Tamper resistant beverage bottle

Abstract

A multiple tamper resistant or evident system for use with a beverage bottle having a first security measure connected to an open end of the beverage bottle and a second security measure connected to the open end of the beverage bottle. The first security measure can be a cap with a security ring. The second security measure can be a form fitting label, such as a heat shrinkable neckband, that fits over the cap having the security ring. Additionally, the tamper evident system can include a third security measure connected to or associated with the open end of the beverage bottle. The third security measure can be in the form of indicia printed on the form fitting label. If the form fitting label is broken and then replaced, a discontinuity of the indicia will provide evidence of tampering.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/494,529 filed Aug. 12, 2003.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed to a tamper resistant or tamper evident system for use with a beverage container having multiple security measures, and more particularly, to a tamper evident system for use with plastic beverage containers having multiple security measures in the form of a first tamper evident device and a second tamper evident device, and in some cases, a third tamper evident device or system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging for consumable products is often provided with some form of security measure to ensure the packaging is not opened before it reaches the ultimate purchaser of the product. The security measure can be as simple as a plastic wrap around a cardboard carton or box, or take on more complicated structures.

Some security measures are particularly designed to show evidence if the package has been previously opened and resealed, or otherwise tampered with. Security measures in the form of tamper resistant or tamper evident devices have been used in the past with respect to plastic beverage containers or bottles. In this regard, plastic beverage containers typically include a first security measure in the form of a tamper resistant plastic closure. The tamper resistant plastic closure is of the type that includes a flat circular top having a surrounding skirt that is connected to a security collar or ring by a plurality of frangible ribs. The closure is connected to the opening of the beverage container and functions to keep the beverage in the container until the closure is removed. When the tamper resistant closure is removed (typically by twisting or unscrewing the tamper resistant closure) the frangible ribs are ruptured and the security ring is separated from the rest of the closure and remains on the bottle. The separated security ring provides clear visual evidence that the closure has been removed even if the top is subsequently put back on the bottle.

Problems with tampering of the beverage container can arise if someone removes the tamper resistant plastic closure and replaces it with a similar tamper resistant closure without broken frangible ribs, or by removing and replacing the original tamper resistant closure without breaking its frangible ribs. If this is done, the beverage container would appear as if it were unopened and in proper condition for use. Moreover, such tampering could be done in a store or other similar location where such beverages are sold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward additional security measures that can be implemented with plastic beverage containers. To provide additional protection against such tampering, the present invention provides for adding a second tamper resistant measure to the bottle in the form of a form fitting neckband, such as a heat shrinkable PVC neckband, that encompasses the tamper resistant plastic closure. This provides a second layer of protection for the consumer. The heat shrinkable neckband can be provided with various indicia that can provide further evidence of tampering (i.e., if the indicia do not match up or reflect a whole or complete word or design, that is further evidence that someone broke the neckband seal and attempted to put it back on). As used herein, “indicia” is meant to encompass words and or designs or pictures Unlike the tamper resistant plastic closure, the heat shrinkable neckband cannot easily be removed and replaced in a store. While some waterbottles and other beverages with plastic closures having built-in spouts utilize a heat shrinkable neckband, the inventor is not aware of any use of such neckbands in combination with other tamper resistant measures.

The present invention provides a tamper resistant closure system for use with a plastic beverage container. The closure system includes multiple security measures to provide evidence of any tampering with the beverage container or its contents.

In one embodiment of the invention, a plastic beverage bottle having an opening at one end and utilizing multiple security measures is disclosed. The bottle includes a plastic closure connected to the opening, the plastic closure including a top portion, a skirt extending about the top portion and a security collar or ring connected to the skirt by a frangible portion. The bottle includes another security measure in the form of a form fitting neckband covering the plastic closure. The neckband can include indicia, such as a pre-printed code, word or design. The design may be proprietary to the manufacturer of the beverage product at issue. Preferably, the form fitting neckband is formed from a heat shrinkable plastic.

In another embodiment of the invention, a process for providing a tamper resistant plastic beverage container comprises: providing a plastic bottle having an opening at one end; attaching to the opening a plastic closure having a top portion, a skirt extending about the top portion and a security collar connected to the skirt by a frangible portion; and attaching a form fitting neckband over the plastic closure. The process can further comprise providing the form fitting neckband with indicia. Additionally, the step of attaching a form fitting neckband over the plastic closure can comprise: placing a heat shrinkable plastic over the plastic closure a portion of the upper end of the beverage container below the plastic closure; and, heating the heat shrinkable plastic sufficiently to shrink the plastic to a close fit over the plastic closure and the portion of the upper end of the beverage container below the plastic closure.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a multiple tamper evident system for use with a beverage bottle comprises a first security measure or tamper evident device connected to an open end of the beverage bottle, and a second security measure connected to the open end of the beverage bottle. The first security measure can be a plastic closure for sealing the beverage the container. Preferably, the plastic closure has a top portion, a skirt extending about the top portion and a security collar or ring connected to the skirt by a frangible portion. The plastic closure prevents the contents of the beverage container from exiting the open end unless the top portion of the closure is removed from the beverage container. The second security measure can be a form fitting neckband, such as, for example, a heat shrinkable plastic, positioned over the plastic closure and a portion of the beverage container below the plastic closure. In addition to the first and second security measures, the system can further include a third security measure connected to the open end of the beverage container. The third security measure can be in the form of indicia on the form fitting neckband connected to the beverage container.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper resistant closure system on a top portion of a beverage bottle in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tamper resistant closure system with evidence of tampering of one of the security measures of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tamper evident system 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown connected to a top portion of a conventional plastic beverage container or bottle 12 containing a beverage product 14. The tamper evident system 10 includes multiple security measures designed to provide evidence of any tampering with the bottle 12.

The system 10 includes a first security measure in the form of a plastic closure 16 that is connected to the open end of the bottle 12 (the closure 16 is visible in FIG. 1 through a second security measure in the form of a transparent plastic neckband discussed in more detail below). The plastic closure includes a cap 17 having a substantially flat, circular top portion 18 surrounded by a skirt 20. The skirt 20 can include a plurality of ridges 22 to provide a better grip for unscrewing the cap 17 of the closure 16 from the bottle 12.

The plastic closure 16 also includes a security ring 24 disposed below the skirt 20 of the cap 17. The security ring 24 is connected to the cap 17 by a breakaway portion 26 positioned between the bottom of the skirt 20 and the top of the security ring 24. The breakaway portion 26 typically includes a plurality of frangible ribs. The frangible ribs are designed to break when the cap 17 is twisted or unscrewed to obtain access to the beverage through the open end of the bottle 12. When the cap 17 is removed, the security ring 24 remains on the bottle 12. If the cap 17 is subsequently screwed back on the bottle 12, a visible break can be seen between the security ring 24 and the cap 17.

Problems arise, however, if someone removes the tamper resistant plastic closure 16 (including the security ring 24 portion of the closure 16) and replaces it with a similar tamper resistant closure without broken frangible ribs, or by removing and replacing the original tamper resistant closure without breaking its frangible ribs (various tools may be designed to accomplish this latter feat). If this is done, the beverage container would appear as if it were unopened and in proper condition for use.

In order to provide additional insurance against potential tampering of the bottle, notwithstanding the presence of the tamper evident plastic closure, the present system 10 includes a second security measure connected to the open end of the bottle. The second security measure is in the form of a form fitting neckband 28 that is placed over the plastic closure 16 and a portion 30 of the bottle 12 disposed below the plastic closure 16. The absence of the neckband, or a visible tear or disfigurement of the neckband 28, provides another indication of possible tampering of the beverage container 12 and its contents.

Preferably, the form fitting neckband 28 is a made from a heat shrinkable plastic or PVC. The heat shrinkable plastic is preferably transparent or translucent, so that the condition of the plastic closure 16 is visible through the neckband 16.

In order to obtain access to the plastic closure 16, it is necessary to first remove the form fitting neckband 28. In this regard, the neckband 28 can include a plurality of perforations 32 to assist in removal of the neckband by a legitimate purchaser or end user of the beverage. The perforations 32 increase the chances of a rip or tear in the neckband 16 if someone attempts to improperly remove the neckband 16 to tamper with the beverage container.

In addition to the first and second security measures, the tamper evident system 10 can include a third security measure connected to the top of the beverage container 12. The third security measure is in the form of indicia 34 printed on the neckband 16. The indicia can be printed words and/or a pattern or design. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the indicia is the word “COLA” repeated about the neckband 16. However, any other words or designs, such as the logo for the particular beverage product 14 contained in the bottle 12 can also be used.

In the event the neckband 16 is broken and then subsequently replaced over the plastic closure 16, the indicia provides additional evidence of tampering. Specifically, if someone attempts to tape or glue the neckband 16 back in place after it has been removed, there is a substantial likelihood that the indicia will no longer be in proper alignment in contrast to a neckband that had not been removed. The failure of the indicia to align properly is further visual evidence of possible tampering with the neckband 16.

A specific example of a broken and replaced neckband 16 is shown in FIG. 2. A line 36 of perforations 32 in the neckband 16 is shown partially broken. As is evident in FIG. 2, the letter “A” 38 in the word “COLA” that spans the line 36 of perforations 32 is slanted or askew with respect to the remaining letters (i.e., “COL”) of the word. Thus, even if tape or glue is not visible, the misalignment of the indicia provides evidence of tampering. While the example shows a tear at the perforations, the tear can be at any location around the neckband 16 with similar results in the alignment of the indicia when replaced on the bottle 12.

In the present invention, the plastic closure is of the type that completely seals the open end of the beverage container, and which must be removed to provide access to the contents of the container. That is, the closure does not contain a spout that provides access to the contents of the container without requiring removal of the closure.

Additional security measures can also be added to the system. For example, a fourth security measure, in the form of a plastic or foil membrane, can be placed across the opening of the bottle under the plastic closure. Moreover, the membrane can extend a short distance down the outer neck of the open end of the bottle 12 and include indicia printed on the membrane that matches indicia on the bottle. Thus, if the membrane is removed and then replaced, the indicia on the membrane will likely be misaligned with the indicia on the bottle, providing further evidence of possible tampering. This aspect of the invention (matching the indicia on the membrane with indicia on the bottle 12) can also be employed with the indicia on the neckband 16 (i.e., the indicia on the neckband 16 can be matched with indicia on the bottle).

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely setting forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A plastic beverage bottle system having multiple security measures comprising:

a plastic bottle having an opening on one end;

a plastic closure connected to the opening, the plastic closure including a top portion, a skirt extending about the top portion and a security collar connected to the skirt by a frangible portion; and,

a form fitting neckband covering the plastic closure.

2. The plastic beverage bottle system of claim 1 wherein the neckband includes indicia.

3. The plastic beverage bottle system of claim 2 wherein the indicia is a pre-printed code.

4. The plastic beverage bottle system of claim 2 wherein the indicia is a design.

5. The plastic beverage bottle system of claim 4 wherein the design is proprietary.

6. The plastic beverage bottle system of claim 1 wherein the form fitting neckband is formed from a heat shrinkable plastic.

7. A process for providing a tamper resistant plastic beverage container comprising:

providing a plastic bottle having an opening at one end;

attaching to the opening a plastic closure having a top portion, a skirt extending about the top portion and a security collar connected to the skirt by a frangible portion; and

attaching a form fitting neckband over the plastic closure.

8. The process of claim 7 further comprising providing the form fitting neckband with indicia.

9. The process of claim 8 wherein the indicia is a pre-printed code.

10. The process of claim 8 wherein the indicia is a design.

11. The process of claim 10 wherein the design is proprietary.

12. The process of claim 7 wherein attaching a form fitting neckband over the plastic closure comprises:

placing a heat shrinkable plastic over the plastic closure a portion of the upper end of the beverage container below the plastic closure; and,

heating the heat shrinkable plastic sufficiently to shrink the plastic to a close fit over the plastic closure and the portion of the upper end of the beverage container below the plastic closure.

13. A multiple tamper evident system for use with a beverage bottle comprising:

a first security measure connected to an open end of the beverage bottle, and a second security measure connected to the open end of the beverage bottle.

14. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 13 wherein the first security measure is a plastic closure for sealing the beverage the container, the plastic closure having a top portion, a skirt extending about the top portion and a security collar connected to the skirt by a frangible portion, wherein the plastic closure prevents the contents of the beverage container from exiting the open end unless the top portion of the closure is removed from the beverage container.

15. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 14 wherein the second security measure is a form fitting neckband positioned over the plastic closure and a portion of the beverage container below the plastic closure.

16. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 15 wherein the form fitting neckband is formed from a heat shrinkable plastic.

17. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 13 further comprising a third security measure connected to the open end of the beverage container.

18. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 15 further comprising a third security measure connected to the open end of the beverage container.

19. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 15 wherein the third security measure comprises indicia on the form fitting neckband connected to the beverage container.

20. The multiple tamper evident system of claim 19 wherein the indicia is one of a pre-printed code and a design.