent or inhibit the extension from moving down the A-collar of the finish during the opening process. It won't be.

In a more preferred embodiment, the extension portion extends around the entire inner circumference of the closure and remains in a position adjacent to and abutting the outer surface of the A-collar without the extension moving underneath the A-collar. By having an extension portion that abuts the outer surface of the A-collar and is not underneath the A-collar, the aforementioned problems, such as difficulty opening the container or defeating tamper-evident aspects, are substantially or completely avoided. .

As best seen in FIG. 4C , the extension portion 40 is positioned between the inner surface 14a of the polymeric wall portion 14 and the A-collar or A-diameter 106 . The extended portion 40 is continuous around the entire inner circumference of the closure and matches or slightly identifies the A-collar 106 of the container. In this particular embodiment, the extension portion 40 is compressed between the A-collar 106 and the inner surface 14a of the polymeric wall portion 14 . By not having a gap or majority of a gap therebetween, rotation of the tab portion 38 inward toward the outer wall of the container finish or spreading further away from the A-collar is prevented or inhibited. However, it can be difficult to maintain tolerances so that the extension is squeezed or pinched between the A-collar and the inner surface of the polymeric wall.

The extended portion 40 of the tamper-evident band 30 coincides with and abuts the outer surface 106a of the A-collar 106 . Extended portion 40 preferably forms a seal with outer surface 106a of A-collar 106 . The ledge 38a is preferably located below the A-collar 106 and away from the sidewall of the finish. As shown in FIG. 4B , extension portion 40 prevents or inhibits vertical (arrows A and B) or horizontal (arrows C and D) movement of tab portion 38 .

To better match and mate with the A-collar 106, the extension portion 40 has a smaller diameter than the A-collar 106. This is illustrated in FIG. 4C, where a first position 82 of the elongated portion 40 prior to placement in the container is shown with dotted lines and a second location 84 of the elongated portion 40 in the container. It is shown after being deployed and moved outward by the A-collar 106. The thickness of the extension portion 40 does not change, but since the second portion 34 comprising the extension portion 40 is angled rather than perpendicular (see first position 82), the diameter of the extension portion 40 Note that is changed. Thus, the upper end 40a of the extension portion 40 has a smaller diameter than the lower end 40b of the extension portion 40 . Similarly, the diameter of the tab portion 38 varies angularly.

It is preferred to have extension portion 40 initially angled at angle A, such that A-collar 106 abuts extension portion 40 and moves extension portion 40 . It is desirable to have a more reduced angle in the same plane to aid in the manufacturing process of removing the closure from associated tooling. Referring back to FIG. 2B , the extension portion 40 is at an angle A that is generally between about 3 degrees and about 35 degrees. More specifically, the extending portion 40 is generally at an angle A between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees or between about 5 degrees and about 25 degrees A. The extending portion 40 is generally at an angle A between about 10 degrees and about 25 degrees or between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees A.

The diameter of the extension portion 40 is smaller than the diameter of the A-collar 106 . Since the diameter of the extension portion 40 is smaller than the diameter of the A-collar 106, the extension portion is moved outward toward the polymeric annular skirt portion 14 (in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 4D). The relative diameters of the extension portion 40 and the A-collar 106 also help position the second portion 34 of the tamper-evident band 30 .

The thickness and materials used to form the extension portion 40 cause it to move from the position of FIG. 2A to the position of FIGS. 4A-4C during placement of the closure on the finisher of the container. The angle B of the extended portion 40 in FIG. 4B is generally from about -5 degrees to about 35 degrees. The angle B of the extending portion 40 is generally from about 0 degrees to about 35 degrees, more specifically from about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees. More specifically, the angle B of the extending portion 40 is from about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees, more specifically from 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. Accordingly, it is contemplated that angle B may be a negative angle (tilted past the vertical and toward the inner surface 14a) after being placed at the finish of the container. Angle B at 0 degrees is in a vertical position.

As shown in Figures 2b, 4b, and 4c, angle A is greater than angle B. Typically, angle A is between 0 degrees and about 20 degrees greater than angle B. Typically, angle A is 1 degree to about 10 or about 15 degrees greater than angle B.

The average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion. The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about two to about eight times greater than the average thickness T2 of the extension portion 40 . The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 2 to about 6 times greater than the average thickness T2 of the extension portion 40 . The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 3 to about 6 times greater than the average thickness T2 of the extension portion 40 .

The average thickness T1 of the tab portion 38 of the tamper-evident band 30 of FIG. 2B is generally from about 0.03 inch to about 0.075 inch. 0.03 inch to about 0.06 inch.

The length L1 of the tab portion 38 of the tamper-evident band 30 of FIG. 2B is generally between about 0.05 inches and about 0.175 inches. More specifically, the length L1 of the tab portion 38 is between about 0.06 inches and about 0.16 inches, or between about 0.075 inches and about 0.15 inches.

The average thickness T2 of the extended portion 40 of the tamper-evident band 30 of FIG. 2B is generally between about 0.005 inches and about 0.025 inches. More specifically, the average thickness T2 of the elongated portion 40 is between about 0.01 inch and about 0.025 inch, or between about 0.01 inch and about 0.02 inch.

The length L2 of the extended portion 40 of the tamper-evident band 30 of FIG. 2B is generally from about 0.05 inch to about 0.15 inch. More specifically, the length L2 of the extending portion 40 is between about 0.075 inches and 0.12 inches, or between about 0.08 inches and about 0.10 inches.

The length of the tab portion is generally greater than the length of the extension portion. As shown in FIG. 2B , the length L1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 0.75 to about 3 times longer than the length L2 of the extension portion 40 . The length L1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about 1 to about 3 times longer than the length L2 of the extension portion 40 . The length L1 of the tab portion 38 is generally about one to about twice as long as the length L2 of the extension portion 40 .

The polymeric annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for engagement with an external thread formation of the container. Specifically, the polymeric annular skirt 14 of FIG. 2A includes internal thread formations 60 for engagement with the external thread formations of the container. Internal thread formation 60 includes a first closure lead 62 and a second closure lead 64 . Thread development is generally discrete. In this embodiment, the thread segments of the polymeric annular skirt 14 are helical from beginning to end.

The first closure lead 62 starts near the polymeric top wall 12 at a first location (not shown in FIG. 2A) and extends in a helical fashion to a second location closer to the tamper-evident band 30. do. Similarly, the second closure lid 64 starts near the polymeric top wall 12 in a first position (not shown in FIG. 2A) and moves to a second position closer to the tamper-evident band 30 (not shown in FIG. 2A). (not shown in Fig. 2a) extends in a spiral manner. The first and second closure leads 62, 64 are collectively referred to as a double lead closure thread. Each of the first and second closure leads 62, 64 are continuous. The first positions of the first and second closure leads 62, 64 are positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from each other, thus starting generally on opposite sides of the closure 10.

It is contemplated that the first and second closure leads may be discontinuous. It is also contemplated that the internal thread formation of the closure may be different from the helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other internal thread formations may be used in the closure.

There may be applications where there are no multiple thread segments in the closure, but they are generally used in packages that hold less than 45 psi. It is contemplated that the thread closure turns may be continuous, particularly in applications with packages below 45 psi. It is also contemplated that the internal thread formation of the closure may be different from the helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other internal thread formations may be used in the closure.

In one embodiment, the flexible connection 50 may be formed by molded-in-bridges. Molded bridges are generally formed using a feature in a mold. In another embodiment, a flexible connection may be formed using scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders, nicks, or other weak lines.

The closure 10 of the present invention may be used with the container 108 used to form the package 100 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of a closure 10 and a portion of a container 108 that includes a neck portion 102 defining an opening. The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes an external thread formation 140 and a continuous outer ring 110 . The outer thread formation 140 includes a first finish lead and a second finish lead 144 . External thread formations 140 (first finish lead 142 and second finish leads 144) are coupled with corresponding internal thread formations 60 (first and second closure leads 62, 64). Engaged, sealing the package 100.

The first finish lid 142 starts near the open end of the container 108 and extends in a helical fashion to a second position closer to the closed end of the container. Similarly, the second finish lid starts closer to the open end of the container 108 and extends in a helical fashion to a second location closer to the closed end of the container. Each of the first and second finish leads is continuous. The first locations of the first and second finish leads are generally located approximately 180 degrees apart from each other, thus starting on opposite sides of the neck portion 102 of the container 108 . When opening the container 108, the first closure lid 62 is preferably in contact with the first finish lid 142, and the second closure lid 64 is preferably in contact with the second finish lid 144. make contact It is contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may have discontinuous leads.

It is contemplated that the outer thread formation of the container may be different than that disclosed for container 108 .

Closures of the present invention may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen scavenging material may be distributed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen scavenging material may be any material that helps remove oxygen within the container with little or no effect on the contents within the container.

Alternatively or additionally, the closures may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen barrier material can be added as a separate layer or integrated into the closure itself. Oxygen barrier materials help prevent or inhibit oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen barrier materials may be used in the closure.

Additionally, it is contemplated that features other than the tamper-evident band may be included in the closure described above. For example, US Patent Publication No. 2018/009979, US Patent Publication No. 2017/0349336, US Patent No. 9,126,726, US Patent No. 9,085,385, US Patent No. 8,763,830, US Patent No. 8,485,374, US Patent Publication No. 2009/0045158, and US Pat. No. 6,123,212 both contain such features that can be included in the closures of the present invention. All of these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The top wall portion 12, the annular skirt portion 14, and the tamper-evident band 30 are made of a polymeric material. The upper wall portion 12, the annular skirt portion 14, and the tamper-evident band 30 are generally made of an olefin (eg, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), Made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or mixtures thereof. One example of a polyethylene that can be used is high density polyethylene (HDPE). Upper wall part, annular skirt part. and that the tamper-evident band may be made of other polymeric materials. The tamper-evident band 30 is generally made of the same material as the top wall portion 12 and the annular skirt portion 14.

Closures are generally formed by processes such as injection, compression molding, extrusion, or a combination thereof.

Container 108 is generally made of a polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material to be used to form the polymerization container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or mixtures using these. It is contemplated that the container may be formed of other polymeric or copolymeric materials. It is also contemplated that the container may be formed of glass. The container 108 generally has an encapsulated oxygen barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

To open the container 108 and gain access to the product therein, the closure 10 is released by turning the closure 10 relative to the container 108. After the closure is released, the closure 10 may be removed from the container 108 . When using this method, the tamper-evident band 30 is preferably completely separated from the rest of the closure 10 via the flexible connection 50, which means that the closure 10 is completely separate from the container 108. indicates that

The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes an external thread formation 104 , an A-collar 106 , and a continuous outer ring 110 . The continuous outer ring 110 is used to position the tamper-evident band 30 when the annular skirt 14 is released from the neck 102 of the container 108 due to breakage of the flexible connection 50. Helpful. The continuous outer ring 110 also helps to simplify handling of the container during forming and filling the container during the manufacturing process.

The polymeric closures of the present invention may be desirable for both low and high temperature applications. Polymeric closures can be used for low temperature applications such as ambient or cold fill. These applications generally include pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is contemplated that the closure may be used in other applications such as sterile applications such as water, sports drinks, dairy products. It is contemplated that other low temperature applications may be used with the polymeric closures of the present invention.

The polymeric closures of the present invention may be exposed to high temperature applications such as hot-fill, pasteurization, and retort applications. Hot fill applications are typically performed at temperatures of about 185° F., while hot fills involving pasteurization are typically performed at temperatures of about 205° F. Retort applications are generally performed at temperatures above 250°F. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention may be used in other high temperature applications.

Claims (26)

In the closure,
It includes a first closure part and a second closure part,
The first closure part,
Polymeric upper wall portion; and
The polymerization environment skirt part hanging from the polymerization upper wall part
including,
The annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface,
the inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an inner thread formation for mating engagement with an outer thread formation of the container;
The second closure part,
a polymeric tamper-evident band depending on and at least partially releasably connected to the polymeric annular skirt by a frangible connection;
including,
The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first part and a second part connected through a bending area;
the second portion extends generally upward from the bending region toward the polymeric top wall portion and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band;
the second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion;
the extension portion is located farther from the extension area than the tab portion;
the average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion;
the extension extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure;
Closer.
According to claim 1,
wherein the tab portion and the extension portion are substantially perpendicular;
Closer.
According to claim 1,
The tab portion and the extension portion are perpendicular,
Closer.
According to claim 1,
wherein the extended portion of the tamper-evident band is at an angle of from 0 degrees to about 35 degrees;
Closer.
According to claim 4,
wherein the extension of the tamper-evident band is at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees;
Closer.
According to claim 1,
the average thickness of the tab portion is about 2 times to about 8 times greater than the average thickness of the elongated portion;
Closer.
According to claim 6,
the average thickness of the tab portion is about 3 times to about 6 times greater than the average thickness of the extension portion;
Closer.
According to claim 1,
The length of the tab portion is about 0.75 times to about 3 times longer than the length of the extension portion;
Closer.
According to claim 8,
the length of the tab portion is about 1 to about 2 times longer than the length of the extension portion;
Closer.
According to claim 1,
The closure is a one-piece closure,
Closer.
According to claim 1,
The closure comprises polyolefins,
Closer.
According to claim 1,
The first closure portion further includes a polymeric continuous plug seal depending on the polymeric upper wall portion;
The continuous plug seal is spaced apart from the inner surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion,
Closer.
According to claim 12,
The first closure portion further comprises a polymeric outer seal depending on the polymeric upper wall portion.
Closer.
In the closure,
It includes a first closure part and a second closure part,
The first closure part,
Polymeric upper wall portion; and
Polymerized annular skirt part attached to the polymeric upper wall part
including,
The annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface,
the inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an inner thread formation for engagement with an outer thread formation of the container;
The second closure part,
a polymeric tamper-evident band depending on and at least partially releasably connected to the polymeric annular skirt by a flexible connection;
including,
The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first portion and a second portion connected through a bending region toward the polymeric upper wall portion,
the second portion extends generally upward from the bend region and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band;
the second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion;
the extension portion is located farther from the bending region than the tab portion;
the average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion;
the extension portion extends around the entire inner circumference of the closure in a substantially continuous manner;
Closer.
According to claim 14,
the extension extends from about 75% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure;
Closer.
According to claim 15,
the extension extends from about 80% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure;
Closer.
According to claim 16,
the extension extends from about 90% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure;
Closer.
According to claim 17,
the extension extends from about 95% to about 99% of the inner circumference of the closure;
Closer.
According to claim 14,
wherein the tab portion and the extension portion are substantially perpendicular;
Closer.
According to claim 14,
wherein the extension of the tamper-evident band is at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees;
Closer.
According to claim 14,
the average thickness of the tab portion is about 3 times to about 6 times greater than the average thickness of the extension portion;
Closer.
According to claim 14,
The length of the tab portion is about 0.75 times to about 3 times longer than the length of the extension portion;
Closer.
in the package,
a container having a neck portion defining an opening, the container having an external thread formation and an A-collar on the neck portion; and
A closure configured to fit the neck portion of the container to close the opening.
including,
The closure includes a first closure part and a second closure part,
The first closure portion includes a polymerization upper wall portion and a polymerization annular skirt portion depending on the polymerization upper wall portion,
The annular skirt portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface,
the inner surface of the annular skirt portion includes an inner thread formation for engagement with the outer thread formation of the container;
the second closure portion comprises a polymeric tamper-evident band depending on and at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt by a flexible connection;
The polymeric tamper-evident band includes a first portion and a second portion connected through a bending region;
the second portion extends generally upward from the bending region toward the polymeric top wall portion and is located inwardly from the first portion of the polymeric tamper-evident band;
the second portion of the tamper-evident band includes a tab portion and an extension portion;
the extension portion is located farther from the bending region than the tab portion;
the average thickness of the tab portion is greater than the average thickness of the extension portion;
The extension part continuously extends around the entire inner bean of the closure,
the extension portion abuts the outer surface of the A-collar of the container;
package.
According to claim 23,
the extension extends continuously around the entire inner circumference of the closure;
package.
According to claim 23,
The diameter of the extended portion of the tamper-evident band is smaller than the diameter of the A-collar,
package.
According to claim 23,
the extended portion of the tamper-evident band abuts the inner surface of the polymeric wall portion and abuts the outer surface of the A-collar;
package.

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