US20190016510A1

US20190016510A1 - Closure With False Thread For A Package

Info

Publication number: US20190016510A1
Application number: US15/650,022
Authority: US
Inventors: Jamison D. Woodley
Original assignee: Closure Systems International Inc
Current assignee: Closure Systems International Inc
Priority date: 2017-07-14
Filing date: 2017-07-14
Publication date: 2019-01-17

Abstract

A closure includes a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a polymeric tamper-evident band. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container, and first and second false threads. The internal thread formation includes a first closure lead and a second closure lead. Each of the first and second closure leads is in the form of a helix. Each of the false threads is located on roughly opposing sides of the closure. The first false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container. The second false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container. The polymeric tamper-evident band depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a polymeric closure for a package. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymeric closure with at least one false thread to assist in opening the closure from the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tamper-evident closures for packages have been molded from suitable polymeric materials using typical methods such as compression molding or injection molding. A significant cost associated with closures is the amount of polymeric resin used. To reduce costs, the thread profile height in certain applications has been reduced, which can lead to additional potential problems. One such potential problem involves the breaking of a tamper-evident band when the closure is being opened. If the threads from the closure lose contact with the corresponding threads of the container, the tamper-evident band may not be fully broken from the remainder of the closure during the opening process. This occurs when the closure is opened using rotational motion that does not translate to the desired axial motion, which allows the closure threads to run out and release from the finish of the container before the tamper-evident band has been separated from the remainder of the closure.
It would desirable to provide a closure that can have a reduced height, while still breaking the tamper-evident band fully when opening a package.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a closure comprises a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a polymeric tamper-evident band. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container, and first and second false threads. The internal thread formation includes a first closure lead and a second closure lead. Each of the first and second closure leads is in the form of a helix. Each of the false threads is located on roughly opposing sides of the closure. The first false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container. The second false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container. The polymeric tamper-evident band depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.
According to one embodiment, a package comprises a container and a closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The container has an external thread formation on the neck portion. The external thread formation includes a first finish lead and a second finish lead. The closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening. The closure comprises a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a polymeric tamper-evident band. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with the external thread formation of the container, and first and second false threads. The internal thread formation includes a first closure lead and a second closure lead. Each of the first and second closure leads is in the form of a helix. Each of the false threads is located on roughly opposing sides of the closure. The first false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container. The second false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container. The polymeric tamper-evident band depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.
According to another embodiment, a closure comprises a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a polymeric tamper-evident band. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container, and first and second false threads. The internal thread formation includes a first continuous closure lead in the form of a helix. Each of the false threads is located on roughly opposing sides of the closure. The first false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container. The second false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container. The polymeric tamper-evident band depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.
According to a further embodiment, a package comprises a container and a closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The container has an external thread formation on the neck portion. The external thread formation includes a first finish lead and a second finish lead. The closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening. The closure comprises a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a polymeric tamper-evident band. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top wall portion. The annular skirt portion includes an internal thread formation for mating engagement with the external thread formation of the container, and first and second false threads. The internal thread formation includes a first continuous closure lead in the form of a helix. Each of the false threads is located on roughly opposing sides of the closure. The first false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container. The second false thread assists in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container. The polymeric tamper-evident band depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.
The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a closure according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is an elevational side view of the closure of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged profiled view of a closure lead and a false thread of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of generally circular area FIG. 1D in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the closure of FIGS. 1A-C used with a container to form a package according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is an elevational side view of a closure according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3B is another elevational side view of the closure of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an elevational side view of a closure according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 4B is an opposing elevational side view of the closure of FIG. 4A.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrates a polymeric closure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The closures are configured to be placed on a container or bottle that contain product. The product is typically a liquid product, but also may be a solid product or a combination of a liquid and solid product. The polymeric closure 10 of FIG. 1 is a two-piece closure assembly and is generally cylindrically shaped. It is contemplated that the polymeric closure may be a one-piece closure assembly.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D and 2, a polymeric closure 10 includes a polymeric top wall portion 12, a polymeric annular skirt portion 14 that depends from the polymeric top wall portion 12, and a tamper-evident band 16 that depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion 14 by a frangible connection, and a polymeric liner 18. The top wall portion 12 of FIG. 1 extends across the entire top of the closure without any openings.
The polymeric annular skirt portion 14 of FIGS. 1A-1D and 2 includes an internal thread formation 30. The internal thread formation 30 is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding external thread formation of a neck portion of a container. The internal thread formation 30 depicted in FIGS. 1B and 2 includes a first closure lead 32, a second closure lead 34 and a plurality of false threads 36 a, 36 b.
The first closure lead 32 begins near the polymeric top wall portion 12 at a first position 32 c and extends in a helical fashion to a second position (not shown in FIG. 1B) closer to the tamper-evident band 16. Similarly, the second closure lead 34 begins near the polymeric top wall portion 12 at a first position (not shown in FIG. 1B) and extends in a helical fashion to a second position 34 d closer to the tamper-evident band 16. The first and second closure leads 32, 34 are referred collectively as a double lead closure thread. Each of the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is continuous. The first positions of the first and second closure leads 32, 34 are located roughly 180 degrees apart from each other and, thus, begin on generally opposing sides of the closure 10. The false threads 36 a, 36 b are also located roughly or generally about 180 degrees from each other and are also on generally opposing sides of the closure.
The first positions of the closure leads are located roughly on opposing sides of the closure. The first positions of the closure leads are generally located from about 130 to about 230 degrees apart and, more specifically, from about 160 to about 200 degrees, or from about 170 to about 190 degrees apart.
The false threads are located roughly on opposing sides of the closure. The false threads are generally located from about 130 to about 230 degrees apart and, more specifically, from about 160 to about 200 degrees, or from about 170 to about 190 degrees apart.
The first closure lead 32 includes a first surface 32 a and a second surface 32 b. The second closure lead 34 includes a first surface 34 a and a second surface 34 b. The first closure lead 32 and the second closure lead 34 cooperate with an internal thread formation of a container to open and close the package. One non-limiting example of a closure and a container forming a package is shown and discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2.
The closures of the present invention may be used with a container 108 used to form a package 100 of FIG. 2. A portion of the container 108 is shown in FIG. 2 and includes a neck portion 102 that defines an opening. The neck portion 102 of the container 108 includes an external thread formation 104. The external thread formation 104 includes a first finish lead 132 and a second finish lead 134. The external thread formation 104 (finish leads 132, 134) engages with the corresponding internal thread formation 30 (closure leads 32, 34) to seal the package 100.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first finish lead 132 begins near the open end of the container 108 and extends in a helical fashion to a second position that is closer to the closed end of the container. Similarly, the second finish lead 134 starts closer to the open end of the container 108 and extends in a helical fashion to a second position that is closer to the closed end of the container. Each of the first and second finish leads 132, 134 is continuous. The first positions of the first and second finish leads 132, 134 are located roughly 180 degrees apart from each other and, thus, begin on opposing sides of the neck 102 of the container 108.
It is contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may have discontinuous leads.
When opening the container 108, the first closure lead 32 is desirably in contact with the first finish lead 132. The false thread 36 a is located within the gap between the second finish lead 134 and the first closure lead 32. The second closure lead 34 is desirably in contact with the second finish lead 134. The false thread 36 b is located within the gap between the first finish lead 132 and the second closure lead 34.
To reduce the weight of the closure 10, the height of the first and second closure leads 32, 34 in the double lead closure thread is decreased to an optimized minimum. Referring back to FIGS. 1B-1D, the height H1 of the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is generally from about 40 to about 80 mils. More specifically, the height H1 of the first and second closure 32, 34 leads is from about 45 to about 70 mils and, more typically, from about 50 to about 65 mils.
Referring to FIG. 1C, the depth D1 of the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is generally from about 20 to about 40 mils. More specifically, the depth D1 of the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is from about 20 to about 30 mils.
Using these thinner closure leads result in a large gap between the first closure lead 32 and the second finish lead 134 and also between the second closure lead 34 and the first finish lead 132. This is shown in FIG. 2. These large gaps are located in roughly 180 degree intervals form each other. To prevent or inhibit the first closure lead 32 from losing contact with a lower surface 132 a of the first finish lead 132 and coming into contact with the second finish lead 134, the closure includes the false thread 36 a. The false thread 36 a, thus, assists in preventing or inhibiting jumping to a reverse relationship wherein the first closure lead 32 contacts the second finish lead 134, which can result in the tamper-evident band 16 not being properly separated from the remainder of the closure 10. When the tamper-evident band 16 is not properly separated, this can result in a hinged band.
Similarly, the false thread 36 b is designed to prevent or inhibit the second closure lead 34 from losing contact with a lower surface 134 a of the second finish lead 134 and jumping to the reverse relationship wherein the second closure lead 34 contacts the first finish lead 132, which can result in the tamper-evident band 16 not being properly separated from the remainder of the closure 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower surface 134 a of the second finish lead 134 desirably contacts the first surface 34 a of the second closure lead 34. The false thread 36 b assists in allowing the first surface 34 a of the second closure lead 34 to remain in contact with the lower surface 134 a of the second finish lead 134.
The closure 10 with two false threads 36 a, 36 b assists in translating the rotational motion of the closure during the opening process into axial motion. By translating all rotational motion to axial motion, the closure 10 is designed to allow the tamper-evident band 16 to separate from the remainder of the closure 10 before the closure is released from the container 108. It is desirable to configure the false threads to a minimum length and width so that the specific weight advantages of the system are realized to their fullest potential.
In this embodiment, the false threads generally have at least about 20% of its features that overlap with a finish lead of the container at full application (closed end) so that the false threads provide axial translation immediately during the removal process of the closure from the container. More specifically, the false threads generally have at least about 40% of its features that overlap with a finish lead of the container at full application so that the false threads provide axial translation immediately during the removal process of the closure from the container. It is contemplated that the false threads may have at least about 60% of its features that overlap with a finish lead of the container at full application so that the false threads provide axial translation immediately during the removal process of the closure from the container.
The false threads generally have from about 20 to about 50% of its features that overlap with a finish lead of the container at full application so that the false threads provide axial translation immediately during the removal process of the closure from the container. The false threads typically have from about 25 to about 40% of its features that overlap with a finish lead of the container at full application so that the false threads provide axial translation immediately during the removal process of the closure from the container.
The depth D2 of the false threads 36 a, 36 b is generally from about 40 to about 80% of the depth D1 of the first and second closure leads 32, 34. The depth D2 of the false threads 36 a, 36 b is generally from about 55 to about 75% of the depth D1 of the first and second closure leads 32, 34. The depth of the false threads is desirably shaped and sized to ensure that the false thread is allowed to jump threads if necessary to prevent cocked or tilted closures on the container.
The depth D2 of the false threads 36 a, 36 b is generally from about 5 to about 30 mils. More specifically, the depth D2 of the false threads 36 a, 36 b is from about 10 to about 30 mils and, more specifically, from about 15 to about 25 mils.
Referring back to FIGS. 1B-1D, the height H2 of the false threads 36 a, 36 b is generally from about 20 to about 50 mils. More specifically, the height H2 of the false threads 36 a, 36 b is from about 20 to about 40 mils and, more typically, from about 25 to about 35 mils.
The false threads 36 a, 36 b generally extend from about 10 to about 50 degrees around the circumference of the closure 10. The false threads 36 a, 36 b more typically extend from about 15 to about 40 degrees, or from about 15 to about 30 degrees around the circumference of the closure 10.
The false threads 36 a, 36 b are in the shape of a generally elongated rectangle as shown in FIG. 1D with false thread 36 a. It is contemplated that the false threads may be formed in other shapes such as generally square, generally rhombus-shaped and generally triangular.
In one embodiment, the pitch of the false threads 36 a, 36 b situated on a helix has substantially similar or the same pitch as the first and/or second closure leads 32, 34. The false threads are off-set in the axial direction (direction AD in FIG. 1D) by an amount that is sufficient to reduce the gap between the first and second closure leads 32, 34 and the respective finish threads 134, 132. This off-set should desirably be an amount such that the static/application torque, and the removal torque should not be adversely impacted. It is desirable for the static/application torque and the removal torque using the false threads to be from about 3 to about 15 in/lbs. and, more specifically, from about 7 to about 10 in/lbs.
The off-set of the false threads 36 a, 36 b from either the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is generally from about 20 to about 40 mils. This off-set is shown as length L1 in FIG. 1C with respect to the first closure lead 32 and the false thread 36 a. This is the distance from between the lower surface of either the first or second closure with an upper surface of the false threads as viewed in the orientation of FIG. 1D. More specifically, the off-set of the false threads 36 a, 36 b from either the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is generally from about 20 to about 30 mils and, more specifically, from about 25 to about 30 mils.
The center-to-center distance of the false threads 36 a, 36 b to either the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is generally from about 40 to about 80 mils. More specifically, the off-set of the false threads 36 a, 36 b to either the first and second closure leads 32, 34 is generally from about 50 to about 70 mils and, more specifically, from about 50 to about 60 mils.
Is contemplated that the pitch of the false threads may be different from the pitch of the first and/or second closure threads depending on the configuration of the closure.
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 differ from a helical thread formation.
The liner 18 of the closure 10 (FIG. 2) assists in forming a seal when the closure is threaded onto the container 108. The liner 18 is formed separately from the remainder of the closure 10. The liner 18 is then chemically bonded or attached to the polymeric top wall portion 12.
According to another embodiment, a one-piece closure assembly is formed. For example, a one-piece closure assembly may be formed that is substantially similar or identical to closure 10 without the liner 18.
Referring back to FIGS. 1B and 2, the polymeric tamper-evident band 16 of the closure 10 is located at the bottom thereof (i.e., an end opposite of the polymeric top wall portion 12). The tamper-evident band 16 depends from and at least partially detachably connected to the annular skirt portion 14 by a frangible connection. The tamper-evident band 16 works in conjunction with the container to indicate to a user that the contents of the container may have been accessed. More specifically, the tamper-evident band 16 is designed to separate from the annular skirt portion 14 if a user starts to open the package and gain access to the container. The tamper-evident band 16 is a winged tamper-evident band. It is contemplated that other tamper-evident bands or features may be used.
The polymeric tamper-evident band may be formed by molded-in-bridges in one embodiment. The molded-in-bridges are typically formed using a feature in the mold. In another embodiment, the polymeric tamper-evident band may be formed using scoring or scored lines, notches, leaders or other lines of weaknesses.
Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, a polymeric closure 210 according to another embodiment is shown. The polymeric closure 210 includes a polymeric top wall portion 212, a polymeric annular skirt portion 214 that depends from the polymeric top wall portion 212, and a tamper-evident band 216 that depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion 214 by a frangible connection, and a polymeric liner (not shown). The polymeric top wall portion 212, the polymeric annular skirt portion 214, the tamper-evident band 216 and the polymeric liner function in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the top wall portion 12, the annular skirt portion 14, the tamper-evident band 16, and the liner 18. Like the polymeric closure 10, the polymeric 210 is a two-piece assembly. In another embodiment, the liner may not be included leaving the closure as a one-piece assembly.
The polymeric annular skirt portion 214 includes an internal thread formation 230. The internal thread function includes exactly one continuous closure lead 232 and false threads 236 a, 236 b. These function in a generally similar manner as the leads and threads discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1D and 2.
Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, a polymeric closure 310 is shown according to a further embodiment. The polymeric closure 310 includes a polymeric top wall portion 312, a polymeric annular skirt portion 314 that depends from the polymeric top wall portion 312, and a tamper-evident band 316 that depends from and is at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion 314 by a frangible connection, and a polymeric liner (not shown). The polymeric top wall portion 312, the polymeric annular skirt portion 314, the tamper-evident band 316 and the polymeric liner function in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the top wall portion 12, the annular skirt portion 14, the tamper-evident band 16, and the liner 18. Like the polymeric closure 10, the polymeric 310 is a two-piece assembly. In another embodiment, the liner may not be included leaving the closure as a one-piece assembly.
The polymeric annular skirt portion 314 includes an internal thread formation 330. The internal thread function includes exactly threes leads 332 a, 332 b, 332 c and three false threads 336 a, 336 b, 336 c as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B. These function in a generally similar manner as the leads and threads discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1D and 2. The first positions located nearest the top wall portion 312 of the closure leads 332 a-c are roughly 120 degrees apart from each other. The false threads 336 a-c are also roughly 120 degrees apart. It is contemplated that the false threads may not be spaced in entirely even intervals around the closure.
It is contemplated that additional leads and/or additional false threads may be added in forming a closure.
The closures of the present invention may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen-scavenger material may be included with the polymeric liner (e.g., polymeric liner 18) or may be a separate layer. The oxygen-scavenger material may be any material that assists in removing oxygen within the container, while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.
Alternatively, or in addition to, the closures may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen-barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within the liner material. The oxygen-barrier materials assist in preventing or inhibiting 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.
The top wall portion 12 and the annular skirt portion 14 are made of polymeric material. The top wall portion 12 and the annular skirt portion 14 are typically made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or blends thereof. It is contemplated that the top wall portion and the annular skirt portion may be made of other polymeric materials. The tamper-evident band 16 is typically made of the same materials as the top wall portion 12 and the annular skirt portion 14.
The liner 18 is also made of polymeric material. Non-limiting examples of a polymeric material that may be used in forming the liner 114 include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as SANTOPRENE™ thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), neoprene, SBS (poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene)), low durometer urethanes, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and blends thereof. It is contemplated that the liner may be made of other polymeric materials.
The closures are typically formed by processes such as injection or compression molding, extrusion or the combination thereof.
The container 108 is typically made of polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material to be used in forming a polymeric container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or blends using the same. It is contemplated that the container may be formed of other polymeric materials. It is also contemplated that the container may be formed of glass. The container 108 typically 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 unthreaded by turning the closure 10 with respect to the container 108. Once the seal formed between the polymeric liner 18 and container surface is initially broke, the rest of the seal between the polymeric liner and the container surface naturally separates as the closure is unthreaded. After the closure has been unthreaded, the closure 10, including the polymeric liner 18, is then removed from the container so that the user can gain access to the container. During this process, the tamper-evident band 16 is separated from the remainder of the closure 10. The tamper-evident band 16 desirably remains with the container, but it is contemplated that the tamper-evident band may be removed in a separate step from the container.
The polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention are desirable in both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention may be used in low-temperature applications such as an ambient or a cold fill. These applications include water, sports drinks, aseptic applications such as dairy products, and pressurized products such as carbonated soft drinks. It is contemplated that other low-temperature applications may be used with the polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention.
The polymeric closures formed by the processes of the present invention may be exposed to high-temperature applications such as hot-fill, pasteurization, and retort applications. A hot fill application is generally performed at temperatures around 185° F., while a hot-fill with pasteurization is generally performed at temperatures around 205° F. Retort applications are typically done at temperatures greater than 250° F. It is contemplated that the polymeric closures of the present invention can be used in other high-temperature applications.

Examples

Inventive and comparative closures were made and tested. Inventive Closure 1 included two opposing false threads and was substantially similar to the closure 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. Inventive Closure 1 was a two-piece closure assembly made of polypropylene.
Comparative Closure 1 was a closure made by Closure Systems International under the name 38EXL-OD. Comparative Closure 1 included a double lead thread closure, but did not include false threads. Comparative Closure 2 was a two-piece closure assembly made of polypropylene.
Each of Inventive Closure 1 and Comparative Closure 1 was tested in combination with a container or bottle. Thus, a package included one of the two different types of closure and the container. The containers were identical and made of PET and included 20 ounces of water. The containers were identified as ISBT 969-1845-003 and each had a 38 mm finish. Each of the closures was manually threaded in a smooth and natural manner onto the finish of the respective containers into a closed position. The closures were then manually removed from the container in a consistent, smooth and natural fashion. The packages (including closures and containers) were observed to determine if a hinged band condition existed. If a hinged band condition was observed, the package did not pass the test.
Comparative Closure 1 passed 12 out of 100 times, while Inventive Closure 1 passed 54 out of 100 times. The results of the tested showed that Inventive Closure 1 surprisingly had a much higher passage rate (450% higher) as compared to Comparative Closure 1. Thus, Inventive Closure 1 performed much better than Comparative Closure 1 in avoiding the hinged band phenomenon.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A closure comprising:

a polymeric top wall portion;

a polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the annular skirt portion including an internal thread formation for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container, and first and second false threads, the internal thread formation including a first closure lead and a second closure lead, each of the first and second closure leads being in the form of a helix, each of the false threads being located on roughly opposing sides of the closure, the first false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container, the second false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container; and

a polymeric tamper-evident band depending from and being at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure further includes a liner.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the shape of the closure is generally cylindrical.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first and second closure leads are continuous.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first and second false threads are located generally from about 160 to about 200 degrees from each other on opposing sides of the closure.

6. The closure of claim 1, wherein a depth of the first and second false threads are from about 40 to about 80% of a depth of the first and second closure leads.

7. The closure of claim 6, wherein the depth of the first and second false threads are from about 55 to about 75% of the depth of the first and second closure leads.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first and second false threads extend from about 10 to about 50 degrees around the circumference of the closure.

9. The closure of claim 8, wherein the first and second false threads extend from about 15 to about 40 degrees around the circumference of the closure.

10. The closure of claim 1, wherein the first and second false threads have substantially similar pitches as the first and second closure leads.

11. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure is a two-piece closure assembly.

12. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure is a one-piece closure assembly.

13. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure further includes an oxygen-scavenger material or an oxygen-barrier material.

14. The closure of claim 1, further including a third closure lead.

15. The closure of claim 1, further including a third false thread.

16. A package comprising:

a container having a neck portion defining an opening, the container having an external thread formation on the neck portion, the external thread formation including a first finish lead and a second finish lead; and

a closure being configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening, the closure comprising a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion and a polymeric tamper-evident band, the polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the annular skirt portion including an internal thread formation for mating engagement with the external thread formation of the container, and first and second false threads, the internal thread formation including a first closure lead and a second closure lead, each of the first and second closure leads being in the form of a helix, each of the false threads being located on roughly opposing sides of the closure, the first false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container, the second false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container, the polymeric tamper-evident band depending from and being at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.

17. The package of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second false threads has at least about 20% of its features overlapping with a respective one of the first and second finish leads when the closure and container are at full application.

18. The package of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second false threads has from about 20% to about 50% of its features overlapping with a respective one of the first and second finish leads when the closure and container are at full application.

19. The package of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the first false thread is located between the first closure lead and the second finish lead, and wherein at least a portion of the second false thread is located between the second closure lead and the first finish lead.

20. The package of claim 16, wherein the closure further includes a liner.

21. The package of claim 16, wherein the first and second false threads are located generally from about 160 to about 200 degrees from each other on opposing sides of the closure.

22. The package of claim 16, wherein the closure is a one-piece closure assembly.

23. A closure comprising:

a polymeric top wall portion;

a polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the annular skirt portion including an internal thread formation for mating engagement with an external thread formation of a container, and first and second threads, the internal thread formation including a first continuous closure lead in the form of a helix, each of the false threads being located on roughly opposing sides of the closure, the first false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container, the second false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container; and

24. A package comprising:

a closure being configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening, the closure comprising a polymeric top wall portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion and a polymeric tamper-evident band, the polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top wall portion, the annular skirt portion including an internal thread formation for mating engagement with the external thread formation of the container, and first and second false threads, the internal thread formation including a first continuous closure lead in the form of a helix, each of the false threads being located on roughly opposing sides of the closure, the first false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the first closure lead and a first finish lead of the container, the second false thread assisting in maintaining the contact between the second closure lead and a second finish lead of the container, the polymeric tamper-evident band depending from and being at least partially detachably connected to the polymeric annular skirt portion by a frangible connection.