Abstract: A method and apparatus for vertically scoring a tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a rotatably-driven carousel which includes mandrel assemblies at the periphery thereof. Each mandrel assembly includes a rotatable mandrel on which a respective closure is positioned in operative association, so that the mandrel and closure are moved relative to an associated scoring mechanism. The scoring mechanism includes at least one, and preferably a plurality, of rotatably driven scoring blades, with each blade arranged to engage and cut the pilfer band of a respective closure. Significantly, the system can be operated so as to closely approximate the preferred radial movement of the blade with respect to the closure, thus minimizing "digging" of the scoring blade into the plastic of the closure.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes an annular pilfer band which is partially detachably connected to the skirt portion of the closure, whereby the pilfer band remains connected to the closure after closure removal from an associate container. The pilfer band includes a fracturable region which fractures during closure removal, whereby the pilfer band splits and separates. The fracturable region is defined by a pair of circumferentially and vertically spaced, staggered scores which are configured to facilitate high-speed manufacture, and consistent tamper-indication. In one embodiment, one of the scores extends through one of a plurality of container-engaging projections of the pilfer band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a plastic closure particularly to facilitate orientation of the closure so that a manufacturing process, such as vertical scoring, can be effected at one of at least one predetermined portion of the closure. Such orientation is achieved by the provision of an orientation mandrel on to which the closure is moved. The closure is initially rotated relative to the orientation mandrel, with a stop mechanism of the mandrel thereafter engaging the closure and stopping such relative rotation. The stop mechanism of the mandrel is configured in a predetermined orientation with respect to an associated component of the apparatus, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a vertical scoring mechanism. By this manufacturing technique, a closure having a tamper-indicating pilfer band can be scored and cut at a particular portion of the band, such as between container-engaging projections of the pilfer band.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a top wall portion, a depending annular skirt portion, and a container-engaging pilfer band at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion. In order to avoid premature fracture of the connection between the pilfer band and the closure skirt, a selectively strengthened frangible connection is provided, preferably comprising a series of first relatively weak bridges, and a series of second relatively strong bridges. The relatively strong bridges are provided about a major portion of the circumference of the pilfer band and are sufficiently strong to resist premature fracture. The minor portion of the circumference at which the first relatively weak bridges are provided fractures and separates first during closure removal, permitting the pilfer band to engage the container to create a high resistance to removal for thereafter sequentially fracturing the second bridges.

Abstract: A monitoring system provides a method of operating a compression plastic molding apparatus which entails substantially continuously monitoring the position of an upper compression cam of the apparatus, against which a rotatably movable mold assembly reacts during operation of the apparatus. By monitoring the position of the compression cam, the system is able to detect excessive loading of the apparatus, such as attendant to depositing of excessive plastic material in the mold assembly. A force determining device, illustrated in the form of a fluid pressure (pneumatic) cylinder, is operatively connected with the compression cam, with the system operating to release pressure in the cylinder in the event that the compression cam is moved in a manner which indicates excessive loading of the plastic mold assembly.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes an annular pilfer band which is partially detachably connected to a skirt portion of the closure, whereby the pilfer band remains connected to the closure after closure removal from an associated container. The pilfer band includes at least one fracturable region which fractures during closure removal, whereby the pilfer band splits and separates into a plurality of segments. Each segment is preferably dimensioned to facilitate its removal from an associated container by automatic washing equipment in the event that one of the segments is inserted into the container by a consumer.

Abstract: A container closure having a multiple liner seal is disclosed. The closure comprises a plastic closure cap having a circular top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion. The skirt portion has an internal thread formation for threadedly engaging a cooperative container. In a typical closure, a pilfer band depends from the skirt portion. The closure cap has an abutment internal thereto, generally at the juncture of the top wall portion and the skirt portion. A first resilient, molded-in plastic seal is positioned in the cap adjacent to and against the top wall portion, and a second resilient plastic seal is positioned in the closure and extends thereacross resting upon the abutment. When the closure is threadedly engaged with a container, the second seal provides a top/side seal to seal the contents from the environs. The closure will seal a container with or without the second seal in place because of the independent sealing capabilities of the first seal.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes an annular pilfer band which is partially detachably connected to the skirt portion of the closure, whereby the pilfer band remains connected to the closure after closure removal from an associate container. The pilfer band includes a fracturable region which fractures during closure removal, whereby the pilfer band splits and separates. The fracturable region is defined by a pair of circumferentially and vertically spaced, staggered scores which are configured to facilitate high-speed manufacture, and consistent tamper-indication.

Abstract: A closure-assembly includes a molded plastic closure cap, and a disc-shaped insert liner positionable adjacent a top wall portion of the closure cap. An annular shoulder of the closure cap cooperates with the insert liner to form a top/side seal with an associated container. The annular shoulder includes at least one annular liner-engaging rib, which cooperates with the insert liner to enhance sealing performance of the closure assembly, retain the liner in position with the closure cap, and facilitate high-speed closure formation.

Abstract: A linerless plastic closure is configured for side-sealing engagement with an associated container. The closure includes a circular top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion, and including an internal thread formation. A two-component side-seal arrangement is provided which includes a relatively rigid support annulus, and a relatively flexible sealing lip. The sealing lip is movable into a position for sealingly engaging a generally outwardly facing surface of an associated container, with the relatively rigid support annulus desirably acting to enhance the sealing effect of the sealing lip. Notably, the relatively rigid sealing annulus further desirably acts to provide a self-centering action for the closure during application to a container.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure for a container comprises a plastic closure cap having a circular top wall portion, and a depending annular skirt portion. The closure further includes an annular pilfer band depending from the skirt portion which is at least partially detachably connected thereto by a frangible connection. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible projections, and a plurality of respectively associated interference beads. By this arrangement, the pilfer band is configured for two modes of interfering engagement with an annular locking ring of an associated container for at least partially separating the pilfer band from the closure skirt for tamper-indication.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a plastic closure cap having a top wall portion, and a depending cylindrical skirt portion, and an annular pilfer band depending from the skirt portion. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible tabs, and an annular interference bead, with the arrangement configured to provide two modes of tamper-indicating interaction with an associated container. In order to facilitate high-speed application of the closure to a container, each of the flexible tabs includes a relatively thick central portion, operative during the second mode of tamper-indication, and an adjacent base portion of relatively reduced thickness for enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a plastic closure cap having a top wall portion, and a depending cylindrical skirt portion, and an annular pilfer band depending from the skirt portion. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible tabs, and an annular interference bead, with the arrangement configured to provide two modes of tamper-indicating interaction with an associated container. In order to facilitate high-speed application of the closure to a container, each of the flexible tabs includes a relatively thick central portion, operative during the second mode of tamper-indication, and an adjacent base portion of relatively reduced thickness for enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: A composite closure with a side seal proportioning lip is disclosed, with the closure including an outer plastic closure cap, and a plastic sealing liner positioned adjacent a top wall portion of the cap. The sealing liner includes a central disc-shaped portion, and an integral relatively thick, annular sealing bead portion. The closure is thus configured to effect a "top/side seal" with an associated container. The construction includes an annular liner-retaining lip having a relatively flexible annular inner edge portion which coacts with the sealing bead portion of the liner to self-adjust and proportion the degree of sealing engagement between the sealing bead portion of the liner and the associated container.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a pilfer band at least partially detachably connected to a skirt portion of the closure by a frangible connection. The frangible connection comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced frangible bridges, which fracture attendant to removal of the closure from an associated container to provide visually discernable evidence of opening. In order to facilitate high-speed application of the closure to a container, one or more regions of the frangible connection are preferentially strengthened by the provision of relatively strengthened frangible bridges. At least one of the strengthened bridges is generally diametrically opposed to the leading portion of the internal thread formation of the closure.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure for a container comprises a plastic closure cap having a circular top wall portion, and a depending annular skirt portion. The closure further includes an annular pilfer band depending from the skirt portion which is at least partially detachably connected thereto by a frangible connection. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible projections, and a plurality of respectively associated interference beads. By this arrangement, the pilfer band is configured for two modes of interfering engagement with an annular locking ring of an associated container for at least partially separating the pilfer band from the closure skirt for tamper-indication.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure is disclosed, with the closure configured for interfering coaction with an associated container. The closure includes a plastic cap having a top wall portion and an internally threaded annular skirt portion, with an annular pilfer band depending therefrom. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible tabs configured for interfering engagement with an annular locking ring portion of the associated container. The pilfer band further includes an annular interference bead positioned beneath the flexible tabs. By this arrangement, two modes of interfering engagement with the associated container locking ring are provided.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure is disclosed, with the closure configured for interfering coaction with an associated container. The closure includes a plastic cap having a top wall portion and an internally threaded annular skirt portion, with an annular pilfer band depending therefrom. The pilfer band includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible tabs configured for interfering engagement with an annular locking ring portion of the associated container. The pilfer band further includes an annular interference bead positioned beneath the flexible tabs. By this arrangement, two modes of interfering engagement with the associated container locking ring are provided.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure is shown which is configured for mechanical interference with the annular locking ring of an associated container. The closure includes a top wall portion and depending skirt portion, with a circular pilfer band at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion by a plurality of circumferentially spaced fracturable bridges. Notably, the pilfer band includes an internal, annular interference lip which is skewed or arranged at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the closure. By this construction, the interference lip engages the container locking ring during closure application so as to deform the closure to a non-circular configuration, thus minimizing stressing of the fracturable bridges. During closure removal, the angular configuration of the interference lip creates localized stressing of the fracturable bridges, thus providing serial fracture of the bridges.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure construction is disclosed which includes an annular pilfer band which depends from an annular skirt portion of the closure. The pilfer band is partially detachably connected to the skirt portion by frangible ribs, and remains connected to the skirt portion attendant to removal of the closure from a container. To facilitate such removal, the pilfer band includes a fracturable portion defined by a pair of vertically spaced, vertical scores. In order to substantially prevent any propagation of the upper one of the vertical scores, another score is formed in intersecting relation thereto. Consistent manufacture and reliable performance are further promoted by the formation of a stabilizing score in operative association with the fracturable portion of the pilfer band.