US20240002109A1

US20240002109A1 - Closure for a container

Info

Publication number: US20240002109A1
Application number: US18/253,432
Authority: US
Inventors: Sophia Brandao; Luis Fernando Rueda
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Priority date: 2020-11-18
Filing date: 2021-11-03
Publication date: 2024-01-04
Also published as: AU2021381530A1; AU2021381530A9; CN116635308A; MX2023004681A; WO2022106198A1; CL2023001447A1; EP4247727A1

Abstract

A closure (1) for a container, comprising: a first part (2); a second part (3) relatively movable to the first part (2) to move GC between a closed condition, in which an opening (21) of the closure (1) is covered, and an open condition, in which the opening (21) is uncovered; and a tamper evidence element (5) that is, on the one hand, connected to the second part (3) by a frangible connection (51) and that is, on the other hand, arranged to be withheld relative to the first part (2) such that, as the second part (3) moves with an opening motion relative to the first part (2) from the closed condition to the open condition, the opening motion ruptures the frangible connection (51). The tamper evidence element (5) is adapted to be actuated in order to rupture the frangible connection (51) independent of moving the second part (3) relative to the first part (2) by the opening motion, and the closure (1) further comprises a holding device (22) arranged on the first part (2) and adapted to secure the tamper evidence element (5) to the first part (2) after the frangible connection (51) has been ruptured.

Description

The invention relates to a closure for a container and a system comprising a container with such a closure.
Such closures may be used in containing and providing liquid, pasty or powdery products (e.g., an infant formula powder), such as in the chemical, pharmaceutical and/or food industry. A tamper evidence element is provided to indicate and save the original state, i.e. to indicate in particular an unauthorized access. An undamaged tamper evidence element indicates a sealed (i.e. original) state of the container and a damaged or removed tamper evidence element indicates an unsealed state of the container. For example, the tamper evidence element corresponds to a film that is to be removed for the first use so that a damaged or removed state of the film thus indicates the unsealed state of the container.
The tamper evidence element typically detaches as a small piece that needs to be discarded to avoid environmental pollution. A disadvantage is however that, once being detached, the tamper evidence element can be easily lost, which makes it difficult to discard or recycle the tamper evidence element. A further disadvantage is that the closure comprising the tamper evidence element, such as in the form of a (shrink) film, is not easily and/or not intuitively opened when the closure needs to be initially opened. Even further disadvantages are the inferior indication of the unsealed state of the container by the tamper evidence element and a two-handed-operation, in particular for opening the closure and removing the tamper evidence element.
It is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome these disadvantages. In particular, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a closure, which has improved recycling capabilities, is easier and more intuitive to handle, and which more clearly indicates tamper, i.e. the original (sealed) state and the unsealed state.
These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a closure for a container is provided. The closure comprises: a first part; and a second part relatively movable to the first part to move between a closed condition, in which an opening of the closure is covered, and an open condition, in which the opening is uncovered. The closure further comprises a tamper evidence element that is, on the one hand, connected to the second part by a frangible connection and that is, on the other hand, arranged to be withheld relative to the first part such that, as the second part moves with an opening motion relative to the first part from the closed condition to the open condition, the opening motion ruptures the frangible connection. Further, the tamper evidence element is adapted to be actuated in order to rupture the frangible connection independent of moving the second part relative to the first part by the opening motion. The closure further comprises a holding device arranged on (and preferably integrally formed with) the first part and adapted to secure the tamper evidence element to the first part after the frangible connection has been ruptured.
The holding device thus advantageously effects that the tamper evidence element does not get lost once the frangible connection has been ruptured and, due to this rupturing, disconnects the tamper evidence element from the second part. Therefore, the tamper evidence stays connected to the closure, after the frangible connection has been ruptured; i.e. a non-detachable tamper evidence element is provided. This reduces the risk that the tamper evidence element pollutes the environment, since the closure does not generate this element as a small piece (e.g. of plastic) prompt for littering (i.e. an improved sustainability is achieved). In other words, the holding device serves as a loss prevention device for the tamper evidence element. Consequently, the tamper evidence element can be better recycled, e.g. together with other parts of the closure and/or with the main packaging material (such as the container) in a same recycling stream. This significantly increases the chances of recycling the tamper evidence element.
Further, since the tamper evidence element can be actuated to rupture the frangible connection (i.e. the tamper evidence is at least in part designed as an actuating element), a user can more intuitively and more easily open the closure for the first use. And since a user perceives the tamper evidence element as an element to be actuated (i.e. as an actuating element), the (visual, haptic, etc.) indication of the sealed state and unsealed state is improved. Further advantages achieved by the closure are a (overall) reduced size and weight (up to 15% weight reduction; particularly compared to closures (hinged lids, etc.) that have a tamper evidence element not being a shrink sleeve or a tear band), the elimination of a shrink sleeve as a tamper evidence element, an improved look and feel.
The holding device may be adapted to withhold the tamper evidence element relative to the first part as the second part moves relative to the first part by the opening motion to allow rupturing of the frangible connection. The holding device thus serves both for securing the tamper evidence element once the frangible connection has been ruptured and for withholding the tamper evidence element during the opening motion (which thus ruptures the frangible connection). As such, a closure is provided that is simply designed and easy to produce.
The holding device may be adapted to secure the tamper evidence element such that, after the frangible connection has been ruptured, the tamper evidence element is movable relative to the holding device with a defined play. The movability of the tamper evidence element with the defined play effects a clear (visual and/or haptic, etc.) indication for a user that the frangible connection is ruptured and that the closure is, thus, in an unsealed state. In the sealed state, i.e. when the frangible connection is not ruptured and thus connects the tamper evidence element to the second part, this defined play may not be present due to the non-ruptured frangible connection. Hence, a user can, with the defined play, easily distinguish between a sealed state and unsealed state.
The holding device may comprise a section for securing the tamper evidence element to the first part, wherein the tamper evidence is, by actuating the tamper evidence element, movable towards this section in order to rupture the frangible connection. Thus, if the tamper evidence element is secured to the first part by the section (and thus is, for example, less visible from outside of the closure, i.e. does not represent a key visible element anymore), a user can easily determine that the tamper evidence element has been actuated (e.g. actuated to rupture the frangible connection); the closure is then transitioned to a state, in which attention is drawn to the opening of the closure by the opening motion. Correspondingly, if the tamper evidence element is not secured by the section (but for example being movable relative to the holding device with the defined play) a user can easily determine that the frangible connection has been ruptured by the opening motion moving the second part relative to the first part. Hence, the holding device provides a device for easily distinguishing between a frangible connection ruptured by the opening motion and a frangible connection ruptured by the actuation of the tamper evidence element. Preferably, the section is adapted to secure the tamper evidence element such that the tamper evidence is not movable relative to the holding section or is movable relative to the holding section with a further defined play, which is preferably less than the before-mentioned defined play. As such, a user can easily determine (e.g. visually and/or haptically) whether the tamper evidence element has been actuated, and/or determine (e.g. visually and/or haptically) whether the frangible connection has been ruptured by the opening motion or the actuation of the tamper evidence element.
The holding device, in particular the section, may be adapted to secure the tamper evidence element with a snap fit. A snap fit provides a particularly safely securing of the tamper evidence element to the first part. This in turn effects that the tamper evidence element is not easily lost after the frangible connection has been ruptured. Further, the securing of the tamper evidence element by the snap fit provides a clear (visual and/or haptic) indication for the tamper evidence element being in the unsealed state effected by the actuation of the tamper evidence element. Preferably, the snap fit does not provide the defined play and/or the snap fit provides no (defined) play or at least the further defined play. As such, a user can easily determine whether the tamper evidence element has been actuated and/or determine whether the frangible connection has been ruptured by the opening motion or by the actuation of the tamper evidence element.
If the holding device comprises the section (with, for example, the snap fit), the tamper evidence element can engage with the section, such as with a snap action, by the user's actuation of the tamper evidence element, but preferably not by the opening motion. In other words, the section may be arranged such that only the actuation of the tamper evidence element can effect that the tamper evidence element moves into a position to be secured by the section, in particular by the snap fit.
The tamper evidence element may be adapted to be pushed in order to be actuated. Thus, the tamper evidence element can be very easily actuated in order to rupture the frangible connection. This effects that the closure is very easily and intuitively operable, in particular for the first use when the frangible connection needs to be ruptured. The tamper evidence element may comprise a defined actuation (e.g. pushing) surface that can be actuated (e.g. pushed) by a user. This actuation surface may be visible when viewed onto the second part and/or along a direction perpendicular to a flat surface (e.g. as part of a lid portion) of the second part. Accordingly, the tamper evidence element provides, for being actuated, an improved accessibility and an improved visibility. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tamper evidence element is at least in part designed as a button, e.g. as a push button. Hence, a particularly good visibility of the tamper evidence element for indicating the sealed/unsealed state and a particularly good actuation of the tamper evidence element for rupturing the frangible connection is provided. Preferably, the tamper evidence element is not in form of a band (tear band, etc.) and/or not in form of a sleeve (shrink sleeve, etc.).
The second part may comprise a wall portion, wherein, when viewed at least along a direction perpendicular to the wall portion, the tamper evidence element exposes the wall portion after the frangible connection has been ruptured. The exposed wall portion provides an improved indication of a ruptured frangible connection and, thus, of an unsealed state. Preferably, when the frangible connection is not yet ruptured but connects the tamper evidence element to the second part, the tamper evidence element covers the wall portion, when viewed at least along said direction. This improves the indication of a non-ruptured state of the frangible connection and, thus, of the sealed state.
The first part may comprise the opening, wherein the second part covers, in the closed condition, the opening and uncovers (or exposes), in the open condition, the opening. For example, the second part comprises a lid portion that, in the closed condition, covers the opening and, in the open condition, uncovers or exposes the opening. Alternatively, the second part may comprise the opening, wherein the first part covers, in the closed condition, the opening and uncovers, in the open condition, the opening; in this case, the first part may comprise the lid portion.
The first part may comprise a sealing wall with an angled section, wherein the second part comprises a first wall contactable with the sealing wall, such as with the angled section and/or a straight section of the sealing wall, and wherein the second part further comprises a second wall that is distanced further from an outer edge of the second part than the first wall and contactable with the angled section, such as with a distal end of the sealing wall that is part of the angled section. This provides a very good sealing between the first part and the second part, in particular since a fluid or liquid, e.g. oxygen or the (liquid, pasty, etc.) product inside of the container, needs to travel a tortuous path defined by the sealing wall on the one hand and by the first wall and second wall on the other hand. Preferably, the first wall and/or the second wall is/are in a laminar (i.e. flat or plane) contact with the sealing wall.
The first part and/or the second part may comprise one or more fastening elements for fastening the second part to the first part in the closed condition. The one or more fastening elements may provide a reclosable and/or resealable closure. Preferably, the one or more fastening elements form a snap fit. In particular, the second part, e.g. as a top part, can function as a (dust or protection) cover after the first opening, i.e. after the frangible connection has been ruptured.
The second part may comprise a grasping portion for grasping the second part in order to move the second part relative to the first part. The grasping portion in particular effects an easy moving of the closure between the closed condition and the open condition. In particular, the grasping portion facilitates that a user can, with the opening motion, easily rupture the frangible connection. The grasping portion may be at least in part provided by a protrusion and/or indentation. At least when the tamper evidence element is connected to the second part by the frangible connection, the tamper evidence element may be arranged between the grasping portion and the wall portion of the second part, in particular when viewed along a direction for actuating the tamper evidence element and/or along a direction perpendicular to a flat portion or flat surface of the second part.
The second part may be hinged to the first part. This particularly effects that, in the open condition, the second part is retained to the first part. As such, both in the open condition and in the closed condition, the first part and the second part are secured to one another, thereby avoiding that one of the parts gets lost with respect to the respective other part.
The first part may be integral with the second part. In other words, at least the first part and the second part may form a single piece. As such, the first part and the second part can be very easily produced, in particular in a same production process and/or a same production step. For example, the first part is integral with the second part via a hinge for hinging the second part to the first part. Additionally or alternatively, the tamper evidence element may be integral to the second part, in particular via the frangible connection. Thus, the first part, the second part and the tamper evidence element may form a single piece. Preferably, the first part and the second part and preferably also the tamper evidence element are made of a same material.
The closure may be partially or completely made of a bio-based and/or biodegradable (and/or compostable) material. “Bio-based” means that the material (such as polypropylene, i.e. PP) is coming from a renewable source, in particular not from petroleum; a renewable source comprises, for example, one or more of the following: food crops, wood cuts, a renewable oil, a vegetable oil, waste or residues (used cooking oil, animal fat from food industry waste, vegetable oil processing waste and residues, fish fat from fish processing waste, technical corn oil, etc.), and combinations thereof. “Bio-based” preferably does not necessarily mean that the material is biodegradable; rather, “bio-based” preferably often means that the material has to be recycled with the plastic stream. As an example, “bio-based” material may contain a certain amount of bio-resin (i.e. not petroleum based, but a resin sourced from food crops, wood cuts, etc.) which makes it more sustainable than the current offer of, e.g., non-bio-based plastic materials. A material may be understood as “compostable” or “biodegradable” when the material fulfills the requirements established by the European Norm EN 13431 (“Packaging—Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation—Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging”). For example, the biodegradable material is a material comprising a biodegradable and/or compostable polymer, paper, and/or cellulose. For example, the bio-based and/or biodegradable material is a bio-based and/or biodegradable thermoplastic material, such as bio polypropylene. Preferably, at least the tamper evidence element is made of the bio-based and/or biodegradable material. In an embodiment, the closure may be partially or completely made of a bio-based material, but may not comprise a biodegradable (and/or compostable) material.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a system is provided. The system comprises a container (such as a big diameter container, e.g. from 73 mm to 127 mm, and/or a container in the form of a can) and a closure as explained above. In one embodiment, the first part is attached to the container. That is, the container may comprise an upper portion with an opening, wherein the part of the closure comprising the opening (i.e. the first part or the second part) is attached to this upper portion. The attachment may be provided by a form and/or frictional fit and/or by an adhesive bond. Alternatively, the first part or the second part may be part of the container and/or may be integral with the container and/or at least in part provide said upper portion of the container.

Further advantages, features and implementations of the invention are described exemplarily with reference to the enclosed figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a closure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the closed condition;

FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2B is a detail of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a further schematic side view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional detailed view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 , taken along section line A-A in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 , taken along section line B-B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6B is a detail of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 , showing an optional fastening element;

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the closure is in the open condition;

FIG. 8B is a detail of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the closure shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 8A, taken along section line C-C in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 10B is a detail of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a detail of FIG. 10A showing a hinge connecting the first part to the second part;

FIG. 11 is the schematic side view of the closure shown in FIG. 3 in a state after the tamper evidence element has been actuated;

FIG. 12 is the schematic cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 5 in a state after the tamper evidence element has been actuated;

FIG. 13 is the schematic cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 6A in a state after the tamper evidence element has been actuated;

FIG. 14 a schematic top view of the closure shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the tamper evidence element is omitted;

FIG. 15 is the closure shown in FIG. 6A, wherein the tamper evidence element is omitted;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional exploded view of a closure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16B is a detail of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a closure according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18A is a schematic top view of the closure shown in FIG. 17 ; and

FIG. 18B is a detail of FIG. 18A; and

FIG. 18C is a detail of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a closure 1 (such as in the form of a cap and/or a lid, e.g. a domed lid) according to a preferred embodiment. The closure 1 is suitable for a container (not shown). The container may contain a product in any form, such as in a liquid, pasty, powdery, and/or pourable form. The product may be an infant formula (such as an infant formula powder), and/or the container may be an infant formula container (so that the closure 1 and the container form, for example, an infant formula packaging). For example, the container is a can. The closure 1 comprises a first part 2 that is exemplarily provided as a lower part. The closure 1 further comprises a second part 3 that is exemplarily provided as an upper (top) part. The terms “upper part” and “lower part” in particular refer to an orientation with respect to the container. For example, when the closure 1 is attached to the container, the second part 3 may represent the upper part of the system (which comprises the closure 1 and the container), wherein the first part 1 connects the second part 3 with the container.

The second part 3 can be moved relative to the first part 2. As such, the closure 1 can be moved between a closed condition and an open condition. The closed condition is exemplarily shown amongst others in FIG. 1 , and the open condition is exemplarily shown amongst others in FIG. 8 . One example for moving the first part 2 and the second part 3 relative to one another is shown in the figures. According to this example, the second part 3 is hinged to the first part 1, in particular by means of a hinge 4 (see, for example, FIGS. 4 and 10B). As shown, the hinge 4 may be integral with the first part 2 and/or the second part 3. Further, other examples (such as without a hinge) are possible to allow that the second part 3 is movable relative to the first part 2.
As shown in FIG. 8 , the lower part comprises an opening 21. In the closed condition, this opening 21 is covered by the second part 3 (see FIG. 1 ). For example, the second part 3 comprises a lid portion 31 that covers the opening 21 in the closed condition. The lid portion 31 may be part of a domed structure, e.g. may form the top of this domed structure. For covering the opening, the lid portion 31 may have a plane or flat surface (or section) or may substantially extend in a planar manner. Correspondingly, when the second part 3 moves relative to the first part 2 into the open condition, the second part 3 uncovers (i.e. exposes) the opening 21. In this condition, the closure 1 can provide access to the container via the uncovered opening 21. In this condition, a user can, via the opening 21, take at least parts of the product out of the container.
For easily moving the second part 3 relative to the first part 2, the second part 3 may comprise a grasping portion 32. The grasping portion 32 is in particular designed to be easily grasped by a user's finger. As shown in FIG. 1 , the grasping portion 32 may comprise a protrusion and/or a grasping surface (the grasping portion may be part of the protrusion). which is/are suitable for being grasped by a user's finger. Additionally or alternatively, the grasping portion 32 may comprise an indentation suitable for being grasped by a user's finger. In general, any form suitable for being grasped by a user's finger can be used for the grasping portion 32.
The closure 1 further comprises a tamper evidence (evident) element 5. Hence, the closure 1 represents a tamper evidence system. The tamper evidence element 5 is arranged to indicate a sealed state and an unsealed state of the closure 1. As such, the tamper evidence element 5 is in particular suitable for indicating whether the closure 1 has been already opened by moving the second part 3 relative to the first part 2 and into the open condition. Hence, the tamper evidence element 5 can easily indicate an unauthorized access to the product contained in the container. The tamper evidence element 5 is arranged to provide a good visibility for the user. For this purpose, the tamper evidence element 5 may, when viewed onto a plane surface of the second part 3, such as in a direction perpendicular to the lid surface 31 (perpendicular to the drawing surface of FIG. 2A), be arranged between the lid surface 31 and/or a wall portion 33 of the first part 2 and the grasping portion 32. As such, a user can easily see with the own eyes the tamper evidence element 5 and, thus, whether the unsealed or sealed state of the closure 1 is present. This further provides the advantage of an easy actuation of the tamper evidence element 5, as described herein below. Preferably, the tamper evidence element 5 (such as a top surface of the tamper evidence element 5 and/or the below described actuation surface of the tamper evidence element 5) can be, in the closed condition, arranged and/or positioned substantially flush with, or slightly below, the lid portion 31. The second part 3 may comprise a recessed portion 33 a, in which at least part of the tamper evidence element 5 is arranged when in the closed condition. The recessed portion 33 a may be delimited by the wall portion 33 and/or the grasping portion 32.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the tamper evidence element 5 is connected to the second part 3 by a frangible connection 51. In particular, the frangible connection 51 connects the tamper evidence element 5 to the lid part 31 or the wall portion 33 and/or the grasping portion 32 of the second part 3. The frangible connection 51 may be at one end integrally formed with the tamper evidence element 5 and at another end integrally formed with the second part 3, such as with lid part 31 or the wall portion 33 and/or the grasping portion 32. As shown in FIG. 2B, the frangible connection 51 may comprise weakened sections for providing the frangibility. For example, the frangible connection 51 comprises one or more frangible or weakened bridges 52, such as only or at least two being connected to the lid part 31 or the wall portion 33 and/or only or at least two being connected to the grasping portion 32.
On the other hand, and as shown in FIG. 5 , the tamper evidence element 5 can be withheld relative to the first part 2. For this purpose, the tamper evidence element 5 may engage, such as with a form and/or frictional fit, with a structure that is fixed relative to the first part 2. For example, this structure is integral with and thus fixed relative to the first part 2. The tamper evidence element 5 may comprise one or more protrusions 53 (and/or one or more indentations) that are arranged to engage, such as with said structure, in order to be withheld relative to the first part 2.
Accordingly, as the second part 3 moves, with an opening motion, relative to the first part 2 in order to move the closure 1 from the closed condition, in which the closure 1 is in an unsealed state and in which the (non-ruptured) frangible connection 51 thus connects the tamper evidence element 5 to the second part 3, into or towards the open condition, the second part 3 at the same time forces the tamper evidence element 2 to move relative to the first part 2. This due to the frangible connection 2 connecting the tamper evidence element 5 to the second part 3. However, since the tamper evidence element 5 is withheld relative to the first part 2, the tamper evidence element 5 cannot move relative to the first part 2 during this opening motion. Instead, the opening motion effects that the frangible connection 51 ruptures. In other words, during the opening motion the second part 2 moves, due to the withheld tamper evidence element 5, relative to the tamper evidence element 5, thereby effecting a force in the frangible connection 51 that ruptures the frangible connection 51. Thereby, the closure 1 moves into the unsealed state.
In the state, in which the frangible connection 51 is ruptured and thus does not connect the tamper evidence element 5 to the second part 3, the tamper evidence element 5 indicates the unsealed state. For example, in this state the tamper evidence element 5 indicates the unsealed state by a visual appearance and/or a haptic effect. For example, compared to the sealed state, the tamper evidence element 5 may have in the unsealed state a different position and/or orientation and/or may be arranged more loosely, i.e. less firmly.
The tamper evidence element 5 is further adapted to be actuated. Therefore, instead of rupturing the frangible connection 51 by the opening motion of the second part 3 relative to the first part 2, the frangible connection 51 can be also ruptured by actuating the tamper evidence element 5. Hence, the tamper evidence element 5 can be moved by actuation from the position shown in FIG. 5 towards or into the position shown in FIG. 12 (i.e. along a top-down-direction in these figures). Accordingly, a user may, in a first step, actuate the tamper evidence element 5 in order to rupture the frangible connection 51 and, in a following second step, then move the second part 3 relative to the first part 2 for moving the closure 1 into the open condition. This provides a convenient and intuitive way for transferring the closure 1 from the sealed state into the unsealed state. Further, during the opening motion of the parts 2, 3 relative to one another, a user does not need to overcome the force for rupturing the frangible connection 51, since the frangible connection 51 has been already ruptured by the actuation. In addition, the tamper evidence element 5 being adapted, i.e. designed, to be actuated facilitates that the user can easily locate the tamper evidence element 5 for rupturing the frangible connection 51 and that a user can easily effect a force for this rupturing.
For an advantageous actuation, the tamper evidence element 5 is preferably adapted to be pushed in order to be actuated. In particular, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the tamper evidence element 5 may comprise an actuation surface 54 that is designed to be actuated, such as pushed. The actuation surface 54 provides in particular enough surface area in order to be contacted by a user's finger for actuation. Preferably, the actuation surface 54 is suitable to display, or comprises, an indication for indicating (to a user) that the surface 54 is to be actuated. The indication may be at least partially engraved on the actuation surface 54. For example, the indication may comprise one or more graphic symbols (such as one or more letters), preferably describing the required actuation. For example, the indication recites the word PUSH. In an embodiment, the tamper evidence element 5 may be at least in part designed as, or provided by, a flap and/or a button, such as a push button.
The closure 1, in particular the second part 3, may comprise one or more protection structures (such as in the form of bumps) arranged to protect the tamper evidence element 5, in particular from being accidently actuated. The tamper evidence element 5 may be arranged between two of such protection structures, and/or the one or more protection structures may be arranged adjacent to the tamper evidence element 5. When the frangible connection 51 is not ruptured, the one or more protection structures preferably extend above (i.e. beyond) the tamper evidence element 5, such as above the actuation surface 54.
Once the frangible connection 51 has been ruptured, the tamper evidence element 5 cannot be retained by the second part 3 anymore. To avoid that the tamper evidence element 5 detaches from or falls off the parts 2, 3, the closure 1 further comprises a holding device 22 arranged on and preferably integrally formed with the first part 2. After the frangible connection 51 has been ruptured, i.e. in the unsealed or ruptured state, the holding device 22 secures the tamper evidence element 5 to the first part 2. Securing the tamper evidence element 5 to the first part 2 by the holding device 22 may be provided in different ways. For example, in the ruptured state of the frangible connection 51, the holding device 21 may secure the tamper evidence element 5 such that the tamper evidence element 5 is movable relative to the holding device 22 with a defined play (i.e. backlash). With the defined play, the tamper evidence element 5 is thus loosely secured, so that a particularly good (in particular visual and/or haptic) indication of the unsealed state can be provided. As shown in FIG. 5 , the holding device 22 may comprise a (upper) section 23 that secures the tamper evidence element 5 with the defined play and that is, for example, at least in part defined by one or more side walls 24 of the holding device 22. The section 23 may comprise one or more protrusions for securing the tamper evidence element 5 and/or at least partially defining the defined play. The one or more protrusions are preferably formed in the one or more side walls 24.
As shown in FIG. 5 , the holding device 22 may comprise a (lower) section 25 for securing the tamper evidence element 5 to the first part 2. The section 25 is arranged such that, as the tamper evidence element 5 is actuated to rupture the frangible connection 51, the tamper evidence element 5 moves, e.g. from the (upper) section 23, towards the section 25. This makes it in particular possible that by actuating the tamper evidence element 5 to move in a direction that corresponds to the direction for moving the tamper evidence element 5 to rupture the frangible connection 51, the tamper evidence element 5 can move into a position, in which the section 25 secures the tamper evidence element 5 to the first part 2. Accordingly, actuating the tamper evidence element 2 does not only effect a rupturing of the frangible connection 51, but also an engaging with the section 25 to be secured to the first part 2 and/or an at least partial immersion into the holding device 21.
The section 25 may be adapted to secure the tamper evidence element 5 to the first part 1 such that the tamper evidence element 5 is not movable relative to the holding device 22 or at least movable relative to the holding device 22 with a further defined play that is less than the defined play, e.g. provided by the section 23. Preferably, the section 25 comprises one or more protrusions for securing the tamper evidence element 5. The section 25 may further comprise a bottom wall 26 that, together with the one or more protrusions, can secure the tamper evidence element 5, optionally such that the tamper evidence element 5 is not movable relative to the holding device 22 or at least movable with the further defined play. That is, the motion of the tamper evidence element 5 secured to the section 25 may be restricted by the one or more protrusions of the section 25 and the bottom wall 26. In the state of being secured by the section 25, the one or more protrusions 53 of the tamper evidence element 5 may be at least partially arranged between the wall 26 on the one hand and the one or more protrusions of the section 25 on the other hand. Preferably, the section 25 secures the tamper evidence element 5 by a snap fit, which may be provided by the one or more protrusions of the section 25 and/or the bottom wall 26.
The (upper) section 23 may be arranged with respect to the (lower) section 25 such that the tamper evidence element 5 can be moved, by actuation, from the section 23 towards the section 24. “Lower section” preferably means that this section is further distanced from the second part 3 (in the closed position) than the “upper section”. The section 25 may be at least in part defined by one or more side walls of the holding device 22, such as also by the one or more side walls 24. For example, the one or more side walls may comprise the one or more protrusions of the section 25 and/or may extend from the bottom wall 26.
The holding device 22 may comprise a side wall 24 a that is, at least after the frangible connection 51 has been ruptured, arranged to at least partially cover the tamper evidence element 5. After the tamper evidence element 5 has been actuated (and is thus, for example, moved towards the section 25), the side wall 24 a may be arranged to cover more parts of the tamper evidence element 5 than in a state, in which the tamper evidence element 5 is connected via the frangible connection 5 to the second part 3. In other words, the tamper evidence element 5 may comprise a wall portion 55, which is, when the tamper evidence element 5 is connected via the frangible connection 5 to the second part 3, exposed (i.e. not covered by the first part 2 or the side wall 24 a; see FIG. 3 ) such as to indicate a sealed state. For this purpose, the wall portion 55 may comprise an indication (a color (e.g. green), one or more signs, letters, a locked padlock sign, etc.) so that, when the wall portion 55 is exposed, this indication is visible. Hence, the wall portion 55 provides a clear visual indication for the frangible connection 51 being non-ruptured, i.e. for the closure 1 being in the sealed state. Correspondingly, after the tamper evidence element 5 has been actuated (and is thus, for example, moved towards the section 25), the side wall 24 a may be arranged to cover this wall portion 55, such as to cover the indication of the wall portion 55 (see FIG. 1 i ). The side wall 24 a may extend from the bottom wall 26.
If the opening motion of the second part 3 relative to the first part 3 ruptures the frangible connection 51, the tamper evidence element 5 will displace or move by gravity relative to (and further into) the holding device 22 and be secured by the holding device 22, such as with the (upper) section 23, with the defined play (with reference to FIG. 5 : the tamper evidence element 5 displaces downwards by gravity onto the one or more protrusions of the section 25). The defined play is then defined by the one or more protrusions of the section 23 on the one hand and by the one or more protrusions of the section 25 on the other hand. The opening motion cannot effect that the tamper evidence element 5 moves into the position, in which the (lower) section 25 secures the tamper evidence element 5. However, by actuating the tamper evidence element 5, e.g. with a user's finger, the tamper evidence element 5 can be moved into this position. As such, the holding device 22 may be also used to indicate whether the frangible connection 51 has been ruptured by the opening motion of the parts 2, 3 (thereby not engaging with the section 25 but, for example, only placed on the one or more protrusions of the section 25) or by the actuation of the tamper evidence element 5 (thereby moving towards the section 25 and, for example, engaging with the same such as with the one or more protrusions of the section 25).
As said before, the tamper evidence element 5 is withheld relative to the first part 2 in order to allow rupturing of the frangible connection 51 by the opening motion. Preferably, the holding device 22 is adapted to provide this function. More specifically, the holding device 22, preferably the (upper) section 23, may be adapted to withhold the tamper evidence element 5 relative to the first part 2 as the second part 3 moves relative to the first part 2. If withholding is effected by the section 23, the one or more protrusions of the section 23 may engage with the tamper evidence element 5, such as with its one or more protrusions, in order to withhold the tamper evidence element 5. Hence, forcing the tamper evidence element 5, such as the one or more protrusions 53, by the opening motion to engage with the holding device 22, such as with the section 23 or the section's 23 one or more protrusions, will effect a reaction force that ruptures the frangible connection 51.
The tamper evidence element 5 may interact with the wall portion 33 of the second part 3 in order to provide a particularly good indication of the sealed state and unsealed state. For example, after the frangible connection 51 has been ruptured, in particular by actuating the tamper evidence element 5, the tamper evidence element 5 exposes the wall portion 33 (when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the wall portion 33, which is, in FIG. 5 , perpendicular to the drawing plane). In other words, as the tamper evidence element 5 moves (such as by gravity and/or by actuation) due to the ruptured frangible connection 51, the tamper evidence element 5 at the same time moves along the wall portion 33 and, thus, exposes or uncovers the wall portion 33. The wall portion 33 may comprise an indication (a color (e.g. red), one or more signs, letters, an unlocked padlock sign, etc.) so that, when the wall portion 33 is exposed, this indication becomes visible for indication of the unsealed state. Hence, the wall portion 33 provides a clear visual indication for the frangible connection 51 being ruptured, i.e. for the closure 1 being in the unsealed state.
The closure 1 is preferably a reclosable and/or resealable closure or lid. For example, and as shown in FIG. 7 , one or more fastening elements 6 are provided, which, in the closed condition of the closure 1, fasten the parts 2, 3 with one another. The first part 2 and/or the second part 3 may comprise the one or more fastening elements. The one or more fastening elements may fasten the parts 2, 3 to one another by a form and/or frictional fit and/or by a snap fit. The one or more fastening elements 6 are preferably designed such that the opening motion of the parts 2, 3 can release the fastening connection provided by the one or more fastening elements 6, thereby unfastening the parts 2, 3 to move the closure 1 into the open condition.
In the closed condition, the first part 2 and the second part 3 preferably sealingly engage with (or sealingly contact) one another. One example for a sealing is shown in FIG. 6B. As shown in FIG. 6B, the first part 2 may comprise a sealing wall 27 that comprises at least an angled (or horizontal) section 28 and preferably a straight (or vertical) section 29. The angled section 28 preferably extends horizontally and/or at an angle (perpendicular, oblique, etc.) with respect to the straight section 29. The sealing wall 27 is preferably a circumferential wall. Further, the second part 3 comprises a first wall 34 and a second wall 35, wherein the second wall 35 is further distanced from an outer edge of the second part 3 than the first wall 34. In other words, the second wall 35, may be arranged in a space delimited by the first wall 34. According to one example, the first wall 34 is the outer edge.
In the closed condition, the first wall 34 (sealingly) contacts, e.g. with a stepped portion, the sealing wall 27, such as the angled section 28 but preferably not the distal end of the sealing wall 27. Additionally or alternatively, the first wall 34 may contact, in the closed condition, the straight section 29 of the sealing wall 27. In the closed condition, the first wall 34 contacts the sealing wall 27 (such as the angled section 28 and/or the straight section 29) preferably with a flat contact. Further, in the closed condition, the second wall 35 contacts (e.g. only) the angled section 28, such as the distal end of the sealing wall 27 that is part of the angled section 28. The sealing wall 27 (such as the angled section 28), the first wall 34 and the second wall 35 may be arranged to delimit a cavity 36.
Hence, a particularly good sealing is provided, in which the second wall 35 contacting the angled section 28 provides an “inner sealing”, and the first wall 34 contacting the sealing wall 27 provides an “outer sealing”. Accordingly, a particularly good sealing is provided, which prevents a fluid (such as oxygen, air, liquid, pasty mass) to pass the interface between the first part 2 and the second part 3. This in particular prevents, in the closed condition, leakage of the product by way of the closure 1 and/or degradation of the product inside of the container by a fluid (in particular oxygen) flowing from the outside via the closure 1 into the container.
The first part 2 is preferably integrally formed with the second part 3. Further, the tamper evidence element 5 is preferably integrally formed with the second part 3, namely by way of the frangible connection. The closure 1 may be produced by any suitable production method, such as injection molding. For example, in a first production step, the closure 1 is obtained in the open condition (such as in the state shown in FIGS. 8A-B, 9, 10A), in which the first part 2 is integral with the second part 3 (e.g. by way of the hinge 4) and the tamper evidence element 5 is integral with the second part 3 by way of the frangible connection 51. In a second step, the second part 3 may move relative to the first part 2 in order to connect the tamper evidence element 5 to the first part 2, namely such that the tamper evident element 5 can be withheld relative to the first part 2 as the second part 3 moves relative to the first part 2 with the opening motion. FIG. 16D shows the state shortly before being connected to the first part 2. For example, in this second production step, the tamper evidence element 5 attaches or engages (e.g. snaps into) the holding device 22 for being withheld. In the second step, the tamper evidence element is connected to the first part 2 in such a way that the frangible connection 51 does not rupture. Thus, the closure 1 in the sealed state is obtained and ready for application, e.g. for attaching to a container.
The closure 1 is not limited to a specific material. For example, the closure 1 may be made of a transparent and/or opaque material. Preferably, the closure 1 is partially or completely made of a bio-based and/or biodegradable material, such as bio-based and/or biodegradable polypropylene (PP). Additionally or alternatively, the closure 1 may be partially or completely made of a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET) and/or plastic. In order to avoid environmental pollution, a bio-based and/or biodegradable material is preferred. In order to increase the recyclability of the closure 1, the closure 1 may comprise defined portions, such as weakened portions, which facilitate a disassembly of the closure 1 in different parts, e.g. in order to put these different parts into different recycling streams (such as a recycling stream for biodegradable material and a further recycling stream for non-biodegradable and/or bio-based material). One example for such a portion is shown in FIG. 8B. According to this example, the second part 3 comprises a portion 37, which facilitates an easy disassembly of the second part 3, such as by easily cutting along the portion 37 (e.g. with a scissor) in order to disassemble the second part 3.
The closure 1 is not limited to specific dimensions. That is, the tamper evidence element 5 can be used with closures (lids, etc.) and/or containers with any sizes or dimensions. For example, the closure 1 may be suitable for big diameter containers, which have a diameter in the range from 73 mm to 127 mm. In some examples, the closure 1 has a diameter in the range from 73 mm to 127 mm, in particular from 80 mm to 120 mm or from 90 mm to 110 mm.
As shown in FIG. 17 and FIGS. 18A-D, the closure 1 may comprise one or more structures 38 (such as in the form of one or more protrusions and/or indentations) for receiving one or more utensils such as cutlery (spoon, fork, knife, etc.). As shown in these figures, the second part 3 may comprise these one or more structures 38. The one or more structures 38 may be arranged on a backside of the second part 3, which faces away from the lid part 31. In other words, the one or more structures 38 may be, in the closed condition, arranged between the opening 21 and the lid part 31.
If the closure 1 is provided with a container (the closure 1 and the container provide a system), the first part 2 may be attached to the container by a form and/or frictional fit and/or by an adhesive bond. As shown in FIG. 16C, the first part 2 may comprise one or more fastening elements (such as in the form of a snap fit) 200 for attaching and fastening the first part 2, and thus the closure 1, to the container. The fastening force provided by the one or more fastening elements 200 for attaching the first part 2 to the container is preferably such that the closure 1 cannot be disassembled from the container without damaging the closure 1 and/or the container. Hence, the one or more fastening elements may also serve as some kind of tamper evidence element. In an embodiment, the first part 2 may be an integral part of the container.
It should be clear to a skilled person that the embodiments shown in the figures are only preferred embodiments, but that, however, also other designs of a closure 1 can be used.

Claims

1. A closure for a container, comprising a first part,

a second part relatively movable to the first part to move between a closed condition, in which an opening of the closure is covered, and an open condition, in which the opening is uncovered, and

a tamper evidence element that is, on the one hand, connected to the second part by a frangible connection and that is, on the other hand, arranged to be withheld relative to the first part such that, as the second part moves with an opening motion relative to the first part from the closed condition to the open condition, the opening motion ruptures the frangible connection,

wherein the tamper evidence element is adapted to be actuated in order to rupture the frangible connection independent of moving the second part relative to the first part by the opening motion, and

wherein the closure further comprises a holding device arranged on the first part and adapted to secure the tamper evidence element to the first part after the frangible connection has been ruptured.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the holding device is adapted to withhold the tamper evidence element relative to the first part as the second part moves relative to the first part by the opening motion to allow rupturing of the frangible connection.

3. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the holding device is adapted to secure the tamper evidence element such that, after the frangible connection has been ruptured, the tamper evidence element is movable relative to the holding device with a defined play.

4. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the holding device comprises a section for securing the tamper evident element to the first part, and wherein the tamper evidence element is, by actuating the tamper evidence element, movable towards this section in order to rupture the frangible connection, wherein, optionally, the holing device, such as the section, is adapted to secure the tamper evidence element to be not movable relative to the holding section or movable relative to the holding section with a further defined play.

5. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the holding device is adapted to secure the tamper evidence element with a snap fit.

6. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the tamper evidence element is adapted to be pushed in order to be actuated, and wherein the tamper evidence element is at least in part designed as a button.

7. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a wall portion, wherein, when viewed at least along a direction perpendicular to the wall portion, the tamper evidence element exposes the wall portion after the frangible connection has been ruptured.

8. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises the opening, and wherein the second part covers, in the closed condition, the opening and uncovers, in the open condition, the opening.

9. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a sealing wall with an angled section, wherein the second part comprises a first wall contactable with the sealing wall, such as with the angled section and/or a straight section of the sealing wall, and wherein the second part further comprises a second wall that is distanced further from an outer edge of the second part than the first wall and contactable with the angled section, such as with a distal end of the sealing wall that is part of the angled section.

10. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the first part and the second part comprise one or more fastening elements for fastening the second part to the first part in the closed condition.

11. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a grasping portion for grasping the second part in order to move the second part relative to the first part, wherein, when the tamper evidence element is connected to the second part by the frangible connection, the tamper evidence element is preferably arranged between the grasping portion and the wall portion of the second part.

12. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the second part is hinged to the first part.

13. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the first part is integral with the second part.

14. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the closure is partially or completely made of a bio-based and/or biodegradable material.

15. A system, comprising a container and a closure comprising

a first part,

wherein the closure further comprises a holding device arranged on the first part and adapted to secure the tamper evidence element to the first part after the frangible connection has been ruptured, wherein the first part or the second part of the closure is part of the container or attached to the container.