US20010002661A1 - Tamper-resistant bottle closure - Google Patents
Tamper-resistant bottle closure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010002661A1 US20010002661A1 US09/325,296 US32529699A US2001002661A1 US 20010002661 A1 US20010002661 A1 US 20010002661A1 US 32529699 A US32529699 A US 32529699A US 2001002661 A1 US2001002661 A1 US 2001002661A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- skirt
- closure
- wing
- protuberance
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3442—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container
- B65D41/3447—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3423—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt
- B65D41/3428—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with flexible tabs, or elements rotated from a non-engaging to an engaging position, formed on the tamper element or in the closure skirt the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/20—Frangible elements completely enclosed in closure skirt
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/30—Tamper-ring remaining connected to closure after initial removal
Definitions
- the subject invention is generally directed to a closure for a container. More particularly, the invention relates to a tamper-resistant closure for a container. Specifically, the invention relates to a closure for providing resealable access to the contents of a container while inhibiting tampering therewith and indicating the existence of such tampering or the fact that the closure has been removed from the container.
- these various containers include plastic milk cartons, 12-ounce cans, 16- and 20-ounce plastic bottles, 1- and 2-liter plastic bottles, and other such containers.
- Bottled beverages typically come in either plastic or glass bottles with metal or plastic closures sealing the beverage therein until the time for consumption.
- These containers typically include a narrowing neck with a fluid access opening therein.
- a number of closures have been used to cover this fluid access opening including metal lids requiring a bottle opener to remove, twist off metal lids, snap-on/off plastic caps, screw-on/off plastic caps, and pull up and push down type caps. These caps all serve to provide access to the fluid contained within the container.
- the closure is preferably reusable in that it may be removed from and replaced onto the container thereby allowing only a portion of the fluid contained within the container to be used at a given sitting.
- Objectives of the invention include providing a container closure for providing resealable access to the fluid contents of a container, while inhibiting tampering with the contents of the container.
- Another objective of the invention is to provide a resealable closure which can be removed and replaced on the bottle with ease.
- Another objective of the invention is to make evident the existence of any tampering which may have occurred.
- Another objective of the invention is to provide a closure which, when fully tightened down, seals off the fluid access opening thereby.
- a further objective is to provide a closure which is of simple construction which achieves the stated objectives in a simple, effective, and inexpensive manner, and which solves problems and satisfies needs existing in the art.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the first embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a view of the bottle opening and the first embodiment partially in section
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view as indicated by section line 4 - 4 in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view depicting a first position of the first embodiment during installation of the first embodiment on a bottle;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5 depicting a second position during installation of the first embodiment on a bottle;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view indicating final installation of the first embodiment on a bottle
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing separation of the cap portion from the breakaway skirt
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternative configuration of the first embodiment
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the underside of the second embodiment is shown;
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view as taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view as taken along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment showing the stopping ledge received in the socket during removal of the cap portion
- FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention showing the cap portion removed from the nozzle of the bottle.
- closure 2 is carried by container 4 .
- Container 4 includes a main body 8 , a neck 10 , and a nozzle 14 , all of which may be integrally formed.
- Main body 8 is the reservoir within which the liquid contents are retained.
- Neck 10 is a funnel-shaped member whereby main body 8 contracts into nozzle 14 .
- Nozzle 14 is a hollow cylindrical member having a security flange 12 and a stopping ledge 48 .
- Nozzle 14 connects at a lower end to neck 10 and terminates at an upper end at an annular edge 32 .
- Nozzle 14 is disposed inwardly of closure 2 .
- Nozzle 14 has a plurality of external threads 30 formed thereon.
- Stopping ledge 48 is an annular protrusion extending outwardly from nozzle 14 having a lower edge 58 , an arcuate outer edge 54 , and an upper edge 56 . The transition between upper edge 56 and outer edge 54 is preferably curved to facilitate the installation of closure 2 onto container 4 .
- Stopping ledge 48 is positioned below threads 30 such that threads 30 are interposed between stopping ledge 48 and edge 32 .
- Security flange 12 is an annular protrusion extending outwardly from nozzle 14 below stopping ledge 48 with an outer radial dimension greater than the outer radial dimension of stopping ledge 48 .
- Breakaway skirt 20 includes an outer skirt 46 , a plurality of inner skirts 52 , a security ring 34 , a plurality of securing straps 42 , a terminal flange 62 , and a plurality of security fins 60 .
- Outer skirt 46 is a hollow roughly cylindrical body containing an inner surface 44 and an outer surface 50 . Outer skirt 46 is attached at an upper end to frangible links 18 , and is attached at a lower end to security ring 34 .
- Security fins 60 are planar members projecting radially inward from inner surface 44 and interposed between inner skirts 52 within gaps 64 (see FIG. 4). Security fins 60 attach to inner surface 44 and project radially inward from inner surface 44 substantially, but not entirely, the distance to outer edge 54 of stopping ledge 48 . Security fins 60 extend substantially the length of outer skirt 46 and terminate at a lower end with an attachment to security ring 34 . Security fins 60 terminate at an upper end with an attachment to terminal flange 62 . Terminal flange 62 is a circumferential protuberance extending inwardly from inner surface 44 .
- closure 2 When closure 2 is fully installed on container 4 , internal threads 26 are threaded with external threads 30 and gasket 24 is sandwiched firmly between lid 22 and edge 32 to form a watertight seal. Lower surface 35 lies closely adjacent security flange 12 to inhibit tampering with the contents of container 4 by inserting an object between security ring 34 and nozzle 14 .
- cap 16 The unthreading of cap 16 from nozzle 14 causes cap 16 to be threadably urged in the upward direction away from stopping ledge 48 .
- lower edge 58 of stopping ledge 48 restrains inner protuberance 36 from upward movement, thus retaining breakaway skirt 20 on nozzle 14 .
- the retention of breakaway skirt 20 on stopping ledge 48 during upward movement of cap 16 causes a tensile force between cap 16 and breakaway skirt 20 through frangible links 18 .
- the tensile force in frangible links 18 ultimately causes frangible links 18 to fracture, thus causing breakaway skirt 20 to separate from cap 16 and thus causing breakaway skirt 20 to be retained on stopping ledge 48 after cap 16 has been removed from container 4 .
- closure 2 is in the second position as is shown in FIG. 6. Since the surface of inner protuberance 36 is oblique to outer edge 54 , when bottle closure 2 is in the second position inner skirts 52 are caused to rotate outward about security ring 34 , thereby deflecting outer protuberance 38 against inner surface 44 , and resulting in outward deflection of outer skirt 46 at its mid-section. As is shown in FIG. 6, when closure 2 is in the second position, the configuration of inner protuberance 36 and outer protuberance 38 results in outward deflection of outer skirt 46 without corresponding deflection of frangible links 18 . Thus, the stresses encountered by frangible links 18 upon installation of closure 2 on container 4 are of a nature and magnitude insufficient to cause fracture of frangible links 18 .
- Closure 2 is shown fully installed on container 4 in FIG. 7.
- Inner protuberance 36 is disposed against nozzle 14 and lower edge 58 , and wing 40 extends upwardly past outer edge 54 and rests against upper edge 56 .
- cap 16 When cap 16 is first removed from container 4 , the unthreading of cap portion 16 urges breakaway skirt 20 upwardly therewith. Simultaneously, lower edge 58 of stopping ledge 48 prevents the upward movement of inner protuberance 36 , thereby retaining breakaway skirt 20 on container 4 . Since cap portion 16 is caused to move away from breakaway skirt 20 , frangible links 18 stretch and break (see FIG. 8) resulting in separation of cap portion 16 from breakaway skirt 20 . Frangible links 18 thus constitute tamper indicators by indicating that cap 16 has been removed from nozzle 14 at least once. When cap 16 is removed from nozzle 14 , frangible links 18 will become broken in the process.
- frangible links 18 will remain in a broken condition. As such, a consumer who subsequently removes cap 16 from container 4 with the intent to consume the contents thereof will immediately notice the absence of breakage of frangible links 18 during the removal of cap 16 . The consumer will thus be alerted to the fact that cap 16 previously has been removed on at least one occasion and that the contents of container 4 may have been tampered with.
- Frangible links 18 thus provide evidence to a consumer that cap 16 has been removed from container 4 on at least one occasion. Moreover, security ring 34 , inner skirts 52 , and security fins 60 prevent a person from inserting a foreign object into the underside of closure 2 and removing closure 2 from container 4 without breaking frangible links 18 .
- Closure 2 thus provides a tamper resistant bottle closure that protects the contents of container 4 from tampering and provides visual and tactile evidence to an unsuspecting consumer that such tampering has occurred.
- container 4 further includes a security wall 13 .
- Security wall 13 is an annular member projecting upwardly from security flange 12 and disposed a distance from nozzle 14 sufficient that closure 2 can be installed on container 4 with breakaway skirt 20 being interposed between security wall 13 and nozzle 14 (see FIG. 9).
- Security wall 13 may be formed integrally with security flange 12 .
- a second embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral 102 in FIGS. 10 - 12 .
- Closure 102 is similar to closure 2 , except that closure 102 includes a plurality of inner skirts 152 attached to security ring 134 as well as a plurality of inner skirts 152 A attached to terminal flange 162 .
- inner skirts 152 alternate circumferentially with inner skirts 152 A.
- inner skirts 152 are essentially identical to inner skirts 52 .
- inner skirts 152 A are similar to inner skirts 152 , except are oriented upside-down as compared with inner skirts 152 , are connected to terminal flange 162 instead of security ring 134 , and each include an installation wedge 166 A formed on wing 140 A.
- inner skirts 152 A each include an inner protuberance 136 A facing toward nozzle 14 , and outer protuberance 138 A facing toward inner surface 144 , and a wing 140 A extending downwardly adjacent outer edge 54 and resting against lower edge 58 .
- Installation wedge 166 A formed on the lower surface of wing 140 A includes an angled, substantially planar deflection face 168 A that deflects inner skirt 152 A in the outward direction during insertion of closure 102 onto container 4 .
- Closure 102 provides all of the benefits of closure 2 , with the addition of providing inner skirts 152 A with inner and outer protuberances 136 A and 138 A disposed above stopping ledge 48 .
- a third embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral 202 in FIG. 13.
- Closure 202 is similar to closure 102 , except that instead of employing alternatingly-disposed skirts employs inner skirts 252 extending around stopping ledge 248 and a plurality of inner skirts 252 A extending around a second stopping ledge 248 A formed on nozzle 214 .
- inner skirts 252 and inner skirts 252 A are each circumferentially distributed about breakaway skirt 20 instead of being alternately disposed with one another as with closure 102 .
- Inner skirts 252 each are formed with a wing 240 that extends around stopping ledge 248 .
- Inner skirts 252 A are each disposed above inner skirts 252 and include a wing 240 A that extends around a second stopping ledge 248 A.
- Closure 202 thus provides the benefits of closure 102 , plus additionally provides a second stopping ledge 248 A and a set of inner skirts 252 A to further prevent the insertion of foreign devices into the open end of closure 202 .
- a fourth embodiment of the bottle closure is indicated generally at the numeral 302 in FIG. 14.
- Closure 302 is similar to closure 2 , except that an intermediate link 341 is interposed between wing 340 and inner and outer protuberances 336 and 338 .
- Intermediate link 341 extends upwardly from inner and outer protuberances 336 and 338 and includes a lower leg 343 that is disposed adjacent and is spaced slightly from lower edge 58 of stopping ledge 48 . The space between lower edge 58 and lower leg 343 permits breakaway skirt 320 to rotate with cap 16 when cap 16 is unthreaded from nozzle 14 .
- frangible links 18 may remain unbroken until inner protuberance 336 compresses lower leg 343 against lower edge 58 during removal of cap 16 . Such compression of lower leg 343 between inner protuberance 336 and lower edge 58 securely retains breakaway skirt 320 on nozzle 14 during and after removal of cap 16 .
- a fifth embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral 402 in FIG. 15.
- Closure 402 is similar to closure 2 , except that inner skirt 452 does not include wing 40 , and securing strap 442 extends between outer protuberance 438 and inner surface 444 .
- Securing strap 442 thus has no connection with terminal flange 462 .
- the connection of securing strap 442 between outer protuberance 438 and inner surface 444 prevents inner skirt 452 from being pried away from inner surface 444 by a foreign object inserted therebetween.
- the absence of wing 40 reduces the extent to which inner skirt 452 can be elastically deflected away from inner surface 444 without the fracture of frangible links 18 .
- Closure 402 thus provides a level of security that is different than closure 2 by further preventing a foreign object from being inserted between outer protuberance 438 and inner surface 444 .
- a seventh embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral 602 in FIG. 18.
- Closure 602 is similar to closure 502 , except that closure 602 additionally includes a connection strap 619 between cap 16 and breakaway skirt 620 .
- Connection strap 619 ensures that cap 16 remains hingedly attached to breakaway skirt 620 despite the breakage of frangible links 18 .
- Closure 602 thus provides all the benefits of closure 502 , plus additionally ensures that cap 16 is not lost or misplaced by the user and thus can be rethreaded onto nozzle 14 .
- the improved bottle closure apparatus is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A tamper-resistant bottle closure includes a cap and a breakaway skirt connected by a plurality of frangible links and inhibits tampering with the fluid contents of the bottle. A stopping ledge extending outward from the bottle neck retains the breakaway skirt, thus breaking the frangible links when the cap is removed. The breakaway skirt includes a number of inner skirts, a security ring which wraps around the bottle, a number of securing straps, and a plurality of security fins which further inhibit tampering with the closure. A second embodiment includes a plurality of inner skirts that alternately attach distal to and proximate from the frangible links. A third embodiment includes a first set of inner skirts extending around to a first stopping ledge and a second set of inner skirts extending around a second stopping ledge. A fourth embodiment includes an intermediate link interposed between the wing and the inner protuberance of the inner skirts. A fifth embodiment includes inner skirts which do not include wings extending around the stopping ledge. A sixth embodiment includes inner skirts having a blocking protrusion and a clamping protrusion. A seventh embodiment includes a connection strap extending between the cap and the breakaway skirt.
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- The subject invention is generally directed to a closure for a container. More particularly, the invention relates to a tamper-resistant closure for a container. Specifically, the invention relates to a closure for providing resealable access to the contents of a container while inhibiting tampering therewith and indicating the existence of such tampering or the fact that the closure has been removed from the container.
- 2. Background of the Invention
- Various containers for storing and transporting fluid such as water have been known and used for thousands of years. Prior to modern times, water containers were a necessity since homes and businesses did not have running water, and containers were, therefore, needed to transport water from the local well to each house or business.
- Many closures for containers have been developed including lids, corks, snap-on caps, and screw caps. Since man's discovery that fluids could be stored within containers for later use, new and better means for closing, sealing, or otherwise controlling fluid flow into and out of the container have been sought.
- More recently, i.e., over approximately the past 100 years, a phenomenal growth in the distribution of bottled beverages has occurred. The storage of beverages such as milk, juice, water, carbonated beverages, iced tea, and alcoholic beverages in containers such as cartons, bottles, flasks, or jugs made from paper, plastic, or glass has flourished.
- Specifically, these various containers include plastic milk cartons, 12-ounce cans, 16- and 20-ounce plastic bottles, 1- and 2-liter plastic bottles, and other such containers.
- Bottled beverages typically come in either plastic or glass bottles with metal or plastic closures sealing the beverage therein until the time for consumption. These containers typically include a narrowing neck with a fluid access opening therein. A number of closures have been used to cover this fluid access opening including metal lids requiring a bottle opener to remove, twist off metal lids, snap-on/off plastic caps, screw-on/off plastic caps, and pull up and push down type caps. These caps all serve to provide access to the fluid contained within the container. The closure is preferably reusable in that it may be removed from and replaced onto the container thereby allowing only a portion of the fluid contained within the container to be used at a given sitting.
- The need for closure of these containers is historically based upon a number of concerns including spillage, spoilage, evaporation, and contamination of the fluid contained within the container. More recent designs continue to take into account these historical needs as well as today's desired qualities such as ease and speed of use, and retention of carbonation.
- While the resealable aspect possessed by many of these closures is highly desirable, the benefit obtained thereby must be weighed against the risk that an interloper might remove the closure, tamper with the contents of the container, and reseal the container using the resealable closure with the intent that an unwary or unsuspecting consumer may thereafter reopen the container and consume the contaminated contents contained therein. The need exists for a resealable bottle closure which inhibits tampering, yet remains simple to remove and install.
- Objectives of the invention include providing a container closure for providing resealable access to the fluid contents of a container, while inhibiting tampering with the contents of the container.
- Another objective of the invention is to provide a resealable closure which can be removed and replaced on the bottle with ease.
- Another objective of the invention is to make evident the existence of any tampering which may have occurred.
- Another objective of the invention is to provide a closure which, when fully tightened down, seals off the fluid access opening thereby.
- A further objective is to provide a closure which is of simple construction which achieves the stated objectives in a simple, effective, and inexpensive manner, and which solves problems and satisfies needs existing in the art.
- These and other objectives and advantages of the invention are obtained by the improved closure, the general nature of which may be stated as a threaded cap connected through a frangible link to a breakaway skirt.
- The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles of the invention, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 3 is a view of the bottle opening and the first embodiment partially in section;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view as indicated by section line4-4 in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view depicting a first position of the first embodiment during installation of the first embodiment on a bottle;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5 depicting a second position during installation of the first embodiment on a bottle;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view indicating final installation of the first embodiment on a bottle;
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing separation of the cap portion from the breakaway skirt;
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternative configuration of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the underside of the second embodiment is shown;
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view as taken along line11-11 of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view as taken along line12-12 of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
- FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment showing the stopping ledge received in the socket during removal of the cap portion;
- FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention showing the cap portion removed from the nozzle of the bottle.
- Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
- The improved tamper-resistant bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the
numeral 2 in the accompanying drawings. The intended use ofclosure 2 is as a closure for acontainer 4 as depicted in FIG. 1. Closure 2 is also capable of indicating whether or notclosure 2 has been removed fromcontainer 4 after its initial installation. - In the preferred embodiments,
closure 2 is carried bycontainer 4.Container 4 includes a main body 8, aneck 10, and anozzle 14, all of which may be integrally formed. Main body 8 is the reservoir within which the liquid contents are retained. Neck 10 is a funnel-shaped member whereby main body 8 contracts intonozzle 14. Nozzle 14 is a hollow cylindrical member having asecurity flange 12 and a stoppingledge 48. Nozzle 14 connects at a lower end toneck 10 and terminates at an upper end at anannular edge 32. Nozzle 14 is disposed inwardly ofclosure 2. -
Nozzle 14 has a plurality ofexternal threads 30 formed thereon. Stoppingledge 48 is an annular protrusion extending outwardly fromnozzle 14 having alower edge 58, an arcuateouter edge 54, and anupper edge 56. The transition betweenupper edge 56 andouter edge 54 is preferably curved to facilitate the installation ofclosure 2 ontocontainer 4. Stoppingledge 48 is positioned belowthreads 30 such thatthreads 30 are interposed between stoppingledge 48 andedge 32.Security flange 12 is an annular protrusion extending outwardly fromnozzle 14 below stoppingledge 48 with an outer radial dimension greater than the outer radial dimension of stoppingledge 48. -
Closure 2 includes acap 16, a plurality offrangible links 18, and abreakaway skirt 20.Frangible links 18 are interposed betweencap 16 andbreakaway skirt 20.Cap 16 includes asidewall 28 of a substantially cylindrical section which is abutted at a first end by acircular lid 22 of approximately the same thickness assidewall 28, withlid 22 being circumferentially attached tosidewall 28.Cap 16 further includes agasket 24 which lies adjacent a face oflid 22 which abutssidewall 28.Gasket 24 is a thin, flat, circular body of an outer diameter at least that of the outer diameter ofedge 32.Gasket 24 is typically manufactured of a tough, resilient, waterproof material such as polyethylene, although other materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.Sidewall 28 is formed with a plurality ofinternal threads 26 which cooperate threadably withexternal threads 30. - Frangible links18 provide a breakable connection between
cap 16 andbreakaway skirt 20. In the preferred embodiments,frangible links 18 are integrally formed withcap 16 andbreakaway skirt 20.Frangible links 18 are thin-walled members which break upon the application of nominal tensile or shear stresses, such as the stresses caused by the removal ofcap 16 or the deflection ofbreakaway skirt 20. In the preferred embodiments,frangible links 18 are circumferentially spaced and distributed aboutclosure 2. -
Breakaway skirt 20 includes anouter skirt 46, a plurality ofinner skirts 52, asecurity ring 34, a plurality of securingstraps 42, aterminal flange 62, and a plurality ofsecurity fins 60.Outer skirt 46 is a hollow roughly cylindrical body containing aninner surface 44 and anouter surface 50.Outer skirt 46 is attached at an upper end tofrangible links 18, and is attached at a lower end tosecurity ring 34. - As can be seen in FIGS.5-8,
security ring 34 is a roughly toroid-shaped body having a circumferential attachment toouter skirt 46 and having a convexlower surface 35. As can be seen in the accompanying drawings,security ring 34 projects inwardly towardnozzle 14 to inhibit tampering with the contents ofcontainer 4. -
Security ring 34 is additionally attached to a plurality ofinner skirts 52 that are interposed betweenouter skirt 46 andnozzle 14. Eachinner skirt 52 contains aninner protuberance 36, anouter protuberance 38, and awing 40.Inner skirts 52 are circumferentially distributed aboutbreakaway skirt 20 and are circumferentially spaced withgaps 64 therebetween.Inner protuberance 36 projects inward towardnozzle 14.Outer protuberance 38 extends outward towardouter skirt 46.Inner protuberance 36 andouter protuberance 38 are of such dimension that whenclosure 2 is installed oncontainer 4,inner protuberance 36 rests closelyadjacent nozzle 14 andouter protuberance 38 rests closely adjacentinner surface 44.Inner protuberance 36 andouter protuberance 38 may additionally be of sufficient size to generate an interference fit betweennozzle 14 andouter skirt 46 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. - When
closure 2 is installed oncontainer 4,inner protuberance 36 rests closely adjacent bothcontainer 4 and lower edge 58 (see FIGS. 7-8).Wing 40 is attached toinner skirt 52 at a location distal from the connection ofinner skirt 52 withsecurity ring 34.Wing 40 projects upwardly frominner skirt 52 and thereafter inwardly such thatwing 40 wraps around and lies closely adjacentouter edge 54 andupper edge 56 of stoppingledge 48. Securing straps 42 attach betweenwings 40 andouter skirt 46 with securingstraps 42 being attached toouter skirt 46 at a location proximatefrangible links 18. -
Security fins 60 are planar members projecting radially inward frominner surface 44 and interposed betweeninner skirts 52 within gaps 64 (see FIG. 4).Security fins 60 attach toinner surface 44 and project radially inward frominner surface 44 substantially, but not entirely, the distance toouter edge 54 of stoppingledge 48.Security fins 60 extend substantially the length ofouter skirt 46 and terminate at a lower end with an attachment tosecurity ring 34.Security fins 60 terminate at an upper end with an attachment toterminal flange 62.Terminal flange 62 is a circumferential protuberance extending inwardly frominner surface 44. - When
closure 2 is fully installed oncontainer 4,internal threads 26 are threaded withexternal threads 30 andgasket 24 is sandwiched firmly betweenlid 22 andedge 32 to form a watertight seal.Lower surface 35 lies closelyadjacent security flange 12 to inhibit tampering with the contents ofcontainer 4 by inserting an object betweensecurity ring 34 andnozzle 14. - The unthreading of
cap 16 fromnozzle 14 causes cap 16 to be threadably urged in the upward direction away from stoppingledge 48. In accordance with the objectives of the present invention, however,lower edge 58 of stoppingledge 48 restrainsinner protuberance 36 from upward movement, thus retainingbreakaway skirt 20 onnozzle 14. Further in accordance with the features of the present invention, the retention ofbreakaway skirt 20 on stoppingledge 48 during upward movement ofcap 16 causes a tensile force betweencap 16 andbreakaway skirt 20 throughfrangible links 18. The tensile force infrangible links 18 ultimately causesfrangible links 18 to fracture, thus causingbreakaway skirt 20 to separate fromcap 16 and thus causingbreakaway skirt 20 to be retained on stoppingledge 48 aftercap 16 has been removed fromcontainer 4. - In accordance with the objectives of the present invention, securing
straps 42 attached betweenwings 40 andouter skirt 46, thereby preventing the rotation inward ofinner skirts 52 about their attachment withsecurity ring 34. In this manner, securingstraps 42 prevent the removal ofclosure 2 without the fracture offrangible links 18, inasmuch as fracturedfrangible links 18 are visible to one observingclosure 2, thereby inhibiting tampering with the contents ofcontainer 4. - Also in accordance with the objectives of the present invention, inner and
outer protuberances nozzle 14 andinner surface 44 withinner skirts 52 interposed therebetween. As such, inner andouter protuberances inner skirts 52 inhibit tampering with the contents ofcontainer 4 by inhibiting the insertion of an object pastinner skirts 52. Additionally,wing 40 extends upward past and in close proximity withouter edge 54 and wraps around and in close proximity withupper edge 56. Thus, in accordance with the objectives of the present invention, the arrangement ofwing 40 in relation to stoppingledge 48 further inhibits tampering with the contents ofcontainer 4 by inhibiting the insertion of an object around and past stoppingledge 48. - The transition between
nozzle 14 andsecurity ring 12 may be curved to be complemental with the curvature oflower surface 35 to inhibit tampering with the contents ofcontainer 4. Additionally,security fins 60 inhibit the tampering of the contents ofcontainer 4 by inhibiting the insertion of an object betweeninner skirts 52 andinner surface 44 and by inhibiting the inward deflection ofouter skirt 46. -
Closure 2 is installed ontocontainer 4 by placing it ontonozzle 14 as is shown in FIGS. 5-7.Closure 2 is shown in a first position in FIG. 5 whereinsecurity ring 34 is passing over stoppingledge 48. In such configuration,security ring 34 is caused to stretch elastically in order to pass over stoppingledge 48.Security ring 34 is preferably of a cross-section sufficient to prevent plastic deformation or ruptureos security ring 34 as it passes over stoppingledge 48. - Once
security ring 34 has passed over stoppingledge 48, andinner protuberance 36 rests againstouter edge 54,closure 2 is in the second position as is shown in FIG. 6. Since the surface ofinner protuberance 36 is oblique toouter edge 54, whenbottle closure 2 is in the second positioninner skirts 52 are caused to rotate outward aboutsecurity ring 34, thereby deflectingouter protuberance 38 againstinner surface 44, and resulting in outward deflection ofouter skirt 46 at its mid-section. As is shown in FIG. 6, whenclosure 2 is in the second position, the configuration ofinner protuberance 36 andouter protuberance 38 results in outward deflection ofouter skirt 46 without corresponding deflection offrangible links 18. Thus, the stresses encountered byfrangible links 18 upon installation ofclosure 2 oncontainer 4 are of a nature and magnitude insufficient to cause fracture offrangible links 18. -
Closure 2 is shown fully installed oncontainer 4 in FIG. 7.Inner protuberance 36 is disposed againstnozzle 14 andlower edge 58, andwing 40 extends upwardly pastouter edge 54 and rests againstupper edge 56. - When
cap 16 is first removed fromcontainer 4, the unthreading ofcap portion 16 urgesbreakaway skirt 20 upwardly therewith. Simultaneously,lower edge 58 of stoppingledge 48 prevents the upward movement ofinner protuberance 36, thereby retainingbreakaway skirt 20 oncontainer 4. Sincecap portion 16 is caused to move away frombreakaway skirt 20,frangible links 18 stretch and break (see FIG. 8) resulting in separation ofcap portion 16 frombreakaway skirt 20.Frangible links 18 thus constitute tamper indicators by indicating thatcap 16 has been removed fromnozzle 14 at least once. Whencap 16 is removed fromnozzle 14,frangible links 18 will become broken in the process. Ifcap 16 is then returned ontonozzle 14,frangible links 18 will remain in a broken condition. As such, a consumer who subsequently removescap 16 fromcontainer 4 with the intent to consume the contents thereof will immediately notice the absence of breakage offrangible links 18 during the removal ofcap 16. The consumer will thus be alerted to the fact thatcap 16 previously has been removed on at least one occasion and that the contents ofcontainer 4 may have been tampered with. - Frangible links18 thus provide evidence to a consumer that cap 16 has been removed from
container 4 on at least one occasion. Moreover,security ring 34,inner skirts 52, andsecurity fins 60 prevent a person from inserting a foreign object into the underside ofclosure 2 and removingclosure 2 fromcontainer 4 without breakingfrangible links 18.Closure 2 thus provides a tamper resistant bottle closure that protects the contents ofcontainer 4 from tampering and provides visual and tactile evidence to an unsuspecting consumer that such tampering has occurred. - An alternative configuration of the present invention exists wherein
container 4 further includes asecurity wall 13.Security wall 13 is an annular member projecting upwardly fromsecurity flange 12 and disposed a distance fromnozzle 14 sufficient thatclosure 2 can be installed oncontainer 4 withbreakaway skirt 20 being interposed betweensecurity wall 13 and nozzle 14 (see FIG. 9).Security wall 13 may be formed integrally withsecurity flange 12. - A second embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral102 in FIGS. 10-12.
Closure 102 is similar toclosure 2, except thatclosure 102 includes a plurality ofinner skirts 152 attached tosecurity ring 134 as well as a plurality ofinner skirts 152A attached toterminal flange 162. As can be seen in FIG. 10,inner skirts 152 alternate circumferentially withinner skirts 152A. As can be seen in FIG. 11,inner skirts 152 are essentially identical toinner skirts 52. As can be seen in FIG. 12,inner skirts 152A are similar toinner skirts 152, except are oriented upside-down as compared withinner skirts 152, are connected toterminal flange 162 instead ofsecurity ring 134, and each include an installation wedge 166A formed onwing 140A. - More specifically,
inner skirts 152A each include aninner protuberance 136A facing towardnozzle 14, andouter protuberance 138A facing towardinner surface 144, and awing 140A extending downwardly adjacentouter edge 54 and resting againstlower edge 58. Installation wedge 166A formed on the lower surface ofwing 140A includes an angled, substantially planar deflection face 168A that deflectsinner skirt 152A in the outward direction during insertion ofclosure 102 ontocontainer 4.Closure 102 provides all of the benefits ofclosure 2, with the addition of providinginner skirts 152A with inner andouter protuberances ledge 48. - A third embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral202 in FIG. 13.
Closure 202 is similar toclosure 102, except that instead of employing alternatingly-disposed skirts employsinner skirts 252 extending around stoppingledge 248 and a plurality ofinner skirts 252A extending around a second stoppingledge 248A formed onnozzle 214. As can be seen in FIG. 13,inner skirts 252 andinner skirts 252A are each circumferentially distributed aboutbreakaway skirt 20 instead of being alternately disposed with one another as withclosure 102.Inner skirts 252 each are formed with awing 240 that extends around stoppingledge 248.Inner skirts 252A are each disposed aboveinner skirts 252 and include awing 240A that extends around a second stoppingledge 248A.Closure 202 thus provides the benefits ofclosure 102, plus additionally provides a second stoppingledge 248A and a set ofinner skirts 252A to further prevent the insertion of foreign devices into the open end ofclosure 202. - A fourth embodiment of the bottle closure is indicated generally at the numeral302 in FIG. 14.
Closure 302 is similar toclosure 2, except that anintermediate link 341 is interposed betweenwing 340 and inner andouter protuberances Intermediate link 341 extends upwardly from inner andouter protuberances lower leg 343 that is disposed adjacent and is spaced slightly fromlower edge 58 of stoppingledge 48. The space betweenlower edge 58 andlower leg 343permits breakaway skirt 320 to rotate withcap 16 whencap 16 is unthreaded fromnozzle 14. Additionally, the space betweenlower edge 58 andlower leg 343 prevents inadvertent breakage offrangible links 18 inasmuch as stoppingledge 48 is not tightly compressed betweenwing 340 andlower leg 343. Depending upon the configuration offrangible links 18 and the amount of tensile force that is required to breakfrangible links 18,frangible links 18 may remain unbroken untilinner protuberance 336 compresseslower leg 343 againstlower edge 58 during removal ofcap 16. Such compression oflower leg 343 betweeninner protuberance 336 andlower edge 58 securely retainsbreakaway skirt 320 onnozzle 14 during and after removal ofcap 16. - A fifth embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral402 in FIG. 15.
Closure 402 is similar toclosure 2, except thatinner skirt 452 does not includewing 40, and securingstrap 442 extends betweenouter protuberance 438 andinner surface 444. Securingstrap 442 thus has no connection withterminal flange 462. The connection of securingstrap 442 betweenouter protuberance 438 andinner surface 444 preventsinner skirt 452 from being pried away frominner surface 444 by a foreign object inserted therebetween. The absence ofwing 40 reduces the extent to whichinner skirt 452 can be elastically deflected away frominner surface 444 without the fracture offrangible links 18.Closure 402 thus provides a level of security that is different thanclosure 2 by further preventing a foreign object from being inserted betweenouter protuberance 438 andinner surface 444. - A sixth embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral502 in FIGS. 16 and 17.
Closure 502 is similar toclosure 2, except thatinner skirt 552 is of a different configuration thaninner skirt 52, andnozzle 514 includes a recession that is absent fromnozzle 14. More specifically,inner skirt 552 is attached toouter skirt 546 with ahinge 567.Inner skirt 552 includes anelongated arm 569 extending fromhinge 567 that terminates at a blockingprotrusion 570 and includes a clampingprotrusion 571 interposed between blockingprotrusion 570 and hinge 567. Achannel 572 is defined by between blockingprotrusion 570 and clampingprotrusion 571 and includes the portion ofarm 569 therebetween. - As can be seen in FIG. 16, when
closure 502 is installed ontonozzle 514, blockingprotrusion 570 rests against bothnozzle 514 andlower edge 558 of stoppingledge 548. Whenclosure 502 is unthreaded fromnozzle 514,breakaway skirt 520 rises therewith, causingouter skirt 546 to rotate abouthinge 567 until stoppingledge 548 is received inchannel 572. With stoppingledge 548 received inchannel 572,breakaway skirt 520 is securely retained onnozzle 14, thus causingfrangible links 18 to fracture whencap 16 is removed fromnozzle 514. As stoppingledge 548 is received inchannel 572,inner skirt 552 has rotated sufficiently abouthinge 567 that blockingprotrusion 570 rotates and is received in arecession 573 formed on the outer surface ofnozzle 514 adjacent and belowlower edge 558 of stoppingledge 548.Closure 502 is still selectively rotatable onnozzle 514 when blockingprotrusion 570 is received inrecession 573. Additionally, the upward movement ofbreakaway skirt 520 ultimately causessecurity ring 534 to compress blockingprotrusion 570 againstlower edge 558, thus ensuring thatbreakaway skirt 520 is retained onnozzle 514 and facilitating the simultaneous breakage offrangible links 18. The engagement of stoppingledge 548 inchannel 572 and/or the engagement of blockingprotrusion 570 inrecession 573 may additionally constitute an audible or tactile indicator to indicate thatcap 16 is ready to be removed fromnozzle 514. - A seventh embodiment of the bottle closure of the present invention is indicated generally at the numeral602 in FIG. 18.
Closure 602 is similar toclosure 502, except thatclosure 602 additionally includes aconnection strap 619 betweencap 16 andbreakaway skirt 620.Connection strap 619 ensures thatcap 16 remains hingedly attached tobreakaway skirt 620 despite the breakage offrangible links 18.Closure 602 thus provides all the benefits ofclosure 502, plus additionally ensures thatcap 16 is not lost or misplaced by the user and thus can be rethreaded ontonozzle 14. - Accordingly, the improved bottle closure apparatus is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.
- In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
- Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of the invention, the manner in which the tamper-resistant bottle closure is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1. A tamper-resistant bottle closure adapted to be carried on a container having a stopping ledge, said closure comprising:
a cap;
a breakaway skirt having an outer skirt and at least a first inner skirt inwardly disposed to said outer skirt; and
a plurality of frangible links extending between said cap and said outer skirt.
2. The closure of , further comprising a wing disposed on said at least first inner skirt, said wing adapted to lie adjacent the stopping ledge such that said wing at least partially surrounds the stopping ledge.
claim 1
3. The closure of , in which said at least first inner skirt is attached to said outer skirt at a location distal said frangible links.
claim 2
4. The closure of , further comprising a second inner skirt inwardly disposed to said outer skirt, said second inner skirt having a second wing disposed on said thereon, said second wing adapted to lie adjacent the stopping ledge such that said second wing at least partially surrounds the stopping ledge, said second inner skirt being attached to said outer skirt at a location proximate said frangible links.
claim 3
5. The closure of , further comprising a securing strap extending between said wing and said outer skirt.
claim 2
6. The closure of , further comprising an intermediate link having a lower leg, said intermediate link disposed adjacent said wing, said lower leg adapted to be disposed adjacent and spaced from the stopping ledge.
claim 5
7. The closure of , further comprising an inner protuberance and an outer protuberance formed on said at least first inner skirt, said inner protuberance adapted to be disposed adjacent the container.
claim 1
8. The closure of , further comprising a security ring, said security ring being attached to said outer skirt and adapted to be disposed adjacent the container.
claim 1
9. The closure of in which said security ring includes a curved lower surface.
claim 8
10. The closure of , further comprising at least a first securing strap extending between said at least first inner skirt and said outer skirt.
claim 1
11. The closure of , further comprising at least a first security fin connected to said outer skirt.
claim 1
12. The closure of , further comprising a blocking protrusion and a clamping protrusion disposed on said at least first inner skirt.
claim 1
13. The closure of , further comprising a connection strap extending between said cap and said breakaway skirt.
claim 12
14. A tamper-resistant bottle closure adapted to be carried on a container having a lower stopping ledge and an upper stopping ledge, said closure comprising:
a cap;
a breakaway skirt having an outer skirt, at least a first lower inner skirt inwardly disposed to said outer skirt, and at least a first upper inner skirt inwardly disposed to said outer skirt;
each said at least first lower inner skirt having a lower wing, said lower wing adapted to extend about the lower stopping ledge;
each said at least first upper inner skirt having an upper wing, said upper wing adapted to extend about the upper stopping ledge;
a plurality of frangible links extending between said cap and said outer skirt.
15. The closure of , further comprising a securing strap extending between each said lower wing and said outer skirt.
claim 14
16. The closure of , further comprising an inner protuberance and an outer protuberance formed on each said at least first lower inner skirt and an inner protuberance and an outer protuberance formed on each said at least first upper inner skirt, said inner protuberance of each said at least first lower and upper inner skirts adapted to be disposed adjacent the container.
claim 14
17. In combination, a container and a closure; comprising:
said container having a nozzle and at least a first stopping ledge formed on said nozzle;
said closure including a cap and a breakaway skirt;
said breakaway skirt having an outer skirt and at least a first inner skirt attached and inwardly disposed to said outer skirt; and
a plurality of frangible links extending between said cap and said breakaway skirt.
18. The combination of , further comprising a wing disposed on said at least first inner skirt, said wing being complementally shaped and lying adjacent said at least first stopping ledge such that said wing at least partially surrounds said at least first stopping ledge.
claim 17
19. The combination of , further comprising an inner protuberance and an outer protuberance formed on each said at least first inner skirt, said inner protuberance projecting inwardly, said outer protuberance projecting outwardly, said inner and outer protuberances being of such dimension that said inner protuberance physically contacts the container and said outer protuberance physically contacts said outer skirt.
claim 18
20. The combination of , further comprising a security wall and a security flange, said security flange extending outwardly from said nozzle, said security wall extending peripherally and substantially perpendicularly from said security flange, said breakaway skirt at least partially interposed between said security wall and said nozzle.
claim 18
21. The combination of , wherein said nozzle is formed with a recession, and further comprising a blocking protrusion formed on said at least first inner skirt, said blocking protrusion being received in said recession when said closure is removed from said container.
claim 17
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/325,296 US7059485B1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 1999-06-03 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
US10/881,053 US20040232100A1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 2004-06-30 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/325,296 US7059485B1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 1999-06-03 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/881,053 Continuation US20040232100A1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 2004-06-30 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010002661A1 true US20010002661A1 (en) | 2001-06-07 |
US7059485B1 US7059485B1 (en) | 2006-06-13 |
Family
ID=23267287
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/325,296 Expired - Fee Related US7059485B1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 1999-06-03 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
US10/881,053 Abandoned US20040232100A1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 2004-06-30 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/881,053 Abandoned US20040232100A1 (en) | 1999-06-03 | 2004-06-30 | Tamper-resistant bottle closure |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7059485B1 (en) |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003016161A1 (en) * | 2001-08-13 | 2003-02-27 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | A closure cap |
US20030127418A1 (en) * | 2002-01-10 | 2003-07-10 | Lothar Schweigert | Tamper evident closure |
US20040045925A1 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2004-03-11 | Seidita Thomas M. | Tamper evident closure with locking band |
US6739466B1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2004-05-25 | Rexam Medical Packaging Inc. | Folding finger tamper-indicating band arrester |
WO2005014414A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-17 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa'cooperativa | Cap means |
US20050072751A1 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2005-04-07 | Price Michael L. | Tamper evident closure with locking band and container therefor |
US20050167389A1 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-08-04 | Price Michael L. | Closure with improved resistance to deformation during opening |
US20060151423A1 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2006-07-13 | Seidita Thomas M | Closure having tapered sealing plug |
US20060163192A1 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2006-07-27 | Price Michael L | Linerless plastic closure |
US7222741B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-05-29 | J.C. Products, Inc. | Tamper evident cap |
US20080164235A1 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2008-07-10 | Phoenix Closures, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure and container combination |
US7413097B1 (en) * | 2003-08-01 | 2008-08-19 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure and method of making same |
US20080272084A1 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2008-11-06 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Design and manufacture of removable membrane sealing components for consumer packaging |
JP2008539135A (en) * | 2005-04-27 | 2008-11-13 | サクミ コオペラティヴァ メッカニチ イモラ ソシエタ コオペラティヴァ | Caps, containers, and methods |
US7513377B1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2009-04-07 | Rexam Closures And Containers Inc. | Folding finger tamper-indicating band arrester |
JP2013542894A (en) * | 2010-10-15 | 2013-11-28 | クロージヤー・システムズ・インターナシヨナル・インコーポレーテツド | Improved tamper-evident closures and packaging |
CN106255649A (en) * | 2014-04-24 | 2016-12-21 | 奥布里斯特封闭瑞士有限公司 | About or improvement to tamper-evident sealing |
US10358273B2 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2019-07-23 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Head stand closure with a tamper-evident seal |
IT201900007809A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-01 | Sacmi | Cap for a container, and a combination of a cap and a container neck. |
US10899505B2 (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2021-01-26 | Silgan White Cap LLC | Band-receiving closure with recess |
US20220097935A1 (en) * | 2020-09-28 | 2022-03-31 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Package and closure with tamper-evident band |
US11345527B2 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2022-05-31 | Bormioli Pharma S.p.A. | Safety capsule with strip for preventing extraction |
US20220396399A1 (en) * | 2019-11-15 | 2022-12-15 | Novembal Usa Inc. | Stopper having a tamper-evident band |
US20230234754A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2023-07-27 | Niagara Bottling, Llc | Threaded tamper evidence finish and closure for container |
USD996968S1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2023-08-29 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Closure |
USD996967S1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2023-08-29 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Closure |
GR1010549B (en) * | 2023-02-03 | 2023-09-25 | Σωτηριος Δημητριου Κουρτης | Non- removable type cap for bottles |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7527161B2 (en) * | 2004-12-01 | 2009-05-05 | Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. | Cap closure |
US7575123B2 (en) | 2005-01-19 | 2009-08-18 | Rieke Corporation | Tamper-evident locking band for a container closure |
US20070158295A1 (en) * | 2006-01-06 | 2007-07-12 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Tamper-evidencing container and closure structures |
GB0709261D0 (en) | 2007-05-14 | 2007-06-20 | Greif Int Holding Bv | Tamper-evident caps |
US11492179B2 (en) * | 2015-10-22 | 2022-11-08 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Tamper-evident closures |
IT201600080146A1 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-01-29 | Guala Pack Spa | CLOSURE WITH A GUARANTEE SEAL |
USD963811S1 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2022-09-13 | Rieke Llc | Tamper evident overcap for drum closures |
US11059633B2 (en) | 2019-10-31 | 2021-07-13 | Cheer Pack North America | Flip-top closure for container |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5004112A (en) * | 1990-04-10 | 1991-04-02 | H-C Industries, Inc. | Tamper-indicating plastic closure |
Family Cites Families (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2499519A1 (en) * | 1981-02-11 | 1982-08-13 | Grussen Jean | SCREW CAPSULE WITH INVIOLABILITY RING |
US4402418A (en) * | 1981-11-27 | 1983-09-06 | Ethyl Products Company | Tamperproof closure |
US4749095A (en) * | 1987-05-28 | 1988-06-07 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Tamper-indicating closure and package |
US4801030A (en) * | 1987-05-28 | 1989-01-31 | Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. | Tamper-indicating closure and package |
USRE32879E (en) * | 1988-02-24 | 1989-02-28 | Sunbeam Plastics Corporation | Tamper indicating screw cap |
FR2655620B1 (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1992-01-17 | Astra Plastique | SCREW CAPPING CAP, WITH A BAND OF INVIOLABILITY. |
FR2683509B1 (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1994-01-28 | Astra Plastique | SCREW CAP, IN SYNTHETIC MATERIAL, EQUIPPED WITH A RING OF INVIOLABILITY. |
DE4201997C1 (en) * | 1992-01-25 | 1992-12-10 | Stella Kunststofftechnik Gmbh, 6228 Eltville, De | |
US5215204A (en) * | 1992-03-09 | 1993-06-01 | Creative Packaging Corp. | Tamper evident closure with hinged band |
US5450973A (en) * | 1994-09-22 | 1995-09-19 | Eagle Engraving And Mold Corp. | Tamper-evident closure apparatus |
US5501349A (en) * | 1994-10-27 | 1996-03-26 | H-C Industries, Inc. | Tamper-indicating plastic closure with selectively strengthened pilfer band |
US5465858A (en) * | 1995-02-10 | 1995-11-14 | Comar, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure |
US5725115A (en) * | 1995-02-21 | 1998-03-10 | Crown Cork Ag | Closure cap with tether |
GEP20012365B (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 2001-02-25 | Bruno Zumbuhl | Threaded Closure for Hermetic Sealing of Containers with Threaded Neck |
US5609262A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1997-03-11 | Rieke Corporation | Tamper evident, child-resistant closure |
CN1070446C (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 2001-09-05 | 株式会社柴崎制作所 | Closure device and container thereof |
US6276543B1 (en) * | 1999-05-19 | 2001-08-21 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Vented composite closure |
-
1999
- 1999-06-03 US US09/325,296 patent/US7059485B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-06-30 US US10/881,053 patent/US20040232100A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5004112A (en) * | 1990-04-10 | 1991-04-02 | H-C Industries, Inc. | Tamper-indicating plastic closure |
Cited By (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7445130B2 (en) | 2001-08-13 | 2008-11-04 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Closure cap |
US20050000931A1 (en) * | 2001-08-13 | 2005-01-06 | Udo Bosl | Closure cap |
AU2002333387B2 (en) * | 2001-08-13 | 2008-09-04 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | A closure cap |
WO2003016161A1 (en) * | 2001-08-13 | 2003-02-27 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | A closure cap |
US20030127418A1 (en) * | 2002-01-10 | 2003-07-10 | Lothar Schweigert | Tamper evident closure |
US6726042B2 (en) * | 2002-01-10 | 2004-04-27 | Delta Plastics, Inc. | Tamper evident closure |
US7637384B2 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2009-12-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Tamper evident closure with locking band and container therefor |
US20050072751A1 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2005-04-07 | Price Michael L. | Tamper evident closure with locking band and container therefor |
US20040045925A1 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2004-03-11 | Seidita Thomas M. | Tamper evident closure with locking band |
US20040155006A1 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2004-08-12 | Seidita Thomas M. | Tamper evident closure with locking band |
US20040168999A1 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2004-09-02 | Seidita Thomas M. | Tamper evident closure with locking band and container therefor |
US7451898B2 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2008-11-18 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Tamper evident closure with locking band |
US7513377B1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2009-04-07 | Rexam Closures And Containers Inc. | Folding finger tamper-indicating band arrester |
US6739466B1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2004-05-25 | Rexam Medical Packaging Inc. | Folding finger tamper-indicating band arrester |
US7222741B2 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2007-05-29 | J.C. Products, Inc. | Tamper evident cap |
US20080272084A1 (en) * | 2003-05-27 | 2008-11-06 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Design and manufacture of removable membrane sealing components for consumer packaging |
US7413097B1 (en) * | 2003-08-01 | 2008-08-19 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure and method of making same |
US7878351B2 (en) | 2003-08-07 | 2011-02-01 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa Cooperativa | Cap arrangements |
EP1775230A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2007-04-18 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Cap means |
EP1757529A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2007-02-28 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Cap means |
US20060283828A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2006-12-21 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa Cooperat | Cap means |
WO2005014414A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-17 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa'cooperativa | Cap means |
AU2003292243B2 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2010-10-28 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Cap means |
US20050167389A1 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-08-04 | Price Michael L. | Closure with improved resistance to deformation during opening |
US20060151423A1 (en) * | 2004-03-11 | 2006-07-13 | Seidita Thomas M | Closure having tapered sealing plug |
US20060163192A1 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2006-07-27 | Price Michael L | Linerless plastic closure |
JP2008539135A (en) * | 2005-04-27 | 2008-11-13 | サクミ コオペラティヴァ メッカニチ イモラ ソシエタ コオペラティヴァ | Caps, containers, and methods |
US8424697B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2013-04-23 | Sacmi Cooper MacCanici Imola Societa'Cooperativa | Caps, containers and methods |
US20090314776A1 (en) * | 2005-04-27 | 2009-12-24 | Sacmi Cooperativa Maccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Caps, containers and methods |
US20080164235A1 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2008-07-10 | Phoenix Closures, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure and container combination |
US8353413B2 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2013-01-15 | Phoenix Closures, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure and container combination |
JP2013542894A (en) * | 2010-10-15 | 2013-11-28 | クロージヤー・システムズ・インターナシヨナル・インコーポレーテツド | Improved tamper-evident closures and packaging |
CN106255649A (en) * | 2014-04-24 | 2016-12-21 | 奥布里斯特封闭瑞士有限公司 | About or improvement to tamper-evident sealing |
US10358273B2 (en) * | 2015-09-14 | 2019-07-23 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Head stand closure with a tamper-evident seal |
US11345527B2 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2022-05-31 | Bormioli Pharma S.p.A. | Safety capsule with strip for preventing extraction |
US11873141B2 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2024-01-16 | Niagara Bottling, Llc | Threaded tamper evidence finish and closure for container |
US20230234754A1 (en) * | 2018-08-29 | 2023-07-27 | Niagara Bottling, Llc | Threaded tamper evidence finish and closure for container |
US10899505B2 (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2021-01-26 | Silgan White Cap LLC | Band-receiving closure with recess |
CN114007948A (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2022-02-01 | 萨克米伊莫拉机械合作社合作公司 | Cap for a container, and combination of a cap and a container neck |
WO2020240518A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-03 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | A cap for a container, and a combination of a cap and of a container neck |
US11738911B2 (en) | 2019-05-31 | 2023-08-29 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Cap for a container, and a combination of a cap and of a container neck |
IT201900007809A1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2020-12-01 | Sacmi | Cap for a container, and a combination of a cap and a container neck. |
US20220396399A1 (en) * | 2019-11-15 | 2022-12-15 | Novembal Usa Inc. | Stopper having a tamper-evident band |
US20220097935A1 (en) * | 2020-09-28 | 2022-03-31 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Package and closure with tamper-evident band |
USD996968S1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2023-08-29 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Closure |
USD996967S1 (en) | 2021-05-17 | 2023-08-29 | Closure Systems International Inc. | Closure |
GR1010549B (en) * | 2023-02-03 | 2023-09-25 | Σωτηριος Δημητριου Κουρτης | Non- removable type cap for bottles |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040232100A1 (en) | 2004-11-25 |
US7059485B1 (en) | 2006-06-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7059485B1 (en) | Tamper-resistant bottle closure | |
RU2387589C2 (en) | Packaging product | |
US5853093A (en) | Reclosable, two-part cap assembly for soda bottles | |
US6264051B1 (en) | Bottle closure assembly | |
US5215204A (en) | Tamper evident closure with hinged band | |
US5009323A (en) | Tamper indicating closure having a rotary seal | |
US5450973A (en) | Tamper-evident closure apparatus | |
US20050269373A1 (en) | Cover for dispensing closure with pressure actuated valve | |
US5984125A (en) | Tamper evident closure for beverages | |
US20040232149A1 (en) | Tamper evident cap | |
US3987921A (en) | Closure for containers | |
US8777030B2 (en) | Non-reusable closure | |
US7121419B2 (en) | Closure | |
US5950849A (en) | Container closure with ribbed enlarged grasping region | |
US3276617A (en) | Container closure | |
US8408409B1 (en) | Closure with unitarily-molded tamper-evident feature | |
US20050230342A1 (en) | Tamperproof closing element for beverage containers | |
US4572389A (en) | Tamper indicating screw cap with satellite ring | |
US20210309420A1 (en) | Fluid container closure system | |
EP0968120B1 (en) | Container with tamper evident closure | |
WO2003106286A1 (en) | Closing element for containers for liquids | |
JPH10297656A (en) | Cap structure for container | |
WO2003008288A9 (en) | Tamperproof closing element for beverage containers | |
WO1999050150A1 (en) | Can collar | |
JP2004244093A (en) | Cap with tamper preventive capability and container using the same |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20140613 |