Closure with Tamper-Evidencing Lift Tab

A closure includes a cap having a top wall and a skirt perpendicular to the top wall and extending downwardly from the top wall to a lower edge. The skirt includes an inner surface having a sealing formation. A band is concentric with and attached to the lower edge of the skirt by a plurality of frangible members. A tab is pivotally connected to an upper portion of the closure.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/113,007, filed on Nov. 12, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of closures for containers. The present disclosure relates specifically to a closure for a container having a retention band and a tab pivotably connected to an upper portion of the closure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure including a top panel including an upper surface and a lower surface, a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered, a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis, a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall, a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end, a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to couple the cylindrical wall and the retention band, a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel, and a tab. The tab is pivotally coupled to the top panel opposite the hinge with respect to the rotational axis. The tab is attached to the retention band by a tab frangible member that is distinct from the plurality of frangible members. The tab frangible member provides a visual indication, when broken, that the tab has been opened.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure for coupling to a container neck. The closure includes a top panel comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered, a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis, a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall, a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end, a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to couple the cylindrical wall and the retention band, a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel, and a tab. The tab is pivotally coupled to the top panel opposite the hinge with respect to the rotational axis. The tab includes a detent that projects inwardly towards the rotational axis and that interfaces against an extension extending from a container neck of a container away from the rotational axis.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure. The closure includes a top panel comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered, a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis, a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall, a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end, a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to couple the cylindrical wall and the retention band, a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel, and a tab. The tab is coupled to the top panel opposite the hinge with respect to the rotational axis. The tab is attached to the retention band by a tab frangible member that is distinct from the plurality of frangible members. The tab restricts pivoting of the top panel relative to the retention band as a result of the tab frangible member being unbroken.

In another embodiment, this disclosure relates to a closure including a top panel including an upper surface and a lower surface, a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered, a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a bottom edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis, a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall, a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end, a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to connect the cylindrical wall and the retention band, a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel, and a tab pivotally coupled to the top panel, the tab attached to the retention band by a tab frangible member that is distinct from the plurality of frangible members, the tab frangible member providing a visual indication, when broken, that the tab has been opened.

In a specific embodiment, the tab includes an arcuate wall, the arcuate wall including an upper portion with a first thickness and a middle portion with a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In a specific embodiment, the middle portion includes an upper surface facing towards the top panel and the rotational axis, and a lower surface facing towards the rotational axis and away from the top panel. In a specific embodiment, the middle portion interfaces with a first projection on a neck of a container the closure is affixed to, the first projection of the container extending radially away from the rotational axis. In a specific embodiment, the tab is separated from the retention band by the line of weakness, and the tab frangible member extends across the line of weakness. In a specific embodiment, the closure is formed from a first material including low-density polyethylene.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the closure of FIG. 1 arranged upside-down, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, on a container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1 shown in a different configuration than shown in FIG. 6, on a container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the closure of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 shown in the same configuration as shown in FIG. 7, on a container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the closure of FIG. 1 shown in a different configuration than shown in FIG. 8, on a container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates to a closure coupled to a container neck via a retention band. The closure includes a tab that is pivotally coupled to the top panel of the closure and temporarily coupled to a retention band by one or more frangible members. The tab interfaces with the container neck to prevent the upper body of the closure (e.g., the top panel and the skirt) from being opened. Thus, to open the closure and access the container a user first opens the tab. When the tab is opened for the first time, the frangible connections at the bottom of the tab are broken and the hinge connecting the tab to the top panel is deformed. As a result, the tab provides visual evidence of having been opened via both the broken frangible connections and the displacement of the tab away from the retention band.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, in an embodiment, a closure 10 for closing a container 100 is shown. The closure 10 includes a top panel 12 and a cylindrical wall, shown as skirt 22, perpendicular to the top panel 12. The top panel 12 includes upper surface 14 and lower surface 16. The skirt 22 extends downwardly from a lower surface 16 of an outer periphery 18 of top panel 12 away from opposing upper surface 14 of top panel 12 to a lower edge 30 of skirt 22. In various embodiments, one or more of top panel 12, skirt 22, and retention band 36 are centered around rotational axis 20. Skirt 22 includes an inner surface 24 that faces towards rotational axis 20.

A user interfacing structure, shown as tab 60, is pivotally coupled to top panel 12 via pivot 62. In various embodiments tab 60 is opposite hinge 50 with respect to rotational axis 20. Retention band 36 is pivotally coupled to top panel 12 and skirt 22. Each of skirt 22 and tab 60 are separated from retention band 36 by a line of weakness, such as a weakened section, shown as a slit 42. Slit 42 extends circumferentially around closure 10 from first end 44 to second end 46. Hinge 50 is located between first end 44 and second end 46 of slit 42. Hinge 50 pivotally couples retention band 36 to top panel 12.

Biasing formation 58 extends downwardly from skirt 22. As will be described below, biasing formation 58 interfaces with a container neck to bias closure 10 to a specific position or range of positions on a container. In a specific embodiment, biasing formation 58 is located opposite tab 60 with respect to rotational axis 20.

A plurality of frangible members, including frangible connections 38 and frangible connections 40, extend across slit 42. One or more primary frangible connections, shown as frangible connections 38, extend across slit 42 to couple retention band 36 to skirt 22. One or more tab frangible members, shown as frangible connections 40, are distinct from frangible connections 38 and extend across slit 42 to couple retention band 36 to tab 60. Frangible connections 40 provide a visual indication, when broken, that tab 60 has been opened. In a specific embodiment closure 10 includes four (4) frangible connections 38 coupling retention band 36 to skirt 22, and two (2) frangible connections 40 coupling retention band 36 to tab 60.

When closure 10 is initially opened, tab 60 is rotated away from retention band 36 until frangible connections 40 break, thereby decoupling tab 60 from retention band 36. Tab 60 pivots with respect to top panel 12 around folding line 52 of hinge 50 as the user continues to open closure 10 until frangible connections 38 also break, thereby decoupling skirt 22 from retention band 36. Top panel 12 and skirt 22 remain coupled to retention band 36 via hinge 50.

Hinge 50 pivotally couples top panel 12 and skirt 22 to retention band 36. Hinge 50 is located between first end 44 and second end 46 of slit 42, and is delimited circumferentially by openings in closure 10, shown as vertical gaps 54. Described another way, hinge 50 is circumferentially surrounded on opposing sides by two vertical gaps 54 that extend downward from the top panel 12. Vertical gaps 54 extend between skirt 22 and hinge 50 in a vertical direction parallel to rotational axis 20. In various embodiments, vertical gaps 54 extend from top panel 12 to slit 42, such as extending across the entire distance from top panel 12 to slit 42.

Skirt 22 includes an inner surface 24, which faces towards rotational axis 20, and an opposing outer surface 26, which faces away from rotational axis 20. Skirt 22 includes first portion 32 and second portion 34, each of which extend circumferentially around rotational axis 20 between tab 60 and vertical gaps 54. In a specific embodiment, first portion 32 and second portion 34 extend circumferentially around closure 10 on opposing sides of closure 10 with respect to rotational axis 20.

When closure 10 is initially opened, frangible connections 38 and frangible connections 40 break, providing a visual indication that closure 10 has been opened. Additionally, when closure 10 is initially opened pivot 62 is deformed, thereby biasing tab 60 away from retention band 36, providing a further visual indication that closure 10 has been opened.

Turning to FIGS. 3-5, various aspects of closure 10 are shown. Tab 60 is pivotally coupled to top panel 12 via pivot 62. Lift 64 extends laterally away from rotational axis 20. To open tab 60, a user interfaces with lift 64, such as via bottom surface 66 of lift 64, to pivot tab 60 up towards top panel 12 and away from retention band 36.

Tab includes an arcuate wall 68 that extends downwardly from lift 64 and/or top panel 12. In a specific embodiment, the curvature of arcuate wall 68 is centered on rotational axis 20 such that arcuate wall 68 extends circumferentially around rotational axis 20. Upper portion 70 of arcuate wall 68 extends from lift 64. In a specific embodiment, upper portion 70 extends from lift 64 at a 90 degree angle. Upper portion 70 defines a thickness 72 (e.g., along a radial direction with respect to rotational axis 20).

A middle portion, shown as detent 82, extends radially inward towards rotational axis 20, such as projecting radially inward. Detent 82 is pivotally coupled to upper portion 70 via secondary pivot 76. Secondary pivot 76 has a thickness 78 that is less than thickness 72 of upper portion 70, thereby biasing tab 60 to slightly deform at secondary pivot 76 when tab 60 is being pivoted open.

Detent 82 includes an upper surface 86, which faces upwards towards top panel 12 and inward towards rotational axis 20 (e.g., upper surface 86 faces at a non-zero angle with respect to both the vertical and the horizontal). Detent 82 also includes lower surface 88, which faces downwards away from top panel 12 and inward towards rotational axis 20. At its apex, detent 82 defines thickness 84, which is greater than both thickness 72 of upper portion 70 and thickness 78 of secondary pivot 76.

Lower portion 92 extends downwardly from detent 82 to bottom surface 96 of tab 60. Lower portion 92 has thickness 94, which is less than thickness 72 of upper portion 70. Lower portion 92 is coupled to retention band 36 via one or more frangible connections 40.

Turning to FIGS. 6-9, various aspects of closure 10 being opened from an exemplary container, shown as container 100, are shown. Detent 82 interfaces against a first projection, shown as extension 104, of container neck 102 that closure 10 is affixed to, the extension 104 extending radially away from rotational axis 20. In various embodiments, the interface between detent 82 of tab 60 and extension 104 of the container restricts the top panel 12 from pivoting relative to the retention band 36 (e.g., the top panel 12 pivoting open and away from the retention band 36).

To open tab 60, a user pivots tab 60 around pivot 62 with respect to top panel 12 until frangible connections 40 are broken. The interface between detent 82 of tab 60 and extension 104 of container neck 102 biases tab 60 to pivot away from container neck 102, thereby encouraging frangible connection 40 between tab 60 and retention band 36 to ultimately break (FIGS. 7-8).

Biasing formation 58 interfaces against an outside of container neck 102. For example, in a specific embodiment container neck 102 includes a series of protrusions 106 that extend outwardly from rotational axis 20 and are positioned circumferentially around container neck 102. Biasing formation 58 interfaces against a portion of container neck 102 that does not include a protrusion 106. As a result, the interface between biasing formation 58 and protrusions 106 biases closure 10 to remain in the same position with respect to container neck 102.

As a user continues to open tab 60, top panel 12 of closure 10 pivots away from retention band 36 until the opening of container neck 102 is open (FIG. 9). As a result, a user can access the contents of container 100, such as drinking the liquid within container 100.

In a specific embodiment, closure 10 is formed from a first material including a low density polyethylene (LDPE).

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and 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.

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.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein the article “a” is intended to include one or more than one component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

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 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. Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

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. In addition, in various embodiments, the present disclosure extends to a variety of ranges (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%) around any of the absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the Figures.

Claims

1. A closure comprising:

a top panel comprising an upper surface and a lower surface;
a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered;
a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis;
a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall;
a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end;
a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to couple the cylindrical wall and the retention band;
a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel; and
a tab pivotally coupled to the top panel opposite the hinge with respect to the rotational axis, the tab attached to the retention band by a tab frangible member that is distinct from the plurality of frangible members, the tab frangible member providing a visual indication, when broken, that the tab has been opened.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the tab comprises an arcuate wall extending downward from the top panel and circumferentially extending around the rotational axis, the arcuate wall comprising an upper portion defining a first thickness and a middle portion defining a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

3. The closure of claim 2, the middle portion comprising:

an upper surface facing towards the top panel and the rotational axis; and
a lower surface facing towards the rotational axis and away from the top panel.

4. The closure of claim 3, wherein the middle portion interfaces with a first projection on a neck of a container the closure is affixed to, the first projection of the container extending radially away from the rotational axis.

5. The closure of claim 2, wherein the middle portion interfaces with a first projection on a neck of a container the closure is affixed to, the first projection of the container extending radially away from the rotational axis.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the interface between the middle portion of the tab and the first projection of the container restricts the top panel from pivoting relative to the retention band.

7. The closure of claim 1, wherein the tab is separated from the retention band by the line of weakness, and the tab frangible member extends across the line of weakness.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure is formed from a first material including low-density polyethylene.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein the tab is frangibly coupled to the retention band by a plurality of tab frangible members, which are distinct from the plurality of frangible members that attach the cylindrical wall to the retention band.

10. The closure of claim 1, wherein the hinge is circumferentially surrounded on opposing sides by two vertical gaps that extend downward from the top panel.

11. The closure of claim 10, wherein the two vertical gaps extend from the top panel to the line of weakness.

12. A closure for coupling to a container neck, the closure comprising:

a top panel comprising an upper surface and a lower surface;
a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered;
a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis;
a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall;
a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end;
a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to couple the cylindrical wall and the retention band;
a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel; and
a tab pivotally coupled to the top panel opposite the hinge with respect to the rotational axis, the tab comprising a detent that projects inwardly towards the rotational axis and that interfaces against an extension extending from a container neck of a container away from the rotational axis.

13. The closure of claim 12, wherein the hinge is circumferentially surrounded on opposing sides by two vertical gaps that extend downward from the top panel, and wherein the two vertical gaps extend from the top panel to the line of weakness.

14. The closure of claim 12, wherein the tab is frangibly coupled to the retention band by a plurality of tab frangible members, which are distinct from the plurality of frangible members that attach the cylindrical wall to the retention band.

15. The closure of claim 12, wherein the tab comprises an arcuate wall extending downward from the top panel and that circumferentially extends around the rotational axis, the arcuate wall comprising an upper portion defining a first thickness and a middle portion below the upper portion, the middle portion defining a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

16. The closure of claim 15, wherein the middle portion comprises the detent that interfaces against the extension extending from the container neck.

17. A closure comprising:

a top panel comprising an upper surface and a lower surface;
a rotational axis about which the top panel is centered;
a cylindrical wall extending from the lower surface of the top panel to a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, an inner surface of the cylindrical wall facing towards the rotational axis;
a retention band pivotally coupled to the top panel and the cylindrical wall;
a line of weakness that separates the cylindrical wall and the retention band, the line of weakness extending circumferentially around the closure from a first end to a second end;
a plurality of frangible members extending across the line of weakness to couple the cylindrical wall and the retention band;
a hinge located between the first end and the second end of the line of weakness, the hinge pivotally coupling the retention band and the top panel; and
a tab coupled to the top panel opposite the hinge with respect to the rotational axis, the tab attached to the retention band by a tab frangible member that is distinct from the plurality of frangible members, the tab restricting pivoting of the top panel relative to the retention band as a result of the tab frangible member being unbroken.

18. The closure of claim 17, wherein the hinge is circumferentially surrounded on opposing sides by two vertical gaps that extend downward from the top panel, and wherein the two vertical gaps extend from the top panel to the line of weakness.

19. The closure of claim 17, wherein the tab is frangibly coupled to the retention band by a plurality of tab frangible members, which are distinct from the plurality of frangible members that attach the cylindrical wall to the retention band.

20. The closure of claim 17, wherein the tab comprises an arcuate wall extending downward from the top panel and that circumferentially extends around the rotational axis, the arcuate wall comprising an upper portion defining a first thickness and a middle portion defining a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

Patent History
Publication number: 20220144499
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 4, 2021
Publication Date: May 12, 2022
Inventors: Gary Berge (Crystal Lake, IL), John D. Guio (Geneva, IL)
Application Number: 17/518,961
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 41/34 (20060101); B65D 55/16 (20060101);