POUCH CLOSURE ASSEMBLY WITH TAMPER INDICATION

Abstract

A container closure assembly includes a cap and a spout assembly. The cap includes an internal thread that is configured to engage with an external thread located on the spout assembly. The cap further includes an engagement prong assembly that is configured to engage with the cylindrical band located on the spout assembly. The cylindrical band is supported by a plurality of tabs such that the engagement prong assembly extends between the band and the external threads when the internal and external threads are engaged and the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the threads moves the cap toward the band, the engagement prong assembly engaging the band when the cap seals the open end of the hollow cylinder, and the engagement prong assembly breaks the tabs when the cap is rotated causing the cap to unseal the open end.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cap and spout assembly for closing a container such as a pouch which holds a material having a liquid or gel-like consistency. In particular, the present invention relates to an interaction between the cap and spout which provides an indication of cap opening or tampering in the form of the removal of a portion of the spout when the cap is opened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a container closure assembly. The container closure assembly includes a cap, a closed cylinder, a support structure and a spout assembly. The cap includes a hollow rim that provides an external gripping surface. The closed cylinder includes a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end. The closed cylinder further includes an engagement prong assembly. The support structure supports the hollow rim outside the cylinder so that fluid flow is permitted between the hollow rim and the cylinder, and rotational force can be transferred between the rim and cylinder. The spout assembly includes a hollow cylinder and a cylindrical band. The hollow cylinder includes an open end and an external thread configured to interact with the internal thread. The cylindrical band is supported by a plurality of tabs relative to the cylinder such that the engagement prong assembly extends between the band and the external threads when the internal and external threads are engaged and the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the threads moves the cap toward the band, the engagement prong assembly engaging the band when the cap seals the open end of the hollow cylinder, and the engagement prong assembly breaks the tabs when the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the internal and external threads causes the cap to unseal the open end.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container closure assembly. The container closure assembly includes a cap and a spout assembly. The cap includes a closed cylinder. The closed cylinder includes a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end. The closed cylinder further includes an engagement prong assembly. The spout assembly includes a hollow cylinder and a cylindrical band. The hollow cylinder includes an open end, an outside surface and an external thread extending from the outside surface and configured to interact with the internal thread. The cylindrical band is supported by a plurality of tabs relative to the cylinder such that the engagement prong assembly extends between the band and the outside surface when the internal and external threads are engaged and the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the threads moves the cap toward the band, the engagement prong assembly engaging the band when the cap seals the open end of the hollow cylinder, and the engagement prong assembly breaks the tabs when the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the internal and external threads causes the cap to unseal the open end.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a plastic cap for interacting with a spout of a container. The cap includes a hollow rim, a closed cylinder and a support structure. The hollow rim provides an external gripping surface that has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a surface configuration which improves gripping of the cap. The surface configuration includes at least one of the following features, scallops, knurls, ribs and projections. The closed cylinder includes a longitudinal axis, a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end. They closed cylinder further includes an engagement prong assembly that includes at least 2 prongs extending from the open end of the closed cylinder with each prong including a barb which extends outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder, the barbs being configured to engage and remove a structure on a container capped by the cap. The support structure includes at least 2 gussets which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, extend from the hollow rim inward to the closed cylinder and support the hollow rim concentric with the closed cylinder so that fluid flow is permitted between the hollow rim and the cylinder and rotational force can be transferred between the rim and cylinder.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a plastic neck finish for a container. The plastic neck finish for the container includes a hollow cylinder, an external thread, a flange, a plurality of tabs and a cylindrical band. The hollow cylinder includes an outside surface with an external radius, and extends from a first open end to a second open end, and includes a longitudinal axis. The external thread is formed into an outside surface of the cylinder and configured to interact with the internal thread of a cap. The flange extends from the outside surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of tabs extends from the flange toward the first open end, the threads being located between the flange and the first open end. The cylindrical band includes an internal surface having an internal diameter. The cylindrical band is supported by the tabs relative to the cylinder to create a gap between the outside and internal surfaces wherein the gap is the difference between the external and internal radii, wherein the tabs are configured to break and permit the band to be engaged and removed by a cap including a structure for engaging the band when the cap is engaged with the external threads and positioned to seal the first open end of the hollow cylinder.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container. The container includes a container with a plastic neck finish and a plastic cap. The container with a plastic neck finish includes a hollow cylinder, an external thread, a flange, a plurality of tabs and a cylindrical band. The hollow cylinder includes an outside surface with an external radius, and extends from a first open end to a second open end, and includes a longitudinal axis. The external thread is formed into an outside surface of the cylinder and configured to interact with the internal thread of a cap. The flange extends from the outside surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of tabs extends from the flange and the first open end. The cylindrical band includes an internal surface having an internal diameter. The cylindrical band is supported by the tabs relative to the cylinder to create a gap between the outside and internal surfaces wherein the gaps is the difference between the external and internal radii, wherein the tabs are configured to break and permit the band to be engaged and removed by a cap including a structure for engaging the band when the cap is engaged with the external threads and positioned to seal the first open end of the hollow cylinder. The plastic cap interacts with a spout of a container. The plastic cap includes a hollow rim, a closed cylinder and a support structure. The hollow rim provides an external gripping surface that has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a surface configuration which improves gripping of the cap. The surface configuration includes at least one of the following features, scallops, knurls, ribs and projections. The closed cylinder includes a longitudinal axis, a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end. They closed cylinder further includes an engagement prong assembly that includes at least 2 prongs extending from the open end of the closed cylinder with each prong including a barb which extends outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder, the barbs being configured to engage and remove a structure on a container capped by the cap. The support structure includes at least 2 gussets which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, extend from the hollow rim inward to the closed cylinder and support the hollow rim concentric with the closed cylinder so that fluid flow is permitted between the hollow rim and the cylinder and rotational force can be transferred between the rim and cylinder. The plastic cap is engaged with the plastic neck finish having the barbs engaged with the band when the internal threads are engaged with the external threads.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cap which interacts with a container spout assembly;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cap;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the cap taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a spout assembly which interacts with the cap of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cap engaged with the spout assembly wherein the cap is in a closed position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the cap shown dis-engaged from the spout assembly wherein upon disengagement the cap retains engagement with a portion of the spout assembly to remove that portion from the spout as a result of disengagement; and

FIG. 7 illustrates the cap and spout assembly integrated with a container vessel shown by way of example in the form of a pouch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, in one embodiment a container closure assembly that includes a cap that is molded and a separately molded spout assembly having a plastic neck finish are provided. The cap includes an engagement feature that extends from the bottom end of the cap. The spout assembly is configured to engage with the engagement feature to couple the spout assembly to the cap to create a seal. The spout assembly may be coupled to a container, e.g. a pouch container, which contains contents that is permitted to flow from the pouch container through the spout assembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a molded plastic cap 10. The cap 10 includes a hollow rim 12, a closed cylinder 14 and a support structure 16. The cap 10 is molded, all or in part, of plastic (e.g., injection molded from a thermoplastic such as polyethylene).

Referring to FIG. 1, the hollow rim 12 is generally cylindrical in shape that includes a top end 18, a bottom end 20, an interior surface 22, a height H10 and provides cap 10 with an external gripping surface 24 that permits the gripping of the cap 10. The external gripping surface 24 is configured to improve the grip of the cap by a user, such that a user may grasp the cap 10 to lift the cap 10 or rotate cap 10 relative to a container or pouch. Portions of the external gripping surface 24 extend the entire height H10 from the top end 18 to the bottom end 20 and other portions of the external gripping surface 24 extend only a portion of the height H10 from the bottom end 20 towards the top end 18. Portions of the external gripping surface 24 extend the circumference of the hollow rim 12. The external gripping surface 24 may include a structure that is configured to permit gripping of the cap 10 of at least one of the following features: scallops, knurls, ribs and projections or a combination of features, such as ribs and projections or scallops and knurls, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the external gripping surface 24 has a scallop gripping feature. For example, the external gripping surface 24 may include a continuous series of rounded or circular segments that provide the hollow rim 12 with varying depths on both the interior surface 22 and the external gripping surface 24 that extend the circumference of the hollow rim 12. In other embodiments, the hollow rim 12 may be more oval or square in shape and may have an external gripping surface 24 that includes a series of projections or ribs that only extend a portion of the circumference of the hollow rim 12.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the cap 10 includes the closed cylinder 14. The closed cylinder 14 includes a closed end 26 (shown in FIG. 2), an open end 28, an internal thread 30 (shown in FIG. 3), an engagement prong assembly 32, an outside surface 34, an inside surface 36 and has a longitudinal axis 39.

Referring to FIG. 2, the top end 18 of the hollow rim 12 has a width W10 and the bottom end 20 of the hollow rim 12 has a width W12. In one exemplary embodiment, the width W10 is less than the width W12. For example, the width W10 may be approximately 1 mm or smaller and the width W12 may be approximately 2 mm or larger. In other embodiments, the width W10 may be larger than the width W12. For example, the width W10 may be approximately 2.5 mm and the width W12 may be approximately 1.3 mm. In other embodiments, the width W10 may be substantially similar to the width W12. For example, the width W10 may be approximately 1.5 mm and the width W12 may be approximately 1.5 mm.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cap 10 includes the support structure 16. The support structure 16 supports the hollow rim 12 outside of the closed cylinder 14 so that fluid or material is permitted to flow between the hollow rim 12 and the closed cylinder 14 and rotational force can be transferred between the hollow rim 12 and the closed cylinder 14. The support structure 16 may include at least 4 gussets 38 which are parallel to the longitudinal axis 39 (shown in FIG. 3) that extend from the hollow rim 12 inward to the closed cylinder 14 and support the hollow rim 12 concentric with the closed cylinder 14. The gussets 38 include a top edge 40 and a bottom edge 42 (shown in FIG. 1). The top edge 40 is conjoined to the top end 18 of the hollow rim 12 and the bottom edge 42 is conjoined to the bottom end 20 of the hollow rim 12. The top edge 40 extends from the top end 18 at a downward angle towards the closed end 26, such that a portion of the gusset 38 is conjoined with a portion of the closed end 26. The bottom edge 42 extends from the bottom end 20 of the hollow rim 12 towards the outside surface 34, such that the bottom end 20 and the entire length of the bottom edge 42 are planar. In one embodiment the support structure 16 includes 4 gussets 38 that are parallel with the longitudinal axis 39. In other embodiments, the support structure 16 may include at least 2 gussets 38.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cap 10 has a 12 o'clock position, a 3 o'clock position, a 6 o'clock position and a 9 o'clock position that refer generally to the angular position of elements of cap 10, specifically the position of the gussets 38. One gusset 38 is located at the 12 o'clock position. Another gusset 38 is located at the 6 o'clock position, the area that is located 180° from the 12 o'clock position. Another gusset 38 is located at the 3 o'clock and another gusset 38 is located at the 9 o'clock positions, which are 90° clockwise from the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, respectively. In other embodiments, the support structure may include more than 4 gussets or may include less than 4 gussets 38.

Referring to FIG. 3, the gussets 38 have a height H12 and a height H14. The height H12 is located near the hollow rim 12 and is the height of the gusset 38 from the top edge 40 to the bottom edge 42. The height H14 is located near the closed cylinder 14 and is the height of the gusset 38 from the top edge 40 to the bottom edge 42. In one embodiment, the height H12 is greater than the height H14. For example, the height H12 may be approximately 1.3 mm and the height H14 may be approximately 1.1 mm. In other embodiments, the height H12 may be less than the height H14. For example, the height H12 may be approximately 0.9 mm and the height H14 may be approximately 1.2 mm. In other embodiments, the height H12 may be substantially similar to the height H14. For example, the height H12 may be approximately 1.0 mm and the height H14 may be approximately 1.0 mm.

Referring to FIG. 3, the outside surface 34 of the closed cylinder 14 extends from the closed end 26 to the open end 28. The closed cylinder 14 extends beyond the bottom end 20 of the hollow rim 12, such that the open end 28 is located in a different plane than the bottom end 20 and the bottom edge 42. The portion of the closed cylinder 14 that extends beyond the plane of the bottom end 20 and the bottom edge 42 includes the engagement prong assembly 32. The internal thread 30 is located on the inside surface 36 of the closed cylinder 14 near the engagement prong assembly, and extends from the open end 28 toward the closed end 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, the engagement prong assembly 32 includes a plurality of prongs 44. The prongs 44 extend from the open end 28 of the closed cylinder 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the engagement prong assembly 32 includes 4 prongs 44. The prongs 44 are located at an angular position in between the gusset 38 positions. For example, one prong 44 is located midway between the gussets 38 located at the 12 o'clock position and the 3 o'clock position. Another prong 44 is located midway between the gussets 38 located at the 3 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position. Another prong 44 is located midway between the gussets 38 located at the 6 o'clock position and the 9 o'clock position. Another prong 44 is located midway between the gussets 38 located at the 9 o'clock position and the 12 o'clock position. Each of the prongs 44 includes a barb 46. Each barb 46 includes a barb engagement surface 48 and is configured to engage and remove a structure on a container capped with the cap 10. The barb engagement surface 48 extends from the outside surface 34. The barb engagement surface 48 is perpendicular to the outside surface 34, such that a 90° angle or less is formed between the outside surface 34 and the barb engagement surface 48. The barbs 46 have a distance D7 that is the distance between the outermost portion of the barb 46 and the inside surface 36 of the open end 28. In one embodiment, the engagement prong assembly 32 includes at least 2 prongs 44 extending from the open end 28 of the closed cylinder 14, with each prong 44 having a barb 46 extending outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder 14. In other embodiments, the engagement prong assembly 32 may include at least 4 prongs 44 with each prong 44 including a barb 46 extending outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder 14.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a molded plastic spout assembly 50. The spout assembly 50 includes a hollow cylinder 52 and a cylindrical band 54. The spout assembly 50 is molded, all or in part, of plastic (e.g., injection molded from a thermoplastic, such as polyethylene).

Referring to FIG. 4, the hollow cylinder 52 is generally cylindrical in shape that includes a first platform 56, a second platform 58, a first open end 60, a second open end 62, an external thread 64, a cap surface 66 with an external radius distance D5, an interior hollow cylinder surface 68 and a longitudinal axis 51. The external thread 64 extends from the cap surface 66 and is configured to interact with the internal thread 30 located in the closed cylinder 14. The external threads 64 are located between the first platform 56 and the first open end 60. The first open end 60 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends from the interior hollow cylinder surface 68 towards the cap surface 66. The first open end 60 defines an opening 70 and has a diameter D1. The diameter D1 is the distance between two points of the cap surface 66 that are located 180° from each other near the first open end 60. The longitudinal axis 51 is located at the center of the opening 70 and extends from the first open end 60 to the second open end 62 of the hollow cylinder 52. The external radius distance D5 is the distance from a point on the cap surface 66 to the center of the opening 70. The external radius distance D5 is uniform for the entire length of the hollow cylinder 52 from the first open end 60 to the second open end 62. The first open end 60 has a uniform width throughout the entire circumference of the first open end 60. The cap surface 66 extends downward, away from the first open end 60 and towards the location of the cylindrical band 54. The external thread 64 is located on the cap surface 66 of the hollow cylinder 52 and is configured to interact with the internal thread 30 of the cap 10. In other embodiments the hollow cylinder 52 and the first open end 60 may be more oval or square in shape. In other embodiments, the first open end 60 may not have a uniform width between the cap surface 66 and the interior hollow cylinder surface 68 and may also not have a uniform external radius distance D5 throughout the length of the hollow cylinder 52.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the cylindrical band 54 is supported by a plurality of tabs 72 and includes a cylinder surface 74 and an exterior surface 77. The tabs 72 are attached to the first platform 56. The cylindrical band 54 is supported by the tabs 72 relative to the hollow cylinder 52 such that the engagement prong assembly 32 extends between the cylindrical band 54 and the cap surface 66 and external threads 64 when the internal threads 30 and the external threads 64 are engaged and the cap 10 is rotated such that the interaction of the internal threads 30 and external threads 64 moves the cap 10 toward the cylindrical band 54. The engagement prong assembly 32 engaging the cylindrical band 54 when the cap 10 seals the first open end 60 of the hollow cylinder 52. The engagement prong assembly 32 breaks the tabs 72, causing the tabs 72 to disconnect from the first platform 56 when the cap 10 is rotated such that the interaction of the internal threads 30 and the external threads 64 causes the cap 10 to unseal the first open end 60.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the spout assembly 50 has a 12 o'clock position, a 3 o'clock position, a 6 o'clock position and a 9 o'clock position that refer generally to the angular position of elements of the spout assembly 50, specifically the position of the tabs 72. In one embodiment, the cylindrical band 54 is supported by at least 4 tabs 72. One tab 72 is located at the 12 o'clock position. Another tab 72 is located at the 6 o'clock position, the area that is located 180° from the 12 o'clock position. Another tab 72 is located at the 3 o'clock and another tab 72 is located at the 9 o'clock positions, which are 90° clockwise from the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions, respectively. In other embodiments, the cylindrical band 54 may include more or less than 4 tabs 72.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cylindrical band 54 has an internal diameter D2 that is the distance between two points of the cylinder surface 74 that are located 180° from each other. The diameter D2 is larger than the diameter D1 of the first open end 60. The cylindrical band 54 may be capable of moving up or down the hollow cylinder 52 between the first open end 60 and the first platform 56 when the tabs 72 are broken or detached from the first platform 56. The hollow cylinder 52 and the cylindrical band 54 are concentric with each other. The cylindrical band 54 is configured to receive the prongs 44 and the barbs 46 of the engagement prong assembly 32 located at the open end 28 of the closed cylinder 14 and has a distance D6. The distance D6 is the distance between the external thread portion 64 and the cylinder surface 74 of the cylindrical band 54. The distance D6 is slightly larger than the distance D7. For example, the distance D6 in one embodiment may be 0.15 mm and the distance D7 may be 0.13 mm, enabling the cylindrical band 54 to receive the barbs 46 and prongs 44 of the engagement prong assembly 32. In other embodiments, the distance D6 may be smaller or larger than 0.15 mm and the distance D7 may be smaller or larger than 0.13 mm.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first platform 56 and the second platform 58 extend from the periphery of the cap surface 66 of the hollow cylinder 52 on the opposite side of the cylindrical band 54 relative to the first open end 60. The first platform 56 and the second platform 58 extend from the cap surface 66 perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 51. The first platform 56 provides an attachment surface 76 for the plurality of tabs 72 to attach to the first platform 56. The plurality of tabs 72 extend from the first platform 56 toward the first open end 60 and are configured to break away from the attachment surface 76. The first platform 56 further includes a first left side 78, a first right side 80, a first front side 82, a first back side 84 and an underside 86. A first beam 88 and a second beam 90 extend from the underside 86 near the first left side 78 and the first right side 80, respectively towards the top surface 92 of the second platform 58. The second platform 58 further includes a second left side 94, a second right side 96, a second front side 98, a second back side 100 and a pouch surface 102. The first beam 88 and the second beam 90 conjoin with portions of the cap surface 66 of the hollow cylinder 52. The first beam 88 and the second beam 90 extend for a portion of the length from the first front side 82 to the first back side 84 and a portion of the length from the second front side 98 to the second back side 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first platform 56 has a length L10 (shown in FIG. 6). The length L10 is the distance between the first left side 78 and the first right side 80 near the first front side 82 and the first back side 84. The length L10 is larger than the diameter D2 of the cylindrical band 54. The second platform 58 has a length L12 (shown in FIG. 6). The length L12 is the distance between the second left side 94 and the second right side 96 near the second front side 98 and the second back side 100. The length L12 is smaller than the length L10. In other embodiments, the length L10 may be smaller than the length L12 or substantially similar to each other.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first pouch sealing flange 110 and a second pouch sealing flange 112 extend from the periphery of the cap surface 66 of the hollow cylinder 52 and the pouch surface 102 on the opposite side of the cylindrical band 54 relative to the first open end 60. The first pouch sealing flange 110 and the second pouch sealing flange 112 extend from the cap surface 66 perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 51. The first pouch sealing flange 110 includes a first flange end 106 and a first left support 109. The second pouch sealing flange 112 includes a second flange end 108 and a second left support 111. Both the first pouch sealing flange 110 and the second pouch sealing flange 112 include a plurality of ribs 114 and a bottom surface 116. The first flange end 106 extends from the cap surface 66 and the pouch surface 102. A portion of the first flange end 106 is adjacent to the second left side 94. The first flange end 106 extends at a downward angle towards the left support 109. The left support 109 extends downward from the first flange end 106 towards the bottom surface 116. The second flange end 108 extends from the cap surface 66 and the pouch surface 102. A portion of the second flange end 108 is adjacent to the second right side 96. The second flange end 108 extends at a downward angle towards the right support 111. The right support 111 extends downward from the second flange end 108 towards the bottom surface 116. In one embodiment there are 4 ribs 114 located horizontally extending between the first pouch sealing flange 110 and the second pouch sealing flange 112. The first rib 114 extends the length from the point where the first flange end 106 abuts with the left support 109 to the point where the second flange end 108 abuts with the right support 111. The remaining ribs 114 are located below the first rib 114, evenly spaced apart from each other the height of the left support 109 and the right support 111. Each rib 114 may have the same length and width. In other embodiments, the ribs 114 may have different lengths and widths from each other and there may also be more or less than 4 ribs extending between the first pouch sealing flange 110 and the second pouch sealing flange 112.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pouch support 104 extends from the bottom surface 116. The pouch support 104 includes a first brace 118, a second brace 120, a first ring 122, a second ring 124 and the second open end 62. The first ring 122 extends from the bottom surface 116. The first ring 122 has the same longitudinal axis 51 as the hollow cylinder 52. The first ring 122 includes a front portion 134 and a back portion (not shown). The front portion 134 of the first ring 122 extends from the first brace 118 to the second brace 120. On the opposite sides of the first brace 118 and the second brace 120, the back portion (not shown) extends between the first brace 118 and the second brace 120, such that a portion of the first brace 118, a portion of the second brace 120, the back portion (not shown) and the front portion 134 of the first ring 122 form a circle. The first ring 122 has a diameter that is substantially similar to the diameter D1. The first brace 118 extends from the first ring 122 and the second brace 120 extends from the first ring 122 at a point 180° from the point where the first brace 118 extends from the first ring 122. The first brace 118 and the second brace 120 are parallel with each other. The first brace 118 includes a first ridge 126 that extends the entire length of the first brace 118. The first ridge 126 extends outwardly from the first brace 118, away from the center of the hollow cylinder 52. The second brace 120 includes a second ridge 128 that extends the entire length of the second brace 120. The second ridge 128 extends outwardly from the second brace 120, away from the center of the hollow cylinder 52. The first brace 118 and the first ridge 126 extend towards the second ring 124. The second brace 120 and the second ridge 128 extend towards the second ring 124. The second ring 124 includes a front portion 130 and a back portion 132. The front portion 130 of the second ring 124 extends from the first brace 118 to the second brace 120. On the opposite sides of the first brace 118 and the second brace 120, the back portion 132 extends between the first brace 118 and the second brace 120, such that a portion of the first brace 118, a portion of the second brace 120, the back portion 132 and the front portion 130 of the second ring 124 form a circle. The second ring 124 has the same longitudinal axis 51 as the hollow cylinder 52 and the first ring 122. The second ring 124 has a diameter that is substantially similar to diameter D1. The first ring 122 and the second ring 124 are concentric with each other and have substantially the same circumference. In other embodiments, the first ring 122 and the second ring 124 may be more oval or square in shape and may have different length diameters.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first ring 122, the first brace 118, the second brace 120 and the second ring 124 form a first window 138 and a second window 140. The first window 138 is adjacent to portions of the front portion 130 of the second ring 124 and the front portion 134 of the first ring 122. The second window 140 is adjacent to portions of the back portion 132 of the second ring 124 and the back portion (not shown) of the first ring 122. The first window 138 and the second window 140 are configured to permit fluid, materials, granules and other contents to move through both the first window 138 and the second window 140 in any direction.

FIG. 5 illustrates the cap 10 engaged with the spout assembly 50. The cap 10 is engaged with the spout assembly 50 when the engagement prong assembly 32 extends between the cylindrical band 54 and the hollow cylinder 52, more specifically between the cylinder surface 74 and the cap surface 66 (shown in FIG. 4). The external threads 64 and the internal threads 30 are engaged with each other when the engagement prong assembly 32 extends between the cylindrical band 54 and the hollow cylinder 52. The cap 10 may rotate, such that the interaction of the external threads 64 and the internal threads 30 moves the cap 10 toward the cylindrical band 54. The cap 10 seals the opening 70 at the first open end 60 (shown in FIG. 6) of the hollow cylinder 52 when the engagement prong assembly 32 is fully engaged with the cylindrical band 54. Therefore, when the internal threads 30 and the external threads 64 are engaged, the cap 10 is located in a position to seal the opening 70 at the first open end 60 of the spout assembly 50.

Referring to FIG. 5, the opening 70 at the first open end 60 of the hollow cylinder 52 is sealed when the prongs 44 of the engagement prong assembly 32 are located between the cylindrical band 54 and the external threads 64 on the hollow cylinder 52 are engaged with the internal threads 30. Each of the barbs 46 on each of the prongs 44 are hooked to the cylindrical band 54 when the cap 10 is engaged with the spout assembly 50. The barb engagement surface 48 is located under the surface of the cylindrical band 54 that is adjacent to the tabs 72. The engagement prong assembly 32 is engaged with the cylindrical band 54 when the positioning of the prongs 44 with the barbs 46 alternate with the tabs 72 supporting the cylindrical band 54, such that throughout the circumference of the engaged cylindrical band 54 and the engagement prong assembly 32, one tab 72 is located in between two of the prongs 44 with barbs 46 and one prong 44 with barb 46 is located in between two of the tabs 72. The prong 44 and the barbs 46 may contact the attachment surface 76 of the first platform 56 when the internal threads 30 are engaged with the external threads 64 and the cap 10 may no longer be rotated to move the engagement prong assembly 32 towards the first platform 56.

FIG. 6 illustrates the cap 10 disengaged from the spout assembly 50. The cap 10 no longer creating a seal with the first open end 60 of the hollow cylinder 52. The prongs 44 are located between the cylindrical band 54 and the external threads 64 of the hollow cylinder 52. The barbs 46 of the prongs 44 are hooked to the cylindrical band 54 such that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout assembly 50, the tabs 72 are broken and the cylindrical band 54 remains engaged with the cap 10 when the cap 10 is removed from the spout assembly 50. More specifically, the barbs 46 of the prongs 44 on the engagement prong assembly 32 are hooked to the cylindrical band 54 between the tabs 72 such that when the cap 10 is removed from the spout assembly 50, the tabs 72 are broken or detached from the attachment surface 76 by the pulling action applied by the prongs 44 on the cylindrical band 54 and contact between the barbs 46 and the tabs 72, such that the cylindrical band 54 remains engaged with the cap 10 when the cap 10 is removed from the spout assembly 50. The cap 10 may be rotated until the cap 10 is removed from the spout assembly 50.

FIG. 7 illustrates the cap 10 engaged with the spout assembly 50 integrated with a pouch container 142. The first pouch sealing flange 110 and the second pouch sealing flange 112 provide a surface at which the pouch container 142 is hermetically sealed to the spout assembly 50, such that the contents of the pouch container 142 is sealed within the pouch container 142 when the cap 10 seals the first open end 60 (not shown) and the barbs 46 are hooked to the cylindrical band 54 between the tabs 72. The pouch support 104 that extends from the spout assembly 50 is located inside the pouch container 142 when the pouch container 142 is sealed to the first pouch sealing flange 110 and the second pouch sealing flange 112. The pouch support 104 facilitates the movement of contents from the pouch container 142 as the contents are removed from the pouch container 142. The contents of the pouch container 142 are permitted to flow from the pouch container 142 through the spout assembly 50 and out of the first open end 60 when the cap 10 is removed from the spout assembly 50. The cap 10 may be removed from the spout assembly 50 when rotation force is transferred between the hollow rim 52 and the closed cylinder 14. As more rotational force is applied to the cap 10, the tension between the tabs 72 and the attachment surface 76 increases. Enough rotational force is applied to the cap 10 when the tabs 72 break and detach from the attachment surface 76, permitting the cylindrical band 54 to be removed from the spout assembly 50 and remain intact with the cap 10.

The cap 10 and the spout assembly 50 described may provide a user with the knowledge whether the cap 10 has been tampered with at any time. The cylindrical band 54 is attached to the attachment surface 76 of the first platform 56 extending from the periphery of the hollow cylinder 52 of the spout assembly 50. When the cap 10 is engaged with the spout assembly 50, the barbs 46 on the engagement prong assembly 32 are engaged with the cylindrical band 54 when the internal threads 30 are engaged with the external threads 64. If the cap 10 is tampered with, possibly by a user or being jostled during a shipment, the tabs 72 extending from the cylindrical band 54 may break away from the attachment surface 76, causing the cylindrical band to detach from the spout assembly 50 and remain engaged with the engagement prong assembly 32 located on the cap 10. When the cylindrical band 54 is engaged with the engagement prong assembly 32 and the tabs 72 are attached to the attachment surface 76, the cap 10 creates a seal with the spout assembly 50, keeping the contents of the pouch container 142 sealed inside. When the cylindrical band 54 is engaged with the engagement prong assembly 32 and the tabs 72 are no longer attached to the attachment surface 76, the seal between the cap 10 and the spout assembly 50 may be broken, allowing the contents of the pouch container 142 to be exposed to outside elements. The location of the cylindrical band 54 provides a user with a visual aid with whether the contents of the pouch container 142 are sealed inside or whether it is possible the contents may be exposed to elements outside the pouch container 142 due to the cap 10 and the spout assembly 50 no longer creating a seal.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

Claims

1. A container closure assembly comprising:

a cap including a hollow rim which provides an external gripping surface;

a closed cylinder including a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end, the cylinder including an engagement prong assembly;

a support structure for supporting the hollow rim outside of the cylinder so that fluid flow is permitted between the hollow rim and the cylinder, and rotational force can be transferred between the rim and cylinder; and

a spout assembly including a hollow cylinder including an open end and an external thread configured to interact with the internal thread, a cylindrical band supported by a plurality of tabs relative to the cylinder such that the engagement prong assembly extends between the band and the external threads when the internal and external threads are engaged and the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the threads moves the cap toward the band, the engagement prong assembly engaging the band when the cap seals the open end of the hollow cylinder, and the prong assembly breaks the tabs when the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the internal and external threads causes the cap to unseal the open end.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement prong assembly comprises at least 2 prongs extending from the open end of the closed cylinder and each prong includes a barb extending outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the internal and external threads are engaged, the cap is located to seal the open end of the spout assembly, the prongs are located between the band and the external threads of the hollow cylinder, and the barbs of the prongs are hooked to the band such that when the cap is removed from the spout assembly, the tabs are broken and the band remains engaged with the cap when the cap is removed from the spout assembly.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the band is supported by at least 4 tabs and the engagement prong assembly includes at least 4 prongs each having a barb extending outwardly.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the hollow cylinder includes a pair of pouch sealing flanges extending from the periphery of the hollow cylinder on the opposite side of the band relative to the open end, the sealing flanges provide a surface at which a pouch container is hermetically sealed to the spout assembly such that content of the pouch is sealed within the pouch when the cap seals the open end and the barbs are hooked to the band, and the content is permitted to flow from the pouch through the spout assembly and out of the open end when the cap is removed.

6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising a pouch support extending from the spout assembly such that the pouch support is located inside of the pouch when the pouch is sealed to the sealing flanges, and the pouch support facilitates the movement of content from the pouch as the content is removed from the pouch.

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the hollow rim has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a structure which permits gripping of the cap, the structure including at least one of the following features, scallops, knurls, ribs, and projections.

8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the closed cylinder has a longitudinal axis and the support structure includes at least 4 gussets which are parallel to the axis, extend from the hollow rim inward to the closed cylinder and support the hollow rim concentric with the closed cylinder.

9. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the internal and external threads are engaged, the cap is located to seal the open end of the spout assembly, the prongs are located between the band and the external threads of the hollow cylinder, and the barbs of the prongs are hooked to the band between the tabs such that when the cap is removed from the spout assembly, the tabs are broken by a pulling action applied by the prongs on the band and contact between the barbs and tabs such that the band remains engaged with the cap when the cap is removed from the spout assembly.

10. A container closure assembly comprising:

a cap including a closed cylinder including a closed end, an open end, and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end, the cylinder including an engagement prong assembly; and

a spout assembly including a hollow cylinder including an open end, an outside surface and an external thread extending from the outside surface and configured to interact with the internal thread, a cylindrical band supported by a plurality of tabs relative to the cylinder such that the engagement prong assembly extends between the band and the outside surface when the internal and external threads are engaged and the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the threads moves the cap toward the band, the engagement prong assembly engaging the band when the cap seals the open end of the hollow cylinder, and the prong assembly breaks the tabs when the cap is rotated such that the interaction of the internal and external threads causes the cap to unseal the open end.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the engagement prong assembly comprises at least 2 prongs extending from the open end of the closed cylinder and each prong includes a barb extending outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the internal and external threads are engaged, the cap is located to seal the open end of the spout assembly, the prongs are located between the band and the external threads of the hollow cylinder, and the barbs of the prongs are hooked to the band such that when the cap is removed from the spout assembly, the tabs are broken and the band remains engaged with the cap when the cap is removed from the spout assembly.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the band is supported by at least 4 tabs and the engagement prong assembly includes at least 4 prongs each having a barb extending outwardly.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the hollow cylinder includes a pair of pouch sealing flanges extending from the periphery of the hollow cylinder on the opposite side of the band relative to the open end, the sealing flanges provide a surface at which a pouch container is hermetically sealed to the spout assembly such that content of the pouch is sealed within the pouch when the cap seals the open end and the barbs are hooked to the band, and the content is permitted to flow from the pouch through the spout assembly and out of the open end when the cap is removed.

15. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising a pouch support extending from the spout assembly such that the pouch support is located inside of the pouch when the pouch is sealed to the sealing flanges, and the pouch support facilitates the movement of content from the pouch as content is removed from the pouch.

16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the internal and external threads are engaged, the cap is located to seal the open end of the spout assembly, the prongs are located between the band and the external threads of the hollow cylinder, and the barbs of the prongs are hooked to the band between the tabs such that when the cap is removed from the spout assembly, the tabs are broken by a pulling action applied by the prongs on the band and contact between the barbs and tabs such that the band remains engaged with the cap when the cap is removed from the spout assembly.

17. A plastic cap for interacting with a spout of a container, the cap comprising:

a hollow rim which provides an external gripping surface, the hollow rim having a generally cylindrical shape and including a surface configuration which improves gripping of the cap, the configuration including at least one of the following features, scallops, knurls, ribs, and projections;

a closed cylinder including a longitudinal axis, a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end, the cylinder including an engagement prong assembly including at least 2 prongs extending from the open end of the closed cylinder with each prong including a barb which extends outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder, the barbs being configured to engage and remove a structure on a container capped by the cap; and

a support structure including at least 2 gussets which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, extend from the hollow rim inward to the closed cylinder and support the hollow rim concentric with the closed cylinder so that fluid flow is permitted between the hollow rim and the cylinder and rotational force can be transferred between the rim and cylinder.

18. The plastic cap of claim 17, wherein the engagement prong assembly includes at least 4 prongs and the support structure includes at least 4 gussets.

19. A plastic neck finish for a container comprising:

a hollow cylinder having an outside surface with an external radius, and extending from a first open end to a second open end, and including a longitudinal axis;

an external thread formed into an outside surface of the cylinder and configured to interact with the internal thread of a cap;

a flange extending from the outside surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

a plurality of tabs extending from the flange toward the first open end, the threads being located between the flange and the first open end; and

a cylindrical band having an internal surface having an internal diameter, the band supported by the tabs relative to the cylinder to create a gap between the outside and internal surfaces wherein the gap is the difference between the external and internal radii; wherein the tabs are configured to break and permit the band to be engaged and removed by a cap including a structure for engaging the band when the cap is engaged with the external threads and positioned to seal the first open end of the hollow cylinder.

20. A container comprising:

a container with a plastic neck finish comprising: a hollow cylinder having an outside surface with an external radius, and extending from a first open end to a second open end, and including a longitudinal axis; an external thread formed into an outside surface of the cylinder and configured to interact with the internal thread of a cap; a flange extending from the outside surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a plurality of tabs extending from the flange toward the first open end, the threads being located between the flange and the first open end; and a cylindrical band having an internal surface having an internal diameter, the band supported by the tabs relative to the cylinder to create a gap between the outside and internal surfaces wherein the gap is the difference between the external and internal radii; wherein the tabs are configured to break and permit the band to be engaged and removed by a cap including a structure for engaging the band when the cap is engaged with the external threads and positioned to seal the first open end of the hollow cylinder;

a plastic cap for interacting with a spout of a container, the cap comprising: a hollow rim which provides an external gripping surface, the hollow rim having a generally cylindrical shape and including a surface configuration which improves gripping of the cap, the configuration including at least one of the following features, scallops, knurls, ribs, and projections; a closed cylinder including a longitudinal axis, a closed end, an open end and an internal thread extending from the open end toward the closed end, the cylinder including an engagement prong assembly including at least 2 prongs extending from the open end of the closed cylinder with each prong including a barb which extends outwardly from the center of the closed cylinder, the barbs being configured to engage and remove a structure on a container capped by the cap; and a support structure including at least 2 gussets which are parallel to the longitudinal axis, extend from the hollow rim inward to the closed cylinder and support the hollow rim concentric with the closed cylinder so that fluid flow is permitted between the hollow rim and the cylinder and rotational force can be transferred between the rim and cylinder; wherein the plastic cap is engaged with the plastic neck finish having the barbs engaged with the band when the internal threads are engaged with the external threads.